Don’t get caught without it
2015 ISSUE 1
ABSOLUTELY FLAWLESS Marina’s Back
IT’S YOUR CAPTAIN SPEAKING An Ashley Williams exclusive DESIGNS ON YOUR INTERIOR Make your pad a palace! GET YOUR CRAMPONS ON! Going glacial in Chile
FREE
CONTENTS FEATURES 19
Diamonds are forever
22
Williams on Wales
25
The Journey Starts Here
29
Move over Kirstie and Phil!
36
You’re the one that I want!
51
Carry on Glamping
There’s much more to come from Marina – new album, new tour and sultry new look! The Welsh football captain looks forward to the Euros. We’re going to get there, aren’t we? For Cardiff funny man Rod Woodward’s solo tour We’ve got all you need to redesign your pad - right here! Top tips for the perfect wedding The latest kit to make your next camping trip… a luxury break
REGULARS 5
Scene and Heard
10
Right Stuff
12
Niall’s World
14
Write On
33
Travel
39
Fashion
44
Lifestyle
54
Health & Grooming
57
Sport
59
Cars
64
Reviews
74
The Back Page
Image: FA Wales
22,139 Total Average Net Distribution per issue between 1st January – 31st December 2013 through an average of 862 quality outlets in South Wales Conroy Media Ltd all enquiries: 029 2019 0224 email: redhanded@conroymedia.co.uk
Get yourself an eyeful of this! The web is a tissue of lies and sadness Your mate’s walked off with your bird! Feeling chilly in Chile! Chill out OK? Summer’s coming Food, sailing, Big Tops, charity events and even more sailing Get lucky! Try Pharrell Williams’ new scent What exactly are Cardiff City FC doing? The coolest new coupé… from Lexus? We read it, eat it and turn the volume up to 11 on it… all just for you! Bennett’s going to be a superstar – he has the perfect face for radio
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REDHANDED 2015 • Issue 1 3
Photos: Charlotte Rutherford
Get your summer festivals sorted
Scene&
Give it some welly! Jason Jones is hitting the festivals…
Best Fests
Heard
Yes, it’s that time of year again when we reacquaint ourselves with wellies, Wet Wipes and warm beer because festival season is upon us. Green Man can always be relied on to give good line-up and this year is no exception with Super Furry Animals, Hot Chip, Public Service Broadcasting and St Vincent among the top turns taking to the stage (Glanusk Park, Crickhowell, August 20-23, from £135, greenman.net). A strong showing, too, at Brecon Jazz with big draws Dr John, Courtney Pine and Robert Glasper topping the bill at this much-loved jazzfest (various venues around Brecon, August 7-10, from £25, breconjazz.org). Eclecticism is the name of the aim at Monmouth Festival as it runs the musical gamut from punk to blues to classical. What’s more, it’s free (various venues around Monmouth, July 24-August 1, monmouthfestival.co.uk). Still on an eclectic tip with Festival No.6. Set in the Clough Williams Ellis-concocted fantasy Mediterranean village of Portmeirion and so-titled because cult 60s TV series The Prisoner was filmed there and its protagonist was only ever referred to by that number, the big-name headliner this year is manof-the-musical-moment Mark Ronson, alongside indie stalwarts Belle & Sebastian and the always-outthere Grace Jones who will doubtless sprinkle a healthy dose of good, old-fashioned crazy over the party. Trainspotting and Filth creator Irvine Welsh, actress Maxine Peake, comic Dom Joly and DJ Edith Bowman are also booked as talking heads at this genre-trotting weekender (Penrhyndeudraeth, September 3-6, from £80, festivalno6.com). Hay Festival is a firm favourite on the literary circuit, but it’s also become a big music and comedy puller (various venues around Hay-On-Wye, May 21-31, from £8, hayfestival.com). Texas (May 25, £35) bring their extensive backcatalogue to this year’s bill as they mark 25 years of hit-making, while the new guard is represented by buzz-generating folk-rock trio The Staves (May 23, £10). The perennially-grumpy Jack Dee is the big-noise comedy name as he opens up his Help Desk to agony uncle the audience’s problems in his own uniquely snarky way (May 27, £16). Writers speaking include the ever-erudite Stephen Fry on the latest volume of his autobiography (May 23, £8), Kazuo Ishiguro discusses the inspiration behind his new novel The Buried Giant (May 24, £8) and Jon Ronson talks Twitter shaming (May 25, £8).
Comic Relief Does Jimmy Carr ever go on holiday? I ask because every time I write this page he’s touring, which surely makes him the hardest-working standup in the gagging trade today. Expect scattergun one-liners that are a two-fingered salute to political correctness (Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, June 7, 029 2063 6464 and Colston Hall, Bristol, June 5, from £25, 0844 887 1500). They may share the same surname, but Alan Carr’s comedy couldn’t be more different as the latter ramps up the camp with his take on the absurdities of modern life (Swansea Grand Theatre, May 23, £30.50, 01792 475 715, Colston Hall, July 22-24, St David’s Hall, Cardiff, October 15-18, both £32.95, 029 2087 8444). More controversial is Reginald D Hunter as he confronts some of the world’s more inconvenient truths (St David’s Hall, May 31, £26.95). From the political… we move to the ridiculous with Mrs Brown’s Boys and Brendan O’Carroll’s bawdily broadbrush humour (Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff, June 16-20, from £40, 029 2022 4488). Equally earthy is Kevin Bridges as he continues to cement his rising status in the comedy firmament with his near-the-knuckle routines (Swansea Grand Theatre, July 1 & 2, £25 & St David’s Hall, September 6, £27.95). Michael McIntyre is more a bumbling observationalist of uptight middle-class mores that chimes with huge stadia crowds no matter what the background (Motorpoint Arena, September 2-6, from £40).
Clockwise from bottom left: Jimmy Carr, Texas, Hot Chip, Grace Jones, Jack Dee, and Alan Carr.
REDHANDED 2015 • Issue 1 5
Still Standing You can say what you like about Elton John – and there’s plenty to choose from, be it his dodgy hair, nuclear hissy fits or Marie Antoinettescale extravagance – but whether his music is your thing or not you can’t argue with his staying power. His sequined Vegas showmanship rolls into the capital for one night only as he rips through the hits from his astonishing 50-plus years mining the showbiz coalface (Motorpoint Arena, June 10, from £50). Elvis Costello actually married jazz giant Diana Krall at one of John’s many homes, but his musical approach couldn’t be more different. Costello is less flamboyant and more introspective and that’s no bad thing at all. (St David’s Hall, June 25, from £40). Another veteran singer-songwriter hitting the road is Burt Bacharach as he brings his easy-listening lounge lizard act to the stage (Wales Millennium Centre, July 5, £27.50). There will be a lot of good vibrations when The Beach Boys celebrate their half-century together (Motorpoint Arena, June 4, from £38.50). Manic Street Preachers may not be up to their gold anniversary, but you wouldn’t bet against them reaching that landmark. They’re doing an open-air one-nighter at the majestic Cardiff Castle, which looks set to be pretty special. Be quick off the mark, though, as tickets are likely to hotcake it out of the box-office (June 5, from £69.99, 029 2087 8100). Fast becoming long-termers are Kaiser Chiefs, who are enjoying something of a mini-renaissance care of the combined success of their current album Education, Education, Education & War and frontman Ricky Wilson’s popular stint as a judge on The Voice (Bristol Harbourside, June 25, £35.75 bristolsummerseries.com). Someone who has certainly earned his musical stripes is the legendary Art Garfunkel who makes his touring comeback after a three-year hiatus (St David’s Hall, September 17, £37.95). Fellow Hall Of Famers Crosby, Stills & Nash are also live gigging as they flex their folkie-rock muscles once again (Motorpoint Arena, September 22, from £38.95). Compared to this old gang, Jessie J is a relative newcomer and her multi-octave voice is as scintillating live as it is in the studio (Bristol Harbourside, June 27, £35.75).
Just Starting I wouldn’t put money on One Direction going the distance especially now one of them has already bailed, but just don’t say that to their fans if you value your eardrums (Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, June 5 & 6, from £45, www.millenniumstadium.com). It was the Twitter backing of 1D’s Louis Tomlinson that fast-tracked 5 Seconds Of Summer to stardom, although they’re no clones of the biggest boyband currently bestriding the pop behemoth - opting for a less mainstream, rockier sound (Motorpoint Arena, June 7, from £25). Old-school harmonising is more The Overtones’ style as they tour their latest album Sweet Soul Music (St David’s Hall, July 7, from £21.50). George Ezra’s stratospheric ascent continues apace as he showcases his brand of bluesy pop (Bristol Harbourside, June 24, £35.75). The colourfully-soubriquetted Seasick Steve may be knocking on a bit age-wise, but his time in the musical spotlight is still in its toddler infancy. His live shows are an eccentric mix of hoedown punk and heartfelt ballads (Bristol Harbourside, June 26, £35.75).
And Finally… There are two major shows happening in theatreland Wales in the upcoming months. First up is ballet’s numero uno leading man Carlos Acosta whose thoroughbred-racehorse athleticism makes Premier League footballers look like clapped-out seaside donkeys (Wales Millennium Centre, July 3 & 4, from £21.50). Second is a revival of the Stephen Sondheim classic Sweeney Todd. For the London run, the two lead roles were taken by the mighty Bryn Terfel and Emma Thompson so there’s a strong chance they may reprise them for the Cardiff leg. Both are dead-cert bestsellers so, as they say, book soon to avoid disappointment. And even if you’re the biggest theatre-phobe in the world go to both of these because they really are Event Theatre at its best (Wales Millennium Centre, October 8-9 and November 24-29, from £18).
6 REDHANDED 2015 • Issue 1
Clockwise from below: Manic Street Preachers, Art Garfunkel, 5 Seconds Of Summer, One Direction, Seasick Steve, Jessie J and Burt Bacharach.
