Redhanded 2014 issue 3 by RedHanded magazine

2014 ISSUE 3

The magazine for men in Wales

ABER - THE MOVIE Niall’s on set at Hinterland TOTALLY OFF-PISTE Cat-skiing in Canada DON’T CATCH COLD How to stay healthy

KEEP the FREE

FAITH

CONTENTS FEATURES 16

What’s on your wrist?

Gotta have Faith…

Good, but could do better

On set at Hinterland

Eat, drink and be merry

Here’s the ultimate lust list for watches. Time to get saving for a proper timepiece If you just missed Paloma’s gig in Cardiff, don’t worry. She’s back for more! Our mid-term report on Wales’ Euro campaign Niall hangs out with Richard Harrington and the crew filming the new one-off Cymru noir ‘Tis the season to pork out with our handy guide

REGULARS 5

Scene and Heard

Right Stuff

Niall’s World

Write On

Travel

Fashion

Lifestyle

Health

Grooming

Sport

Cars

Reviews

The Back Page

24,134 Total Average Net Distribution per issue between 1st January – 31st December 2012 through an average of 862 quality outlets in South Wales Conroy Media Ltd

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Plan your festive calendar right here Get stocking this top gear now! A trip to the dark side of creative genius ‘BS’ stands for… business consultant Cool cat-skiing in Canada City slickers – check these metropolitan styles Shopping, eating, talking, surfing and a whole lot more Keep those stinking colds at bay! Spruce yourself up with a close shave Chaos at Cardiff, surprises at Swansea Fancy a spin in a new Aston Martin? Top nosh, best reads, super tunes, slick flicks – we sample them all and give you the best! Peace and goodwill? Welcome to Bennett’s holiday from hell

REDHANDED 2014 • Issue 3 3

Scene&

Jason Jones previews the hot stuff for the coming months

Past Perfect

Heard

Nostalgia ain’t what it used to be goes the saying, but then why are we such suckers for past-looking with rose-tinted goggles? We’re especially sentimental about music. Just look at the clamour around Kate Bush’s live comeback. It’s what keeps crowds rocking up and rocking out to veteran bands like The Who and Status Quo. Well, that and the joy of watching musicians who could have long hung up their mics still loving it (Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff, December 15 & 16, from £89 & £77, 029 2022 4488). Ditto Chris Rea. If you’ve ever seen him live, his sheer joy at being on stage is clear to see (St David’s Hall, Cardiff, December 15, from £35, 029 2087 8444). Another musician who lives for live is Jools Holland, who brings his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra to the capital for a one-nighter (Motorpoint Arena, December 20, from £39.50). Paul Carrack, legendary Sheffield-born singer, songwriter and former frontman of Ace, Squeeze and Mike & The Mechanics (not to mention session player for The Smiths, Elton John and many others) brings his ‘golden voice’ to St David’s Hall (January 22, £28.50) following his widely acclaimed recent album release Rain or Shine. Despite having a sizeable back catalogue, Peter Gabriel keeps himself relevant, experimenting with new sounds and visuals, so expect a high-impact show (Motorpoint Arena, December 1, from £75). And equally big on spectacle is Jeff Wayne’s theatrical adaptation of his 70s concept album The War Of The Worlds (Motorpoint Arena, December 7 & 8, from £38.50).

Revival Of The Fittest Nostalgia for 80s music started in 1990, so it’s no surprise an affection for the era’s pop stars still stands. Technically, Madness started out in the 70s, but only really kicked off in the 80s when their ska-influenced pop took off (Motorpoint Arena, December 5, from £38.50). Other stalwarts of the era Echo & The Bunnymen are still harvesting new fans with both their past and present music (Y Plas, Cardiff University Students’ Union, December 4, from £26.50, 029 2078 1458). Hi-NRG synth-pop is Erasure’s USP, which is having a moment again due to Daft Punk’s mega-success (St David’s Hall, November 24, from £35). If 80s guitar-pop is more your thing, then try Deacon Blue, who are still together after nearly 30 years on the clock (St David’s Hall, December 9, from £29.50). Inevitably, the decade saw highprofile band break-ups. The messiest divorce came care of Culture Club, who split in a blaze of booze, drugs and brushes with the law. Now, they don’t really want to hurt each other any more (ba-dum tish!) and are hitting the tour trail. It’s a BOGOF offer, too, as you get another 80s icon, Alison Moyet, as the warm-up, although a powerhouse duet with Boy George is a dead cert (Motorpoint Arena, December 14, from £60). Less tabloid and more meh-we’ve-just-grown-apart was Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott. Remarried as a duo, join them as they rediscover hits from Heaton’s time as a Housemartin, their joint tenure with The Beautiful South as well as new material from their well-received latest album What Have We Become? (St David’s Hall, November 27, from £22.50). True to form Spandau Ballet are in fine shape and still riding high five years after reforming. Hadley, the Kemps et al still have the swagger and style and will be performing a swathe 80’s anthems at the Motorpoint Arena on March 13 (from £40).

Flavours Of The Moment After a 5-year hiatus Paolo Nutini hit 2014 running with Caustic Love, the fastest-selling album of the year. Live is where his music really breathes, though (Motorpoint Arena, January 13, from £70). Whereas Nutini is quiet and understated, Paloma Faith is the polar opposite, flying through the charts like a flamboyant exotic bird (Motorpoint Arena, March 17, from

Clockwise from bottom left: Paolo Nutini, Culture Club,Echo & The Bunnymen, Paul Carrack, Status Quo, Chris Rea and Deacon Blue.

REDHANDED 2014 • Issue 3 5

£40). Also flying high after winning Grammys in 2013 are The Black Keys. Catch their brand of no holds barred garage rock for one night only at Cardiff’s Motorpoint (March 4 from £35). Swedes First Aid Kit tour their latest album Upside Down Mountain, a widely acclaimed fusion of pop and folk (St David’s Hall, January 15th, £20). Rock/punk outfit You Me At Six are enjoying the limelight after their chart-topping album Cavalier Youth. Accompanied by fellow pop punk rockers All Time Low, this will be a pumped-up performance par excellence (Motorpoint Arena, February 9, from £29).

Up’N’Newcomers Billed as the bright, brute new force in British rock, Don Broco have been crowned Best New Rock Act by iTunes, played the main stage at Reading & Leeds, received a prestigious Kerrang! Award nomination, topped the rock charts with their debut album and recently had top 40 success with their single ‘You Wanna Know’ (Great Hall, Cardiff University Students’ Union, February 13, £16.50, 029 2078 1458). Homegrown indie kids Catfish & The Bottlemen may not be in the big league yet, but all that may change when their debut album is released early next year (April 3, O2 Bristol, £12.50). Movember’s been but we’ve got to mention hirsute Aussie comedy folksters The Beards, currently busy fanbase-building live gigging across the Europe, picking up plenty of furry plaudits as they go (The Globe, Cardiff, December 16, £12). Not quite so hairy are The Weeks who bring their grunge-powered, high-octane anthems rich with Mississippi Delta soul to Clwb Ifor Bach (January 21, £8).

Send In The Clowns And they don’t come more clownish than Noel Fielding. Looking like the lovechild of Rod Stewart and Courtney Love, his comedy chops are equally outthere (February 16, Swansea Grand, 01792 475715, £27). In the same surreal ballpark is Ross Noble. His suitably-titled Tangentleman tour showcases his shambling stream-of-consciousness style (Wales Millennium Centre, January 25, £26.50, 029 2063 6464). Cut from more conventional comedy cloth is Jimmy Carr, whose stock-in-trade is near-the-knuckle quickfire gags (Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot, December 9, £25, 01639 763 214). Narked neuroses is 8 Out Of 10 captain Jon Richardson’s schtick. Maybe being newly-engaged will mellow his rigid worldview (St David’s Hall, November 29, £19.50). Somehow I doubt it. Making a welcome return to his stand-up roots is award-winning comic, author and chat show supremo Alan Carr. There’ll be no stopping his quick-fire yapping at Aberystwyth Arts Centre (February 7, 01970 62 32 32, £25).

Still Clowning Around Essex boy street-wisdom is Russell Kane’s trademark as he masterfully combines day-to-day observations with sweeping socio-political commentary to great comic effect. Catch him, accompanied by a few friends, hosting and performing at The Glee Club, Cardiff. (February 8, from 17.50, 0871 472 0400). while Jim Davidson continues his PR rehab post his surprise Celebrity Big Brother win (Monmouth’s Savoy Theatre, January 27, £22.50 01600 772 467). Countering all that cocksure testosterone is pop culture obsessed Canadian stand-up Katherine Ryan whose razor sharp killer lines can be heard at The Glee Club (November 5, from £12, 0871 472 0400). The big stadium draws this season couldn’t be more comedically different. Whereas John Bishop is all chilled Scouse sarkiness, Lee Evans is a cartoonish blur, scattergunning gags as he goes (Motorpoint Arena, November 4, 5, 12 & 20, from £55 & November 24-30, from £87.95).

And Finally For an unrepeatable night of unadulterated bonkersness, book an audience with playwright, actor, director and all-round maverick, Steven Berkoff. Not exactly a household name, but don’t let that put you off. Mad, bad and dangerous to view, this will be a night at the theatre that detonates any luvvie stuffiness (St David’s Hall, December 2, from £18).

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Clockwise from below: The Beards, Jon Richardson, Ross Noble, John Bishop, Steven Berkoff, Alan Carr. Noel Fielding and You Me At Six.

“in brief” Ruck egg bleu Looking for the perfect venue to watch rugby? Somewhere you can take clients or friends that will really impress but still be a relaxing, fun place to cheer on Wales’ finest as they battle for the Six Nations. Duck Egg Bleu ticks all the boxes. Some of the best food you’ll find in Wales courtesy of Cardiff-born chef Gareth Dobbs whose CV includes Petrus and Le Gavroche – choose from the stunning fine dining menu or the more informal and recently updated Lazy Duck bar style menu. Your own private function room with a large screen television. And once the game is over you can retire at your leisure to the comfort of the Lazy Duck’s adjoining bar to dissect the game and celebrate in style/drown your sorrows (delete as appropriate). Duck Egg Bleu, 435 Cowbridge Road East, Cardiff CF5 1JH 029 2022 0993

confidence. I hope Simply Bare will encourage men who are unfamiliar or perhaps too shy to try waxing to experience the treatment in a relaxed and private environment.” Simply Bare’s highly qualified waxing specialists offer an extensive range of head-totoe waxing treatments using Lycon products to ensure a comfortable waxing experience and a smooth finish. For more information or to book an appointment call 02920 226900

Round of golf not vital…

Project Leaders

Bare Essentials Inspired by the success of niche waxing salons in London, Paris and New York, Simply Bare is intends to revolutionise how Cardiff residents perceive the popular beauty treatment. Situated in High Street Arcade, this luxurious waxing destination boasts four modern treatment rooms designed to offer the upmost discretion as clients experience the very best in waxing innovation. Owner Leah Blanc says: “Waxing is one of the most effective and safe hair removal treatments, which ultimately enhances body

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was over the summer. To find when, what and where check out their website: www.motleymovies.co.uk

Penarth based Project One has scooped not one or even two, but three prestigious Master Builder of the Year Awards, taking the prize for best Kitchen, Bathroom and Small Renovation Project in Wales. Chosen by the region’s judges to win the Kitchen of the Year, Bathroom of the Year and Small Renovation Project of the Year prizes Project One will now go through to compete in the national finals. The national winners of the 12th Master Builder of the Year Awards will be announced by TV presenter and architecture enthusiast Charlie Luxton at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London in February 2015. They’ve also been selected as one of three finalists in the Ultimate Luxury Bathroom Design of the Year category and have been nominated as a finalist in the KBB (Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom) Project category of this year’s SBID International Design Awards. All proof that remaining boutique and focusing on high quality certainly has its rewards. www.projectonewales.co.uk

Motley Bunch An honourable and very deserved mention to the guys behind Motley Movies Rooftop cinema. Throughout the summer and autumn they treated us to some classic cinema atop Jacob’s Antique Market in Cardiff city centre. What better way to enjoy a fave film than watching the sun going down, supping a beer or maybe a cocktail against the backdrop of the Cardiff skyline? So successful were they, they’re creating a whole host of pop-up cinema events throughout the colder, wetter months that should be as much fun as the rooftop cinema

Nothing doing on the 31st? The Gower Golf Club are offering their New Year’s Eve Ball, Bed and Breakfast for £115 per couple. And if you can face it in the morning, what about a bracing round of golf at a special RedHanded price of £30 for two. Contact Adrian on 01792 872480 for further details. We’d also like to congratulate Gower’s golf pro, Nicola Stroud for being nominated as Welsh Community Sports Coach of the year at the BBC Wales Sport Awards.

Groom at the Top The chaps at Groom For Men on Crwys Road have been doing a fine job of making us fella’s look and feel good over the last year or so. So much so, they’ve opened a new salon on Windsor Road in Penarth. Using the principle of ‘it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ it’s pretty much the same formula: gentlemen’s club style décor and a one stop shop for all your man maintenance needs including “contemporary styling”, hot-towel shaves, male waxing, hand-and-foot treatments, massage, hair replacement therapy, spray tanning and even a complementary beer/coffee. www.groomformen.co.uk for more info or call 029 2132 0930

RIGHT

Stand out from the crowd with these tech-astic head-turners Air-Head Bill Gates once proclaimed that he’d always choose a lazy person to do a difficult job ‘cos ‘’they will find an easy way to do it’’. So ‘The Dude’ from The Big Lebowski must have come up with this...the inflatable tent! Yes, we’ve all dallied with the ‘pop-ups’ at festivals and ‘quirky weddings’ etc, but there comes a time in every man’s life when you need a highquality tent that you’re not going to leave behind after one use. The Vango Airbeam Infinity 400 is just that, with all the high-end materials and fixings you’d expect for a tent at this price but also easily erected by simply pumping the main beams (where you’d usually have the tentpoles) with air. Easily put-uppable in 5 minutes...I challenge you.

Stuff

Price: £650 Retail: www.vango.co.uk

Back to Old-School Using the classic 3-stripes and trefoil branding, the Adidas Originals Apple iPhone cases allow you to maintain style and originality while keeping your phone safe. Available in a selection of old-school designs these are the ultimate mobile phone accessories for guys who want to eek style out of every pore of their day-to-day lives. Price: Snap £24.95, Booklet £29.95 Retail: www.apple.com

Peace, Love and Harmany Synonymous with manufacturing and designing premium audio systems for cars and the home for decades, Harman have now decided to flex their muscles in the personal consumer headphone market - made booming thanks to the likes of Dr Dre and poseur Premiership footballers. Everything about the Bluetoothenabled Harman Kardon Soho Wireless Headphones embodies sleek, headturning looks - from the premium-stitched leather to the stainless steel body and sliders. Designed with travel in mind they incorporate fold-away speakers and come in a stylish travel/carry bag. A sure-fire way to gain instant cool. Price: £199.99 Retail: www.harmankardon.co.uk

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Speakers’ Corner DAB Radios are a dime a dozen these days, so it takes something special to make one stand out from the crowd and be noticed. The ViewQuest Retro Mini certainly caught our attention – not only with its almost endless selection of covers (inc. polka-dot and sampler designs – if you’re buying from the jointaccount) but also for the quality sound that the little feller can pump out. When you take into consideration that it is Bluetooth enabled as well - which means it can be paired-up to play your favourite MP3 or Spotify tunes from your phone, then this wolf in sheep’s clothing starts delivering a big bang for your buck. Price: £59.99 Retail: www.viewquest.co.uk

TV to Go So you’re in the middle of the ‘staycation’ holiday you’ve saved up for all year - that ends up costing twice as much as going abroad - when you realise that out there in the back end of nowhere there’s no 3G/4G, WiFi or flippin satellite TV – so how the devil are you going to watch the highlights from the Airbus UK Broughton game on Sgorio? With the TVman Pocket Mobile TV Hotspot of course - which allows you to watch live Freeview TV on any of your devices, totally free. It even comes with a MicroSD card that will allow you to use it as a conventional DVR, whilst it also creates its own WiFi network and charges your devices while you use it. Why go glamping without one? Price: £59.99 Retail: www.maplin.co.uk

These boots are made for walking Fancy a few brisk, exhilarating walks this winter? The Keen Durand is the perfect boot. Sturdy, good-looking and very comfortable in a snug, cosy kinda way, with its waterproof nubuck leather and breathable mesh upper and a PU blended midsole that offers incredible and long-lasting shock absorption - it’ll keep you dry, warm and surefooted whatever the weather. Price: £140 Retail: www.keenfootwear.com or 0800 2255 5336

Bamboo-zled Who said that handwriting and the art of penmanship was dead? Not the guys who invented the Wacom Bamboo Pad that’s for sure. This invention allows you to ditch the mouse and even the keyboard as you can use your pen to write notes, control the screen-cursor and draw designs straight onto your computer or smart-device. A great way to make work presentations stand out and ideal for students writing up notes at lectures. Price: £41.99 Retail: www.wacom.com

REDHANDED 2014 • Issue 3 11

Destructive Genius Niall Griffiths sees the dark, egocentric side of a film director’s creative brilliance How do you want your artists? Do you want them to be desolate and descending, drunken, drugged, and dead at 27? Do you want them to be too sensitive for life, unable, with their rarefied souls, to abide in it for long? To Winehouse their way out of the world? And, given the dark destiny that awaits them, can you forgive all manner of behavioural loutishness? Selfishness, exploitation: is that just what tortured artists do? Or are you one of those ridiculously old-fashioned and naive and romantic people who, in this age of empty spectacle and depthless surface, believe that only the work matters? I ask this mainly for two reasons. One is that you may have noticed that this year marks the centenary of a certain Welsh poet whose life has become something of a yardstick against which all other bohemian artists are measured; loud, intoxicated, extravagantly talented, profoundly self-destructive, and dead before 40. The other reason is that, recently, I was at a film festival in a Slavic country and I witnessed a certain very well-known and revered director behaving like an absolute arse. What happened was this: We’d been taken out to a remote family-run taverna in the hills to be introduced to the local cuisine. The festival’s organisers - a wonderful, beautiful bunch who barely slept or ate for the entire week and who were so solicitous of the comfort and pleasure of the guests that they put their own health in danger - had arranged this, plus the minibus to take us there and back. We’d eaten, we’d drunk, we’d baked and bonded and roistered under the sun. On the way back to the festival town we passed through an interesting looking village and Terry (that’s not his real name, of course) wanted to be dropped off there, with his entourage. Fair enough. One of the organisers asked him to call her when he wanted to be picked up, and she reminded him that he had to leave for the airport at 4am. Okay, he said. Fair enough again, but what you need to bear in mind is this: The festival staff were a deeply committed group of people, especially the drivers, who, for a week, did not drink (and,