“in brief” Lounge around in Santiago If you’ve been inspired by our travel feature about Chile this issue and you’re a Oneworld Emerald or Sapphire Member or travelling Premium Business on LAN, TAM or any Oneworld alliance airline or travelling in LAN’s Premium Economy class - make a beeline for the brand new VIP lounge at Santiago airport in-between flights. It features fine wines and food, heaps of space to relax, showers and even an entertainments and videogame zone. It’s a wonderfully airy, relaxing space - the perfect place to recover after a long flight or to get some work done before boarding. There’s a similarly comfy lounge at Sao Paulo – ideal if you’re changing planes here between Santiago and London. See www.lan.com and www.tam.com.br
Swing By and Tee Off Have you ever been so sick of shopping that you start to daydream yourself away? You imagine somewhere warm, somewhere tropical… maybe a rainforest? Well, it just so happens that St David’s Cardiff has found itself housing a mini slice of paradise in the form of Treetops Adventure Golf. There are two 18-hole courses; the first is the ancient Explorer, set in ruins; the other is the Tropical Trail, set in the luscious rainforest. Take a break from your overburdened shopping bags and pop by for a bit of midday relaxation. adventuregolf.com or phone 029 2022 6590
Going Green Release your inner hippie this summer at the Green Man Festival up in the Brecon Beacons. For three days (August 20-23) you can whisk yourself away to a world of music, drink and goodhearted fun. The guys at Green Man organise ten areas that specialise in different entertainments, from countless live musicians, such as headliners Super Furry Animals, to the stunning collection of 99 ales, ciders, and perries sourced from all over Wales. Sleep under the stars (or in a tent if you don’t trust Welsh summers) surrounded by the most beautiful mountains in the country and remember how it feels to be that relaxed. greenman.net
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Yaki-tasty Get your chopsticks ready and poised to strike, because Cardiff’s favourite independent Japanese groove, Yakitori #1, is looking at a huge menu overhaul. Old gems will be safe, but the focus is on expanding dining options. Their reputation for fresh sushi and perfectly crafted bento boxes has spread all over Cardiff in recent years, especially as they’re one of the few independent food joints in the chain-littered Bay. Well, they’re jumping from strength to strength now as they plan on revealing their re-imagined menu soon! Get ready to bib up and chow down. yakitori1.co.uk or phone to book on 029 2049 5050
Whodunit? Stradey Park Hotel and Llanelly House have teamed up to create the weekend getaway to die for: a luxury three course meal, an overnight stay and breakfast. Did I forget to mention the murder? Yes! The package is a Murder Mystery evening and you get to fulfil your Sherlockian dreams of becoming a smart arse detective. After a splendid meal, a scream will be heard and from then on it’s up to you and your brain to find out which of your dining partners is actually a cold-blooded killer. Hopefully it’s all pretend, but regardless you should check it out! Book your tickets by emailing reservations@stradeyparkhotel.com or phoning 01554 758171
Your New Pal While we’re on the subject of vehicles, there’s a new gadget making waves in the autosphere. Seeing as filling up your car is the single most boring chore on the planet, it’s only right to give you a recommendation that will fix this issue! The Pump Pal is a new gizmo that fits around petrol pumps and keeps the fuel latch engaged to allow you the luxury of jazz hands level of freedom. But you can say goodbye to that irritating sore hand, at least! More details available at pumppal.co.uk
Meat your Heart Out The Meating Place, informally known as the Carnivore’s Retreat, is in every veg-eschewing foodie’s top ten of good grub grottos. If you count yourself among those foodies, you’ll be pleased to know that the Meating Place is prepping for a big menu relaunch. Don’t be too scared, the classics are safe and the place is still going to be the Meat Eater’s Delight, they’re just freshening up the menu a bit with some new options to impress the regulars. Book tables by phoning 029 2022 4757
Zooming into Cardiff
Lovable Rogues
Motorline are continuing to take Cardiff by storm as they have done the past few years. One of their best names is the Italian heavyweight Maserati. If you’re looking into getting a new car right now, I’d be shocked if you haven’t considered getting one of these beauties. The Maserati brand has been blazing paths for just over a century now and that’s a lot of time to be able to perfect car models! You’ve heard of the classics, Gran Turismo and Gran Cabrio; you might consider the newer Ghibli or Quattroporte as well! Find out more at motorline.co.uk/maserati
The Brogue Trader, stockists of Loake, Sebago, Joseph Cheaney and Oliver Sweeney amongst others and owned by father and son team, Chris and Keiron Macnamara, has been awarded New Independent Footwear Retailer of the Year for 2015 by the British Footwear Association. “Ultimately, our customers are our biggest critics, but the Footwear Industry Awards are especially important because winners are voted for by members of the footwear trade. It is a completely independent endorsement, and recognition of the success of our business, by our peers.” said a chuffed Chris. Morgan Arcade, Cardiff. 0843 658 1812
Pointe you in the Right Direction It’s that time of year when people start sniffing about for a new home – summer always seems to bring change with it. If that’s how you’re feeling, it’s worth having a look at what Cardiff Pointe has to offer. They’re in the business of beauty; their luxury apartments and homes all have perfect finishes and are based in Cardiff Bay with views you really can’t beat. So if you’re considering upgrading your life a little, these are the guys to go to when you’re browsing for a new pad. cardiffpointe.co.uk or 029 2034 3473
RIGHT
Introducing Ollie - your new best friend
App Dancing
Stuff
Meet Ollie – the app-controlled robot engineered for speed, programmed for tricks and customized by you. Ollie is an all-new robot in the Sphero family and straddles the generational divide when it comes to good ol’fashioned killing time. Part remote controlled car / part mobile phone app – the Ollie appeals to anyone who wants to master the controls of what is basically a tube with big-grip tyres from the comfort of their mobile phone. For students / geeks you can also learn to create the programming for the ‘back-end’ (as geeks like to call it). A pastime that will be sure to melt a few precious days off our lives – days that we’ll never get back. Ever. (But we’d do it all again!) Retail: www.amazon.co.uk Price: £79.99
Keep in the Loop Known for creating speakers that offer clarity and purity on a (relative) budget, the dudes at Libratone have gone back to the drawing board by updating their popular Loop model so that it now has Bluetooth and NFC connectivity, as well as, PlayDirect and Apple’s AirPlay. We’re stoked by these new features which have helped us shed the wires and cables but keep the speaker’s premium and classy Italian wool covering - a big hit with any visiting (cough) ladies. Retail: www.johnlewis.com Price: £349.99
The King is Dead If you’re already rocking the fat jumpsuit Elvis look, complete the lifestyle choice by bringing the Intempo Bluetooth Jukebox into your home. Transform your kitchen into an authentic American Diner with one easy adjustment – all you need to do is ensure you’ve plenty of good ol’fashioned rock’n’roll to play on it. Hell, it even comes complete with LED flashing lights. So what’s stopping you? Get down to the shops, buy a mountain of burgers and enjoy listening to the sweet sounds of Dixie. Retail: www.tjhughes.co.uk Price: £69.99
10 REDHANDED 2015 • Issue 1
Good Vibrations If you feel like you need to improve your posture, if you suffer from backache, or you’re fed-up with forking-out a hefty wedge for chiropractors and podiatrists then the Lumo Lift could be just the piece of kit for you. About the size of an iPad Nano, this clever device attaches like a lapel pin and will alert you by vibrating when you’re slouching, as well as count your steps, calories and distance travelled. This could be just the lift you need to stand tall and be counted... Retail: www.amazon.co.uk Price: £79.99
Open and Shut Case You fork out ever-increasing wedge for your mobile phone contract and then what happens? – your work go and give you one for free! Once the burden of sharp-suited execs who needed constant comms with HQ, it’s happening all over the shop now. Bus drivers, learner drivers, charity workers, admin teams, tattooed men, PPI callers and Jehovah’s Witness door-knockers all now resort to the standard personal phone plus work phone scenario. And the worst part isn’t the constant cross contamination of diary entries and list reminders from one to t’other – it’s trying to blooming fit both into your trouser pocket. The absolute nemesis of pocket lining everywhere now has a logical solution – the Dual Phone Case by PearPeel. So simple it should have been invented sooner. Retail: www.pearpeel.com Price: £50.00
Worth Watching Even a stopped clock is right twice a day – but part with your disposable cash on the new collaboration between Bering and Emes and you’ll be on time all the time, to the exact second...guaranteed. That’s because this little wonder of the European world is radio-synched with the Atomic clock, ensuring precision time, all the time. This marriage made in the EU perfectly combines form with function (scratch proof high-tech ceramic and sapphire glass) and also an understated cool with timeless elegance. The ultraslim Bering Radio Controlled collection are the most accurate timepieces available – so think of another reason for why you’re late back from the pub. Retail: www.cliveranger.co.uk Price: £199
REDHANDED 2015 • Issue 1 11
Web of memories Firing up the laptop, Niall Griffiths prepares to get teary with a trip back to the gone days You’re alone in the house. Your partner’s gone out with her friends and she won’t be back until after midnight. You have hours in which to entertain yourself. DVD? Not in the mood. Nothing on telly, either. Read? Not tonight. And why kid yourself - you’ll do what you nearly always do, on such nights. You know you will. So you boot up your laptop and you open a bottle. You fetch some tissues from the kitchen although you’re telling yourself that tonight you won’t need them; this time you’ll exercise some self-control. You know how shamed you’ll feel in the morning if you don’t. Pour a glass, open the search engine. Type in the names; remembered schoolmates, workmates, those who passed through your life and the gone years of it. That lad who you were good mates with, him with the mad mop of hair and the deep mischief; you eavesdrop on his Facebook page (lacking much of a digital footprint yourself, a lot of what you’ll do tonight is eavesdrop and snoop and spy). You’re told that he’s in treatment for prostate cancer and all his friends and colleagues and family wish him well. There’s a picture of him thumbs-upping from his hospital bed, and you have to stare hard at his face to see in it the features of the boy with whom you once bunked off school to drink filched vodka in the woods. How you laughed, that day, even when both of you were sick in the brambles. Everything seemed so funny, then. You raise the glass to the computer screen and wish him a recovery. Then there’s the bandmates; those who stood behind you, the singer, and thrashed and walloped out the brilliant, awful noise that got played on the radio, once, and with which you were going to be the new Clash; one day you’d wow the hordes at the Shea Stadium too. In go their names. The nice-but-dim drummer, it appears, is still, three decades on, gutting chickens for a living; this you find out from the Facebook page of one of his - by god grandchildren (and how the realisation of life’s brevity goes through you like a bayonet as you read that). The guitarist has had, and is still having, some success as a DJ, as well as doing
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something in a car dealership. The bassist? Well, he was the one with the most addictive personality, wasn’t he? You spend quite some time staring at the picture of his gravestone and the carved dates thereon. You drink some more and you surf some more. They’ve been married, divorced, they’ve got kids and grandkids, there are pictures bigger and balder than you recollect. As are you, as are you. One lives in America, another’s in Oz, another’s in South Africa. Some don’t live anywhere at all, and some have dropped off the radar completely. The one whose firebrand leftist politics you admired and shared, with whom you campaigned for the miners and dockers in the 80s, with whom you went to see the Redskins at the Rock Against Poverty festival in Sefton Park - well he, how, is a prominent member of the Tory party’s thinktank. He looks smug and toady now and he seems to have edited his past so that his earlier youthful politics have been expunged from the public record. This is the worst; more treacherous and sad than even the premature deaths. Yes we age and yes we mellow and yes our flames die down. But this? This is disgusting, to you. You finish the bottle and open another. Tissue-time gets nearer. More names. Female, this time. That one with whom you spent two years in a tiny room in a big, hard city, just the two of you; it seems that she’s back in re-hab. This is her last chance, the husband declares. How public must our lives be?, you think, and then congratulate yourself on deliberately keeping your life
online minimal. And then you curse yourself as you remember promising this woman that you’d dedicate your first novel to her. I promise that, you’d said; it won’t matter how far in the future this will be, or how many miles apart we’ll have moved. I promise I’ll do that. Of course you never did. Okay, okay. This happens. We grow. Drink and search. Some names return no hits but marriage will have changed surnames. One appears to be making a living as a photographer but the image search returns a face that most definitely isn’t hers, even granting the physical alterations of time. No way she’d wear her hair like that, or ear-rings like that, even in early middle-age. Would she? It’s been a long time, after all. Maybe you knew her a lot less well than you thought. For a moment, you’re not yourself; you’re looking through someone else’s eyes and tapping your own name into the search box. Sitting in a different body in a different part of the world. Wondering, wondering. Feeling loss like a pain. Halfdrunk. Remembering easier things. Mourning several and various deaths. Ah, but look, now; here’s one, and she’s on a beach, and that smile hasn’t changed it’s as big and bright and pure as you recall. She’s holding two little children and she looks magnificently happy. This is good. And it needs a soundtrack, doesn’t it, because you’re almost drunk now, so you open another window, and you play music from your gone days. And you remember a day at the zoo with this smiling woman when it was all sunshine and you told each other as you gazed in awe at the penguins that you’d be just like them - you, too, would mate for life. Like the beautiful, funny, incredible birds, you, too, would never leave each other’s side. And as you look at that clearly-recalled smile you give in to it completely and you play Me and the Elephants and the tissues come into use as the tears pour down your face. You finish the second bottle and close the computer down and shut out the past and you go to bed and hope that the lovely one you’re with now in the present comes home very soon. © Niall Griffiths 2015
Write On
Johnny Come Lately It’s Saturday night, Gareth thinks he might be about to get lucky, there’s just one thing missing...
We walked on a little further. “I’ll tell you what, boy. They sell them in machines, you know.” He was right of course. Some gents’ toilets had contraceptive machines. “All you’ve got to do when you’re in the pub with Sonia next Saturday is to pop into the gents and get some out of the machine.” “What pubs do they have them in?” I asked Emyr. “I haven’t noticed them in The Crown.” “I think they’ve got one in The Coach and Horses,” he said. “And if they haven’t got one in there, I’m pretty sure they’ve got a machine in The Talbot. I think that’s where Ceri got his.” I called for Sonia at seven o’clock the following Saturday. I’d spotted her a few times in the week, talking to other girls, but I hadn’t had the nerve to approach her. I didn’t know if she was officially my girlfriend, and I wasn’t sure how I was supposed to behave if she was. It was as if the Sonia of last Saturday night had no connection with the young woman laughing and joking with her classmates. All my confidence had evaporated. It revived a bit when Sonia answered her front door – I was afraid that I’d be confronted by Mr Watkins, who would issue me with a stern warning to stop pestering his daughter. We went to The Crown first off. It was sort of automatic; I always went there on Saturday nights. When Sonia took her coat off in The Crown I saw she had a low-cut dress on underneath. I found it difficult to talk to her sensibly. I’d forgotten all about that ridiculous conversation with Emyr, but now I found myself wondering – what if he’d been right? Maybe, for once in his life, he hadn’t been talking nonsense. It was only a few minutes after I’d bought Sonia a drink that Emyr showed up, like a bad penny. He came over to speak to us. “Come to pick up some tips,” he said. After a few minutes of listening to Emyr rabbiting on I went to the gents. I didn’t need the toilet but I checked to see if there was a contraceptive machine lurking somewhere. There wasn’t. When I got back I asked Sonia if she’d like to go to another pub. “Try The Coach and Horses,” said Emyr. “Worth it just for the gents.” Sonia looked a bit surprised. “I’d rather stay here for a bit, if you don’t mind,” she said. I didn’t know what to do. Naturally, I couldn’t force her to go to another pub if she
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didn’t want to. I bought Sonia another drink and I bought Emyr one as well, though I wished he’d go away. Then I had an idea. The Coach and Horses was only a hundred yards away. I could say that I was going to the gents and then nip outside and run to get the contraceptive. I stood up as if to go to the toilet once more. “Won’t be a minute,” I said. “But you’ve only just been,” Sonia complained. “Bladder like a sieve,” said Emyr as I headed for the door. “Due for the operation any day.” I walked straight through the toilets in The Crown and out onto the street. Then I ran as hard as I could to The Coach and Horses. There was hardly anyone in the pub. I tried not to look at the barman as I went straight past him into the gents. There was no contraceptive machine that I could see – only one old chap having a pee. I tried to go too, just to make it look right, but it was difficult I can tell you. I had to go through the bar again on my way out, which was embarrassing because the barman spoke to me this time. “This isn’t a public convenience, you know,” he said. “Sorry,” I said, “I thought it was from the outside.” People are always complaining about silly things like that. I’d hardly used his stupid toilet, anyway. When I got out into the street I didn’t know what to do. It was time I got back to Sonia, but I thought this might be my last chance. I didn’t hesitate for long. The Talbot was in the
next street. I ran there as fast as I could. The lounge bar was empty except for one couple sitting in the corner. The barman was Jack Phillips, a friend of my father’s. I walked through the bar as fast as I could, but Jack spotted me. “Don’t see you here very often, Gareth,” he said. “What’ll it be?” There was no escape. “Half a bitter please, Jack,” I said. “Go on, have a pint. You’re old enough.” So Jack poured me a pint. I could see he wanted to talk, but I was getting a bit frantic. I took a couple of sips and headed for the gents. The first thing I noticed was the contraceptive machine. There was no-one else there. I examined my change. I only had one half crown piece. I put it into the machine. As I did so I heard someone coming along the passage to the toilet. I shot across to the urinal. I stared at the wall as the door opened behind me. It was the bloke who’d been sitting in the lounge bar with his girlfriend. He went over to the contraceptive machine. I heard him pull the lever and then the contraceptive must have dropped down because he laughed. I glanced round and saw him pocket it before he turned and walked out again. I thought of shouting at him – “That’s mine!” – but it was too late. Anyway, I wouldn’t have had the nerve. I was in a right state to tell you the truth. I had no more half crowns and Sonia must be wondering where I was. I went straight through the bar without finishing my drink. “Got to rush,” I said to Jack as I passed him, “late for an appointment.” Jack would probably tell my father, but I hadn’t time to worry about that. Anyway, I was telling the truth for once. As I ran back to The Crown I thought how difficult it was to do something as simple as buy a contraceptive. I was also trying to work out how I’d explain to Sonia about my being in the gents for so long. I needn’t have bothered. Just before I got to The Crown I saw Sonia. She was walking away from me on the opposite side of the road, and she was with someone else. Then the two of them crossed the road and I could see they were holding hands. I could see who the other person was, as well. It was Emyr. Aberystwyth Boy, a collection of short stories by Gwynn Davis, is available now from Y Lolfa priced £6.95 (www.ylolfa.com)
Flawless?