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by God, outside of festival time, they drink like dipsomaniac fish), slept rough away from the town so that the noise wouldn’t keep them awake, and worked, on average, 15 hour days, sustained and alerted by caffeine and nicotine and lots of cold water, and all for a pay packet that would barely tempt many British people out of the house. That they remained chirpy and accommodating and great company as well as safe and punctual drivers was a minor miracle, and one to be grateful for. So Terry’s driver, as midnight approached and Terry hadn’t called, was getting antsy, his available rest-and-recovery time diminishing with each second. The organisers rang Terry constantly but he wouldn’t answer. Concern crept in: Was he okay? Was he safe? He called around 2am, requesting a pick-up. His driver fetched him, returned, went to his bed. Terry stayed up partying. His driver re-appeared around two hours later, exhausted and grey-eyed, bundled Terry into the car and took him to the airport. Returned a couple of hours later, alone and furious; the inside of his car was dripping with spew. And this is a hot country; the stench was unbearable. So, frazzled, needing sleep and rest, on the point of collapse, the driver had to clean, disinfect, and refresh his car, ready for his next pick-up. I didn’t envy the man. Some of Terry’s entourage found this

amusing, and completely forgivable; Terry’s a genius, he can do what he likes. Well, no he can’t; quite apart from the matter of respect and gratitude to the people who’d worked assiduously and without stint to accommodate the needs of their guests, there’s also the question of empathy. Art is underpinned and galvanised by its practitioners’ ability to inhabit the minds of others, to feel their pains and joys. And I’m not referring to a hypothetical Other, I’m pointing directly at the flesh-and-blood person next to you, who, like you, has a family and a history and a certain smell and an individual way of laughing, who likes certain combinations of foods and who gets distressed and upset when you unthinkingly deprive them of sleep and splatter them with vomit. These are real people; they’re as real and as rounded as you are. And if you don’t allow them the welter of emotions that exist inside yourself then I doubt your ability to create empathetic art. And if you do allow, and recognise and find it within you to ignore then you might as well forget art and go into politics instead. And here’s another thing: Terry’s not a young man. He’s my senior by a decade or so. What might be more explicable and excusable in youth becomes something rather risible and pathetic in middle age. Well - Terry might’ve emailed and apologised, I don’t know. He might’ve sent a bunch of flowers and a signed box-set of his DVDs, I really don’t know. But what I’ll remember is the air of indulgence that surrounded him; the shrug and grin behind the back of the exhausted and sick-stinking driver. So if you want your artists to behave in this way, remember that there’s a human cost; remember that a wife and three children stood at that Welsh poet’s early grave. As a writer, and a drinker, I find that there are two ways to assimilate these thoughts; one is to write about them. The other is to drink. The first one I’ve just done. Taxi! ©Niall Griffiths 2014

REDHANDED 2014 • Issue 3 13

Write On

Enter the dragon Anthony Bunko spent 15 years as a business consultant. It nearly drove him mad. And this is how it began...

After a few years pretending to understand washing machines, I blagged my way into a company making office furniture. A familyowned business run by a throw-back to the old iron masters. The finger and thumb company they called it, due to the fact so many people lost their digits operating the machinery. I escaped with all my fingers and thumbs intact, but not all of my sanity. I’d tried a few other roles until that morning I sat in the bog, away from the enemy like a schoolboy hiding from the bullies. Suddenly, from my china throne, I heard my name over the Tannoy in the factory. I ignored it. It got repeated several times. ‘Grrr!’ Then I remembered. I was supposed to be on some kind of training workshop all day. I rushed out of the toilets and slipped quietly into the boardroom. Then the ‘life-changing incident’ happened... In he walked. No, not walked, glided. Like a demi-god in a short-sleeved blue shirt, immaculately pressed cream chinos and brown polished shoes. In his hand, he held a tan briefcase with a small dragon emblazed in one corner. ‘Hi, I’m Silver Fox...’ (of course, that wasn’t his real name but in this book it is) ... ‘I’m a business consultant.’ He shook everyone’s hand. ‘Let’s start.’ He placed the case on the table and opened it up. I half-expected a gold glow to light up his face like John Travolta in Pulp Fiction. He pulled out some pens, and a pack of Post-it notes. They weren’t your everyday, run of the mill, Post-it notes. Not the usual, yellow, rectangular type. No way! These were every colour of the rainbow Post-it notes and different shapes as well. Stars, hearts. Some which looked like Mister Blobby. He meant business. Without hesitation, he headed straight into a presentation full of colourful slides. He included interesting ‘war’ stories about his experiences of working in industries like ours. I knew exactly what he was talking about. However, looking at the faces of my colleagues, I could tell they were away with the fairies. They didn’t have a clue. After a coffee break, we came back to find he had laid out an exercise

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using Stickle Bricks. Everyone quickly glanced across at Bruce. We all waited for him to tell the consultant to stick the bricks where the sun didn’t shine. But not only did Bruce get involved, he actually spent most of the game laughing and joking. Well, except when he went mental and called Len, the financial controller, a ‘stupid fat ****’ and actually threatened to sack him for getting something wrong in the game. The Silver Fox amazed me. He pulled buzzwords out of the air like a magician pulling white rabbits out of a top hat. He bandied words about like ‘seven wastes’, ‘non-value added time’ and ‘customer satisfaction’. He made us draw pictures of what our futures would look and feel like. My future didn’t look bright or orange. It looked brown-coloured and smelt even worse. I wanted to add a sketch of the Titanic sinking. He then put us working in pairs, working in fours, and then back working in one big group. He reminded me of a sheepdog controlling the flock. He answered direct questions with another question. He stretched our thinking. Most importantly he kept Bruce interested. After the last coffee break, we came back, to find him standing by the flip chart. A serious look took over his face. ‘OK,’ he said, turning the paper over. ‘Here is what I believe is wrong with the business.’ He pointed to the flip chart. ‘All the directors are ******s and Anthony is great.’ No, he didn’t say that, but that’s what he should have said. Instead, there was a long list of issues. He emphasised the following points as the first thing to sort out. ‘Your main suppliers are not good enough and Logistics need to be more aggressive.’ I wanted to jump up and shout, ‘I told them all that ages ago, but no one would listen to me. No one ever does.’ ‘You *****,’ Bruce pointed at Slimy Kevin, the director in charge of Logistics. ‘I knew it was your fault.’ ‘No... no,’ The Silver Fox piped up. ‘It’s not the person, it’s the process which is at fault.’ Again, everyone stared at Bruce. He went quiet for a few seconds. Then he did something I never thought I would see. He started clapping. ‘You’re right... it’s not

that stupid *****’s fault... it’s all the stupid *****s’ fault.’ Maybe a Freudian slip of the tongue, maybe not. ‘But we will sort it out,’ he growled, ‘won’t we?’ Everyone nodded. The consultant came up with a simple action plan of how we were going to improve things and move forward. As normal my name got pencilled in to fix most of the points. He thanked everyone for the session. I helped him carry his bags back down to his car. It wasn’t the flash vehicle I expected, but a three-year-old Ford Mondeo. Our directors all had top of the range models like BMWs or Land Rovers. Bruce had a different car for every day of the week, which he drove in on every day of the week, just because he could. ‘What are you doing for the rest of the week?’ I asked. ‘I’m working from home tomorrow.’ The Silver Fox started putting his items into the boot, ‘then we have a team-building day on Friday. Next week I’m flying out to Portugal to run a workshop... it’s a hard life.’ He handed me his business card. ‘Silver Fox – Senior Consultant – BS Consulting.’ ‘Lean is about making life easier,’ it stated on the back of the card. ‘I thought you did well today,’ he said to me. ‘You would make a good consultant. If you ever fancy a chat... give me a call.’ ‘By the way, what does BS stand for?’ I asked. ‘Bull Shit Consulting,’ he said stony-faced. Then he smirked, ‘No, that was just a bad consultant joke. It stands for Blue Sky... Blue Sky Consulting.’ We both looked up. It sounded optimistic, considering it rained for well over 360 days of the year in Wales! I shook his hand firmly. As he drove away I waved at him like I would wave at a relative leaving my house at Christmas. Back in the factory I sat in my office with the door closed. I fiddled with the guy’s business card. I closed my eyes and pictured myself as a footloose and fancy-free consultant wandering about the business world leaving advice on people’s pillows like the Milk Tray man from the adverts. That was it, my mind was made up. I was going to become a business consultant if it was the last thing I ever did. Not to sound too desperate, I decided to give it a week or two before I called him. Much later that night, when driving home, I stopped off at Asda to check out what briefcases they had in stock. I even bought myself a pair of cream chinos. Lord Forgive Me… But I was a (Business) Bullshit Consultant, published by Y Lolfa is in shops now. www.ylolfa.com

Time Out 1. Nomos Metro

3. Hublot Big Bang Ferrari 2014

2. Breitling Cockpit B50

4. Ballon Bleu de Cartier

A rising star in the premium watch firmament and with good reason. Their understated award-winning time pieces ooze quality and class, feel wonderful on the wrist and offer exceptional value. Discerning watch fans will know that Glashutte, the German town that’s home to Nomos, has a rich history of watch making. It’s this expertise that allows Nomos to manufacture 95% of the parts in their watches, which includes their own unique ‘swing’ escapement, designed to reduce wear on moving components. Design is entrusted to Mark Braun’s studio in Berlin to ensure their looks meet the standards set by their engineering. The Metro is a prime example. With a manual winding movement and a power reserve indicator in a lovely mint, red and white colour palette, it’s pure urban sophistication. £2390 from Crouch.

Don’t jump to any rash conclusions just because it has a quartz movement – as you’d expect of Breitling, the B50 chronograph is pretty special. The movement is a Breitling trademarked SuperQuartz designed to meet the rigorous standards expected by today’s pilots and watch collectors. Amazingly, it loses less than 15 seconds a year, includes an electronic tachometer and a “chrono flight” device that records flight times whilst memorizing departure and arrival times and dates as well as extending battery life by years. Add to this a rechargeable battery, an onboard compass, hands that park to view data and finally a stunning titanium case and you have a very special watch. £5280 from Crouch.

Hublot are on a roll. One of the world’s fastest growing prestige watch brands, their Big Bang set the watch world alight when launched and their Fusion in Art designs continue to be the time piece of choice for many of the world’s most illustrious sports people. And this is the daddy of the current range. Limited to only 1000 pieces, it’ll be a huge draw for Ferrari fans, fashionistas and watch afficianodos. Totally designed in house, with a movement visible front and back, it comes in either a black or white ceramic carbon case and gets Ferrari’s official seal of approval as well as its trademark prancing horse and red or yellow accents (dependent on case colour). If Hublot’s good enough for Sparky, Fergie, the Chosen One and Ferrari it’s good enough for us. £20,600 from Crouch.

Floating like a balloon and as blue as the sapphire safely nestled in its side, the Ballon Bleu watch by Cartier adds a dash of elegance to male and female wrists alike. Roman numerals are guided on their path by a sapphire cabochon winding mechanism protected by an arc of precious metal. So say Cartier and who are we to argue. With the convex curves of the case, guilloché dial, sword-shaped hands, and polished or satinfinish links of the bracelet, this modest and minimalist ultra-thin version of the Ballon Bleu de Cartier affirms the signature style of an iconic timepiece. A mere 6.9 mm thick, the slender 18k rose gold case houses the unstoppable mechanics of the 430MC manual winding movement. The pure refinement of this timepiece lends a distinctive elegance to the wrist. £13,200 from Parkhouse the Jeweller.

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RedHanded takes a moment to lust after some rather fine examples of the watchmakers’ art 5. Omega Constellation

The wonderfully dramatic and enduring design concept of the Constellation line is characterized by its famous “Griffes”, or claws, and striking dials. This model features a silver dial with a date window at the 3 o’clock position protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. The bezel, with its engraved Roman numerals, is mounted on a 38mm stainless steel case, and presented on a stainless steel bracelet. The OMEGA Co-Axial calibre 8500, visible through the transparent caseback, powers this exquisite timepiece. £3,800 from Parkhouse the Jeweller.

6. Zenith Pilot Type 20 GMT

From the early days of aviation, Zenith have created onboard instruments that have contributed to formidable achievements, such as Louis Bleriot's inaugural cross channel flight in 1909. The 1930s saw the advent of the famous Zenith Type 20, which the company is now reissuing complete with vintage characteristics; luminescent oversized Arabic numerals ensuring impeccable readability and large ratcheted crown enabling adjustment while wearing with pilot gloves. Housed inside a generous 48mm-diameter case, the automatic Elite Calibre 693 26 jewel movement is equipped with the GMT or dual -time function, while the engraved caseback bears a medallion stamped with the effigy of Bleriots's plane. £5,500 from Watches of Switzerland.

7. Patek Philippe Complications 5396

Patek are currently celebrating their 175th anniversary (for which a number of stunning limited edition anniversary models have been produced) so there’s no better time to invest in a timepiece by what many horologists believe to be the finest watch maker in the world. The 5396 is a beautifully simple yet sophisticated piece. Available in white or rose gold it has an opaline dial, and gold applied hour markers, day, date and month in apertures, a moon phases 24 hour display and sweep seconds hand. It comes with a sublime Calibre 324 S, 34 jewel, annual calendar, manual winding movement. Wonderful, if you can afford it. £34,700 from Watches of Switzerland.

8. IWC Portofino Automatic

A classic in its sheer simplicity with three hands and a discreet date display: as the watch of choice for the discerning purist, it needs no more. The solid, mechanical automatic movement reliably ticks away the time. The evenly rounded sides of the 40mm rose gold case makes it appear even slimmer. An intricate engraving of Portofino harbour adorns the case-back with its silver dial and dark brown alligator strap. £8,500 from Parkhouse the Jeweller.

Thanks to Crouch, St Davids Dewi Sant, Cardiff. Tel: 029 2039 9769 Parkhouse the Jeweller, 27 The Hayes, Cardiff. Tel: 029 2066 0890 Watches of Switzerland, St Davids Centre, Cardiff. Tel: 029 2034 0300

SPRING 2014 .......

REDHANDED 17

eeping the

18 REDHANDED 2014 • Issue 3

“I’m in my flip flops and dressing gown until two hours before stage, then I go and turn into this glamorous thing” RedHanded: You’re touring heaps in the UK now and you are coming off the back of a US tour. Are you looking forward to this or dreading it a bit? Paloma Faith: I am looking forward to it, but I am also concerned I am going to lose my voice (laughs). But I have a three-week gap which is more than enough. I just need two days for recovery. Each tour seems to get bigger – are you going to do anything different on this one? It’s a bigger band, there are three additional players, there’s a brass section, 12 people on stage including me.

Faith Paloma’s revamped third album, A Perfect Contradiction - Outsiders’ Edition contains five new songs and now she’s touring the heck out of it. Does she ever stop?

Any highlights of any specific places from past tours? I don’t know where I am going on this tour, but I can say that Cardiff is pretty cool! Everyone is so pleased you have gone there as a lot of people miss it out. It’s just an amazing atmosphere. You know when you watch films and you see pop stars or something, a live gig is the closest you could feel to that. People feel like they’re in a film or something. You’re doing more than 20 dates. Any home comforts that you take with you? We’re on a tour bus most of the time so we all have a lot of different exciting types of pyjamas. A lot of onesies flying around. You know in The Big Lebowski how the dude is always in his flip flops and dressing gown holding a White Russian? That is basically me on tour. In my flip flops and dressing gown until two hours before stage, then I go and turn into this glamorous thing. The rest of the day I have a pyjama party. It’s funny, people always say being on tour must be so gruelling but I think it is the most ungruelling element of my job. Shall I tell you why? Because I hate doing interviews. It’s basically luxury to me to get up every morning and have literally nothing to do for an entire day, then do two hours’ work at the end of the day. Two hours to get ready then two hours on stage, that’s four hours’ work a

day. That’s nothing compared to normal days. Yesterday I woke up, started work at 8 and finished at 1.30 am. That’s a normal day for me. I was doing personal training then interviews for the entire day then went to the studio to record more music, and I got home at 1.30 am. I just think it’s ridiculous. On tour is like going on holiday. All those musicians who are telling you it’s hard are bloody lazy *******s. It’s easy. And also you get to perform so you get full of natural drugs every night, adrenaline and stuff. Do you get a chance to explore the cities? I tend not to because when I’m outside London it’s quite difficult for me to go incognito and I find that quite exhausting. I try to really just reserve my energy when I am on tour. If I go out and do pictures with everyone in the street all day I’ll be tired by the time I come to perform. I tend to just hide away. Even if I go out in my flip flops and my onesie they do recognise me, believe me I’ve tried it! Is it the same for holidays, do you have to go aboard? Yeah I tend to go to places where I’m not well-known. It’s getting worse, the bigger each release gets. Are you happy with the success of this album? I am happy but obviously it could have done worse and it could have done better! Your performance at the BBC Proms is on the deluxe version of the album. Was that a big moment? That was the best moment of my career to date. It was just all of it. I have done quite a lot with that orchestra before, become friends with a lot of them. It was nice to walk on to the Albert Hall stage for the first time and feel like I was with a family rather than being really nervous. I have done a lot of stuff there before where I’ve done one song but it was my first proper own show. The venue suits me; it wasn’t my choice that it hasn’t happened before.

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You’re on the road right through to mid-December. Are you thinking about Christmas yet? I haven’t really thought about it, usually I am the one who organises Christmas for everyone but I think this year I am going to stand down because I’m really tired. I’d really like to mention that I am doing another UK tour in March. Coming to Cardiff again! Twice in six months! Wow. Lots of the new dates are big arenas. How does that feel? I had only done one arena before in London and it is exhilarating. It’s scary as well because you’ve got to get your sxxt together and get organised, put on a good show. I am really excited but also nervous as it is a lot of seats to fill and it is very obvious when you haven’t filled them. What are your thoughts on filling an arena stage? It’s not going to be the same as this tour; it will be all bells and whistles. I am already in talks about it now - in bloody September! I have a lot of good things planned for that tour; it’ll be bigger and better than I have ever done, with a lot more people involved and visual elements and stuff.