Marina and the Diamonds’ new album is certainly a little eclectic… but we think it’s an absolute gem
Photos: Charlotte Rutherford
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“I was constantly building a character type in my head of a figure that was heartless and cold - like an evil twin sister who’s a little romantically challenged” Describing your new album as “all over the place” is the sort of thing that musicians generally sidestep faster than the opportunity to sing alongside a juggling dog. But then Marina Diamantis – AKA Marina and the Diamonds – is not your average musician. Last time she released an album, in 2012, the raven-haired songstress from Pandy, in Monmouthshire, donned a platinum-blonde wig and spent the best part of two years pretending to be a cartoon character called Electra Heart. “I was constantly building a character type in my head of a figure that was heartless and cold - like an evil twin sister who’s a little romantically challenged,” explains Marina. In 2013, the singer told a Canadian newspaper that she had bankrupted her record company – for a laugh. And she once accepted the chance to decorate a window in London’s Selfridges by dressing up and appearing as a “live mannequin” on Oxford Street. Add to this the fact that Marina has combined indie pop, new wave, electronic and power pop in her three albums to date, and repeatedly touched on themes of religion and Christianity without actually believing in God, and you have just about the most complex, confusing and interesting person in pop. A case in point? Her new album Froot,
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which has been given a title that even she only vaguely understands. “I did it without much thought,” she admits, “but I liked the way it looked.” Here at RedHanded we like to think that it’s a result of Marina’s crazed addiction with Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy. Sadly, the truth is that she simply liked the sound of the made up word and went with it. “It’s playful, like a child had spelt it: I wanted the album to be mature and childlike at the same time,” she adds. “I also like the idea of blending nature and artifice. And, in the title track, I sing ‘ooh, ooh, ooh’, so it reflects that sound.” What we do know for absolutely certain is that the three years it took Marina to create Froot have not been wasted. Where Electra Heart was a feast of electronic power pop produced by the brains behind hits for Katy Perry, Beyonce and Rihanna, this album displays a pared back, minimalist sound filled with live instruments and self-penned lyrics. In fact, the whole thing has been put together with British producer Dave Kosten and various members of The Cure and Everything Everything. “It was by doing an electronic album that I realized I was disgusted by it and didn’t want to do it any more,” Marina recently told the BBC. “I actually love listening to electronic
music and pop music, but for me, I’m over it. I’ve done that now.” In typical style, Marina also opted for a slightly unusual approach to the release of Froot – which hit the shops in March. Whereas Beyonce recently exploded into the charts with a ‘visual album’, Marina chose to release Froot bit-by-bit with a ‘Froot of the Month’. The result was that by the time the album was released the fans already had a taste of the music but still had half the record to enjoy as new. It is an approach that’s worked too: Froot was No1 on the iTunes pre-order chart months before its launch and immediately went to No8 on the US Billboard album chart – Marina’s first ever US Top 10 hit. This has led to a gig at the Coachella Festival alongside Clean Bandit and bookings to play a string of dates across the States and at other major US festivals like Governors Ball and Lollapalooza. Later this year Marina will also be bringing her unique brand of thoughtful pop to the V Festival and T In The Park. While in March, she played her first London show in more than two years, at the Hackney nightclub Oslo. In typical off-the-wall style the set was an electric forest, complete with massive pink glowing trees. But then for Marina, music is about far
more than making music – even if that is something of a double-edged sword. “If I’d never worn any make-up, and turned up in a little white t-shirt and jeans, I think I’d be viewed differently,” she explains. “But when you have a theatrical, distinctive image people get distracted. They think it’s more shine than artistry. “When you’re seen as a pop star, people think of you as this weird ‘thing’ and you don’t get any adult conversations.” The truth is that behind all the glitz, Marina sees herself as a serious songwriter who is fighting hard to stop the tide of bubblegum pop from sweeping everything away before it.
“When you’re seen as a pop star, people think of you as this weird ‘thing’ and you don’t get any adult conversations” “If you listen to lyrics on any radio station, you don’t find anyone talking about anything deep or provocative,” says Marina. “Why am I the only artist on a major label that has written a whole album by themselves? I think that’s weird. That is weird. “I want to change the culture of all these bullshit co-writes where no-one’s saying anything.” This approach doesn’t just apply to her songs either. She also has a keen distaste for social media – and particularly the way that many musicians now use it as a form of electronic therapy. “When you’re an artist, you giving-a-s**t does not equate to going ‘I love you guys!’ five times a day on Twitter,” says Marina. FROOT is out now. See www. marinaandthediamonds.com
Even More Marina! We’ve chatted to Marina several times over the years. Here are a few of her previous gems: RH: What’s the most dysfunctional thing a man has done to catch your eye? Marina: One guy bought me a Venus flytrap. RH: What’s the biggest thing you miss about Wales? Marina: Going to the market and buying £3 of jelly sweets and fudge and going home to eat it all. RH: According to Wikipedia, you can ‘see’ musical notes in different colours? Marina: I just connect certain colours to different chords and notes… my second album is a very vibrant blue purple - almost neon. RH: Do you have any hidden talents? Marina: I love baking cakes; I’m really good at baking carrot cake. It’s weird how it doesn’t taste of carrot though. RH: In another life, what would you be? Marina: I’d be a psychologist, delving into people’s minds because I love to try to understand people.
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HISTORY Wales are close to qualifying for a first major championship since 1958. Riath Al-Samarrai talks to captain Ashley Williams about the campaign so far RedHanded: It’s looking good, right? Ashley Williams: Absolutely. We couldn’t be much happier about things, I think. It’s strange to think that the result in Andorra may have been pivotal – fail to win there and the pressure grows on the team and Chris Coleman as well. This campaign would have had an entirely different complexion if Gareth Bale hadn’t delivered some magic. It was very important that we got off to the right start and there was pressure on that game. You are playing a team that is going out to stop you and the pitch was not good. It was a really tough pitch and everyone expected us to win. But we came through that and it has set us up going forward. We needed to win and we won, which is the most important thing. How do you assess the campaign so far? I think it’s been nearly perfect, to be honest. A good start was important and that is what we have done. If you look at it, we have not always started very well in campaigns so that was a big focus for us. We have managed to do that and we are where we want to be. There is a long way to go but we have given ourselves that chance. I think a big part of it is that we are not conceding many. And we have won away from home as well. Those are big in any campaign so that is pleasing. Just about all the targets we set ourselves we have achieved so far. But qualifying for a tournament is such a big deal – we have a long way to go and no-one in this squad is getting ahead of themselves. Are you consciously thinking that the side could be about to make history? It’s been a great campaign. I haven’t been in this position before and neither have the other guys. We all have the goal in the back of our minds and we would all be incredibly proud to achieve it. But we have a long way to go. Chris Coleman drew some flak earlier in his tenure but obviously has got the team going very well. How do you find him to work with? Very good. I think he has a huge amount of support from the lads. He came into the job in extremely difficult circumstances (after the death of Gary Speed) but he has handled things brilliantly. There was a period of adjustment when he came in but we always had the feeling that he was doing everything he could for us as a squad. Likewise, we have been doing everything we can to help him. He has been good for a good squad and I think the results are showing that. We are in a great position at the moment. We could achieve something very special as a group and it is all in our hands. That is a good position to be in. We are all extremely focused on what it is we have to do, believe me. We have a very good group of players but more than that we have a very good attitude in the squad.
Winning has a habit of helping team spirit. There is a good togetherness about the group. It is like a group of mates and that helps when it comes to meeting up after we have been with our clubs. It also helps having Gareth Bale. He is a top player as everyone knows. It is a huge advantage having him in the team. We know that if we can keep things tight in a game then he can do some magic at the other end. That is great for a team. He has drawn some criticism recently for his performances in Spain. I don’t watch a huge amount of La Liga matches, to be honest. But I’m sure Gareth will always come good with time. He is a brilliant player. In the context of European qualification, how important is the game against Belgium? Yeah, it’s massive, obviously. They have great players in their side – Eden Hazard for example. Really top players. It is a very difficult game and one we want to win. We got a clean sheet away from home so that gives us confidence playing at home and we genuinely feel that we can beat anyone. That’s a good place to be in. With Swansea beating their Premier League points record, it’s a good time all round. Exactly. We have had a very good season at Swansea. People like to write you off but we have a very strong group and good people at the club. We keep doing what we are doing and the manager (Garry Monk) has been superb for us. How has your relationship with Garry Monk changed now that he’s the Swansea manager? It does change, of course it does, and that is only right. I will always have a good relationship with him but it’s essential to respect that he is now the gaffer. And he’s doing a great job. You could see from the start just how hard he works. He was coming in first in the morning and would text you late. Always going. He puts everything into the job and you can see what we’re getting out – a record points total for the Premier League. People outside the club might have questioned his experience when he came in but what he’s done has been unbelievable. You’re not exactly old yourself but any thoughts about management down the line? I’ve only just signed a new contract. I don’t know what I will do down the line but I am going to take my coaching badges so that I have that option. I’ll probably start with them next season, but like I said I’m a long way from stopping playing just yet. Wales play Belgium in Cardiff on Friday June 12th see www.faw.org. uk for more info and tickets. Image: FA Wales
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BOYS
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The Longest Journey
Comedy club veteran Rod Woodward talks to RedHanded about his debut tour
RedHanded: The Journey Starts Here tour is your debut tour… Rod Woodward: Yeah, my agent threw the title in a bit ironically because I’ve been doing stand-up for 17 years. But it’s a new journey in the sense that you have to generate your audience now, whereas at a comedy club or even at corporate events the audience is generated for you so you don’t have to think about whether or not they’re going to be there. But now you’ve got to hope people want to part with their hard earned cash and come along. It’s going to be an adventure.
That’s fair enough! Are you nervous? Very nervous, but in an excited way because having your own tour gives you the chance to bring your own attitude to it, instead of having to conform to the venue. Even comedy clubs are very specific with the stuff they want on a given evening, so this is good because you just go out and do what you believe in and hope the audience goes with you! Are you going to miss comedy clubs when you’re on tour? I will, but I suppose we’re all doing these
comedy clubs over the years in the hope that we’ll have a rattle at doing our own thing, our own tour one day. So if it goes well it’s the natural progression. I’ll miss those gigs because you meet good people there, but I think now is the time to give this a go. I’ve had a couple of shots of good fortune and I’d be stupid not to run with it now. With your shots of good fortune are you talking about the Royal Variety Show? Yeah, that was definitely a good thing for me! It’s already opened doors for me that I couldn’t
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have imagined. I’ve just recorded Sunday Night at the Palladium, which comes out on DVD on May 10, and I did the pilot for the new Saturday show Play to the Whistle which obviously got the commission, so it was good to do that for ITV. All of these things are a bit surreal at times, but lovely. It sounds it! And it sounds hectic… Yeah, it’s been busy! It’s come at a strange time. It’s bittersweet, because my dad was ill for a while - he was in hospital - so I stayed with him every night which took up a lot of time, but I didn’t want to leave him. Then you get these calls saying can you come and record the Palladium and these kinds of opportunities don’t come along often, so my dad was saying “get up and do it”. It was weird, I’d go and do the show within 4/5 hours and be back in the hospital thinking, did I just go to London and do the Palladium show? It was a strange month of my life, but he would have loved all of this; even though he was pretty ill near the end, he managed to get up to the Royal Variety. That was the last show he saw me do out of hundreds over the years, and it was something I used to watch with him as a kid, so it was a buzz. What would you say is the highlight of your career so far, Royal Variety aside? With the exception of the Royal Variety, because that one is head and shoulders above the rest, I’d say the gigs I did with Paddy McGuiness. We did 110 nights on the road together, playing 2/3 thousand people venues. I was doing 45 minute sets and when you get an audience that big, it’s a different kind of energy. If you get half of three thousand laughing it’s like a wave over you, whereas if you’re doing
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Edinburgh and you’ve got 12 in a room and you get half of them laughing, you think, why am I doing comedy?
develop a thick skin pretty fast as well and learn to filter criticism. I think the best comics are the ones that learn to edit their stuff quickly.
I can’t imagine how that feels. Have you had flops in the past? I think anyone who says they don’t hasn’t been doing it long enough. Comedy is all about the right context as well as the right material. Sometimes you find yourself in places where the vibe isn’t right and they’re not quite your crowd. It’s inevitable. Edinburgh is always interesting because of the numbers. I’ve done gigs for two people, and you have to do an hour set and one of them is a critic and you’re thinking, this is good… and you get tough gigs too. Once I did the Territorial Army Christmas lunch. I walked in and two women were rolling around on the dance floor fighting, half the room was eyeballing the other half, and the guy just said, “we’ll have a bit of light relief now and bring you on!”
Who’s the best heckler you’ve had? I was halfway through a set in a workmen's club in Wales. I’d only been doing it about two years and a bloke shouted out “don’t you know any songs?” Sometimes you’ve just got to take your hat off and say that’s funnier than anything I’m coming out with. But other times they’re too pissed to realise they’re a nuisance. I saw Lee Evans doing a tryout last year at the Glee Club and this guy just kept on and on. Lee just went “you want me gone, do you? Don’t worry, I’ll leave”, and the crowd ended up turning on this guy; they nearly took him outside and strung him up.
You’re basically crowd control! Yes! You turn up to a gig sometimes and they say “we’ve had about five comedians at this gig in the past and they’ve all struggled but we thought we’d give it one more go, you’re the man!” You do get those gigs, but I’m a bit more selective now than I used to be. I used to take anything on. Did you ever get discouraged at the start? If you’ve had a tough gig and you jump in the car and you’ve got a 5 hour drive back somewhere, you get a bit down, but when you do get that energy and that pay off for something you’ve written and delivered, you want more of it. It’s a drug. That’s what kept me going through those times. You’ve got to
So your tour is starting in May… It is, and it runs through to late June, 14 nights in total. A few of those are in Wales which I’m looking forward to; Swansea, Brecon, West Wales and Cardiff. Cardiff, being my hometown, I’m hoping will be a good night. I’m really excited about it. Is Cardiff the biggest thrill? Yeah, it’s the biggest venue I’m doing on that leg of the tour and everybody I know will be there. The thing that makes it so exciting for me is that I’ve watched comics there over the years and I’ve always thought I’d like to be up there giving it a go, so I’m really looking forward to it. The Journey Starts Here: 22nd May, St David’s Hall, Cardiff; 27 May, Swansea Grand Theatre; further Welsh dates in June – www.rodwoodward.co.uk for info
Class it up when your feet are up 2
1 It’s time to answer the age old question: What makes a house a home? You want to create the perfect environment of comfort without sacrificing style and the best way to achieve this is upgrading your furniture. Take the plunge and surround yourself with sophistication, says Ana Klein. Flatpack furniture has its uses. It’s cheap as chips and easy to stuff into the back of your mate’s car; that’s a solid virtue when you’re stumbling around in your early twenties, convinced that you’ll never figure out life. But there comes a time in every man’s life when quality becomes the priority. It’s time to get classy. Nicole Daniels of Momentum [Contemporary Furniture and Lighting] has this to say: “People invest a lot of time and are brand conscious when it comes to clothes and cars; the brands we know and recognise make it easy for us to see where to spend our money if we want quality. With furniture it is harder. You need to investigate a bit more to understand what to invest in." With that in mind, here is a walkthrough of the modern man’s home essentials.
LIVING ROOM As implied by the name, you do a lot of living in this room. Here are a few basics to give you optimal comfort and fashion.
THE ULTIMATE RECLINER First up is pure relaxation: a chair that reacts to your body’s slightest movements to ensure comfort at all times. “Natuzzi Re-vive is the result of years of research and development, combining quality craftsmanship with leading edge ergonomic design,” says Liz Mynett at Natuzzi, Re-Vive’s suppliers. Sleek, modern, and terribly on trend, this piece is a statement for any living room. You can nab the casual model, The Lounge, online for £2680, or its more formal cousin, The Suit, also online for £2710. They both have personality and they’ll both be with you for life. Quality like that sticks around. If traditional design is the route you’d rather take, check out the Eames Lounge chair (1) for all of your lazy day needs. Inspired by the classic English club chair, this design has itself become a contemporary classic, combining a level of comfort and elegance that will earn you envy from visitors. Recline in smooth black or fresh white upholstery depending on your taste and struggle to remember why you ever used to leave the house. Contact Momentum for more details.
THE STATEMENT SOFA A sturdy sofa makes a perfect accompaniment to the Re-Vive. Here we’re opting for timelessness – both in style and quality. There will never be a point when the leather sofa goes out of fashion, so this piece is another
lifer. The Avana is “characterised by its modern edge and finer details” (Liz Mynett, Natuzzi); you can choose the feet and stitching colours of your sofa – finer details indeed! Classic and comfortable, you can create the perfect environment with the Avana model (2) at £2560 from Natuzzi. If you’re looking for something a bit more creative, Momentum’s Tufty-Time sofa is the one for you. It’s modern, comfy, and completely open to customisation. You begin with the ottoman and mix and match with other units to design your own sofa shape. Play it safe with a traditional sofa shape, or shake things up with a chaise longue or corner piece. It’s completely up to you.
THE COFFEE TABLE This table, can be matched with pretty much any style. Smooth and clean designs are trends that go hand in hand and the Apostrofo table wins on both counts. It’s unobtrusive enough that it won’t detract from the major players in the room, but still carries its own edge. Find this steal at Natuzzi for £340.
THE SWISS ARMY KNIFE OF TV STANDS On the topic of trends, fashion has moved to function, and rightly so. There’s no reason why something can’t look good and be useful. That’s why we recommend the Novecento wall unit. It includes benches, drawers, cabinets, shelves, and sideboards – you can set up your TV, game stations, DVD collections, books, and whatever else you desire, all in one beautiful modular unit. It can be set up in countless variations so the final look will be a completely unique living space. This piece starts at £890 from Natuzzi and ends wherever your creative vision takes it.
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KITCHEN You now have the basics to create your own bespoke living area. It’s time to bring your kitchen up to the same level as your living room.
FROM THE GROUND UP The best method to getting the perfect kitchen is getting the perfect designer. You need a well fitted room that speaks of taste and quality and the way to achieve this is to start from scratch. Have someone who knows their stuff, like the experts at Space Fitting Furniture, take a look at your place and show you the potential of your room. Steve Bloom (SFF) says that a good kitchen “reflects our lifestyle changes, so our busy lifestyles, desire for open plan living, more adventurous cooking styles, along with developments in the AV industry transpire into our design (3).”
THE DINING SET Now that you’re not a poor twenty-something eating cereal on the floor, it’s time to invest in a dining set. Classy, I know. Clean curves and a smooth finish characterise this Harlem table. You can choose from circular or oval and from a range of shades to match any theme. This little catch is available for £1050. Pair it with Brera leather chairs; the Brera set is comfort meets chic. Pick up a set of four for £1280 and say goodbye to those memories of backache from half arsed chairs of the past. Find these guys at Natuzzi.
BEDROOM Steve Bloom, of Space Fitting Furniture, says: “If a living space is designed properly it will be timeless and enhance your lifestyle.” There is no better style than one that lasts as long as you do!
THE BED "Maximum comfort, style, timelessness, longevity: these are the most important factors that go into designing your future," says Nicole of Momentum. They’ve been in the contemporary furniture business for more than a decade, so they know a thing or two about a good, solid bed. We’ve gone for simplicity and minimalism in this room, starting with the Aluminium Laccato bed (4). It has that “less is more” vibe, and needs no extra clutter to look great. Not to mention a very durable frame for all your needs! It’s available from Momentum for £2190.
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THE BEDSIDE TABLE The Truck bedside table (5) is the perfect friend to the Laccato bed. As with all of the pieces featured, there are a variety of colours you can go for and it doubles as a storage unit with two sizable drawers. If you’re into space saving, you can tuck half under the bed, or you can keep this little statement piece out in the fresh air. You can get yours for £1,164 from Momentum.
THE WARDROBE There are only so many socks you can stuff in your bedside table, so the final necessity is a wardrobe, or on a larger scale, a bedroom that takes advantage of its own space with sensible storage options. Why not talk to the experts at Space Fitting Furniture, as one of their specialities is bedroom designs. “Fitting furniture effectively and to a budget is what it's all about”, says Steve Bloom, of SFF. Space Fitting Furniture emphasise uniqueness and function, and their countless wardrobe and bedroom designs leave rooms looking fresh and open (6).
HOMAGE TO AN OFFICE SPACE If contemporary furniture isn’t for you, why not try the vintage route? Furnish your office space with something a little different, like this dynamic combo: a Canvas Voyager desk inspired by antique luggage, and its accompanying industrial style Forge Factory stool, both available from Homes of Elegance. The two are a shout out to more traditional décor and are sure to give your lair a rustic pop. The desk is available for £475 and the chair for £239. Their range of furniture comes as a “mix of authentic, vintage and contemporary styles”, says Rachel of Homes of Elegance, so it’s worth checking them out no matter your style because they probably have something to suit you!
LET THERE BE LIGHT! One thing that is often overlooked when decking out a house is the lighting, and yet it can make a huge impact on the finish of a room. Nicole Daniels of Momentum says of designing a room: “It is important to consider how the space will be used and how it needs to be lit.” For the kitchen you may need brighter light for cooking. Living
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space lighting is likely to need relaxation and work areas. Bedroom? Well, atmosphere is pretty important there, but what kind of atmosphere you want to create is up to you! We’ve chosen a few of our favourite lights from Momentum for you to spice up your home. We’ll begin with the Öff Öff, a light that easily encompasses style and use. It carries a modern edge that suits it well to dining areas or work stations, and it’s not garishly bright, ensuring a calm, diffused atmosphere. It looks great alone or in a set of two! You can find them for £468. Next up we have the classic Goldman lamp (7). It’s a funky little statement piece ideal for any and all surfaces. The best home for it would be your work station or office due to its warm but bright lighting that fits long hours of reading or writing, but it has that professional looking edge reminiscent of businessmen of bygone eras. Finish off a room with this lamp for £356. Lastly, the Wireflow (8) deserves a mention for being so versatile. It comes in several different beautifully geometric shapes to suit whatever vibe you’re aiming for in your room. The light itself isn’t overbearing, but is instead soft and casual, making it a necessity for your living areas. Find your unique Wireflow model from £1448. All of these lighting essentials can be found at Momentum. Mix and match and don’t be afraid to have multiple light fixtures in a room! If your plans have been tame so far, keep in mind the advice of Momentum’s Nicole: “It is important to be brave: don't be scared of lighting and play it safe - be bold.” Let there be light!
"Blinds will automatically close, lights will dim, the sound system will switch to the right mode and link to your streaming device, player or screen - which can be a projector or state of the art TV. Other neat audio/ visual tricks include having your music and TV follow you from room to room or having all your A/V set to each family member’s personal preferences and controlled via the remote (11).” But you don’t have to stop here. Smarta can rig your home so that you can manage everything you need – lighting, heating and security, for example – remotely. Turn your heating on if there’s a cold snap while you’re on holiday, view your security cameras while you’re at work, change your mood lighting from the couch - the list is almost endless. Control4’s system even allows individual users to set their own preferences. When you arrive home at night, it can recognise you and adjust your home’s settings according to your presets (12). Mark expands: “Perhaps the three great benefits of a service like ours are the flexibility to precisely control so many aspects of how you live – sound, vision, security, light and warmth - the fact that you can do it remotely both in your home or elsewhere via your smart-phone and that all the technology is hidden away. Having spent a lot of money making your home look great why would you want to ruin it with a mass of cables and boxes?” You can find out more about bringing your home into the 25th century at thinksmarta.co.uk or by phoning 029 2000 6588.
GADGETS AND TECHNOLOGY So far you’ve been given direction on the furnishings and lighting to achieve the perfect home. If however you don’t want to be stuck with a tech experience that’s out of step or one that ruins your look with a trail of wires and black boxes, now is the time to rethink your gadgets - which is where Smarta can help. As the longest established home automation company in Wales and the only Control 4 Gold standard installer, Smarta are in the business of incorporating the latest technological wizardry into your home as inconspicuously as possible. An obvious place to start is your audio/visual experience. Mark Wray, Smarta’s MD, explains “We can install a system that, at the touch of a button on your tablet or remote, will turn your lounge into the perfect home cinema (10).
Find out more about the furniture and lighting discussed by getting in touch: Momentum: momentumcardiff.com; 029 2023 6266 Natuzzi: natuzzi.co.uk; 029 2048 8698 Space Fitting Furniture: spacefittingfurniture.co.uk; 029 2045 5778 Homes of Elegance: homesofelegance.co.uk; 01873 854173
REDHANDED 2015 • Issue 1 31
Travel
GOING GLACIAL
Jeremy Head finds it cool to glacier walk in Patagonia
It’s 7am. At this time of year in Patagonia, as autumn sets in properly, it’s still pitch dark. We bump along a dirt track in our 4x4, plumes of spray splattering the windscreen as we bounce through puddles. We’re following the course of the Rio Norte some 30 miles or so from the sleepy little town of Puerto Tranquillo to the beginning of the Exploradores Glacier. Patagonia is a massive chunk of land that takes up the bottom quarter of South America stretching across Chile and Argentina. It’s always been a bit of a final frontier place, but the Aysen region in Chile is perhaps the most off the beaten track part of all. It’s a land of vast lakes and ancient glaciers with the mighty Andes providing the most spectacular of spiky backdrops. And even at this hour of the morning, it’s incredibly beautiful. On either side of the valley vast lumps of snow-patterned granite begin to fade into view as the cloud lifts and light drains in. Patagonia is formed by glaciers. And you see them everywhere. Huge spiky mountains shelter vast blue-green rivers of eons old ice. At times the river is a thick flowing torrent, at others it stretches out more - where the mountains allow it. Spooky forests of dead trunks push up out of the glassy water here. “Their roots get flooded when the water level rises and it kills them,” explains Leo our guide. At the trail head we get kitted out. Leo
shows us how to put on crampons and we pull on warmer gear – over-trousers and woolly hats. And we slap on sunscreen, it will be bright out there. An hour or so of puffing and panting through verdant scrubland and over massive boulders – a pick and mix assortment of boulders - dusty brown, black, marble white shimmering in intense sunlight and we reach the glacier. There’s a constant backing track of the rush and trickle of melting ice. It’s oddly soothing. We’ve been walking on what I
thought was a vast bank of mud at the fringes of the ice. Leo scrapes off an inch or so of dirt and there’s super thick ice below it. “We’ve already been on the glacier for a while – we call this stuff dirty ice,” he explains. We stop to fix our crampons. I expect them to be difficult to walk in, but they are easy to get the hang of. Leo shows us how to just push down a little harder with each step to make sure we have a firm grip. Over the next hour or so we wander across this vast
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field of sparkling brightness – dazzling in the sunshine. There are sinewy caverns in the ice worn out by the running water – sink holes that descend way down into the ice pack with streams rushing down their middle. Confident now in my crampons I bounce across the ice – great swirling hillocks of the stuff. The curves and bowls remind me of a skatepark. The wind whips around us rippling the surface of pools of water lying on the glacier. Leo kneels down and scoops out a handful of shimmering ice crystals. “Isn’t it beautiful?” he laughs. “I love it here!” Everyone I meet in Patagonia says similar things. They love their amazing landscape and want to share it. Something this incredible isn’t for keeping locked away, hidden for yourself. We drive further south, almost to the end of the road – quite literally. To a tiny former logging village called Tortel right on the shore of the Pacific Ocean; a tangle of narrow wooden boardwalks and lodges perched precariously on the steep hillsides, boats bobbing in the cove below. Noel and Maria Paz run a cosy, refined little guest house here called Entre Hielos. Maria Paz designed its cute, comfy rooms and runs the kitchen. Noel takes guests in his little boat to see the massive expanse of the Steffen glacier, several hours up the coastline. Unfortunately our arrival coincides with bad weather warnings, so next morning when we set out to explore on his little boat we’re restricted to coves and islets closer to the village. Oddly the weather’s quite still. You wouldn’t imagine it was blowing a gale out to sea. Here, surrounded by steep-sided mountain islands, smothered in rainforest-like greenery
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it’s utterly tranquil. Occasional strips of milky sunlight flood through the cloud revealing snow-capped mountains in the distance with vast green-white glaciers sandwiched between razor sharp peaks. I sit on the roof of the little boat and feel the breeze tug at the bottoms of my trouser legs. The hush and slap of the waves against the bows and the low burble of the outboard motor are all I can hear. Upriver the water is smooth velvet. More sunshine now, bouncing off its surface. The boat bumps up against Isla de los Muertos. Noel makes us strong local tea called mate on his little wood-burning stove inside the boat. We take a wander through a small glade to reach a tiny overgrown cemetery with ancient wooden crosses sticking out of the ground at odd angles. Legend has it that a group of local labourers were left to starve here by their western paymasters who’d sent them to blaze trails for the log trade. It’s movingly atmospheric. Back at the guesthouse I chat to Maria Paz. “We both love this place and love sharing it with other people,” she says. I’m glad they feel that way. It’s been a huge privilege to be part of it. I don’t want to go home.