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“On tour is like going on holiday. All those musicians who are telling you it’s hard are lazy” Is it daunting thinking about how many people are employed by you to put together a show like that? I don’t find it scary. I think it makes me feel confident that I have staff. I feel good I have built a little empire. Your success continues to build here and in the USA, with Australia coming next year, any others? US tour, Oz tour and European tour as well next year. I was No1 in Australia and that’s my first No1 in my career that was for a few weeks, so it’s pretty amazing. It’s building nicely and doing well in Holland which is reassuring as it was Holland that broke Pharrell with Happy on his comeback. So yeah, I am pleased. I am doing a lot more damage than I have in the past. 2015 is mapped out then - have you had time to think about a new album? On this repack version of A Perfect Contradiction, I have been working with people

I haven’t worked with before and I am really enjoying it. I’m concentrating on that. The next album won’t be ready for a while as I have to get all these tours out of the way and I have also been writing for the repack. And you recorded with Dame Shirley Bassey? Yes! I recorded a duet with her for her “60 years in music” album. It’s not a secret Bond track: I wish it was! Any last words about your tour and arena tour? I am hoping it will be more than six people at the arena tour because it will be a bit humiliating, so please come! Paloma plays Motorpoint Arena on November 13 and then again on March 17

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Euro 2016 here we come? Last time a Welsh team did it was 1958 – can Bale and the gang really qualify asks Riath Al-Samarrai

Four down, six to go, no defeats on the card. Can they do it? First time since 1958 and all that. Will the mere asking of the question prompt a buckling of the knees? Is there enough cotton wool in the world to keep Gareth Bale safe? These are delightful times to follow the Welsh football team; times of optimism that tend to surface every 10 years or so and usually precede moments of great disappointment. There was Paul Bodin’s penalty and then there was Russia’s defence. It’s the hope that kills you, as they say. Will this campaign for Euro 2016 be any different? Will the mixture of easier European Championship qualification and a so-called golden generation finally deliver something so infuriatingly rare? Some of the signs have been excellent. Others less so. Here, RedHanded rates the qualification campaign so far and looks at what needs to be addressed before the games resume in March.

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*** What have Wales done well? ***

Group position 8/10 Wales sit second with eight points from four games in a moderately difficult Group B. Part of that comes from their own endeavours and part from the surprising shortcomings of Bosnia, the second favourites in the group behind Belgium, who sit fourth with a game in hand. Bosnia’s losses against Cyprus and Israel left them six points behind Wales, and brought on a managerial change. They are floundering badly. Belgium remain favourites for the group by virtue of their excellent squad, but Israel are the unknown quantity. They top the group with three wins from three and have a game in hand. But of their squad only Tomer Hemed of Almeria (La Liga) plays in one of Europe’s leading leagues. Can they sustain it? I doubt it.

“We’ve always been a little country that’s never done much and when we’ve promised to do something we’ve never done it” Performances – 7/10

As good as the results have been, there are questions to be asked about the performances. Wales were awful in winning 2-1 on a terrible pitch against Andorra’s part-time footballers. Only the individual excellence of Bale prevented what would have been a fair inquisition into Chris Coleman’s management of such a talented squad. The 0-0 home draw against Bosnia was initially cagey before an entertaining second half in which Wales were as vulnerable as enterprising, while the 2-1 home win over Cyprus was harder than it needed to be, not least because of Andy King’s red card. Drawing 0-0 in Belgium was a superb result and demonstrated excellent resolve against significant pressure. But it is worth noting that of those four games, it was only against Andorra that Wales had more than 40 per cent of the possession.

Club v country – 10/10

It is to Coleman’s great credit that there have, as far as we know, been no issues in securing the release of top players from their clubs. In a squad featuring Real Madrid’s Bale, Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey and Liverpool’s Joe Allen, that is extremely impressive and important, especially in light of Coleman’s tit-for-tat with Real’s Carlo Ancelotti in October 2013. For now, all the cartels seem content to let their stars play for Wales, which has not always been the case. Much of that is down to improved communications behind the scenes. Coleman said: “I’ve never had a manager ring up and say, ‘You can’t have him’. If we have bad relationships with clubs there is only one winner – and it’s not us. We are going to lose out. The better we treat the players and the clubs then we have more of a chance of getting what we want in the long run.”

*** What must Wales do? ***

Survive the pressure One mechanism might be to do away with the little-man thinking in much the same way as Huw Jenkins has at Swansea. For that reason, the tone of Coleman’s comments following the important draw in Belgium were perhaps a little concerning - though they were spoken in answer to a question about the risks of over-confidence. ‘If you’re a Welshman, you never get too confident,’ he said. ‘We’ve always been a little country that’s never done much and when we’ve promised to do something we’ve never done it. But by the same token I don’t want anybody to underestimate us. Pity the teams that don’t take us seriously.’ The message is sensible enough, but top teams focus on creating positive narratives. There aren’t many motivational quotes in the grounds of leading clubs that talk about previously failing to get the job done.

Get the crowds in The problem of supporters only turning up when they are winning is quite pronounced in Wales, as evidenced by the fact that the football team hasn’t played at the Millennium Stadium since 2011. Much of the public indifference is down to the national side’s form, but it was a little concerning to see only 21,273 attend the win over Cyprus, three games into this promising campaign. Public support is of huge significance, as shown in the campaign to reach Euro 2004. If 2,600 can travel to Belgium for an away match, maybe a few more can make it to Cardiff for the home games. Get lucky with injuries Aside from the monumental difficulty of qualifying in the event that Bale gets injured, this is not a squad so deep with talent that leading players will not be missed. The first XI is strong – against Belgium, Coleman started Bale plus seven Premier League players, not including Tottenham’s Ben Davies. But how strong are they beyond the frontline? That is debatable, though Craig Bellamy is confident that the team is not reliant on Bale. ‘We have a very good team, no two ways about it,’ he said. ‘Usually we have one or two players who are outstanding footballers. But injuries and suspensions in a two-year qualifying campaign will leave your squad depleted at certain times which is why we’ve never qualified – we’ve never had that strength in depth. Looking at this squad of players they have the numbers. Belgium are the best team in the group but we aren’t far behind them. Bale is the best I have ever seen in a Welsh shirt but he’s backed up by outstanding players like Ramsey and Joe Allen.’ The next three games are vital Next up Wales face Israel away, Belgium at home and Cyprus away. Six points from those three games is a realistic expectation and would put Wales in a dominant position going into the final three games, while also taking pressure off the trip to Bosnia for their penultimate fixture.

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This strange language, this strange landscape It’s the first day of a new term and I’m sitting outside the Glengower on the prom, having a lunchtime lager, watching the new students unpack kettles and duvets from their parents’ cars. Three of them - two women, one man are eyeing me sideways, nudging each other. Eventually they approach. “I love your books,” the young man tells me. “Thank you,” I say. “We’re drama and literature students,” one of the young women says. “This is our first day in Aberystwyth. Was that Ed Thomas I saw you talking to earlier?” I tell her it was.

26 REDHANDED 2014 • Issue 3

“And was that Richard Harrington?” The second woman asks. “Is this what Aberystwyth is like?” She says, and gestures to the blue sky and sea, the relaxed liquid-lunchers, the big green hump of Consti, the pier, and the group of well-known playwrights and actors nearby, filming outside the old law courts. There’s wonder in the three students. I laugh and tell them that it’s not always like this, no… And yet there is, undoubtedly, a feeling of something afoot; something large and important is happening. That’s the sensation I always get on film sets; the tremendous orchestration of people and machines; a sense

Niall Griffiths experiences the tremendous orchestration of people and machines - on the set of S4C’s award winning drama Hinterland

of great endeavour. And this is Hinterland, that much-needed dose of Cymru-noir, the Welsh answer to the Scandi-gloom of The Killing and Wallander, although what’s being made today is a one-off episode, to be broadcast on New Year’s Day, a no-doubt salty taster for the second series to come. Series one was a huge success; the national press took it up and, as I write, Netflix are streaming it in the USA and Canada, and it is currently being shown on Australian telly. The Anglophone world, which is strange, really, considering what the project is doing to sustain and promote Cymraeg, but maybe that’s one of the keys to its success; the

“The programme is irredeemably Welsh, but it’s our Wales, this is the Wales we love” examination of a part of the country that, til now, has been little explored. Ed Talfan - co-writer with Ed Thomas - tells me: “What’s been brilliant about this is the discovery of an appetite for Wales beyond Wales itself. The programme is not embarrassed about being rooted in this part of the world. There’s a menace here that we tap into; the genre sits very well in this place.” These are phrases and words that get my own creative juices bubbling: ‘an appetite for Wales beyond Wales’, the menace that lurks. Such are the founding blocks of the work I’m drawn to, as they are for many others, it seems, given the viewing figures for series one. People have apparently appreciated the sense of otherness in the programme; this strange language used by these strange people in this strange landscape. Such ideas lie behind much of the translation (and credit must go to Caryl Lewis here, who translated into the nuanced Welsh of the local dialect); ‘y gwyll’ becomes not the more literal ‘dusk’ but, of course, hinterland, which, Ed Thomas tells me, is what Wales is for the rest of the UK, an area remote from cities, a kind of edgeland: ‘a state of mind’, in his words. The initial plan, he says, was to film the interiors - the interrogation scenes etc - in Cardiff. But, he says: “After the first recce, we realised that the mood was here. The wisest decision we ever made was to film everything in the area.” I understand this, having surreptitiously gone to gawp when an episode of the first series was being made in Cwmsymlog, the odd, old mining village just down the valley from where I live. Mood is essential; even if such things will not be referenced on the final cut, you need to know that, outside, the wind is sobbing in the close-packed trees, the mist has settled like a

veil on the sharp peaks, drizzle trickles down the mossy sides of the monoliths and, on the ridges and in the dips, the damp old cottages seethe with secrets and shadows. “It’s Edward Hopper,” Ed Thomas says. “The laughter in the hopelessness, the dignity in the lonely people… blood, soil, belonging. Mathias has cornered compassion.” Ah, Mathias; the protagonist, the core, the central point, his name the working title for the entire project (although personally I’m glad they dropped it for Y Gwyll). Rich Harrington seems to have absorbed the character, despite, as he tells me, their personalities being very different. “Making this entails nine months of not smiling,” he jokes. He’s slight, after his recent trek across the Sahara, but I imagine that this will add to the intensity of Mathias when he re-appears on the screens, as if whatever it is that burns inside him has a heat strong enough to melt flesh. The fact that the drama is not dialogue-heavy appealed to Rich, demanding the setting up of camp inside the character’s psyche, his personality being largely unavailable through his speech; this leads to a kind of mental co-habitation, the need to imagine what the character will be getting up to when not on the screen. Again, the bi-lingualism is important; Rich learnt Welsh, it’s not his first language, but he prefers performing in the English version as ‘Mathias is an outsider in his own country’. Doing the same scenes twice over, in different languages, he says: “Allows me to explore further. Each language reveals different aspects of the character to me. “I have to throw away my ego a little bit.” Playing Mathias is, for him, a moving experience.

“He’s the kind of person who cries at adverts,” he says, and he uses that propensity in his performance. “The worse I feel, the better my portrayal,” he declares. And the character of Wales, to him? “We wanted to show the Wales that we see through our eyes,” he says. “The programme is irredeemably Welsh, but it’s our Wales, this is the Wales we love. It’s a Wales where people have blood on their hands, even if they’re just a butcher.” I love that word ‘irredeemably’, in this context. And I fear that I’ve made the entire project seem unpalatably dark, too lightlessly intense, because that’s not the impression I got. I laughed a great deal on the set, and the infectious commitment of Richard and the two Eds to their creation, their impassioned focus on it, was all of a lovely piece with the arriving students, wide-eyed and thrilled on the first day of the greatest adventure of their lives so far. I felt proud of my adopted town, and the country beyond it that has produced and nurtured such talent. Back at the pub, I observed the industry, the busy-ness; figures in high-vis jackets directing traffic and people, cameras, booms, machines I didn’t recognise. All Aber life was there; joggers with tattooed necks, street drinkers, dogs, cyclists with beards down to their belt buckles. Lots of selfies being taken. I went inside to fetch another drink from the bar; Brains dark, this time. It seemed appropriate. © Niall Griffiths 2014 Y Gwyll/Hinterland returns to the screen with a brand-new one-off special episode on S4C at 9pm on 1 January (with English subtitles available for non-Welsh speakers)

REDHANDED 2014 • Issue 3 27

Festive

The dreaded C-word. You’re going to hear it a lot in the next few weeks whether you like it or not. It’s best to embrace it rather than shudder at the thought of its mentioning. Then, just as we’re putting out the coals on Christmas, we’re turning our attention to New Year and Valentines. For some, it can be a logistical nightmare with office dos, family outings, beers with mates or an intimate evening with the other half. Fear not, our dining guide should see you well-prepared and sufficiently sated through the festive season and beyond.

Maldron Hotel - St Mary Street, Cardiff Great for...big parties

The lowdown: Located right in the centre of Cardiff, the swish Maldron Hotel is one of the most conveniently positioned venues on our list. Being next-door to Cardiff Central Station is another bonus which means you can leave the motor at home and let the train take the strain (just be sure to check the last service home... or book a room). We particularly like: Three course dining packages available for up to 75 guests or buffet dining for 100 guests. Party packages include resident DJ and private bar. Ideal for big parties. Contact: 029 2066 8866

Troy - City Road, Cardiff

Great for… critically-acclaimed kebabs The lowdown: In a recent survey by The Times, Troy Restaurant was ranked as one of the top five kebab restaurants in the UK. Before you turn away and scoff at the thought, these are proper kebabs – not the sort reserved for those looking for a sustenance fix after a heavy session on the beers. On the contrary, it’s the ideal fix before heading out on the tiles. The meat is cooked over an open ‘Ocakbashi’ charcoal pit, not vertically rotating on a spike. We particularly like: The sea bass or T Bone steak. Throw in some tasty meze dishes and aromatic breads and this makes for a real Turkish delight. Contact: 029 20499 339

Toni’s Amici - Churchill Way, Cardiff Great for... authentic Latin cuisine

The lowdown: Tony Venditto’s restaurant Amici is perfect for those looking for a taste of authentic Latin cuisine. The delicious pasta, pizza and risotto dishes are all present and correct but the more adventurous diners will want to tuck into the chill infused lobster or duck breast cooked in fresh mango and balsamic. We particularly like: The wonderful wines on offer, courtesy of Tony’s vineyard back in Liberi near Naples. A quality touch. Contact: 029 3034 3424

Arbennig - Romilly Crescent, Cardiff Great for... bilingual fine dining

The lowdown: Located on the cusp of Pontcanna and Canton, Arbennig (Welsh for distinct or unique) certainly lives up to its billing. It’s a smorgasbord of the finest Welsh produce with Porthgain crab from Pembrokeshire and Pant-ysgawn goats milk cheese from Abergavenny. Keeping with the homely feel, bilingual staff are ready to take your order in either Welsh or English. Perffaith! We particularly like: The star of the 4-course Christmas menu has to be roast turkey crown, sprout & white onion hash, caramelised honey carrots & parsnips, pigs in blankets, stuffing and turkey sauce. Contact: 029 2034 1264

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Feasts Duck Egg Bleu - Cowbridge Road East, Cardiff Great for... impressing the other half

The lowdown: Having worked his culinary magic in the kitchens of London’s fancy Pétrus and Le Gavroche, Penarth chef Gareth Dobbs is striking out on his own with Duck Egg Bleu. His imaginative dishes and exceptional flavours have resulted in growing calls for Michelin Star status. If you want to impress your other half over the festive period, this is the place to book. We particularly like: The endless choice of menus - Autumn Internationals, Spanish Wine Tasting, Beaujolais Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. Our social calendar’s full up! Contact: 029 2022 0993

Town & Country Hotels (Coed y Mwstwr,

Bridgend, The Bear Hotel, Cowbridge & The New House, Cardiff )

Great for... a decadent Christmas

The lowdown: Town & Country Hotels only give their name to the best. Their two magnificent country house hotels - Coed-Y-Mwstwr in Bridgend and New House in Cardiff - are both perched amid rolling hills, with jaw-dropping views and extensive grounds, and are ideal settings for a bit of sophisticated, period glamour. There’s also the Bear Hotel in the heart of Cowbridge - dating all the way back to the 12th century which is loved for its slow-cooked food, excellent ales, cosy feel and history-rich charm. We particularly like: Getting out of the city and escaping to the country for a truly decadent Christmas. Contact: www.townandcountryhotels.co.uk

Thé Pot - Crwys Road, Cardiff

Great for... Parisian-Welsh flavours The lowdown: Thé Pot is bringing a slice of French flair to the Welsh capital. This cosy eatery has all the hallmarks of a great Parisian cafe - elegance and class mixed with a homely charm. The all-day menus showcase the best rustic cuisine from France and Wales alongside an impressive range of gluten and vegan free products. We particularly like: The five bean cassoulet with Toulouse sausage is the perfect antidote to those biting winter evenings. Contact: 029 2025 1246

Yakitori#1 - Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Great for... a healthy Christmas

The lowdown: All those bloated calories can take their toll over the festive period. At Yakitori#1, you can go carte blanche on the menu without staring nervously at your waistline. Using only the freshest ingredients from sustainable sources, expect the best sushi, grilled meats, fish, rice and noodles that Cardiff has to offer. We particularly like: Any Bento meal. Whether you’re a novice or expert in Japanese cuisine, the Bento is a great way of getting loads of great flavours into one serving box. Contact: 029 2049 5050

REDHANDED 2014 • Issue 3 29

Moksh - Bute Street, Cardiff Great for… curry with a twist

The lowdown: The brainchild of award-winning chef Stephen Gomes, Moksh is as far removed from a traditional curry house as it gets. Comparisons have been drawn with Heston Blumenthal, both sharing a penchant for experimentation in the kitchen. As a result, Stephen’s racked up some impressive silverware over the years, picking up the title of Best UK Indian Chef on three occasions in the Cobra Good Curry Guide – a clear indication he’s a champion of both innovation and taste. We particularly like: The wonderful prawn Bollywood curry has been served up to some of Indian cinema’s biggest stars. Contact: 029 2049 8120