CRUCIAL INFO Getting there: Return flights from Heathrow to Santiago via Sao Paulo with TAM Airlines (tam.com) and internal flights to Balmaceda with LAN Airlines (lan.com) from £1,023 per person. LAN and TAM form part of LATAM Airlines Group, the largest airline group in South America. Do the trip: South America specialist Pura Aventura (01273 676712, pura-aventura.com) offers a 13-day self-drive trip to Chile’s Aysen region from £2,398 per person including 3 nights at Parque Patagonia Lodge and 2 nights at Entre Hielos, a private guide at the Parque, excursions to Exploradores Glacier and the Icefields, 5 nights at family run lodges, 2 nights in Santiago (B&B accommodation) internal flights between Santiago and Balmaceda, 4x4 hire.
The Ultimate Guide to Getting Hitched: From “How to” to “I do” The missus
Cruising
You’ve finally figured out that she is, indeed, “the one”. Now it’s about making it from the proposal to the aisle with minimal casualties to your budget and your style. Don’t forget the importance of the proposal itself; there are no pointers we can give here, because it’s about your bride and your memories. Tailor it to whatever she loves, or even better, something you both love, because there is nothing more attractive than knowing your partner cares about your passions and interests. So go wild... within reason, of course.
The bling
If you’re at a point where you and your lady are getting married, you should probably know what her taste is when it comes to rings. Hopefully she has been dropping some serious hints, but if she hasn’t, her best friend is bound to know. If you’re looking to surprise your bride-to-be and asking her friend about styles is too risky (when it comes to secrets – or lack thereof – girls talk), have no fear! Crouch the Goldsmiths (fraserhart.co.uk: 029 2039 9769) have a specific inspiration and advice section on their website and the staff will be more than happy to talk you through your options as well. You could also hop on over to Clive Ranger (cliveranger.co.uk: 029 2034 4546), Cardiff ’s resident diamond specialists. If you’re looking ahead to wedding bands, they offer a range of bands that can be engraved for that extra personal touch. Award-winning Northern Star Bespoke Jewellery (northernstarjewellery. co.uk: 029 2070 9707) specialise in bespoke rings, taking advantage of cutting edge computer-aided design techniques. Both Clive Ranger and Northern Star can custom build
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you a ring based on any idea or design; the only thing you need is a solid imagination. Change the metal and band style, the mount or the rock itself - everything can be customised and tailored to your exact needs. You can design it as a surprise, as long as you have a good idea of the bride’s taste, or design it together to make the ring even more special! They can also re-work a family heirloom into something unique and modern. An important aspect to remember when looking at rings is the pricing. These days there is a huge range of styles and sizes, meaning there is a ring available for every type of budget. Just talk to the staff about your needs and they will be able to assist you in finding the right ring without leaving you unable to afford a suit.
The well groomed groom
Shockingly enough, your bride will most likely be in charge of her outfit, which leaves you the task of dressing yourself. It’s a tough life. Make sure it fits the theme or colour scheme (or both!) and figure out if buying or renting would fit best. Luckily most suits are versatile enough to become future wardrobe staples, but if yours isn’t, consider renting it; that’d be a big money saver as well. Perfection Bridal and Menswear (perfectionbridalandmenswear. co.uk: 029 2039 6315) is the place to go if you want traditional wedding suits, but if we’re talking traditional, there are kilts galore in your family line’s tartan available at Welsh Tartan (welsh-tartan.com: 017 92 474685).
Whether your style is classic or something a bit more modern and flashy, your wedding is a great opportunity to be chauffeured around like a king for the day. Perfect Wedding Cars (perfectweddingcars.com: 029 2002 4341) will sort you out for the big day. Their entourage includes a Bentley Arnage and a Porsche Cayenne. Just remember to get the seal of approval for car choices from your bride! Don’t go for a modern Mercedes if your wedding is a vintage Pinterest extravaganza (you know the drill, milkshakes out of jam jars, barnyard dances, etc).
The stumbling stag
The best way to relieve pre-wedding stress is, of course, the day when your best mates get to spoil you, or more likely, tease you relentlessly as they film you performing various drunken stunts. If you’ve chosen your best man wisely, he will know you well enough to plan something that fits your personality. It never hurts to have some inspiration, though! Why not point him towards Cardiff International White Water (ciww.com: 029 2082 9970)? They offer a huge range of adrenalin fuelled activities, from the intensity of white water rafting to the dryer air trail. With its prime location at Cardiff Bay, there are plenty of eateries and bars to top off the night, as well as hotels to stumble back to. Other adrenalin filled options include Go Ape (goape.co.uk: 084 3770 3877) for all of your primal, Tarzan based fantasies about swinging through treetops; Shaggy Sheep (shaggysheepwales.co.uk: 07919 244549), which hosts a range of activities such as paintballing and off-road driving; and a shout out to Welsh Games (welshgames.co.uk: 029 2010 9333), who can offer Total Wipeout style games with a Welsh twist, such as Sheep Rodeo and Leek Lampin’.
Venues
Stradey Park Hotel
The place: This converted Edwardian mansion combines its traditional roots with a modern style to create a sleek look and comfortable atmosphere. This is one of the most scenically placed hotels, boasting a view of the Gower Peninsula and the sprawling town of Llanelli. The hotel itself is only a few minutes from the beach, so it’s an ideal venue if you’re one for relaxing in great surroundings. The highlights: Aside from the amazing location, the hotel has a spa, just in case you’re not already completely chilled out in the beach environment. Info: stradeyparkhotel.com, 01554 758171
place, perfect for those wanting that extra bit of class on the big day. You can also choose between The Manor House itself for a bit of history, or the elegant Resort Hotel, depending on your taste. The highlights: Between the spa and the golfing, there is no shortage of entertainment for before and after the celebration. Info: celtic-manor.com, 01633 413000
Oldwalls
Maldron Hotel
Town and Country Hotels
The places: Town and Country Hotels reserve their title for only the most well deserved. Their two country digs, Coed-Y-Mwstwr (Bridgend) and New House (Cardiff) are perfect traditional get ups surrounded by luscious views and huge grounds. The Bear Hotel (Cowbridge) is less about country and more about history, with its roots reaching back to the 12th century. All of these places are bursting with the rich charm that is unique to older establishments. The highlights: Famously high quality catering that has served royalty – you can literally eat like a king. Info: townandcountryhotels.co.uk
The place: This little number is perfect for those wanting a modern vibe. Aside from the clean designs and city ambience, this hotel is in the perfect location for those wishing to continue celebratory shenanigans. Maldron Hotel sits right in Cardiff ’s city centre, a stone’s throw from a myriad of bars and clubs. The highlights: Who says the partying has to stop at the end of the reception? Just walk round the corner and dive into the nightlife. Info: maldronhotelcardiffcity.com, 029 2066 8866
The place: This gem is tucked away in 50 acres of land on the Gower, a truly magnificent and understated area of countryside. They have the magnificent Oakroom for your ceremony, and a state-of-the-art heated marquee out in the grounds for an unforgettable reception. They also have a massive collection of wedding packages to choose from, making the planning that bit easier for you. The highlights: The Rose Suite makes for the perfect wedding night with a private garden, hot tub, and sauna! Info: oldwallsgower.com, 01792 391468
Vale Hotel/Hensol Castle
National Museum Wales
The places: The National Museum Cardiff, St Fagans Natural History Museum and Swansea’s National Waterfront Museum are worth considering if you’re a culture or history junkie. The museums offer settings of art and history in spades, and each has a unique personality based on where they’re respectively built. The highlights: You can have the likes of a Monet chilling in the background of your reception. Info: museumwales.ac.uk
The place: This venue gives you the best of both worlds with a charming 17th century castle for a truly romantic ceremony, and a swanky modern hotel for your reception. With vast grounds and a stunning lake, you’ll be surrounded by natural Welsh beauty on your special day. The highlights: They have the space to accommodate hundreds of guests, so no need to stress over which Auntie Glenda you’re going to have to scratch off the guest list! Info: vale-hotel.com, 01443 667800
Celtic Manor
The place: This resort has sheltered world champions and world leaders, so you know it’s going to be a winner when it comes to accommodation and food. It’s a truly luxurious
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Nature Watch
Photography by Mission Photographic www.missionphotographic.com
Andrew Jeans, Lacoste - £57 Shoes, Kurt Geiger - £49 T-shirt, French Connection - £21 Sunglasses, French Connection - £14 all from Bridgend Designer Outlet
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Andrew Above Jacket, Ted Baker - £99 Shorts, Ted Baker - £45 T-shirt, Crew - £15 Shoes, Timberland - £70 all from Bridgend Designer Outlet Right Chinos, Ted Baker - £49 Shirt, French Connection - £36 T-shirt, Henri Lloyd - £18 Shoes, Henri Lloyd - £45 Watch, French Connection - £55 all from Bridgend Designer Outlet
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Danny Jacket, MA. Strum - £270 Jeans, Nudie - £105 T-shirt, Lacoste - £45 all from Pavilion Clothing
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Danny Above Shorts, Norse Project - £85 Shirt, Barbour - £110 Shoes, Timberland - £100 all from Pavilion Clothing Right Sweatshirt, Lacoste - £85.00 Shirt, Lacoste - £85.00 Chinos, Dockers - £69.00 Shoes, Clarks - £85.00 all from Pavilion Clothing
Thanks to our models Andrew and Dan Clothes supplied by: Pavilion Clothing, Wharton Street, Cardiff. T. 029 20235333 www.pavilionclothing.com Bridgend Designer Outlet, The Derwen, Bridgend. www.mcarthurglen.com/Bridgend
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 42 REDHANDED 2015 • Issue 1
Lifestyle
Extreme Sailing Series
The Extreme Sailing Series is once again powering into Cardiff for Act 4 of its race The waters will be churning with Olympians and World Champions from June 18-21; Cardiff Bay will be home to the event and the weather is sure to strike a contrast between the mellow summer and the turbulence of the competition. Last year it was The Wave, Muscat from the Sultanate of Oman which triumphed for a third consecutive year in Cardiff. This year it faces stiff competition from a line-up of eight teams, including: Red Bull Sailing Team; SAP Extreme Sailing Team; Oman Air; GAC Pindar; Gazprom - Team
Russia; Team Turx Powered by Kaya Ropes; and Lino Sonego - Team Italia. Each team is formed of champions from across the globe, boasting collections of titles that guarantee an absolutely superb race. At the finale last year, Extreme Sailing Series Event Director Andy Tourell said: “This weekend has created some ‘Champagne Sailing’ for the crews, terrific conditions and some of the best stadium sailing, with racing right up to the harbour wall exciting the thousands of spectators around the waterfront who were close enough to really feel what the sailors were going through on the water.” Aside from watching the world’s best sailors making history, there will be plenty to do for landlubbers away from the race itself. There will be entertainment, food stalls, live music sessions, not to mention the usual hotspots of things to do in the Bay. The main set up will be surrounding the Norwegian Church, so get yourself down there if you don’t fancy getting covered in sea spray and Olympian sweat, because that’s just how close the sailors get to the harbour! So far the competition has been fierce, and the heat will only continue to build during the next month. By the time they get to Cardiff, the sea itself will be boiling with the energy of the race. Come to the Bay and watch the racing between 2pm and 5pm across the three days, while the land entertainment will take place from 11:30am to 6pm on the Saturday and Sunday only. Extreme Sailing Series, Cardiff Bay, June 18-21. For further information visit www.extremesailingseries.com and www. cardiff-festival.com
Cardiff International White Water
Stuck for something to do this summer? Hopefully you’re not, but Cardiff International White Water is here to defeat any and all forms of boredom, as long as you don’t mind getting a bit wet. There are the famous white water rapids themselves, internationally (the clue is in the name, really) regarded as Olympic standard and used for all sorts of training. If that doesn’t catch your fancy, why not try some indoor surfing or river boarding? Not quite your jam? There’s always canoeing and kayaking available. Still not for you? You can go hotdogging with a mate or paddleboarding. Is it the water that puts you off? They have an intense air trail that will still have you wet, but it’ll be with your own sweat as you swing around like a jungle king. All of these incredible activities are based in the Sports Village at Cardiff Bay. If you’re
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feeling truly adventurous, they also have a gorge walk over in Neath Valley. There is no exaggeration when we say that Cardiff International White Water has something for everyone! It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or a professional; the guys at Cardiff International cater to all levels of skill with sessions available for beginners, intermediates, and advanced in whichever water sport you go for! And if you’re really that good, there is a “park and play” option where you can nab yourself an ID card and just rock up with your own equipment and jump straight in the water sans training. Why are you still sat there reading this? For all your adrenalin junkie needs, visit ciww.com or phone them on 029 2082 9970.