Spiros at Cottrell Park - St. Nicholas, Cardiff Great for... all the family

The lowdown: Even though you’ve shelled out a small fortune on a bounty of gifts, there’s every chance you’ll hear the inevitable groan of ‘I’m bored’ from your kids. Spiros at Cottrell Park will happily take over entertainment duties for the day with their Magical Winter Wonderland Marquee. The big man in red will be on hand to discuss presents (good and bad) whilst adults can enjoy a Christmas lunch or Spiros’ swanky New Year’s Eve Ball. We particularly like: Keeping both kids and adults happy through the festive period. Contact: 01446 781781

Meating Place - St Mary Street, Cardiff Great for... a mixed meat treat

The lowdown: The Meating Place is a contemporary grill house that’s located in the heart of St Mary Street, Cardiff. The unique selling point is their mixed meat skewers, hooked in front of diners for them to prize away the goodness. Served with couscous, roasted vegetables and yogurt dips, this dining experience allows you to create your own delicious, bespoke kebabs. We particularly like: Putting the diner in control - Meating Place cooks up the treats, you decide how to pull them all together. Contact: 029 2022 4757

The Kings Arms - Church Rd, Pentyrch, Cardiff Great for... a picture postcard Christmas

The lowdown: Situated in the chocolate box village of Pentyrch, The Kings Arms is a picture postcard 16th century pub and restaurant that has been the focal point of the local community for most of its existence. The menu from owner and chef Andy Aston uses only the freshest ingredients and where possible harvested by our local food heroes. Wash down with a cask ale, continental beer or fine wine beside the crackling log fire. We particularly like: The classy festive menu - Ballotine of Pembrokeshire turkey with stuffing, shredded sprouts, roasties, honey roast roots and sticky red cabbage. An eyewidening feast. Contact: 029 2089 0202

Cosy Club – 1 Hills Street, St Davids Dewi Sant, Cardiff Great for... a quirky party atmosphere

The lowdown: Smack in the centre of Cardiff off The Hays, there’s nothing quite like Cosy Club. Idiosyncratic, fun and funky, with its leather sofas, rustic furniture and stags’ heads adorning the walls, it’s a great venue to relax and escape the crowds or have a party with your chums, old boy. And the food’s very reasonably priced and of consistently high quality too so a real win-win. We particularly like: Being able to imbibe cocktails and beer in the delightful bar prior to stumbling directly into the restaurant. Contact: 029 2022 5998

Chez Francis – 185 Cowbridge Road East, Cardiff Great for... Gallic charm

The lowdown: Well known amongst foodies in Wales, Francis Dupuy (ex Le Gallois, Pier 64 etc) has used all his experience and ‘je ne sais quoi’ to create a genuinely French culinary experience in the heart of hustling, bustling Canton. More rustic than Parisienne, the menu is inspired by the dishes Francis was brought up on in the south of France and they’re delivered with aplomb. With a welcoming and warm atmosphere, it’s a little corner of France in Cardiff. We particularly like: The two course lunch set menu for only £12.95. Contact: 029 2022 4959

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Travel

COOL FOR CATS Alf Alderson enjoys some of the best value cat-skiing on the planet in British Columbia Image ©Nurmi

Image ©Marseille

There’s a popular anecdote you’ll hear in Rossland, a former gold mining town which sits beneath the small, holistic ski resort of Red Mountain in British Columbia. It tells of a local who once skied the ultimate steep, powdery line between Red’s tightly packed trees, emerging at the bottom as a gasping, snow plastered, beardy mess (beards are big in Rossland) to exclaim “That was the best run of my life”, after which he rushed back up the mountain to repeat his descent – but to no avail.

This wasn’t because he was eaten by bears or swept away by an avalanche - he just couldn’t find the same run again. For Red’s heavily wooded off-piste terrain is all but unmapped (the piste map indicates the vague whereabouts of named runs but there are few if any signs on the ground) and unless you know the exact two trees you snuck between to enjoy such a run, the chances of finding the same line again are minimal. Ski Canada Magazine’s writers, who know a thing or two about gnarly skiing, have voted Red Mountain as having the country’s ‘Best Steeps’, ‘Best Powder’ and ‘Best Trees’ whilst Forbes Traveler regards the resort as being one of the top ten in North America for expert skiers; and Canada’s most famous female skier, 1968 Olympic gold medallist Nancy Greene, grew up here and reckons that after having learned to ski at Red “everything else seemed easy and not very steep”. Her legacy has been carried into the 21st century by hot young local freeskiers such as Dane Tudor, 2009 Canadian freeski champion and Leah Evans, one of the country’s top big mountain skiers. Red’s reputation and their talents are built on the back of terrain described by at least one North American ski guidebook as ‘dangerous…and positively hazardous’; runs like Cambodia with its mandatory cliff drops (small cliffs but cliffs all the same), Third Slide, where you’ll easily lose

your ski partner between the maze of trees; and the pick-up-sized bumps of Red Towers which are conveniently located underneath the rickety old Red Chair, so that those gliding serenely uphill can be entertained by you sliding uncomfortably downhill on your backside. I’d always seen Red as a challenge that at some point in my ski career I had to face up to, and despite having first visited in a previous century it’s only in the last few years that I’ve felt I have the ability to really start to appreciate what’s on offer here. For instance, my first descent on this particular visit came in the form of an off-piste black diamond run called Powder Fields. Mountain guide Roly Worsfold led the way between relatively open trees, powder hissing over the top of our boots as we descended through a classic British Columbian landscape where summit after summit of forested mountains seemingly marched north towards us from the US border like an immense bluegreen ocean swell. By heading away from the centre line of the run it was possible to find untracked powder stashes, although this search for the fluffy stuff can make skiing at Red a potentially solitary experience as I found the following day when I joined Roly and a couple of his mates to ski the more closely packed trees of Pale Face. We all headed off on our own lines with an

REDHANDED 2014 • Issue 3 33

Image ©Heath

enthusiastic whoop or whistle to indicate our location as we snaked in and out of the trees. Eventually I stopped, mainly because a large conifer insisted that one of us should give way, and slumped back into the snow to listen to the silence. It was so quiet I could hear the swoosh of the snow slicing off the skis of the other guys as they dropped gracefully away beneath me, an occasional “Who-hoo!” echoing back off the trunks of a thousand trees, and then suddenly there was no sound at all other than my heavy breathing. Neither could I see Roly and co. below me. So I got back on my skis and began the process of threading my way between tree trunks until, like the local dude who skied the ‘best line ever’, I emerged at the bottom of Pale Face onto an empty cat track knowing I would never be able to find that exact line again. There was no sign of the others, but more

SNOW FUN Three other off-the-wall winter sports options Bobsleighing in La Plagne You can try one of three bobsleigh options on 1992 Winter Olympic course at La Plagne, the fastest being the four-man bob driven by a professional driver at speeds of up to 120kph. www.la-plagne.com Heliskiing in Iceland If money is no object you can make virgin runs all the way to the beach on the spectacular peaks of north-west Iceland’s Troll Peninsula. www.arcticheliskiing.com Ice diving in Tignes Discover an eerie sub-zero world beneath the frozen surface of Lac de Tignes in the French Alps. www.tignes.net

Image ©Heston

shouts soon brought us back together. We’d all become spread out over about four hundred yards, not one of us having come out in the same place at the bottom of the run – the search for your own best line and the hunt for hidden powder stashes ensures that tree skiing at Red often follows this format. And in the last few years Red has rather silently grown bigger and bigger, first opening up a third ski hill Grey Mountain (the original hills are Red – of course – and Granite) and then a fourth, Kirkup – it shouldn’t go unnoticed that this has in fact been the largest expansion of any North American ski resort in some four decades. I skied Grey last year, which has a rather special feature which this season moves to Kirkup – cheap as chips cat-skiing. Just ten

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Canadian dollars in fact. Elsewhere in the world this would cost you hundreds of dollars. Fair enough, your ten bucks will get you just one ride up Grey Mountain, but it’s quite possible to get in eight or more runs a day, which is much the same as you’d get in a regular cat ski operation for three times the price. Each time you hit Grey in the cat you’ll be skiing with just the twelve other passengers so it takes ages for the terrain to get tracked out and pretty much ensures that wherever you choose to ski you’ll have it to yourself. Perhaps the only downside is that the cat operates on a ‘first come, first served’ basis so you have to wait in line for your ride, but Red is such a quiet ski hill that you rarely have to wait more than 20 minutes max. There are also the options of ski touring on neighbouring peaks, day trips to the equally hard core ski hill of Whitewater, and local cat and heliski operations if your wallet is feeling heavy. Not a sensation I can say I’ve ever had – but then I’ve been cat-skiing on Grey Mountain for ten bucks, so who cares…? .

GETTING THERE Frontier Ski offers eight-day package deals to Red Mountain including flights, overnight stay in Vancouver, transfers, slopeside accommodation in Slalom Creek luxury condominiums and lift pass. Go to for more details and prices (www.frontier-ski.co.uk). For more info on Red Mountain www.redresort.com

REDHANDED 2014 • Issue 3 35

Centre Stage Look the part this season Photography by Mission Photographic www.missionphotographic.com

Luke Knit, Scotch & Soda - £129 Chinos, Scotch & Soda - £99 Shoes, Hudson - £80 All from 7 Clothing

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Gareth Polo, Gabicci - £70 Harrington Jacket, Merc Tonic - £89 Cords, Ben Sherman - £65 Loafers, Ikon - £85 Scarf, Supernova - £25 from Mojo King

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Top Luke (left) Jacket, Pact - £520 Jeans, Selvedge - £160 T-shirt, Lima - £25 Suede hood - £160 from Armani Exchange Gareth (right) Shirt, Fred Perry - £85 ‘Harry Mac’, Ben Sherman - £120 Trousers, Merc Sta Prest - £49 from Mojo King Below Luke Jeans, Replay - £105 Shirt, Scotch & Soda - £85 Blazer, Scotch & Soda - £235 from 7 Clothing

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Luke (left) T-shirt, Hooded Paris - £45 Super Park,a Scotch & Soda - £340 Jeans, Antony Morato - £100 Trainers, Creative Cesario - £80 from 7 Clothing Gareth (right) Jeans, GStar Raw - £90 Jacket, Kash by Eleven Paris - £149 Shirt, Selected Homme One - £45 T-shirt, Eleven Paris - £35 Boots, Dune - £88 Canvas Bag, Herschel - £155 Dafydd from John Lewis T-shirt, Animal - £20 Shorts, Animal - £25 Cap, Animal - £22 Sunglasses, Animal - £35 Flip-Flops, Animal - £25 all from Animal Store

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Above Gareth Joggers, Select Homme - £65 Sweater, Olmour by Eleven Paris - £59 Denim Jacket, G-Star Raw - £160 Bomber Jacket, Pretty Green - £125 from John Lewis Luke Hoodie, Ski Dog - £115 Shirt, Washbasket - £55 Jeans, Copper Label - £125 T-shirt, Selvedge Entry - £25 from Superdry Right Parka, Pretty Green - £165 Roll-neck, Art Gallery - £75 Jeans, Pretty Green - £80 Boots, Roamer - £34 all from Mojo King

Thanks to our location St Davids Dewi Sant shopping centre and to our models Gareth and Luke Clothes courtesy of: Mojo King, Wellfield Court, Wellfield Road, Cardiff (029 2049 9968) 7 Clothing, Wellfield Road, Cardiff (029 2046 1777) Super Dry, Armani Exchange and John Lewis all Saint Davids Dewi Sant, Cardiff

If you think you've got what it takes to model for RedHanded, email a full length pic and contact info to redhanded@conroymedia.co.uk

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Lifestyle Food

Turning Japanese Wales’ most authentic Japanese eatery, Yakitori #1 adds to its repertoire Forget the over-hyped chains, if you want to experience real Japanese cuisine, prepared by Japanese chefs with only the freshest ingredients bought daily, then Yakitori #1 is the only option. With an expanded menu there’s plenty to choose from. As you’d expect there are plenty of sushi and sashimi options, the latest being hamachi, a yellowtail fish from Japan. But Japanese cuisine is far more than sushi. If you’re new to Japanese food, or your experience is limited to raw fish, there are some great new additions to Yakatori’s menu that will change your preconceptions. There are some new variations on maki rolls: unagi (eel) with avocado, beef fillet teppanyaki and, intriguingly, rolls prepared with soy paper instead of the usual seaweed, one of which, the ‘pinky’, has a new vegetarian filling too - tempura asparagus, sweet potato and avocado. Speaking of vegetarian options, an aubergine & edamame salad and ‘goma-ae’, a spinach and sesame salad, have both been added to an already lengthy list of dishes suitable for non meat eaters. If meat’s your preference, then the grilled selection has plenty to choose from. Newly added are chicken misoyaki - grilled chicken breast with misoyaki sauce (miso, mirin & sake) and beef fillet teppanyaki grilled slices of beef fillet teppanyaki style served with fragrant rice and salad Another Japanese specialty is curry, thanks to its introduction by us Brits 150 years ago, and Yakitori #1 have introduced a classic to reflect this. Beef kare-raisu consists of strips of beef in a Japanese curry with sweet potato, peppers and mange-tout. Yakitori #1 has also raised the bar with its sake selection, without which no full-on Japanese dining experience is complete. Two new sakes are included in the already extensive range of chilled sake. The first is Kuromatsu Nama Ginjo Premium Cold Sake, a very high quality ‘live’ sake, so called because it’s unpasteurised which makes it fresher, livelier and more fragrant than normal sake. The second is Shochikubai Premium Junmai. One of the most traditional types of sake with full flavours, it has a nose of honey and offers a full bodied palate that is sweet with hints of nuts. Yakitori #1, Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay CF10 5BZ. Tel: 029 2049 5050 www.yakitori1.co.uk

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Belle of the Ball Cardiff’s oldest luxury hotel celebrates its anniversary in style Established in 1884, one of the city’s oldest and grandest luxury hotels, The Parc Thistle Cardiff City Centre has held a grand ball to celebrate their 130th anniversary. The ball was held in the ornate, Victorian function room that’s played host to some pretty impressive dignitaries over the years including Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela and Michael Caine (who famously jumped off the balcony). The Skill Group and GMAC were sponsors and the ball was themed on the Victorian decadence and glamour of its founding era. Guests were treated to a 7 course taster menu inspired by bygone eras created by Iain Inman, the head chef of The Social Restaurant and Michelin starred, James Sommerin. Situated on Park Place, just off Queen Street, in the heart of the city centre, the hotel’s stylish Social Restaurant offers the perfect respite from Christmas and January Sale shopping this winter. And it’s starting to build a great reputation for its food thanks in no small part to the awesome Sunday lunches. A beautifully presented rustic feast with sirloin of beef cooked medium rare as it should be (though you can have it cooked anyway you want – just ask), plenty of roasties, home-made Yorkshires, fresh veg and lashings of gravy. It’s better than you mum’s (probably) so do yourself, and your mum/wife/partner, a big favour and try it. If that wasn’t incentive enough, bring a copy of RedHanded and you’ll get a free drink (terms and conditions apply) with each meal ordered. To make a restaurant reservation call 029 2078 5593.

Lifestyle

Study Skills: Getting Organised! Organisational skills do not come naturally; they are a learnt ability that can help students in their academic and personal lives. With large class sizes and demanding curricula, most teachers barely have enough time to teach coursework, let alone study skills. Your child may be smart but an inability to prioritise or organise tasks may mean they don’t leave enough time to do their assignments. When this happens, bad grades and a feeling of being overwhelmed can cause damage to confidence and self-esteem. Roadmap to success One of the biggest problems for school children is simply forgetting upcoming tests, assignments and homework. Get your student a diary or workbook where they can record each and every task that they need to do and when it is due. For example, Tutor Doctor’s X-Skills program provides students with a workbook where they record every task that needs to be done. They start by jotting down the task quickly in class as the teacher assigns it. Then, every day when they get home, they mark the task into their study schedule. Tutors help them to determine how much time it will take and then they block off time in their workbooks to complete the task. Students must check their workbooks every night to see what books, tasks and homework to take so they are organised for their next school day.

are taking up study time, it may be time to reconsider. Another important aspect is to say no, or at least ‘not now’ to social interactions, such as texting or Facebook during study time. The right environment Creating an organised, quiet, well-lit and comfortable study area is imperative. If you want your student to be focused and to make the most of their study time, then provide them with a space that is free from distractions, noisy siblings and TV. Get a tutor Tutors will help your child to catch up, but they can also teach study and organisational skills so that your child becomes a successful independent learner. Opt for an organisation that has an academic game plan in place such as X-Skills by Tutor Doctor. Here your child should be assessed to see exactly what their academic needs are so that you and your student have an accurate idea of the gaps that need to be filled. Realistic, attainable goals should then be set with a road map of how those goals will be achieved. This helps your child to understand how to set long and shortterm goals. Teaching your child the fundamental skills they need to succeed academically is the first step in better learning and a better life.

Prioritising tasks One of the biggest obstacles to being organised is an inability to prioritise. If your child is falling behind, evaluate their after-school activities to see if they aren’t overloaded. If social or extra-mural activities

To find out more contact Tutor Doctor Cardiff, Tel: 029 2049 5707. Email: learn@tutordoctor-cardiff.co.uk www.tutordoctor-cardiff.co.uk

For Spa Treatments Come To Stradey!