Lifestyle
Why settle for anything less? Milford Marina is located on the picturesque Milford Haven Waterway in Pembrokeshire and offers much more than just a berthing location. A key part of Milford’s appeal is that time on the water is not dictated by tides or the Severn’s huge currents - experienced and novice yachtsmen alike can sail whenever they feel like it for as long as they want. The waterway rests within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Britain’s only coastal National Park - and has some stunning waters up river from the Marina. Going west, the Waterway goes out through the Heads to the scenic Pembrokeshire coast line and islands of Skomer, Skokholm, Ramsey and Grassholm. As a customer of Milford Marina, you will benefit from a range of first class facilities complemented by a variety of quality shops, cafes and restaurants on the quayside. This is all reflected in the 4 gold anchors awarded to us by The Yacht Harbour Association. Milford Marina has so much to offer, and provides easy access to Ireland, the south coast and beyond. A firm favourite with keen sailors, the Milford Haven Waterway provides a good base to enjoy all varieties of sailing, from sheltered cruising on the River Cleddau, to the more adventurous waters off the Pembrokeshire Coast. Visitor berths are always available, and guests are always offered a warm welcome by the Marina Team.
NEW FOR 2015 The new dock lock is now operational, meaning marine leisure users can now enjoy even easier access to a fantastic variety of sailing waters around the Pembrokeshire coast. This project is the single largest investment ever by the Port of Milford Haven at Milford Marina and is key to making the area a marine leisure hub for west Wales. Part of Visit Wales’ Coastal Tourism Project, and part funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government, the new dock lock has been installed to encourage tourism along the Welsh coastline. Find out more at www.milfordmarina.com
NOFIT STATE CIRCUS Cardiff’s favourite Big Top is back, triumphantly cresting the wave of its own success. NoFit State Circus is returning to its home city after an international tour. Last year’s sell out show, Bianco, is back - transformed into an even more stunning extravaganza, with new acts and performers joining the family and eight weeks of preparation to perfect this year’s show. If you’re looking for a memorable night out, these guys cater to every age and taste. As recent winners of Cardiff Life’s Best Arts Award, the members of NoFit State are working hard to make sure audiences are blown away this year. Creative Producer Tom Rack says of this year’s expectations: “It’s going to be a very different show, building on last year’s, but with some incredible performers and fantastic new acts.” Aside from these hints, the show is shrouded in a mystery that can only be solved in attending what’s sure to be their best run yet. NoFit State was founded in 1986 and has since become the UK’s leading contemporary circus, building a firm reputation for stellar performances and becoming a valuable asset to a wide variety of communities due to their training and education projects. They have sparked the renaissance in circus entertainment and helped it to flourish and thrive and continue to do so with their creative ingenuity and fresh ideas. The perfect accompaniment to a great show is great food and this year Cardiff Street Food will be making sure that the latter is readily available. They will be setting up circus themed food markets each weekend evening during the run. Their mobile feasting quarters will be nestled behind the Big Top in St John’s Yard, and you will find artisan food traders, vintage trailers, chefs and mixologists all making their mark. Bianco will be playing Tuesday to Sundays from June 12-27 at the Big Top in John Street, Cardiff. Tickets are £13.50 – £22 and are available at nofitstate.org or by calling 0333 222 9000.
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Lifestyle
Welsh Hearts (Calonnau Cymru) If you fancy being treated like royalty for a night (be honest now, who doesn’t?) we have the event for you. Welsh Hearts/Calonnau Cymru are hosting a ball like no other on Saturday June 13. It’s one of the black tie events of the year and it’s more than an ordinary ball, as you’ll be waited upon by celebrities for the whole evening. They’ll dress down as you dress up and will be providing the service throughout the event. The “Stars at your Service” Summer Ball will be glitzing up Cardiff at The Hilton for a perfect summer evening. Tickets will get you a sparkling reception, a resplendent three course meal with coffee afterwards, entertainment throughout and a live band. Don’t forget that aside from all these fantastic inclusions, you’ll also get some free “warm fuzzies” knowing that all of this is being done for one of Wales’ biggest heart charities. Tickets cost £39.95. To book, phone 029 2078 6521, email fundraising@welshhearts.org or book on line welshhearts.org/ events.
PROTECT AND SERVE
You’ve just spent the best part of a year’s salary on a car. Or possibly a lot more. The last thing you want is your new pride and joy to get damaged but no matter how careful you are, there’s one particular phenomenon that you can’t avoid – stone-chips. They’re the bane of every proud car owner’s life. Personally, I’ve picked up two whoppers in a single day and it’s not funny. But there is a solution. Adopting the principle of prevention is better than cure, Cardiff Paint Protection specialise in applying a barely visible paint protection film to cars and motor bikes to protect them from the ravages of a life on the road. It may only be a thin, transparent film but it really does work and will
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keep your car’s paintwork looking as good as new as it’s highly resistant to chemical damage such as oil/grease, also bird lime and obviously stone chips and scratches. Cardiff Paint Protection have plenty of experience and have protected a wide range of cars from classics through to supercars (including a Porsche 918). Thanks to its competitive pricing it’s equally viable for any car – super mini, family or exec. Nor do you have to protect your whole car- the most common install is a full front end which covers the bonnet, bumper, wings and mirror backs. Other installs often forgotten until it’s too late are the luggage area (top of the rear bumper that gets scuffed as you put things in and out
of the boot) and door sill/step. CPP are fully trained in the use of XPEL, the industry standard, but also use paint protection film (PPF) from other manufacturers to suit clients’ needs, such as Premium Shield and SunTek, and are the only company in Wales who can provide this kind of service. Call them now to find out in detail how they can protect your car. Cardiff Paint Protection & Detailing Ltd, Unit 4, The Brickyard, Excelsior Road, off Western Avenue, Cardiff CF14 3AT. T.029 2132 1085 or 07590 962663, email: jon@wyemedia.co.uk
Lifestyle
Your grandad loves these guys. Your dad loves these guys. You love these guys.
Image: Eleanor Stills
Crosby, Stills and Nash are on the move again, but then, they never stopped moving in the first place. Iconic is one of the many words that can be used to describe the trio. The legendary band has been shaping the world of music for decades and they have a history of using their success to propel great causes and charities. David Crosby himself once stated that: “You hear a lot of music these days about rage and frustration and anger, but not much about hope and love and forward motion. That’s what we want to continue to stand up for.” It was (and is) exclamations like these that set Crosby, Stills and Nash apart from so many others. They seek to inspire, and that is reflected in the authentic, raw harmonies that they produce. The folk rock supergroup that has done so much to influence and sculpt modern music will be smashing into Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff, on Thursday September 22. It’s a good idea to book your tickets early, because they’ve already sold out in venues across the globe! Motorpoint Arena: 029 2022 4488 Need somewhere to celebrate the summer solstice weekend in style this year? Contemporary soul mogul Paolo Nutini will be giving a special outdoor concert at Singleton Park, Swansea, with special guest Lianne La Havas also performing. Nutini, one of Scotland’s biggest stars right now,
is still riding a wave of success from his 2014 release of Caustic Love, the album that is regarded as “an excellent modern soul record” by Q Magazine. It will serve to propel him to greater heights for 2015 and onwards. His rich, earthy tone will be in perfect harmony with the beauty of Singleton Park and the atmosphere is sure to be as smooth as the singer’s voice. His special guest Lianne La Havas is also fast becoming a big name in the industry, with her own unique twist on folk and soul. The two of them are sure to make a memorable night of the longest evening this year. They perform on Saturday, June 20, at Singleton Park, Swansea. Tickets are currently available. www.seetickets.com Whether you’re a musician yourself, or just like listening, there is something for everyone during the most diverse Brecon Jazz Festival yet. For three days the scenic town of Brecon will be housing jazz pilgrims from all over the globe. Musicians are being packed in to perform, teach and spread creativity over the course of a weekend in August. Performances begin on the evening of the Friday, running all day Saturday and all day Sunday. Accommodation is readily available, as Brecon has become accustomed to the influx of jazz enthusiasts for more than two decades now. Aside from the live performances and masterclasses at various venues, there is also the Brecon Jam (a late night gathering of musicians to – you guessed it – jam), and the surrounding Brecon Beacons themselves. It’s a weekend of limitless opportunities and it’s sure to get your creative juices flowing. Big names such as Dr. John and Robert Glasper will be in attendance and they are sure to have your feet tapping whether you like it or not. The diversity of jazz will come in packages of talent flying from Romania, Finland, Brazil, and beyond, proving that this genre has no boundaries. The untameable force that is the jazz scene is sure to have its best year yet at the Brecon Jazz Festival. The festival runs from Friday to Sunday, August 7-9, and tickets can purchased online, over the phone, or in person. www.breconjazz.com
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Lifestyle / Competitions Win dinner for 2 at Toni’s Amici restaurant! No matter what occasion, there is only one place to be: Toni's Amici! Whenever you go to Toni's Amici you are guaranteed the highest quality of food and service. As a family run Italian restaurant they take pride in creating an infectious spirit of welcome. To enter this competition, email your answer to the following question to redhanded@conroymedia.co.uk by Friday 24th July: What cheese comes from Italy? a) Parmesan b) Brie c) Cheddar
Win tickets to see Rod Woodward at St David’s Hall! RedHanded has teamed up with St David’s Hall to give one lucky reader a free pair of tickets to see comedian Rod Woodward at St David’s Hall on Friday 22nd May. To enter this competition, email your answer to the following question to redhanded@conroymedia.co.uk by Thursday 21st May: What capital city is Rod Woodward from? a) London b) Dublin c) Cardiff For more information on upcoming events, visit www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk
Juicy Venture Cardiff has been home to a beautiful union for a while, in the form of straight-edged Duck Egg Bleu and its rebellious partner, the Lazy Duck. The two eateries sit in the same building on Cowbridge Road East, run by the same blokes: quirky, we know. Duck Egg Bleu is a high class fine dining establishment with a strong menu and is fantastic in its own right; the cheeky Lazy Duck, however, is the place to be. With its casual, cosy atmosphere that feels like something between a gastro pub and a coffee shop, the Lazy Duck has become one of the trendiest and most welcoming spots in the ‘Diff. So great is its success that Duck Egg Bleu is going to be assimilated by the Lazy Duck to make one super Duck, the Laziest of all fowl and cosiest of all venues. With a singular atmosphere to maintain, foodies can be expected to be even better served and catered to than before. Book a table by phoning 029 2022 0993
Porro
If you ever wondered what the Italian word for leek is, you now know: porro. And it’s a great name given the fusion of Italian and Welsh/British produce and influences that have inspired the team behind Porro - one of Cardiff’s most talked about restaurant launches in a long time. Porro is the second venture from the team behind The Potted Pig restaurant in central Cardiff. Chefs and owners Tom Furlong and
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Gwyn Myring create a constantly changing menu of modern British dishes driven by a shared love of Italian food. Porro embraces an Italian philosophy of cooking, eating and drinking, explains Tom. “We source the highest quality ingredients we can and we treat them with respect. “The quality of the ingredients gives us the confidence to serve simple, quality dishes with minimal fuss. Our fresh produce is sourced predominantly from Wales, our steak is sourced from local farms and dry aged on the bone for 28 days minimum, our fish is all landed in the British Isles and much of our veg is grown in south Wales and the west.” There are however some products you can only get from Italy. “We have some great suppliers who we use for our Italian produce giving us access to some amazing cheeses, cured meats and sundries including fresh Puglian burrata, guanciale (cured pigs cheek), Ligurian olives, wild boar speck, 24 month aged parmesan, fresh sheep’s curd, I could go on... ! This combination of amazing British and Italian produce is what excites us and what we feel brings something unique to Cardiff’s growing dining scene.” The fully Italian wine list is small but carefully chosen and represents the incredible
diversity and quality that Italy has to offer. The restaurant has been beautifully designed by business partner Cerys Furlong and boasts an impressive private dining room available for larger parties and events. And Porro is located in the heart of the bustling Llandaff High St, a stone’s throw from the famous Cathedral. Porro 22 High Street Llandaff Cardiff, CF5 2DZ T. 029 2056 5502
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Gear Up Whether you’re heading off on a camping trip with friends or family or embarking on a more hardcore trek in the wilds of Snowdonia, no self-respecting outdoors type should be without a few creature comforts, or at the very least some essentials that could keep you from harm. In no particular order here are a few that we think you should be throwing in the back of the car, or the bottom of your rucksack.