Benefits of Neuro Linguistic Programming

Myddfai Spa Rooms at Stradey Park Hotel, in Carmarthenshire, opened in August offering spa break packages, day spa packages as well as individual spa and beauty treatments to residents and non-residents alike. Guests can also join the exclusive '99 Club', offering discounts on Myddfai spa treatments and products. As part of the offering, Stradey Park Hotel have set up a partnership with Myddfai Trading Company, a social enterprise that helps adults with learning difficulties find employment and gain confidence through volunteering. Myddfai also offers luxury toiletries and fantastic spa products with a social conscience with all profits made going into rural regeneration in the local community. To find out more about Myddfai please visit www.myddfai.com. Guests can book spa breaks at the hotel with a choice of three initial packages offering a choice of a wide range of treatments. Guests will enjoy a tranquil stay in spa themed rooms including luxury Myddfai gift sets, upgraded toiletries and tea/coffee facilities as well as featuring salt lamps. Salt lamps look beautiful as well as offering excellent health benefits by emitting negative ions which help to boost serotonin levels and promote general well being. From January 2015 Stradey Park Hotel will be offering a range of day spa packages as well as the opportunity to book individual spa and beauty treatments. Gift vouchers are on sale now starting from £50, the perfect Christmas gift. The spa packages offer excellent value for money. More information on packages and booking can be found at www.stradeyparkhotel.com under the leisure section or call 01554 783876. Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire SA15 4HA

Kevin Arnold from Momentum Coaching explains how Neuro Linguistic Programming can help you get ahead in life In simple terms NLP is a model of how individuals structure their experiences and provides a powerful method of understanding why we think and behave the way we do. By remapping our conscious and subconscious thoughts NLP can be applied in many fields, including therapy, business, sports and sales, to unlock the potential that is within all of us. Some of the many benefits include: Increased CONFIDENCE This could benefit you by boosting you career For example, fear of public speaking might be holding you back so think how liberating it would be to feel calm and confident in situations that previously brought you fear or even panic. Better HEALTH Have you previously tried to stop smoking but struggled? Or have you gone from one unsuccessful diet to another only to end up put on more weight than when you started? Using NLP you can reprogram the way you think and feel which can lead to long-lasting change. Improve your BUSINESS PROSPECTS If you are in sales, running a business or looking to advance in your career path then Momentum Coaching can help you gain mastery of your skills and help you reach your full potential. The momentum from a small change or shift is all that’s required to start the process towards swift and powerful life changes. Once achieved this can naturally lead towards the life you desire. Call now to find out more. Kevin is a qualified Practitioner of Neuro Linguistic Programming and offers individually tailored therapy and consultation sessions from his base in Llantwit Major as well as home visits or consultations over the telephone or using Skype. For more details go to www.momentumcoaching.co.uk or Tel: 07766 018831

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Lifestyle

A Healthy Prostate – What Men Need to Know Prostate cancer (PC) is the most common cancer in British men. Prostate cancer is 17% more common in Welsh compared to English men. Annually in Wales, 2470 men are diagnosed and 550 men will die of PC. The lifetime risk of a Welshman developing PC is 1 in 8. The risk increases to 1 in 3 in those with a positive family history of PC (father or brother). Prostate cancer in its early stages is commonly curable but often causes only mild or no symptoms. Regular screening of the UK male population for PC isn’t recommended at present. This creates a dilemma, because once symptoms occur, PC can be advanced and though treatable, is often incurable. At the Nuffield Health Welsh Prostate Centre (NHWPC), we recommend concentrating on men at highest risk of developing PC. This means men who are 48 years or older or those 45 years or older with a family history of PC and men with prostatic symptoms (poor flow, frequency and problems emptying their bladders – termed LUTS).

The three Consultant Urological Surgeons (Andrew Thomas, Gareth Brown and Tim Appanna) at The Welsh Prostate Centre at Nuffield Health Cardiff & Vale Hospitals, provide a ‘state of the art’ assessment of prostate health – including symptom analysis, PSA tests and the new technique of MRI guided template perineal prostate biopsies. Nuffield Health’s Andrew Thomas is nationally known for his expertise at day case laser prostate surgery for benign prostate disease and for performing prostate biopsies in patients with difficult to diagnose prostate cancer often using live MRI images in theatre to improve diagnostic accuracy. Mr Thomas explains: “Many men have little knowledge of the location, function and disorders that can affect the prostate gland. Additionally, many assume that urinary symptoms are a fact of ageing and put up with their symptoms for many years, before seeking medical help. Finally, only a third of Welsh men know the existence of a PSA test and the majority do not

know how to access the test and the pros and cons of having it performed.” The NHWPC, aims to readdress these issues, by providing a rapid, accurate assessment of prostate condition together with state of the art treatments. From November 2014, in addition to bipolar saline TURP, NHWPC will offer day case Green Light laser therapy for benign disease that will enable 70% of men to be discharged on the day of surgery and enable a quicker return to normal activities. For further information contact Nuffield Health Cardiff & Vale Hospitals on 0870 122 0070. Photo: Mr Andrew Thomas, Consultant Urological Surgeon at Nuffield Health Cardiff & Vale Hospitals, demonstrating Green Light laser treatment

Time to Change With the recent tragic suicide of Robin Williams, male depression is sadly back in the mainstream news. It’s been well reported that men of Williams’ age are statistically more likely to take their own lives than any other demographic. It’s also well known that depression can affect anyone. That includes high achievers who’ve altered the course of history (Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln) or graced sports fields (Freddie Flintoff, Ricky Hatton and even the metronomic Jonny Wilkinson) or strode the stage (Eric Clapton, Christian Bale). It’s common amongst former soldiers and the New Zealand Rugby Players Association reckon one in three rugby players suffer, many in silence. Why? Two reasons. Stigma and unwillingness to talk. Time to Change’s objective is to change this. Firstly, through education and the work of very public supporters, many of whom have suffered depression themselves, Time to Change aims to remove the stigma and discrimination surrounding depression. It’s an illness that can affect anyone and it should be treated no differently from a physical ailment. Secondly, through talking. But, talking’s a two way thing. It can be difficult for those suffering from depression to open up to friends and family so it’s crucial that those around someone suffering from depression don’t avoid talking about it. If your friend had a broken leg, or he or she had just come out of hospital after an operation, you probably wouldn’t think twice about asking how they were. Anyone can experience a mental health problem, so being able to talk about it is important to us all.

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And don’t think you need to be an expert about mental health. Sometimes, just doing the little things, like asking someone how they are, is all it takes to let someone know you’re still thinking about them and make a big difference to how they’re feeling. If someone you know is experiencing mental health problems or needs urgent support, there are lots of services you can go to for help on how to deal with it, many of which can be found at www.time-tochange.org.uk. You’ll be able to find out more about: • particular mental health diagnoses from Mind, Rethink Mental Illness and the NHS, • the simple, everyday ways you can support someone who has a mental health problem, • how stigma and discrimination can affect people living with mental health problems like depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, anxiety, personality disorders or schizophrenia.

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Lifestyle

Black is the new red Shop Rugby gets all excited about Wales’ new training kit

Last year Under Armour’s Wales rugby shirts were in high demand and short supply They sold out quickly leaving many of us disappointed. But, as the saying goes, ‘good things come to those who wait’. Just in time for the Autumn Internationals and not forgetting Christmas, the chaps at Shop Rugby are currently fully restocked with the official WRU Under Armour (UA) range. With the Rugby World Cup less than 12 months away, the Wales strip remains the same as it was last year, with the all red home kit and the grey away kit. However, brand new for this season is a black training range that should please most Welsh fans, especially those of us carrying a few pounds thanks to black’s slimming properties. Taking inspiration from the popular Sevens range, the new training range is black with a bright green highlight. There are new hoodies and t-shirts for men, women and children and a training range that includes loose fit training shirts, sleeveless training tops and trademark UA 9inch training shorts. Completing this brand new range is a selection of jackets, a training pant and a black and green polo shirt. Also new, and something completely different, is Under Armour’s new ‘Superhero’ base layer range – perfect for that extra edge (or a bit of fun). Shop Rugby is anticipating big demand for both the Wales shirts and the training range this year so make sure to visit in store or shop online so you don’t miss out! Shop Rugby, 8 Duke Street, Cardiff, CF10 1AY. Tel. 029 2066 4466. www.shoprugby.com

HAIR RAISING Losing your hair? Here’s a treatment that works

There are many reasons why men (and women) lose their hair - genetics, stress, Alopecia, as a result of medical treatment or just age. Whatever the cause, the consequences can have devastating effects on confidence and self-esteem, especially for those who lose their hair at a relatively young age. Male pattern baldness, receding hairlines or thinning hair can impact on relationships, career and even mental health. But it doesn’t need to be this way. Having trained originally in London and with more than 20 years experience in a career that’s taken her as far afield as New Zealand to work on Hollywood blockbuster Lord of The Rings, Sharon Thomas, owner of Crown Hair, has a wealth of knowledge, skill and experience when it comes to the problem of

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hair replacement. As you’d expect of someone who’s worked on an Oscar winning film renowned for its special effects, the results are totally convincing and offer a long-term solution that will restore confidence and make you feel and look great. To get a totally convincing result Crown use hair systems that are the closest possible replacement to your own natural hair. All their hair systems are personalised and are hand knotted, undetectable and breathable with 100% human hair. These systems are perfectly matched to your own hair colour or desired colour, texture, density and length, with a natural looking hairline which looks like the hair is growing out of the scalp and can be used for small areas through to full coverage. As can be seen from these photos the results

are amazing. Furthermore, Crown Hair’s customised hair systems can be attached for long periods of time with minimal maintenance allowing you to swim, shower and go about your daily life with the confidence you deserve. And last but not least, Crown Hair are the only hair replacement company in Wales to work alongside a registered Trichologist which means you can be confident of finding the perfect solution for your particular needs. Crown Hair Replacement Centre, 1st Floor – c/o Cardiff Trichology, 2 High Street Arcade, Cardiff, CF10 1BE. Tel. 029 2034 1616. www.crown-hair.co.uk

Jump to it

Lifestyle Keep warm this winter courtesy of McArthur Glen’s Bridgend Designer Outlet. Lacoste Black noir polo jumper RRP -£165 Outlet Price -£110

Lacoste Marinene Monarch Jumper RRP -£165, Outlet Price -£110

Ben Sherman Authentic Marl Grey Knit Jumper RRP -£64, Outlet Price -£25

From strength to strength International

Pavilion is now Cardiff’s longest serving independent stockist of Barbour and throughout that time has always sought out Barbour’s most cutting edge pieces, whether they be throwbacks to Barbour’s military or rustic heritage, the glory days of British motorcycling or the unique customisations of Dept B. And the new A/W collection is no exception with a great new, fashionfocussed range of Barbour that includes both men’s and women’s wear, much of it exclusive to Catrick Pavilion. Pavilion may be best known for menswear but their Barbour women’s range is top-drawer.

Exclusive highlights this Autumn include the Border Shepherdess collection. Taking inspiration from the life of the Border shepherd, where good weatherproof outerwear is essential, the collection features robust weatherproof outerwear, snug and cosy knits. If rustic’s not your look, then check out another Pavilion exclusive, Barbour’s Heritage Military collection. Refined and sophisticated with beautiful wax and leather combinations, luxurious linings and quality cloths throughout. The Major Trench is a fine example. Then there’s the ladies’ International collection, inspired by Barbour’s legendary motorcycling heritage. Split into two collections, first up is Trophy. Inspired by the Van Beuren sisters who motorcycled across the USA in 1916 just to prove the point that women can ride bikes too, Trophy uses distressed fabrics reworked to flatter the female form. And lastly, Black Streak transforms the original and iconic International jacket with a skinny look that’s unashamedly glamorous, fitted and very biker chic. For us chaps, in addition to iconic staples from Barbour’s existing range, there are a couple of new standouts. Chief among them is the Catrick jacket

Ted Baker Dark Green Jumper RRP, -£89 Outlet Price -£55

Major Trench

from the new Great Coat collection. The Great Coat was originally a heavy military jacket that soldiers came to rely on for the warmth and protection it offered when outdoors for long periods. Inspired by this military heritage the Catrick is a stunning fully fleece lined 6oz waxed jacket with exposed fleece cuffs and collar. For a quirky contemporary country look head for the Hunting Lodge range, which includes the Game Parka, complete with red leather recall patches, classic tartan linings, chunky knitwear and a new take on sporting shirts. Words and pictures can only go so far - to see just how stunning the new Barbour range is visit Pavilion, 3 Wharton St, Cardiff, CF10 1AG. Tel. 029 2023 5333 www.pavilionclothing.com

REDHANDED 2014 • Issue 3 47

Lifestyle

Hall Together Now Coming Up at St David’s Hall… The long, cold winter nights might be closing in, but you’ll always be afforded a warm welcome at St David’s Hall. And there’s an action-packed schedule in store over the next few months! If quirky comedy is your thing, Jon Richardson stops by at the Hall as part of his Nidiot tour (November 29), whilst Omid Djalili and Alun Cochrane share their observational wit in February. St David’s Hall also has an eclectic range of music covered from rock to classical and opera. There’s fantastic tribute acts including The Bootleg Beatles, Brit Floyd, Rumours of Fleetwood Mac and Killer Queen. Paul Carrack performs songs from his latest album Rain or Shine on January 22, whilst the 10cc and UB40 will reel off their catchy pop tunes. Plus, iconic artists Bryan Ferry and Lulu roll out the hits from their extensive back catalogues in May. The Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra play everything from Star Wars to The Pink Panther on A Night at the Movies (December 5). And on a similar theme, there’s The Music of John Barry (December 12) when the Welsh National Opera Orchestra perform film score snippets including the James Bond theme, Zulu and Midnight Cowboy. Furthermore, if you want the highest quality classical music then look no further than The Sixteen, who will perform a selection of traditional hymns and Christmas carols (December 7). And if that won’t get you in the festive mood, there’s a magical trio of Russian ballets over the holiday period including The Nutcracker, Coppélia and Swan Lake.

There’s also a diverse programme of alternative entertainment to catch your eye. Legendary Hollywood villain Steven Berkoff discusses his astonishing career on December 2, whilst the world’s best submission fighters grapple in the Polaris Professional Jiu Jitsu Invitational on January 10. And if you haven’t seen the smash-hit TV series yet, why not try One Man Breaking Bad (March 4) and watch all 62 episodes in one fell swoop? If you want a great night out, check out the St David’s Hall website where you’ll find full listings and be able to buy tickets. www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

GET HIGH & DRY

The sky’s the limit at Cardiff International White Water’s new attraction Cardiff’s newest outdoor adventure activity ‘Air Trail’ is now open down at Cardiff International White Water (CIWW). Great for the whole family, groups or stag parties - grab your harness and get ready to cross the high ropes steel and timber terrain towering above the white water course! Challenge yourself on the fun filled obstacles including the Burma Bridge, Monkey Swing, Barrel Crawl, Zip Wire and more. Only £10 per person (opening offer until March 31) why not do something different this winter with your mates. Adding a new dimension to the activities on offer, Air Trail is great for parties or special occasions and also for team building and corporate events. Or if you just fancy trying something new yourself as an individual or couple, why not come along and give Air Trail a try. To make a booking call the team on 029 2082 9970 or visit www.ciww.com to find out more. Height and weight restrictions apply. Air Trail is the newest addition to the exciting list of experiences already on offer at the CIWW. The centre, the only one of its kind in the UK, already boasts an exhilarating white water rapids course, a multi use flat water venue and a simulated indoor surf machine.

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Lifestyle

Isn’t life a terrible thing? Thank God. A new cinematic adaptation of legendary Welsh poet Dylan Thomas’ classic radio play Dan y Wenallt, otherwise known as Under Milk Wood, will premiere in cinemas across Wales on December 11. The radically surreal and erotic Welsh-language film reunites director Kevin Allen with Rhys Ifans more than 15 years after the release of their cult classic Twin Town. An ensemble cast of familiar Welsh faces is led by Ifans as First Voice and Captain Cat, alongside Charlotte Church as Polly Garter. 2014 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of the poet Dylan Thomas and Rhys has been a fan of Thomas’ work for a long time, especially after performing Under Milk Wood for National Theatre Wales. It was during the filming of a documentary, directed by Allen, broadcast earlier this year tracing Rhys Ifans’ personal journey to become more familiar with the poet that plans for a film version of Dan Y Wenallt were discussed. The project is the brainchild of the film director Kevin Allen and he relished the chance to work with the actor once more for this unique film. Having premiered in cinemas across Wales, the film will then screen on S4C at 9pm on December 27. The Welsh broadcaster co-financed the project in partnership with Ffilm Cymru Wales and Goldfinch Pictures, with fFatti fFilms producing. Adapted into Welsh by T. James Jones, and with a screenplay by Murray Lachlan Young, Michael Breen and director Kevin Allen, Dan Y

©Richard Brewis

Wenallt explores the rich imagery of Thomas’ dreamlike verse. It veers away from the traditional, literal reflection of Thomas’ original work and instead explores some of the more visceral elements of the funny, filthily fluid and magical dreamscape of the work whilst staying faithful to Dylan Thomas’ original text. Allen says of his interpretation: “I was determined to craft a cinematic rendition that challenged the common perception; that poetry should remain in the domain of the reader.” This is the first cinematic dramatisation of Thomas’ text since Richard Burton’s 1972 version and it will truly bring the Welsh poet’s legacy into the 21st Century. Dan Y Wenallt will premiere on December 11 at Cardiff’s Chapter Arts Centre and will open simultaneously in cinemas and arts centres across Wales. Shot back-to-back with Dan Y Wenallt, an English-language version, Under Milk Wood, will be released in UK cinemas in Spring 2015.

Speed king Superfast Cymru is set to deliver groundbreaking broadband speed across Wales The use of kit and gadgets that connect to the internet in our homes continues to grow, but as demand increases the internet speeds available need to keep pace. In Wales this is where the Superfast Cymru programme comes in. Superfast Cymru is the largest partnership of its kind in the UK working to give, when combined with the fibre roll-outs of private sector companies, 96% of homes and businesses in Wales access to fast fibre broadband by 2016. It will mean that the majority will be able to access ‘superfast’ broadband speeds in excess of 30Mbps and in some cases over 100Mbps. The current average speed resulting from the programme is 61Mbps – more than twice the contractual minimum speed and 44Mbps above the UK Broadband average. Fast fibre will not only make accessing the internet quicker but will also open up a world

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of opportunities. It allows you to download music tracks in about two seconds, and download a whole album in about 30. When you play games online with fibre broadband, you’re only limited by your reflexes and not your internet speed. Fast fibre broadband isn’t just faster when downloading, increased upload speed can be a real game changer. Social networking sites, such as Facebook, are getting bigger – and it’s not just the amount of people, it’s the content – more videos, more pictures, more links to other sites. People are increasingly storing photos, documents, music and video online – in the cloud – rather than on the computer at home. Staying in touch also becomes easier allowing you to get family, friends and colleagues from around the world together for a chat with smooth, seamless video calling and webcams, or share photos and videos in seconds. Superfast broadband opens up a world of discovery through interactive

online learning, buffer-free video tutorials and e-books. However, Superfast fibre broadband is not just about a faster internet experience or about doing one thing quicker. It’s about everyone in the house being able to do their own thing online, all at the same time whether it’s the weekly shop, watching Hollywood blockbusters, downloading new songs or online gaming. Superfast Cymru is a huge project that involves laying 17,500kms of optical fibre cable and installing around 3,000 new green roadside cabinets across Wales. The sheer size of the programme means it is not possible to plan and roll-out everywhere at the same time. So far, as a result of the programme, more than 278,000 homes and businesses in Wales have been given access to fast fibre broadband. To find out what is happening where you live go to www.superfast-cymru.com and click on ‘where and when’.

WIN Dinner for 2, a brewery tour and a free mini keg at Zerodegrees!

Competitions

Zerodegrees in Cardiff has joined together with RedHanded Magazine to offer ten lucky readers the chance to win a meal for two worth up to £30, a brewery tour and two mini kegs of Zerodegrees’ own craft ales. The award winning craft brewers based on Westgate Street has many dining areas including two terraces and two mezzanine levels with wonderful views of the working brewery and open kitchen. When it opened Zerodegrees pioneered a revolutionary concept of brewing and dining. Shiny steel vats and futuristic long bars showcase the craft of brewing - with pizzas, pasta, salad and indulgent desserts perfectly complementing their speciality beers. The lucky winners will be taken on a guided tour of the micro brewery, dine from the modern European menu and will be able to take one of Zerodegrees’ mini kegs of craft ales home. Zerodegrees, 27 Westgate Street, Cardiff CF10 1DD Website: www.zerodegrees.co.uk/cardiff Twitter: @ZerodegreesBar Facebook: zerodegreesrestaurant To enter this competition all you have to do is email your answer to the following question to redhanded@conroymedia.co.uk by February 13th 2015

What is the name of the stadium opposite Zerodegrees’ bar in Westgate Street? Is it?

a) Twickenham b) Murrayfield c) Millennium Stadium Tough eh?

Win Tickets to See Paul Carrack at St David’s Hall

Fancy experiencing a legend of British rock live at one of Europe’s best acoustic concert halls? Well now you can as RedHanded has teamed up with St David’s Hall to give one lucky reader a free pair of tickets to see Paul Carrack at St David’s Hall on Thursday 22nd January. The Sheffield-born singer and former frontman of Ace, Squeeze and Mike & The Mechanics returns to the road following his critically acclaimed recent album release Rain or Shine. With an extensive back catalogue of hits to his name including How Long, Tempted and The Living Years, Carrack’s soulful voice is instantly recognisable to millions of fans worldwide. His songs have been performed by some of the biggest names in music including The Eagles, Diana Ross and Tom Jones. Throughout a career spanning more than 30 years, he’s also been constantly in demand as a session keyboardist performing with the likes of Elton John, Eric Clapton and BB King. Now is your chance to see for yourself why the BBC recently dubbed Carrack as “the man with the golden voice.” To be in with a chance of winning, please answer the following question:

What is the name of Paul Carrack’s most recent studio album? Please email your entries to SDHpress@cardiff.gov.uk with your name and contact details by Monday 12th January. For more information on upcoming events, please visit www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

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Winter’s coming! Time to boost your immune system, says Jason Jones

Health

GET NUTRIENT-KNOWLEDGEABLE

TRY HYDROTHERAPY What is it? As the name suggests, this treatment harnesses the healing powers of H2O to promote all-round wellbeing as well as alleviating pain caused by sports injuries, arthritis and recovering broken bones. Where does it come from? The restorative properties of water were recognised by the Ancient Egyptians in 2000BC. The Romans were also strong believers in its powers and it’s thought they were responsible for introducing to the UK the concept of bathing for health benefits, with historical evidence from as early as 1138AD of people travelling to the famous Bath spas “to wash away infirmities”. How does it work? Our reaction to hot and cold water causes the nerves near the surface of the skin to carry impulses deep into the body. Research has shown that this reaction not only lessens pain intensity, but also stimulates our natural antibodies to illness, improves blood circulation as well as aiding lymphatic drainage, which is essential for maintaining heart health. What can I expect? It depends on what form of hydrotherapy you go for. A Vichy shower involves several jets raining down while you lie down, Watsu marries massage and shiatsu and is performed one-on-one with a therapist,

thalassotherapy involves being immersed in pools of seawater of varying temperatures and degrees of salinity, while floatation tanks are pretty self-explanatory although probably the most invigorating with an hour-long float cited as the equivalent to a four-hour sleep. Any evidence it works? Several studies have shown that hydrotherapy when given to people with chronic pain has significantly upped muscle flexibility and noticeably reduced pain. Other research has suggested it also helps in the treatment of insomnia. Where can I do it? As you’d expect, the Thermae Bath Spa, which reopened in 2006 after a bells-and-whistles refit ending a 28year period when the waters weren’t open for bathing, has a comprehensive roster of hydrotherapies. Cardiff Bay’s St David’s Hotel & Spa is also renowned for its hydro treatments. Even if you want a mini aqua treatment, a long soak in the bath makes for a good alternative. Use Aromatherapy Associates Inner Strength Miniatures for the best at-home results as they offer a varied range of energising and calming bath and shower oils (10 bottles, £35). thermaebathspa.com, thestdavidshotel.com

5 WAYS TO BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

which aren’t so great for the body. While acute stress pumps up the immune system, grinding prolonged anxiety taxes it and tires it out. For instance, chronic stress can promote a hyper-reactive immune system and aggravate conditions such as allergies, asthma and autoimmune diseases. Drink more water Drinking lots of water each day not only stops us from getting dehydrated, it also helps the body to flush out toxins, which is vital to maintain immunity. The recommended amount we should be drinking for optimum health impact is at least one and a half litres every day. If you’re not fussed on plain H20, zip it up with a slice of lemon or lime, or cucumber even. Take Echinacea Studies have shown that taking Echinacea helps reduce the instance of infection. However to get the best benefits, it should be taken over limited periods of time

Stress Less Easier said than done, true, but important to try because when we’re stressed our adrenal glands churn out stress hormones epinephrine – aka adrenaline – and cortisol,

Vitamin A Essential for: Healthy skin and vision Food solution: Carrots and sweet potato are good sources Iron Essential for: The production of red blood cells that carry oxygen around the body Food solution: Lean red meat, pulses and dried fruits Vitamin B2 Essential for: Steady energy release, healthy skin, eyes and nervous system Food solution: Seafood, spinach and almonds Selenium Essential for: A healthy reproductive system and reducing the risk of certain cancers Food solution: Pork, tuna, turkey Vitamin D Essential for: Keeping bones and teeth strong Food solution: Two portions of oily fish a week, combined with 15 minutes of sunlight exposure a day Iodine Essential for: Making thyroid hormones that stabilise the metabolic system Food solution: Dairy, fish and eggs

with breaks in between as long-term usage blunts its effectiveness. Move your body Exercise moderately, but don’t over train. Working out for up to 45 minutes, 3-5 times a week makes immune cells more active, with studies showing that men who exercise in this way had half the sick-leave days of those who didn’t. Extended exercise, though, can do the opposite. Long sessions of high-intensity exercise like 90 minutes of running raise adrenaline and cortisol levels, which can suppress immune-system activity for up to three days. Get enough sleep Sleeping less than seven hours a night can double the chance of coming down with an infection as during deep sleep the body increases production of natural killer cells that ward off common viruses, which especially strike during the autumn/winter months.

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Grooming 6 of the best - Grooming fruit & veg Fat is bad for us. Fat is good for us. A glass of red wine every day improves the health of our heart. Drinking alcohol daily increases the risk of stroke. Caffeine boosts memory. Caffeine causes high blood pressure. Welcome to the contradictory world of health advice that claims one thing one week and another thing entirely the next. The latest health reports state that eating five portions of fruit and veg a day is actually not enough and we should up it to a mighty seven. But, even if you’re the healthiest person on the planet, can anyone scoff seven lots of fruit and veg every day? So, in the interests of ignoring this avalanche of confusing information and in a mathematical quandary that would confound Carol Vorderman, I present the grooming kit that contains your five-a-day. They won’t make a blind bit of difference to our health, but at least we’ll look the part.

Jason Jones has a seriously close shave 1. Aromatherapy Associates Essential Enzyme Peel (50ml, £40) Rich in vitamin E and carrot oil, this quick-fix mask mixes the fruit acids of pineapple, grape and passion flower to break down dead skin cells, repair any wear’n’tear and refresh the face. 2. Molton Brown Caju & Lime Body Wash (300ml, £18) Teaming the mineral-goodness of the fruity part of the cashew nut tree with the acerbic hit of lime, this über-energising showergel will wake up the weariest of bodies no matter how cold and dark it gets outside. 3. Lush Daddy-O Shampoo (100g, £5,40) Lush have been at the vanguard of utilising nature in their products for years and this is a perfect example of what they do best. Crammed chocker with organic lemon zestiness to cleanse the hair, combined with coconut oil to hydrate and shine it up. Plus, its price is wallet-matey.

Spa Gazing Myddfai Spa Rooms at Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli Signature treatment: It’s got to be Facial Reflexology, partly because it’s pretty unusual to find it on a spa menu anywhere. Based on the same principles as traditional reflexology whereby pressure is applied to the hands and feet to fine-tune health, facial reflexology works by stimulating the pressure points on the face that correspond with particular parts of the body to promote a general sense of wellbeing. It also improves the look and feel of the face. Prices: Not only is the facial reflexology treatment exceptionally good value at £25 for 25mins or 35 quid for 55, but you get an awful lot of bang for your buck on everything. For instance, a full body massage comes in at an impressively reasonable £40 for 55mins, as are the spa packages, starting at £105, with all treatment bundles coming complete with a complimentary gift set of toiletries, which is a classy touch. Service: So good that even if you look on the notoriously harsh TripAdvisor you will only find praise for its professionalism. The X Factor: The setting. Perched atop a hillside overlooking the beachy beauty of the Gower, it’s the perfect place to go off-grid and reboot the old batteries. Score: A knockout 9 out of 10. stradeyparkhotel.com

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4. Nourish Kale Exfoliating Enzymatic Cleanser (50ml, £16.50) Kale is a well-known superfood to the nutritionally noused-up so it was only a matter of time before the grooming biz got in on the act. This justlaunched cleanser corrals kale’s powerhouse properties to keep your mug squeaky-clean as well as improving its all-round appearance. 5. Aroma Actives Lift & Firm Night Cream (50ml, £14.99) Night creams aren’t popular with men for some reason, but they make perfect sense because if we slap something on before we get some shut-eye we don’t have to faff about moisturising during the morning mad dash. This cream uses extracts of blueberry and pomegranate to banish any signs of tiredness. It also contains the, frankly, scary-sounding bee venom so therefore must work. 6. Murad Intensive Wrinkle Reducer For Eyes (15ml, £75) Known as ‘the king of fruits’, the durian is also famously sick-smelling, so much so it’s banned from public transport in Asia. If you can get past the pong, though, the health benefits are myriad, especially on the skin, which is why super-brand Murad has formulated this big-on-results eye cream around the fruit. Thankfully, they’ve eliminated the odour.

A Close Shave Maybe it’s a riposte to the rise of the bushy hipster beard and its accompanying twirly Poirot-style moustache, but the real, old-skool barbershop shaving experience is making a comeback. Yes, the cutthroat open razor kind that may scare off those of a jumpier disposition. They’d be missing out, though, because it’s about more than just getting a pro-class close shave. Take the Traditional Hot Towel Shaving Treatment at The Vale Resort (55mins, £55). After the initial one-to-one consultation with the therapist about any skin concerns, you have a pre-shave facial, followed by the hot towels treatment to soften stubble. Then comes the shave proper, a cold towel treatment to calm the skin down afterwards, topped off by a sleepily relaxing scalp massage. It really is the best shave of your life. If you don’t have time for the full Sweeney Todd, try new Refinery Shave Gel (125ml, £16). I found it a pretty perfect potion to use with the razor. It leaves your face feeling like you’ve had the most luxurious spa session ever. Smooth! vale-hotel.com

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Sport

Riath Al-Samarrai rates the prospects of two new managers (again)

Cardiff’s revolving door Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is gone and Russell Slade must think it’s Christmas. Thus completes another surreal chapter in the astonishing recent history of Cardiff City. What should not be overlooked, though, is that the supporter snobbery which greeted Slade’s appointment was horribly disrespectful. His previous position lasted four years – a lifetime in the current climate. His preceding four jobs lasted eight months, three years, two years and three years. Those are respectable numbers, not least because they show that in football’s insular world, where reputations are king, he’s been out of work for a total of only six months in 13 years. And after twice being named the best manager of League One, including last season, why shouldn’t he get a chance in the Championship? People will suggest the club ran out of options. But as Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy said in a recent interview: ‘Regardless of what people say about any club, there will be a queue a mile long for any managerial position that comes up.’ In this instance, the likes of Neil Lennon made himself available. Quite why his words carried so little weight is a true mystery to me. But that should not be held against Slade. As managers always request: judge him on his results.

it. See if it bothers me. I like proving people wrong.” What followed was a rather intense stare-down and a series of excellent transfers, most notably that of Gylfi Sigurdsson. Yet more than the subject at hand, what the episode revealed was Monk’s sense of conviction and his willingness for a confrontation. They are all traits that have been synonymous with Swansea in the past and yet strangely absent for large swathes of last season. They had lost that attitude of thinking they could square up to anyone, a problem which was overplayed in the post-Laudrup post-mortem, but which is something vitally important to any club wishing to punch above its weight. Suffice to say, Swansea got their season off to an excellent start. No player has seemingly been more rejuvenated by the managerial change than Nathan Dyer. He is a confidence player and sources close to the winger say the more personal touch from Monk is well received. It remains to be seen if Dyer, or indeed Wayne Routledge, get the England call-up they deserve. I suspect they won’t, which is a shame, yet nothing compared to the absurdity of no England manager calling Leon Britton into a squad. In that same summer conversation with Monk, he said: “I’m amazed Leon has never been given a chance. How many better passers of a ball are there?” With that he issued another stare. The club is in the right hands.

Punching out… As we went to press Nathan Cleverly’s rematch with Tony Bellew was days away and by the time you read this, we’ll know the result. Predictably, the rematch was in Liverpool like the first fight which Cleverly won. It’s something of an oddity that this gifted fighter doesn’t have the requisite pull factor in his own country to justify the staging of his bigger fights. Indeed, only nine of his 29 fights have been held in Wales. What all this means, of course, is that he lacks the home advantage which is perhaps more important in boxing than most other sports. Such factors matter greatly in a bout such as this, which Cleverly desperately needs to win. Hopefully it won’t, but I’m not so sure.

You lookin’ at me? During a summer interview I did with Garry Monk, his body language more than his words addressed the doubts of whether he could attract players to Swansea. It was the most expressed reservation against handing this rookie manager the keys to a Premier League job. “Maybe people should just wait and see,” he said. “But if they want to write me off, fine. Do

the Ryder Cup for Europe. A 38-year-old who has only played in 12 Major championships, Donaldson’s rise to prominence is one of the most charming sports stories of the year.

Best quote:

Peace on the rugby pitch?

“U know when you’ve had one of those awesome dreams and u wake up wishing it was true... I woke up and it was.” Wales’s Jamie Donaldson on Twitter the day after clinching

Peace at last between the regions and the Welsh Rugby Union. There cannot have been many more convoluted and complex issues in British sport. Thank goodness it’s over.

REDHANDED 2014 • Issue 3 57

Cars

Warp speed Aston Martin V12 Vantage S There I was, another hectic day in the office, weather outside decidedly autumnal, with the nights drawing in. Needing a bit of a lift. Then the phone rings. Would you like to road-test the Aston Martin Vantage S, I’m asked. Would I? Crikey, this job has its perks I say to myself. A few days later, I’m face-to-face with Aston’s latest, greatest Vantage. Bostin. The Vantage S is the new range topper from the second most cool brand in the world (Apple comes top) so this is, logic dictates, the coolest car in the world. Period. And it certainly looks it. It has a presence that is attention grabbing but still understated and an athletic almost muscular beauty that comes of being designed for purpose – even the air intakes, essential to keep the engine and brakes cool, whilst lending an aggressive air have been designed to blend in rather than make a statement. Same ethos inside. This is uber-cool Brit luxury at its best. Not too showy, but a confident, restrained and beautifully crafted statement of intent - resplendent in fine, hand stitched leather, carbon fibre and satin finish metal fixtures and piano-black surfaces. The driving position is low and snug and the sports seats comfortable and supportive. Now to business. Hit the start button and the sonorous, nigh on symphonic, big V12 bursts in to life and it sounds wonderful. Release the fly handbrake to the right of the driver’s seat, a nice touch reminiscent of sports cars of old, and we’re away. Within a short distance I’m thinking this isn’t the fire-breathing monster I

was expecting, it’s so easy to drive in comfort mode and with semi-auto box in drive. We’re stuck in traffic yet the Vantage doesn’t fuss – it’s quite happy pootling along. But it’s when we get out of the traffic and on to an A-road, whack it into Sport mode and start shifting via the paddles that the S’s real character emerges. It absolutely is a monster, in the best possible way. The free-revving 6.0 V12 packs a colossal 565bhp and 620Nm of torque which can hurtle this relatively light car to 62 in 3.9secs and power on to 205mph, all improvements on the previous version, making it the fastest, most powerful production Aston ever. The sound is spine tingling, the shove in the back explosive throughout its rev range and the sensation of speed awesome. However, outright performance is only part of the story. I’ve often felt, as someone who owns an older sports car, that though modern sports cars are incredibly fast and efficient, they’ve kinda got a bit too clinical and smooth. The Vantage’s hairy chested V12 performance goes someway to turning the clock back but another big plus is the 7-speed Sportshift III automated manual gearbox. The key is it uses a clutch, albeit electronically/computer controlled, which gives changes a more traditional feel. They may not be quite as smooth as other autos, especially if you forget to lift your foot of the accelerator as you change up via the paddle, but changes have a lovely mechanical charm which adds to the ‘analogue’ feel. Another nice touch is the blip of exhaust crackle as the box changes down, just like you’d get with a manual. Handling is excellent thanks to a super stiff

aluminium chassis and excellent weight balance, achieved by planting the V12 as far back as possible and putting the gearbox adjacent to the rear axle. This balance and the perfectly weighted, direct steering ensures plenty of driver feedback and satisfaction and with what little over steer there is easily controllable via the throttle some old school sports car fun can be had safe in the knowledge that the best in class ceramic brakes and on-board traction systems will get you out of trouble if need be. It’s also worth saying that even in sport mode, which firms up suspension, sharpens throttle response and tweaks gear change timings and speeds, the Vantage is no boneshaker and in comfort-mode it’s pretty refined. It’s as though Aston have sought a return to the aspects of driving that made sports cars special – a sense of rawness, of thrill and dicing a little with danger (even if it’s illusory). Don’t get me wrong, the Vantage S is no brute but it hasn’t been sanitised and PC’d to the n’th degree in the pursuit of easily gotten speed in comfort. For me, that’s what makes this a truly involving and ultimately great sports car, the like of which cannot be found elsewhere. And all for a very reasonable, by supercar standards, £138k. Top speed: 205mph 0-62mph: 3.9secs Mpg: 19.2 CO2: 343g Price: £138,000 Stratstone Aston Martin Cardiff. | Tel. 029 2069 5713