Full Charge Ahead
Shine on wherever you're heading with the Black Diamond Ember Power Light. This whizzkid widget is a seriously ingenious piece of kit for any savvy camper this summer, combining essential hand-held lighting and portable power in a sleek creation that'll tuck away neatly into your pocket or the lid of a backpack. Featuring a TriplePower LED with a dazzlingly powerful 150 lumen beam, the Ember will illuminate the way whether you're dodging guy ropes on the midnight mission to the portaloo or setting up camp under starlight. Easy to use in all conditions, the Ember is swipe activated, rechargeable, dimmable and has a lock mode to stop battery power from draining when not in use. Smarter still, this stylish gadget is also designed to allow you to charge hand-held devices on the move via its USB port, rejuvenating your phone when it has run out of juice. £39.99 www.ellis-grigham.com
Clear as Mud Unless you’re going on a serious hike across challenging terrain, then all you really need in the summer months are a rugged, versatile pair of sandals. And these boys from Keen fit the bill and some. Awarded Best in Test in Wanderlust magazine, the Clearwater CNX Leather Sandal can do it all. Lightweight and low profile this sandal looks great without sacrificing fit or performance. Signature KEEN toe protection, contoured arch support and bungee lacing provide a customised fit while the waterproof leather upper, multi-directional flex grooves and razor siping provide advanced traction on slick surfaces making it perfect for walking, watersports or sipping a beer in the evening. £89.99 www.keenfootwear.com
Sock it to ‘em A great pair of shoes is nothing without decent socks that reduce blistering and rubbing. To provide even greater comfort and performance out on the hill, TEKO has introduced its innovative Achilles Wrap System™ (AWS) to its best-selling M3RINO. XC HIKING sock range. The AWS is designed to anchor the sock securely around one of the most vulnerable areas; the heel-instep perimeter, thereby preventing slippage or rubbing for a completely secure, blister-free fit. No other sock offers this, apparently. And being made of natural Merino wool they keep your feet cooler and drier and are naturally antimicrobial. £15 www.tekoforlife.co.uk
Anatomic Reaction But if you are planning some serious hiking or the occasional scramble then the Q1 Braemar from Anatom is just the ticket, especially if saving weight, having more freedom and mobility around the ankle or keeping your feet cool is important. Whatever your needs the Q1 Braemar with its level 1 calibrated flex and tri.aria waterproof/breathable membrane will help you get there. The Vibram® Tubava sole and cushioned polyurethane midsole provide excellent stability and grip while the finest 2mm Italian full grain waterproof leather gives it a smart look. The mobility of a shoe, combined with the ruggedness of a boot and a lifetime guarantee - make it an excellent choice for keen walkers and hikers. £110 www.anatomfootwear.co.uk
Boom without the bust
FUGOO +Tough speakers are the first completely waterproof, mudproof, dust-proof, snow-proof and drop-proof Bluetooth speakers with an unprecedented 40-hour battery life, interchangeable jackets and a range of accessories, making them suitable for any environment. The FUGOO Tough jacket is built to last – it has been drop tested at 6ft, has a fibre-reinforced resin and solid aluminum casing and can even withstand a truck driving over it, making it the perfect camping accessory. The speakers pack a punch with 360-degree audio thanks to six speakers housed inside a tiny unit and also feature an omni-directional microphone fully compatible with Siri and Google Talk. £189.99 www.amazon.co.uk
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Jump to it Whilst being able to jump-start a car is a neat trick and could be very handy in an emergency, what we really like about the Cobra JumPack is its capacity – 7500mAh is a lot of juice and with its 2.1A USB output the JumPack will repeatedly recharge your gadgets while you’re off-grid. It can be charged at home or from a 12v supply in your car and also comes with an LED torch and an emergency strobe should the worst happen and you need to call in air/sea rescue. And all from something not much bigger than a pack of fags. £79.99 www.argos.co.uk
Walk the Talk If you’re in the wilderness, chances are that you’ll struggle to get a phone signal or run out of battery, or there may be a risk you’ll drop your lovely new iPhone6 in the drink or off a cliff. With a 12km range, long lasting rechargeable batteries, rugged construction and a decent price this pair of Cobra MT975 two way radios solve these problems – you’ll be able to stay in touch with your group relaxed in the knowledge that if you do drop them, it’s not the end of the world. £69.99 from Maplins
Tan the man
Head of The Pack Traditional style with completely waterproof construction, The Mountain Hardwear Scrambler 30 Outdry is the only truly waterproof pack that doesn’t compromise design or function thanks to the use of Outdry, a 3 layer, lightweight, super durable, custom membrane which is laminated to the pack. The pack offers easy access hydration, a wet gear sleeve and a top zippered pocket for keeping essentials handy. £85 www.ellis-brigham.com
Pitch Perfect Your outdoors adventure doesn’t always have to be adrenaline fuelled. Part of the fun can be in finding somewhere new and beautiful to pitch for the night, or with a different kind of fuel – food. Pitch Up, Eat Local by Ali Ray ticks both boxes. From grilling Welsh Black Beef Burgers on the barbecue in the Brecon Beacons to cooking freshly caught mackerel on the beach after a day at the Dorset coast, this is the definitive guide to where to camp in the UK, what local produce to eat, and how to cook it whether on a gas hob, barbecue or fire. Each campsite is reviewed at length alongside over 60 easy-to-cook, inspiring recipes that Ali perfected on her travels. £16.99, AA Publishing
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We’ve all done it. You slap a bit of cheapo sun tan lotion on first thing, spend the rest of the day walking/surfing/cycling (delete as appropriate) and then wonder why you look like a beetroot down the pub in the evening. You need two things. Firstly, a good quality lotion. Secondly, one that’s designed to last pretty much all day with one application whatever pursuit you’re, err, pursuing. Enter Riemann P20. Designed for active people, extreme waterresistance and to genuinely last 10 hours, it’s advocated by skin cancer specialists as the best of its kind, and whilst it’s not cheap, what price your health? And it works – we tried it. Suggest you do too. £13.99 for 100mls
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Grooming 6 of the best... New Fragrances What is the power of scent? Why do certain smells hold so much meaning for us? According to a raft of research, smell is the strongest of the five senses when it comes to memory recall with us remembering pongs with 65 per cent accuracy after a year, while visual memory is only 50 per cent right after three months. Studies have also shown that smell is hardwired into our emotional recollection with three quarters of our feelings of wellbeing and pleasure linked to it. The fragrance industry has long cottoned on to this, which is why hundreds of new products are launched each year. But with the olfactory market so saturated - will these newbies have the sweet smell of success?
Spring is here and Jason Jones is feeling fresh! 1. Tom Ford Private Blends Patchouli Absolu (50ml, £142) Tom Ford has become the go-to guy for the ultimate in exotically luxe scentage and this latest addition to his exclusive Private Blends is a variant on the same sophisticated nose palate reminiscent of boho 70s retro. Pricey, but who said class came cheap. 2. Pharrell Williams Girl (100ml, £80) Celebrity scents are often hit’n’miss, but Williams has sensibly teamed up with veteran fashion house Commes Des Garçons and the world’s top perfumers to ensure that this unisex scent hits all the right warmly smell-tastic notes. Plus, the bottle looks like a little work of art on the bathroom shelf. 3. Nuit D’Issey By Issey Miyake (125ml, £59) Issey Miyake’s fragrances have usually followed the same minimalist ethos as the Japanese designer’s schmutter relying on fresh marine minerals and citrus. As the name suggests, this is a departure into heavier, spicier territory that is more black-tie than beach bar.
4. Jimmy Choo Man (100ml, £62) Renowned for providing the well-heeled with killer heels, this is the celebrity cobbler’s first foray into men’s fragrance. Combining aromatic, fruity and woody notes this is a great everyday all-rounder. It’s just a bit strange when you say its name out loud. Think about it. 5. DSquared2 Wild (100ml, £50) As designers who champion unorthodox edginess, the ingredients here are typically outthere. Santolina, also known as a cotton lavender, is blended with opoponax, a resinous gum found in trees, to give a balsamic undertone, while hummus extracts – yes, really – adds a peaty earthiness. For the adventurous among us. 6. Karl Lagerfeld For Men (100ml, £52) Like its creator, this comes clad in chic black and also like the Chanel head honcho is an amalgam of understated classicism and up-tothe-beat modernity. Sandalwood and amber provide the familiar trad tones, while apple and mandarin zest give contemporary crispness.
Hone Your Health For Summer
Spa Gazing The Spa at Holm House, Penarth Signature treatment: The Captain’s Black Soap Scrub (30mins, £37) is a deeply cleansing and intensely invigorating treatment that leaves you raring to go. Prices: For such a high-end operation, it’s actually surprisingly competitive. Best value is a 60-minute sports massage that comes in at a cool 45 quid. Service: Slick as oil. Not shoulder-clenchingly attentive or starchily stiff, but just relaxed and endlessly accommodating. The X Factor: The stunning seaside setting. The fine-tuned attention to detail. The top-notch restaurant. The unforced charm. The high-spec design. Take your pick because this place is an all-round class act. Score: A knockout 9 out of 10. holmhousehotel.com
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As summer slowly creeps towards us, it’s time to shrug of the sluggishness of winter and… get healthy! Up the fibre A lack of fibre can leave us feeling sluggish. Aim for 18g per day; there are 4g in a bowl of bran flakes, 3g in a baked potato and 2g in an apple. Reach the daily target by eating wholegrain carbs, plus plenty of fruit and veg. Catch some sunlight Get as much natural light as possible to help up energy levels. After April, the UV in sunlight should be strong enough to make vitamin D, too, so go bare-skinned for 15-20 minutes before slapping on the SPF. Feed your good bugs Eating more prebiotic foods encourages the growth of good gut bacteria, which supports the immune system as well as aiding digestion. Good sources include onions, asparagus, leeks, artichokes and bananas. Declutter According to ancient Chinese wisdom, clutter equals energy that’s trapped, thus draining energy from the people around it. A clear-out could do more for our wellbeing than we may think, especially our head health. Choose good mood foods Iron, magnesium, zinc and B vitamins are all vital nutrients for psychological wellbeing. Eat lots of fish, low-fat dairy, nuts, wholegrains and modest amounts of lean red meat.
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Sport
UP AND UNDER
Riath Al-Samarrai looks at the highs and lows of sport in Wales
Great Britton If the fading from view of Leon Britton is something more than temporary, and his appearance statistics of this season suggest that is the case, then there goes a player who should have had caps for England. What a magnificent talent, a man gifted in those distinctively un-British footballing qualities of passing and composure, with a tactical brain that knew (knows?) when to spring and when to sit. He did (does?) not have the all-round game that typically gets celebrated, but what he did (does?) have was the exact qualities a deep-lying midfielder needs. And he had (has?) them in spades. At 32, and 33 in September, he has had a season of injuries and Swansea have stocked those central positions with young talent. Jack Cork, in particular, looks ideal to carry the baton. Britton has another two years to run on his deal but unless Garry Monk makes a drastic change to his playing system, it seems likely that Britton will play less and less of a role. If this is the long goodbye, then Swansea fans will no doubt reflect that he was one of the absolute finest to wear their shirt.
the past few months. By Slade’s own admission, Cardiff are “not shopping at Harrods anymore”. So how, exactly, will the club with so much debt take a run at promotion? Simply put, if Cardiff sign the same calibre of players in the summer as they signed in January, it would be a great result if they finish in the top half of the table, let alone top six. The truth is, that probably wouldn’t be a bad thing. As hard as it is for some supporters to swallow, sometimes going slowly is the more intelligent option. In Cardiff’s case, this could be the best chance they have had in years to take a breath and draw up some sensible plans - expectations have never been so low. The last thing Slade should do is talk them back up again. Instead, they ought to use this time to do the one thing that should be essential to any club with an eye on sustainability – develop a playing philosophy. It is something members of the club from top to bottom have spoken about for years. It is something I have rarely detected. With each new manager has come new personnel and a new style. It’s futile and costs fortunes. Swansea put one in place years ago. Bournemouth, a club Cardiff like the look of, will find a manager in Eddie Howe’s mould should he ever leave. These are both clubs who have risen from financial calamities. Cardiff know they need to think in the same manner so whatever the calibre of players Slade is allowed to sign this summer, it is imperative they set some kind of template for the future. It will hold far more value in the long run than some of the words that have been spoken.
could be made that sports over here have been too slow to react to the risks of brain injuries, when you consider the research that has taken place in the US. But it’s more important what happens next. At all levels, it’s an issue that can’t be taken lightly anymore - the ‘run it off’ attitude seems to be fading as more cases come to light. But at what point does the essence and culture of the game as a contact sport start to change? It’s a fascinating discussion but at its root is something enormously serious which has been brought into sharper focus here by George North. At the time of writing, he is currently awaiting the all-clear from a neurologist after suffering three concussions in five months. It’s a deeply worrying chain of events, with the seriousness underlined in April by the case of a 25-year-old Australian, Nicholas Tooth, who died after suffering a head injury in a game in New South Wales. The WRU have already taken a strong stance on the issue and with each incident awareness will grow. One must hope that the message is getting through to coaches and players at all levels, not just those where people are watching.
Sincerest Apologies ‘Obviously with media they make things out to be a lot bigger than they are and that’s been disappointing.’ Mike Phillips, April 2015. On behalf of the media, Mr Phillips, we apologise for you getting suspended by the WRU for that business with the McDonald’s bouncer at 3am a few years back. And we are sorry that Bayonne sacked you. We are disappointed in ourselves.
Smash’n’Grab Lee Selby is called the Welsh Mayweather and he looks fantastic so far. But I gather he has not yet reached a six-figure pay cheque for a night’s fighting – some way to go to catch Floyd, whose most recent slip ran to £130m.