REDHANDED 2014 • Issue 3 59

Property

Get the Pointe? It’s all happening at Cardiff Pointe. After months of sweat and toil this stunning Bay-side development is really starting to come together. At the time of going to press the finishing touches were being put to an avenue that stretches from one side of the development to the other that will showcase impressive views. Another recent development is the launch of the new Bireme four bedroom showhome at what seems like a bargain price of £349,950. Given the location, 10 year guarantee and standard to which this home is designed, built and finished it really is exceptional value. When complete Cardiff Pointe will be a mix of prime residential and retail (shops, bars, restaurants and a hotel) surrounding a sports complex that already includes the International Pool and Leisure Complex and Cardiff International White Water Centre, both of which are Olympic standard centres for all manner of watersports. Also underway is the

construction of Wales’ only two pad ice rink which will be followed by the most impressive feature of the lot, a full sized snow dome. Throw in its waterside location complete with dedicated yacht moorings and you’ve got what will surely be the most stylish place to live in Wales. This is the crux of the village’s residential development, Cardiff Pointe – it’s about living the dream. Offering a glitzy, active way of life and waterside location that’s the stuff of Hollywood, residents will have a plethora of great things to do on the doorstep. With apartments from £150,000 (with most comfortably under the Help to Buy threshold) and four bed houses starting at £350,000, Cardiff Pointe will appeal to anyone looking to enjoy the ‘highlife’ without breaking the bank. Cardiff Pointe Marketing Suite, Empire Way, Cardiff CF11 0JL. Tel. 0845 340 3927 www.cardiffpointe.co.uk

Head for Heights Help to Buy Wales drives sales success at Penarth Heights Crest Nicholson’s Penarth Heights is proving so popular that the award-winning house builder has sold a fantastic 31 homes and apartments since January. 71% of sales have been through the Help to Buy Wales initiative, proving that the scheme is really helping house-hunters in Wales get moving. Launched on January 2, Help to Buy Wales is an initiative designed to make buying a new home more achievable for both first-time buyers and existing home owners, and is available on new-build homes up to a value of £300,000. The initiative enables homebuyers to own their own home for just 80 per cent of the purchase price with a deposit of as little as

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five per cent. The remaining 20 per cent of the property price is lent to the purchaser by the Welsh Government through the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and is interest free for the first five years. One home available at the development is the three storey, three bedroom Phoenix house. This beautiful home enjoys a large living room with French doors and Juliet balcony, an open-plan kitchen/dining room and spacious master bedroom with hotel-style en-suite shower room and large picture window. In addition, the Phoenix’s second bedroom is an exceptionally good size and the house benefits from a separate study and WC on the ground floor, not to mention its own garage and undercover parking. Rebecca Gripton, Sales Manager for Crest Nicholson South West and Wales, commented: “Help to Buy Wales is already proving really popular, with 22 of our homes at Penarth Heights being snapped up since the scheme launched. I’d definitely recommend speaking to our sales advisors to find out how the scheme could help get you moving.” With beautiful views across the Marina, Penarth Heights offers a mix of stylish one,

two and three bedroom apartments and two, three, four and five bedroom houses, suitable for a wide variety of purchasers, from first time buyers to growing families. The development is within easy access of the independent and big name bars, cafes and shops found in Penarth town centre, as well as, Penarth seafront and the local railway station, which provides quick and easy access to Cardiff and beyond. Prices for a three bedroom house at Penarth Heights currently start from £250,000. Two bedroom apartments are also available from £159,000. For more information please call into the on-site Sales and Marketing Suite (open daily 10am-5pm), call 029 2071 1357, email penarthheights@crestnicholson. com or visit www.crestnicholson.com/ penarthheights. To avoid disappointment book your viewing of the show home now.

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COMING SOON

The practical guide to managing all your financial interests and finding the right advice

Covering all the issues and subjects relevant to anyone wishing to get on top of their personal, business and family finances, Money Matters magazine will be the definitive regional guide to financial welfare and providers.

Visit www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk or follow us on Facebook page ‘Red HandedMagazine’ or on Twitter on ‘redhandedmag’ Tel: 029 2019 0224, email: sales@conroymedia.co.uk

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Restaurants

The Crown at Whitebrook

Chez Francis

When did you last get away from it all and experience a feast for the senses by fine-tuning your tired taste-buds? For an unforgettable evening - or an overnight stay - how about treating yourself to the best of modern Welsh cuisine? My recent escape to the wonderful Wye Valley included a visit to The Crown at Whitebrook. It recently regained a Michelin star, thanks to the vision of brand new headchef Chris Harrod, who trained under Raymond Blanc. This cosy and welcoming restaurant with rooms has been attracting fine diners for decades. But don’t be put off by its plush pedigree - there’s no room here for food snobbery. What you’ll find, to your delight, is fine dining demystified. Since Harrod took the helm in 2013, he’s crafted the perfect escape, with an emphasis on bringing the flavours of the valley directly onto the plate. The remarkable, reasonably-priced tasting menu offers tantalising, seasonal fare, blending comforting food memories with mindblowing new tastes, and a ravishing rush to the head. From the subtle sweet taste of the munchkin pumpkin gnocchi, to the tang of horseradish-garnished Cornish crab, the sevencourse meal began with a bang, reminiscent of a fiery first kiss. It slowly but surely intensified and was matched with some excellent wine pairings. Sommelier and general manager Andy Stoneley was a most genial host and answered all curious queries with glee. A knockout Cornish brill dish followed the creamy Golden Cenarth dumpling both enhanced by locally foraged produce, including woodland sorrell and scurvy grass. The valley venison - dressed with walnut and Brussel leaves - was a highlight indeed, only topped by a perfectly presented violet parfait that recalled the pleasures of childhood sweets. An arresting aerated raspberry mousse brought the symphony of local flavours to a smashing close. Playful, accessible, even friendly haute cuisine that makes each diner feel like a king or a queen? The Crown at Whitebrook leaves a lasting impression befitting of the name Michelin.

Following his success over the years at Le Gallois, Boof and Pier 64, Cardiff restaurateur Francis Dupuy’s latest endeavour is an instant hit and confirms Canton as the city’s dining destination du jour. I’d already visited twice - and enjoyed two fabulous meals - before I was challenged to cast my critical eye on Chez Francis. Unlike his previous forays, that ran the gastronomic gamut from modern Welsh haute cuisine to fine French fast-food, we get a far more personal glimpse here into Dupuy’s own home-cooked family favourites, along with a comforting take on classic French country fare. The restaurant’s location is a gift in itself, as it shares the same building as The Purple Poppadom at the city-centre end of Cowbridge Road East. The Beti Biggs interior design creates a warm environment, reminiscent of bistros from Paris to Provence. Having previously enjoyed a first-class Frenchonion soup followed by an excellent coq au vin, I was happy for Francis to suggest his personal favourites. Whilst waiting, we savoured a bottle of Bellerose, a light and delightfully hoppy blonde ale from northern France. And as both house wines come highly recommended, we plumped for a glass or two of the Baron de Baussac Carignan - a rich and velvety autumnal red. We started with a plate of the Burgundy snails, sauteed in garlic, parsley and shallots, that ensured a pleasant depth and piquancy. The rich and creamy scallops Coquilles St Jacques was a welcome reminder of a classic Seventies dish, that was a favourite of my parents back in the day. Maman Dupuy’s Choux Farci with boulangere potatoes was an over-familiar, almost hated dish for our host when he was a child; however, he now considers it his ultimate comfort food. Indeed, the thyme-scented sausage meat encased in new-season cabbage leaves was divine, and gave the Confit of Duck, served with haricot beans, a delectable run for its money. We finished on a high with an exquisite apple tart tatin - the best of all three visits to Chez Francis so far. I’ll definitely return for hearty French provincial cooking - perfect at this time of year.

The Crown At Whitebrook Near Monmouth Monmouthshire NP25 4TX Tel: 01600 860254 www.crownatwhitebrook.co.uk

Chez Francis 185 Cowbridge Road East Cardiff CF11 9AJ Tel: 029 2022 4959 www.chez-francis.co.uk

Lolfa Thai Lounge Almost hidden away on the first floor of a premises on Whitchurch’s busy Merthyr Road, Lolfa Thai Lounge - despite having been in business for more than seven successful years - retains a magical ‘best kept secret’ vibe to it. The sensation is heightened on the night we visited as we sheltered from the oncoming cruel winter’s cold winds and driving rain. Finding ourselves wracked with indecision and unable to choose which starters to go for, as we began drying off in the cosy warmth, we were recommended the Thai Platter by an eagle-eyed waitress who could sense our shambolic decision-making. The platter provided a perfect starter of crispy, lightly spiced fish cakes (Tod Mun Pla), generously stuffed spring rolls (Poa Pia), satay chicken skewers (Satay Gai) and prawn toast - with lashings of homemade sweet chilli sauce. Delicious. Moving on to the main meals, my partner J opted for the Thai green beef curry (Gaeng Kiew Wan) which was bursting with fresh and sharp flavours emanating from the spices, chilli, kaffir lime-leaves and lemon-grass that married with the coconut-milk to bring this dish to life. My Kung-Chu Chi which consisted of jumbo king prawns stir-fried in a spicy red curry paste was nicely presented with the jumbo prawns butterflied shell-on and looking colourful sprinkled with spices and chillies. They tasted divine. We were too full for dessert (an indication of the generous portions) and opted instead for coffee. It boosted our inner-warmth before we headed back out to the cold rain – not too dissimilar to stepping off the plane on a return journey from Bangkok. Lolfa Thai Lounge 73B Merthyr Road Whitchurch CF14 5DD Tel: 029 2061 1222 www.thai-lounge.co.uk

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Restaurants

The Smoke Haus

Thē Pot Thē Pot on Cardiff’s Crwys Road has long been offering brunchers a diverse selection of tasty favourites. Now under new ownership, the venue has launched a brand-new Gallicinspired evening menu. The ‘bijou’ size of the restaurant is very warm and intimate – creating a perfectly romantic atmosphere. The tables are neatly setout, bistro-style, and the freshly baked bread and locally sourced butter served on arrival not only tasted delicious but also looked very cute on these pretty tables. The Steak Tartare starter however, could never be described as cute – even if presented as beautifully as this one. The hearty portion of finely chopped raw beef, lightly seasoned with salt, pepper and a splash of Worcestershire sauce accompanied by chopped onions and capers –was in equal parts delicate and brutish. It was one of the best I’ve ever tasted and well worth the visit just for this dish alone. J’s French onion soup was warming, rustic and generously served. For the main course I chose the pan-fried sea bass served on fondant potato with a classic Bouillabaisse stew. It was delicious; invoking both high-class Parisian bistro and rugged Welsh coastal seascapes at the same time. J’s Beef Bourguignon, so typically French it should be served with a beret, was equally fantastic, with the beef tender and the source full of flavour. I’m glad to report that our desserts kept up the pace set by the previous courses. Strictly speaking my Affogato was conceived in Italy, but this dessert travels well. The chocolate fondant that J chose was pure French softfocus erotica. Just the right amounts of gooey and spongy, the middle flowing like lava across the plate and melting in the mouth - perfect. Thē Pot Crwys Road Cardiff CF24 4NR Tel: 029 2025 1246 www.thepotcafe.co.uk

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Size matters. By their own admission, The Smoke Haus is an American diner serving quality food in a great atmosphere, huge portions, masses of meat and challenges not for the faint hearted – following a recent visit, I concur. My first impression was of pleasant surprise, it’s a large restaurant and as we’d booked for a Monday night I wasn’t expecting a lively scene but I was proved wrong. The restaurant was packed with happy diners and the staff were super friendly, combined with the cool authentic décor that wouldn’t look out of place in ‘the dirty South’ we knew we had ourselves in for a good night. My dining partner (a beer enthusiast) was particularly impressed with the craft ale and bottled beer selection which you can enjoy at the quirky stand-alone bar if you don’t fancy a sit down meal; the wine selection wasn’t too bad either. To start we ordered, the nachos, deep fried cheese basket and garlic bread, classic dishes done well - the cheese oozed from the piping hot cheese dippers which were complimented with a side salad and a sweet chilli dipping sauce, whilst the fresh and crispy nachos were suitably smothered in cheese, guacamole, salsa and sour cream. For the main event I ordered the 10oz striploin with a bourbon glaze and swapped the basket of fries for the sweet potato kind, my dining partner opted for the butterflied chicken coated in the Smoke Haus signature crispy Kansas herbs and spices. Both dishes were deeply satisfying in the dirty sense and the portions were absolutely huge, not the kind of place to go if you’re on a health kick but perfect if you fancy a guilty treat, need to cure a hangover or you’re celebrating a special occasion and you want to go wild! I’d also highly recommend the Smoke Haus as the ideal destination for group bookings, it strikes me as the perfect place to dine for Christmas parties, stags and hens. If size with quality matters then The Smoke Haus has hit the nail on the head. Mary Ann Street Cardiff CF10 2EN Tel: 029 2022 0777 www.thesmokehaus.co.uk

Chaiholics Presently best known as the UK’s first authentic Chai house, Chaiholics has recently opened in the evenings as an Indian styled bistro. It’s not the largest of eateries but don’t let that fool you – thanks to an adroit selection of street food and curries prepared from scratch daily by one of the best Indian chefs in Britain this is a real culinary treat. Owner Ray Sandhu and chef Pramod Nair (whose CV includes 5* Indian hotels and cooking for royalty) are keeping it simple with a limited number of dishes that can be prepared individually to a very high standard. Our starter of okra fries proved the point – so simple but brilliantly done. A light, crisp batter with a sumptuous spice kick that stopped short of overwhelming the delicate flavour of okra. The theme continued with our mains. The pan fried Assam sea bass is in principle a straight-forward dish. A limited number are bought fresh each day to ensure the fish is at its best, then covered in freshly ground and roasted spices before being flash fried to perfection – crisp skin, delicate flakey flesh and a lovely spice kick. Indian Railway lamb curry is testament to Pramod’s experience in India’s 5* hotels, where it’s a stalwart on menus. It’s not your typical fiery curry but melt in the mouth slow-cooked lamb in a full flavoured rich gravy with a chilli boost where the garlic, cashew and coconut flavours still shine. With the mango cheesecake dessert we saw a more experimental side to Chaiholics’ food. It had little resemblance to a conventional cheesecake – soft set mascarpone and pureed mango covered in a generous dusting of chocolate and crushed cardomon. An imaginative burst of flavours that served to both delight tastebuds and cleanse and refresh the palette. A fine way to end a cracking meal. Unit 6 The Globe Centre Wellfield Road Cardiff CF24 3PJ Tel: 029 2049 5975 www.chaiholics.com

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Green Man Festival Glanusk Estate, Crickhowell The picture postcard backdrop of the Green Man Festival is a bonus, but like all festivals, the punters come for the line-up. On Friday, there was an intriguing Quiet vs Loud dynamic rumbling. Brighton pysch-rockers Toy blasted frenetically through their set whilst the Augustines charged the Mountain Stage with some fist-pumping, American blue-collar rock. Daughter turned down the volume but cranked up the intensity with a beautiful set powered by Elena Tonra’s blissful vocals. At the Walled Garden, Frànçois & the Atlas Mountains set the crowd moving with the insanely catchy La Vérité. More moves were bust (good and bad) for Caribou as the Canadian locked headlining horns with Teleman and Beirut. Saturday began with Welsh harpist Georgia Ruth. Her gentle plucking served up the perfect tonic to weary heads. As front man of The Walkmen, Hamilton Leithauser was a fiendish punk-rock vocalist. As a stand-alone musician, he’s a much more relaxed prospect. Tracks from his solo debut album Black Hours (it’s not as grim as the title suggests) glided effortlessly from the Mountain Stage. Swedish duo I Break Horses were in fine fettle as their brilliant set culminated perfectly with the hypnotic swirl of Winter Beats. What a year it’s been for Pennsylvanian 4-piece The War On Drugs and they wasted no time in hammering out one of this year’s biggest rock anthems, Under The Pressure. They provided sterling support for fellow Americans Mercury Rev who wound up Saturday with a complete run-though of their finest album, Deserter’s Songs. Anna Calvi’s performance on Sunday was wonderful fun - an emotive seesaw of operatic vocals and face-melting riffs that verged on the histrionic. On the other hand, Swedish folk duo First Aid Kit kept it simple. This was another vintage year for Green Man. More of the same for next year please. Michael Took

Festival No.6

Portmeirion “This is the coolest, most surrealist, funkiest, freakiest, best festival in the world. Can we just come back every year?” So opined Beck, Saturday night’s headline act and unquestionably one of the stand-out performances at Festival No. 6. From the numerous sound systems scattered throughout the Gwyllt woods to the stunning views from the Estuary Stage and the Italian Central Piazza, it seemed the whole town and its picturesque surroundings had been integrated into the festival in a magical way.

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Friday highlight Badly Drawn Boy attracted an impressive crowd on the Gwyllt Woods Stage with a beautifully striped down solo performance augmented toward the end by his girlfriend sharing vocals. Main stage headliners London Grammar added to the magic with Hannah Reid’s hauntingly beautiful vocals bewitching a packed audience. Saturday may have started with a few showers but they were soon battered into submission by the sunshine that graced the entire weekend. Peter Hook and the Light, the first big draw of the day, treated the crowd to both early New Order and classic Joy Division numbers. Beck’s set began as a hit laden affair with both Loser and The New Pollution getting an early airing before perfectly segueing into some of his more mellow and luscious material from Modern Guilt and current album Morning Phase. Sunday opened with Martha and the Vandellas and was brought to a glorious close by electronic pop duo the Pet Shop Boys. Their finale saw them joined onstage by festival regulars the local Brythoniaid Male Voice Choir for a stunning version of Go West. The perfect way to wrap up a captivating weekend. David Took

Dim Sŵn Cardiff Sŵn Festival returned this autumn as Dim Sŵn. The four day festival of past years shrunk down to a single Saturday. The line-up may have lacked obvious big names of previous festivals but still boasted an impressive 50 or so acts. Having picked up my wristband in Cardiff Fashion Quarter I only had to turn around to see my first act. Gabrielle Murphy was playing the first of three acoustic sets which perfectly showcased her rich and soulful voice. It was off to the Four Bars stage at Dempsey’s next for Grumbling Fur. Their blend of industrial sounding electro and psychedelia with Depeche Mode style vocals made for a hypnotic listen. Once I’d adjusted to the weirdness of being in Clwb Ifor Bach in daylight hours, it was time for Climbing Trees. They played a rousing set of upbeat folksy Americana with great harmonies - which would have been perfect outdoor festival material. Back at a busy Four Bars, Jaagaara took to the stage - a five piece fronted by three sisters. The girls’ vocal harmonies combined well with the synths and guitars for some euphoric pop with a touch of Fleetwood Mac. Young Kizzy Crawford played a bilingual set in the twilight of Cardiff Fashion Quarter. With her wonderfully soft jazzy voice, acoustic guitar and expert use of a loop pedal, she put on a spellbinding performance. After some much needed refreshments, I concluded my Sŵn experience at Buffalo Bar. Woman’s Hour played an enjoyable hour (ahem!) of chilled out electro pop, the highlight being a tender sweeping cover of Bruce Springsteen’s Dancing in the Dark. If a larger Sŵn fest is not to be, then here’s hoping that Dim Sŵn is the future. Arman Rahman

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Music Michael Took laments the latest offering from Jessie J

JESSIE J Sweet Talker Lava Records / Republic Records ‘I’m a do it like it ain’t been done’ crows Jessie J at hyper speed on the opening track to her third album, Sweet Talker. It sets a bleak tone for what’s to follow: a dozen songs that aren’t really songs, just a selection of posturing statements that have been created to appease the American music market. There’s a nonsense, in-your-sleep rap from 2 Chainz on current single Burnin Up, a guy who can’t begin a rhyme without bellowing ‘2 Chainzzzz!’ just so you know he’s there. Bang Bang, featuring mini-Mariah Carey Ariana Grande and the ubiquitous Nicki Minaj, is pretty offensive stuff: it’s filthy trash talk masquerading as girl power where Jessie compares an unnamed woman’s backside to a high-end car. When Jessie is left alone by pop’s glitterati she spends the majority of the time seemingly trying to out-vocal herself. Jessie started out writing for some of pop’s biggest names, now she’s being puppeteered by an arsenal of songwriters. Sad times.

PRINCE Art Official Age NPG Records / Warner Bros. Records His Royal Badness is back with this thirty-third studio album and amazingly back with Warner Bros - the record company that made him scrawl the word ‘slave’ on his cheek and change his name to an unpronounceable symbol because they wanted to slow his musical output. Ironic then that Art Official Age is released simultaneously with Plectrumelectrum, the debut album from Prince’s funk-rock side project, 3rdeyegirl. Let’s concentrate on Art Official Age, his finest album since 2004’s Musicology. At 56, Prince continues to throw as many genres as he can into the musical big bin and, for the most part, it works. Funknroll is a riotous, synth-driven jam that bounces between jerking, sci-fi rhythms and Prince’s playful cartoon vocals. However, there is the odd occasion where he plays it straight as Breakfast Can Wait showcases him as the undisputed king of the funk ballad. Not a patch on his mid-80s pomp, but signs Prince can still mix it with the best.

hit singles. More chart toppers are sure to follow with a roster of big names happy to lend their vocals to Harris’ signature synth-pop. Ellie Goulding returns for Outside; a pleasant enough slice of progressive dance but not in the same league as her previous effort with Harris, I Need Your Love. Motion’s best moments come from Gwen Stefani’s soulful turn on Together and alt-rock siblings Haim on Pray to God. Sadly, Harris isn’t covering much new ground with Motion which, for the most part, sounds like a series of reheated leftovers from previous sessions.

Some stocking fillers for Christmas... WEEZER

CALVIN HARRIS Motion Deconstruction / Fly Eye / Columbia / Sony The first thing that strikes you about Calvin Harris’ new album is that you’ve already heard about a third of it. Of the fifteen tracks that make up Motion, four have already been huge

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Everything Will Be Alright in the End Republic Twenty years since the release of their debut The Blue Album, everyone’s favourite alt-rock nerds Weezer return with a sound more akin to their formative years. Everything Will Be Alright in the End is forty-odd minutes of spiralling riffs and wonderfully dumb lyrics. Opener Ain’t Got Nobody is a no-holds-barred air guitarists’ dream whilst former single Back to the Shack is a triumphant, head-banging salute to the band’s former glories. A frenetic pace runs throughout the album as the acoustic strum of The British Are Coming gives way to a swathe of power chords and grandstanding riffs, underpinned by Rivers Cuomo’s full-throated vocals. A welcome return to form.

Mononym queen of The X Factor Cheryl releases her second solo album, Only Human (Polydor Records) in November. If she’s to top the album charts over Christmas, she’ll have to do it the hard way with former X Factor alumni One Direction releasing their fourth album entitled, wait for it... Four (Syco Music). Chezza and the 1D clan are mere pop pups compared to the man-band might of Take That. Shorn of two members (Robbie and Jason, in case you’d forgotten), they’ve been inspired by their recent departures by naming their new album, wait for it... III (Polydor Records). No album title number conundrums for American rockers Foo Fighters with their forthcoming release Sonic Highways (RCA). Weighing in at just eight tracks, it feels a tad on the light side but with former Nirvana producer Butch Vig at the controls it should make for a thrilling ride.

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Books

Jason Jones used to interview celebrities. Not any more

A CURIOUS CAREER Lynn Barber £16.99, Bloomsbury For a few years of my so-called career, I did celebrity interviews. Not Brangelina wattage stars, admittedly, but people you’d have heard of, like PD James, Rupert Everett and Debbie Harry. I hated it, though. Mostly because celebrities tend to treat journalists with nothing short of irritated resentment: they need us to flog their wares, but resent us for asking anything approaching an interesting question. Either that or they’ve been media-trained to within an inch of their profiles, making for a ditchwater-dull encounter. I’m generalising, obviously, and someone like PD James is everything you want her to be and more, but she’s the exception rather than the rule. I finally gave up my celeb enquiries when I was interviewing one of the country’s top comediennes, a National Treasure no less, and she was so rude the grief had begun to outweigh the fee. Someone who wouldn’t have thrown in the towel so easily is the ne plus ultra of celebrity print interviewers, Lynn Barber. After all, you don’t earn the nickname ‘Demon Barber’ if you’re a timorous soul. Soul-stealing is more her style as is on display in full force in this latest book. Part-memoir, partanthology of her greatest interview hits, Barber’s strength as a writer is her brutal honesty, even about herself, which is why her previous memoir An Education was such a success it got the Tinseltown treatment. Predictably, it’s Barber’s maulings that make for the best reads. So, she skewers Rafael Nadal, Martin Clunes and, most famously, Marianne Faithfull, describing her as “such a pain” whose “main claim to fame is that she was Mick Jagger’s girlfriend in the 1960s”. Ouch. We need journalists like Barber, though, to let some air out of the increasingly PR-ruled celebrity bubble. Interestingly, considering she’s conducted hundreds of interviews, she concludes that “other people are essentially unknowable”, which, I guess, is the bane and beauty of life.

PERFIDIA

SOUS CHEF

James Ellroy

Michael Gibney

£18.99, William Heinemann The title, from the Spanish meaning treachery, sets out James Ellroy’s stall as he launches his second LA Quartet – the first included the much-acclaimed LA Confidential and The Black Dahlia – with this sprawling, uncompromising epic of crime and betrayal that has his trademark nihilism at its dark heart. The action spans three weeks during December 1941, opening the day before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor with the deaths of four members of the Watanabe family, who were possibly victims of a ritual murder-suicide. A note at the scene written in Japanese, disclaiming responsibility for a “looming apocalypse”, suggests foreknowledge of the attack. The investigation and its ramifications are explored from the perspectives of the LAPD’s Japanese CSI Hideo Ashida; William Parker, the future LAPD head; and two figures familiar from Ellroy’s earlier novels, Dudley Smith, a violent, corrupt cop, and the enigmatic Kay Lake, who’s roped into going undercover in LA’s communist community. Sinister plots to profit from the planned internment of the Japanese may have played a part in the killings as well. Forensic in its attention to detail, what gives Ellroy’s storytelling its visceral power is his own personal history; his mother was strangled in a stillunsolved murder, which led to a life as a homeless alcoholic in and out of prison before crime-writing turned it around. A tough, but rewarding read.

£12.99, Canongate Who would choose to work in a professional kitchen? Seriously? The hours are long and labour-insane, the pay invariably pitiful and as a workplace it’s a swaggering cesspit of sweary tempers. Preparing food for other people has a deep-seated place in our collective psyche, though. It signifies something more than simply fuel, or, as this book puts it, is “something that sustains people and brings them joy”. Here we get an insider insight into the kitchens of highend restaurants care of the titular sous chef. Meaning ‘under chef’, the sous chef is in theory, the second-in-command. In reality, he’s jack-of-all-trades, responsible for all the hard graft; the ceaseless slicing, peeling, chopping, saucing, roasting, sous-viding. The detailed choreography that keeps this (literally) plate-spinning dance seamless. It’s the role that coordinates the dysfunction, the rivalries, the drug addictions, the disasters and, most of all, the hungry egos that are never sated, all interspersed with the occasional dash of gastronomic genius. It’s amazing anything edible is ever produced from the stewing chaos, let alone anything that transforms restaurants into big business. It’s the alchemy of taking raw ingredients and tooling them into a dish that becomes more the sum of its parts that fascinates us - and that’s why we’re addicted to cookbooks, cooking shows and books like this. An incisive addition to the lift-the-lid cook-lit genre popularised by Anthony Bourdain, this will leave you with a fresh respect for anyone working beyond the pass.

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Films It’s cold and grey outside – so warm your cockles with these hot flicks, says Adam Kennedy THE IMITATION GAME

SET FIRE TO THE STARS Dylan Thomas’s work has been no stranger to cinematic adaptations since Richard Burton and Liz Taylor took on Under Milk Wood in the early 1970s. But the scale of renewed Thomas interest right now would probably have been enough to sober up the infamously harddrinking Welsh poet, who died in 1953, aged 39. Rhys Ifans, Charlotte Church, Keith Allen and, bizarrely, Neil Kinnock are all due to follow in Burton’s footsteps with a remake of Under Milk Wood, but before that comes Set Fire To The Stars. It’s Hollywood versus Holyhead in this semi-biographical tale, with Elijah Wood playing an idealistic young American determined to take the talents of Thomas (Celyn Jones) to the audiences he deserves in the USA. Jones is effervescent as the troubled genius, who, it will come as little surprise to learn, turns out to be far from the easiest man to handle, professionally or privately. There’s a certain amount of poetic license used, but as a glimpse into the life of a Welsh national hero, Set Fire To The Stars has sufficient sparkle to draw another generation into Thomas’s wonderful way with words. Extra bonus: the soundtrack is by the dulcet-toned Super Furry Animals frontman Gruff Rhys. For fans of: Under Milk Wood, On The Road Verdict: Poetic justice is done to Thomas 4/5

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A clutch of Britain’s finest acting talent – and Keira Knightley – come together to tell the true tale of Alan Turing, the World War II codebreaker who helped beat the Nazis but was subsequently treated like a pariah for his homosexuality. Benedict Cumberbatch simply owns the screen as Turing, with a highly intense performance full of compelling depth – there’s scarcely a second where you even consider he’s anything other than the very essence of his character. Turing’s life was by turns so dramatic and tragic that if a screenwriter had devised The Imitation Game, it would’ve been derided as unlikely. But the knowledge that everything here is based on happenings in the last century will make you swell with national pride before being brought crashing down to earth. For fans of: The Counterfeiters, The Dam Busters Verdict: There’s much to flatter The Imitation Game 5/5

HORRIBLE BOSSES 2 As the Hangover franchise has proved, sequels to taboo-testing comedies aren’t the most necessary movie devices. Our hopes were tempered then, for this follow up to the barnstorming 2011 original, wherein three pals (Jason Bateman, Charlie Day and Jason Sudeikis) conspire to murder their respective work superiors. But while Horrible Bosses 2 isn’t quite as riotously funny in the wrongest ways as its predecessor, it does manage to avoid totally rehashing the original plot without straying too far from its template. Kevin Spacey’s tremendously unpleasant financier and Jennifer Aniston’s alluringly deranged nymphomaniac dentist are present and brilliantly (in)correct. And Bateman, Sudeikis and particularly Day are once again dumb but immensely likeable - this time around in even hotter water with a kidnap plot that goes from bad to worse to bloody awful. You’ll choke on your popcorn and enjoy every guilty guffaw.

For fans of: Horrible Bosses, the TV comedy It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia Verdict: Truly horrible, but in a good way 4/5

MONSTERS: DARK CONTINENT Last issue, we waxed lyrical about the latest version of Godzilla, which was helmed by the Hollywood hot property director Gareth Edwards – whose parents are Welsh, fact fans. But before Godzilla came the movie that made his name, Monsters, a small-budget slice of sci-fi brilliance that announced him as a name to watch. This follow-up doesn’t feel like an entirely necessary exercise, but Edwards is involved, which is enough to pique our interest. The backdrop switches from Mexico to the Middle East and while the innovation of the original is somewhat left behind in the dust of a big dollar budget, Dark Continent takes a bite out of most monster movies without barely breaking sweat – chiefly thanks to its believably creepy alien invaders. For fans of: Monsters, Godzilla Verdict: A monster mash 3/5

WATCH OUT FOR… Fresh from his blockbuster lead in Dracula Untold, Wales’s own Luke Evans is set to continue his ascent to Hollywood’s top echelons when he returns as the Bard in the latest Tolkien epic The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies. Fascinatingly, his next move is set to be in the JG Ballard adaptation High-Rise. The aforementioned Rhys Ifans is also a busy boyo, adding an appearance in the period drama Madame Bovary to his Dylan Thomas dabbling. Rather less serious is Paddington, the adaptation of the famed kids’ cartoon that nobody was waiting for but is actually harmless, silly fun. What else are we looking forward to? Mad Max reboot Fury Road looks promisingly dystopian; Straight Outta Compton, a biopic of the American gangsta rappers NWA, could be a surprise hit; and The Theory Of Everything, which dramatises the celebrated Stephen Hawking, is set to rival The Imitation Game’s impact. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Holidays from hell Are your Christmas and summer holidays a nightmare? Bennett’s are certainly ‘different’

Winter is already here, summer feels like a distant memory and there’s Christmas tat in the shops ALREADY! I was thinking the other day – Christmas and summer holidays. They should be the times that give us the best memories, but they’re often the most stressful times of the year. People spend more money than they probably ought to, to try and ensure that they WILL have fun. It’s a recipe for disaster. Most parents don’t see their children all day every day, so the shock of being forced together into a small hotel room on holiday can be disastrous. Which is why hotel bars are always so busy. (By the way, why do people without children go away in August? It’s the busiest and most expensive time of the year and it’s the only time this country is ever warm. Surely, if you don’t have to worry about school holidays then you should go another time?) Fortunately, as my family is used to having me around every day (one of the pros and cons of mainly working from home) nothing comes as a shock - so we all get on well. This year our own overpriced vacation took us to Spain. I’ve been to Spain many times; well my wife is Spanish so it’s more or less compulsory. If I even suggest going somewhere else I am subjected to the Spanish Inquisition. My wife comes from a traditional Spanish family. I remember once I had a conversation with her brother about bullfighting. I said what a horrific and inhumane way it was of killing an animal; surely a modern society such as Spain had advanced enough to lose its backward and ignorant stereotype. And he said: “Que?” We usually fly to Spain but with airport security increased to ridiculous levels (seriously, how much damage can I do with

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75ml of Blue Stratos?) and the low cost airlines that charge you extra to breathe, I decided to go by ferry. I’m not the best of travellers so I took a full medicine bag with me. However, after spending too long in the ship’s bar watching the worst magician I have ever seen (honestly who doesn’t know how

the connecting rings trick works – they have gaps in them!!) I drank a little too much and mixed up my seasickness tablets and earplugs. Although the tablets kept falling out of my ears, swallowing the ear plugs did stop me feeling sick. Holidays make me do very odd things. Things I would never dream of doing under normal situations; like entering competitions, getting up early to reserve a deck chair and… talking to strangers. Although I spend most weekends talking to strangers, I am working and talking to them from a stage. Being a naturally shy person, I like this distance. However, on holiday I find myself freely conversing with the general public. I even exchanged numbers with one bloke. We said we’d meet up when we got back! What was I thinking? It’s never going to happen. Being in a different country with nice weather and cheaper food and drink does affect you in an odd way, which is why so many people have holiday romances. In fact the first time I fell in love was on holiday. No of course, it wasn’t ‘real’ love but at the time it felt like it.

Only now do I know what love really is (in case my wife is reading this). I once met a girl on holiday in Tenerife (this was the same holiday where I came third in an International Disco Dancing Championship. I kid you not. I still have the bronze legwarmers to prove it.) From the moment we met, this girl and I were inseparable. We spent most days and evenings together and, well, she took my cherry - which was annoying as it was the best part of the cocktail. What I didn’t know at the time was whilst I had gone away with my parents for the last holiday before going to Drama School, she had gone away with her parents for the last holiday before… getting married. I only found out weeks later when she sent me a letter explaining that she had broken off the engagement as she realised she could still have feelings for someone else. I saw her again a few months later but, without the magic of sun, sea, sand, sangria and sherbet dib dabs (I was surprised they sold them in Tenerife), the sparkle had gone. Now she was just someone a few years older than me who had dumped her fiancé. Still, we had another cocktail together just for old time’s sake. Yes, holidays make you do odd things. They make you spend too long in swimming pools, they make you eat and drink too much and they make you lie down outside for hours on end with the sole intention of burning your skin. And the minute you return you start thinking about where you will go the following year. I’m currently thinking of Italy, the Seychelles, Mexico…. hang on, sorry, what was that dear?.... Oh yes, Spain. See what Bennett’s up to at www.bennettarron.com Follow Bennett on Twitter @bennettarron © Bennett Arron 2014