The Cardiff Philosophy In January, Russell Slade told us at a press conference there was no mandate to lose Kenwyne Jones. In March, Jones was on loan at Bournemouth. In April, he spoke about making a promotion push next season. Alas, it is very hard to marry the stated ambition with Cardiff’s transfer strategy over
It’s A Knock-Out These are interesting times for rugby and, in particular, the debate surrounding concussions in the game. A solid argument
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Free the spirit
Lexus RC F
Ah, Lexus. Always with an envious eye on the critical and sales success of their, mainly German, rivals so never sure whether to stick, preserving their benchmark status for reliability, quality and comfort, or twist, by shifting the emphasis to sporting and performance prowess to boost sales and garner acclaim. I’ve always felt Lexus should stick. There is a need for a premium brand that errs on the everyday qualities that matter most to the majority of us - comfort, reliability etc. In any case their cars handle plenty well enough and are also plenty fast enough (particularly so with their hybrid engines). But, clearly, for Lexus that’s not enough. Which is why we have Lexus’ new 2+2 sports car, the RC F. And thank god we do. Why? In a single word, its engine. But we’ll come to that later as there are other factors too. First of all, it’s inspired by the LFA (Lexus’ 2013 supercar rated by Jeremy Clarkson as the best he’s ever driven). That means a number of things. Firstly, it looks great, in the best traditions of Japanese design, being fit for purpose, dramatic and edgy. I’d stop short of beautiful but this is certainly a very handsome and striking car. Secondly, that LFA lineage and components drawn from the Lexus IS F means excellent weight distribution and balance, rear wheel drive and a chassis/suspension setup that makes an excellent fist of marshalling the RC F’s huge power reserves and its weight (RC F is a tad heavier than the BMW M4, for example). It also comes with four driver modes (from a relaxed
economy setting through to a track oriented Sport +), an electronic variable diff and a four stage VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management, which manipulates ABS, VSC and TRC) which includes an ‘Expert’ mode that only steps in to prevent a spin. The consequence of all this tech is great grip and traction accompanied by steering that’s nicely weighted and fluid feeling and well tuned to the car’s dynamics. If you’re starting to worry that Lexus may have sacrificed some of its guiding principles, don’t. They’ve pulled back from turning everything up to 11, to use a Spinal Tap analogy, in pursuit of on limit handling prowess to a more manageable 8 or 9. As a consequence ride is actually rather good and irons out the worst the Vale of Glamorgan’s potted B-roads and the RC F is a comfortable and relaxed cruiser at motorway speeds. The interior, derived mainly from the IS F, is beautifully and well appointed with high spec levels (10 speaker stereo!) and a level of finish that leaves others standing. It’s both cool and a lovely place to be. Seats are particularly impressive and there’s even a decent sized boot, which will comfortably swallow more than a weekend’s luggage. So, back to that single word. And what a beauty this engine is. Taking its cue from the LFA’s V10, and unlike its main competition, the RC F has a naturally aspirated 5ltr V8. With 477hp at 7100 revs it’s the most powerful V8 Lexus have ever produced but this figure only tells part of the story. Granted a turbo/ supercharger will deliver more torque and mid-range punch but precisely because it’s unconstrained by a turbo or supercharger, this
Cars
V8 is a free-spirited and free-revving delight able to deliver automotive enjoyment in its purest form. In real world driving, performance is stupendous – it darts from 0-62 in 4.6 secs and will blast past dawdlers in what seems like milliseconds. It also sounds wonderful when you let it sing – it has a deeper more satisfying tone than some V8s which can be a bit high pitched and frenetic. Despite its potential for power and drama it’s actually a docile beast round town and uses the Atkinson cycle (don’t ask – just google it) for better fuel economy. It’s allied to an 8psd auto gearbox that provides seamless, instant changes and is set up to react to subtle throttle inputs. It has a manual override and a paddle change system for a true sporting experience when the mood takes you. Another nice touch is the way it blips the throttle when changing down. The RC F encapsulates Lexus’ contrasting priorities in one car. The qualities that have made Lexus the success it is – quality, comfort and ease of use, but also those attributes that reflect where Lexus would like to be – excitement, performance and style. It could have ended up a mish-mash but it hasn’t – it’s a great blend of traditional Lexus pampering and outright, fun performance and as a sign of things to come it bodes very well. Top speed: 168mph 0-62: 4.5 secs Mpg: 26.2 CO2: 252g Price: £59,995
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Cars
Mazda 2 115ps Sport Nav
We like Mazdas. For a number of actually quite simple reasons. They look good. When Mazda do a concept car that embodies their next generation design themes, you can be confident those themes will find their way into the entire range and that these themes are invariably edgy and sporting. They’re well built and reliable, afterall they are Japanese. They handle and perform well. Mazda has long had a reputation for cars that deliver an entertaining drive without sacrificing comfort. And they push technical boundaries. Which means ultraefficient engines and lightweight construction. With all this in mind we have high expectations of Mazda in 2015. Shortly, the new compact crossover SUV, CX3 will be arriving while later in the year comes the all new MX5 – the daddy of the modern sports car – exciting stuff. But here we’ll be assessing whether the new Mazda 2 super-mini cuts the mustard and whether it can make serious inroads against some stiff competition for your hard-earned. Mazda have identified a younger audience as their target for the new 2 so it’s important that it looks the part. With its chiselled, stylised, sporty profile it trumps rivals. Based on Mazda’s Kodo design language it’s both attractive and purposeful and will tick this box for sure. Another box it ticks is interior quality and space. It has a very large cabin for a super-mini and will accommodate three young adults in the back while a decent sized boot’s sufficient
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to hold a week’s kit comfortably. Fixtures and fittings are well put together, pleasant to the touch (especially the machined rotary controls) and look very classy - swish but stopping well short of gauche as can be the tendency of some mass-appeal brands in this bracket. We rather liked the centre-stage rev counter in our Sport Nav spec – a statement of intent if ever there was one. What’s particularly impressive is the driving position, thanks to a vast range of adjustment to the seat and steering wheel and well placed pedals, gear stick and control, and the level of kit including a heads-up display, a seven-inch central touchscreen with excellent Smartphone connectivity, USB/bluetooth and safety kit including an auto brake function and lane departure warning. So far so good. But what’s it like on the move? Well, we’re off to a great start with a chassis that’s 20% stiffer than its predecessor. Less flex means better grip as tyres are able to maintain optimum contact with the tarmac. Allied to this is one of the two major benefits of Mazda’s SkyActiv technology – reduced weight. Every single component, no matter how small, is as light as possible. It’s simple physics – less weight makes a car nimbler and more responsive. Throw in a very well sorted, technically advanced suspension and responsive steering and you’ve got a car that’s great fun to drive and handles with aplomb – it corners flat, grips terrifically and responds instantly to driver inputs.
The second benefit of SkyActiv is engine performance. Mazda has focussed on how technological advances translate into real world improvements. For them an improvement in fuel economy in the lab at the expense of power on the road isn’t going to light most people’s fire so they’ve shunned the small turbo-charged engine route in favour of larger, naturally aspirated engines with higher compression ratios. Ok, so enough of the techno-babble. What you get is lively performance at much reduced real-world mpg and CO2, 56mpg and 117 g/kg respectively. Our petrol 1.5 puts out a very lively 115bhp, which in a small, light car like the 2 makes for brisk progress – 0-62 in only 8.7secs and a top speed of 124mph. But the omission of a turbo means it has a different, more fun character. It’s punchy and enjoys being revved – it’ll happily spin past 6000 revs (which is where its peak power is). In fact, that’s what the 2 is. It’s a happy, fun car. And one that’s chilled and great to drive, a pleasure to be in and look at but plenty fast enough and very economical too. Another triumph for Mazda that bodes well for what’s to come in 2015. 0-62: 8.7secs Top Speed: 124mph Mpg: 56.5 CO2: 117 Price: £15,995
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Restaurants
The New House Hotel
The Pickled Radish The unsuspecting village of Laleston has landed itself a great new restaurant. Awardwinning chef Nick Collins is pioneering it, determined to serve only the best of Welsh sourced produce. With high expectations we ducked under the classic “slightly-too-small” rural doorway between the bar and the restaurant and were delighted by the cute yet smart interior that greeted us. The room boasted rustic architecture that contrasted well with the modern furnishings. The atmosphere was warm, friendly and unpretentious. We grazed on perfectly baked sesame and poppy seed crusted bread as we ordered. I started with wild sewin. It melted in the mouth like only the best fish can; its accompanying shrimp strudel had a spicy edge that was a pleasant reminder that seafood doesn’t have to be boring. J described his “DIY” velouté soup, which was poured over garlic and wild herbs that he crushed himself with a mortar and pestle, as a novel delight. For mains J chose lamb on a bed of leeks and I couldn’t resist the beef. Both meats boasted that perfect pink middle that will forever keep me a carnivore. My truffled chips had a beautifully sweet twang that had half of them fall prey to J’s fork. He so enjoyed his lamb and its rich gravy that our ever friendly waiter had to wipe the table before dessert. The bitterness of my dark chocolate and pistachio pud was complemented by tangy raspberry sorbet, with gorgeous chilli salted caramel fudge for a dash of sweetness. J tucked into a sharp lemon tart with prosecco sorbet that had its own great kick. Creamy coffee was guzzled afterwards, though where we found the stomach space I don’t know. We were beyond contentment as we waddled homeward. The Pickled Radish Wind Street Laleston Bridgend CF23 OHS 01656 652946/07468 591743 thepickledradish@gratecatering.co.uk
Perched on a divine spot on Caerphilly Mountain with views over the Bristol Channel, this wonderful Georgian manor house has figured highly on my list of places to pay a visit, if only to have a nose. I didn’t hesitate when asked if we’d like to review it. Having crunched our way across the terrace, with its ornate fountain and stunning views, to the reception we were ushered into the sensitively restored dining room, replete with original coving and panelled bay windows. A grand and elegant setting for a meal. Though technically, a Best Western, The New House Hotel is independently owned which means it has a lovely, family run atmosphere, typified by Tim, our waiter, whose helpful and happy demeanour relaxed us at once. He guided us through the menu, a mix of continental themes and locally sourced ingredients. Initially reticent, I was persuaded to try the smoked trout escabeche to start. Unlike some, and to my relief, this was a delicate smoke that allowed the taste of the soft, flaky trout to shine. The accompanying baby potatoes and vegetables in a sweet but tart jus, made from a base of white wine vinegar and star anise was an inspired companion. After an eternity mulling, I opted for the house favourite, Usk sourced roast rump of lamb. Beautifully cooked (pink), tender, bursting with lovely lambness and with a cracking basil and mint pesto crust, an unorthodox mix of flavours that worked exceptionally well. I’d venture better than mint on its lonesome. Not only did A’s mushroom and hazelnut Wellington hit her spot, even I, dedicated carnivore, had to accept that it did taste pretty special – hearty and satisfying with an almost meaty substance to it. And the coup de gras. Homemade Bara Brith with spiced plums and clotted cream. My. Word. Yes. It was rich but I can understand why the Chef is proud of it. An intense mix of Christmas flavours worth savouring any time of the year. I’m reliably informed the chocolate and raspberry pudding was pretty special too. New House Country Hotel Thornhill Road Cardiff CF14 9UA T. 029 2052 0280 www.newhousehotel.com
The Penylan Thanks to its proximity to Cardiff University, Roath has no shortage of budget bars and eateries. Surprisingly though, given it neighbours salubrious Penylan and Cyncoed, it’s lacking in upmarket watering holes and restaurants. Recently there’s been a discernible shift, with the opening of some fine little restaurants, and now we have The Penylan, a no expense spared wine bar that also does food, so things are looking up. Its owners have clearly spent a lot of money on the décor to create an impression – slate, limestone and marble are used as facing stone on the walls, fine carpentry abounds on the oriental themed screening and ballistrades, the light fittings glitter with a gem-like effervescence and there’s a mix of low, soft furniture, dining tables and bar stools. This is the type of place Sade (google her) would hang out. All calm sophistication. We started off with ‘apperitifs’ while surveying the menu. Well, actually a lovely pint of draught Tiger beer and a vodka, so there went any attempt at sophistication. The menu is not huge and reflects Hai, the owner’s, Vietnamese ethnicity so we quickly settled on the traditional Vietnamese spring rolls and veggie variety. Followed by stir fried king tiger prawns with sticky rice and stir fried spring vegetables with udon noodles. A then got on with the job of choosing a wine from the lengthy list before settling (predictably) on a fine Rioja. I happily stayed on the Tiger. The rolls were lovely – light and crisp pastry, fresh and tasty fillings, particularly the pork medallions stuffed into the Vietnamese rolls. The stir fries were both crunchy and fresh with a chilli heat that built slowly, and were amply portioned. So we were pleased to hear Hai has plans for a Vietnamese restaurant on nearby Wellfield Road. Good food, good wine and great decor. More please. The Penylan 2 Penylan Road Cardiff CF24 3PF T. 07887 663344
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Restaurants
Pitch Restaurant
Restaurant James Sommerin The Victorian seaside resort of Penarth has long attracted artists looking for a flash of inspiration. But while the striking strata of the nearby cliffs excited Sisley and Mary Lloyd Jones, it’s a sense of freedom that is felt most at Restaurant James Sommerin. Following thirteen years at The Crown at Whitebrook, where he secured a Michelin star, the Caerleon-born chef sought a place he could call his own. In 2014, he found the perfect spot on the esplanade in Penarth. A year has passed since he opened his doors and the response has been overwhelming; universal acclaim from Welsh foodies and critics alike. So I was thrilled to receive an invitation to review the five-course tasting menu, aptly named Traeth (Welsh for ‘beach’). The evening began with an impressive amuse-bouche quartet, the highlight of which, for me, was the ravishing sweetcorn panna cotta. Next came the heavenly one-two punch of haddock and pancetta crunch, and I say heavenly because it was truly to die for. A lovingly crafted and swiftly devoured cauliflower panna cotta – offset by a perfectly piquant onion powder - introduced a new depth of tastes and textures to the menu. The sensory thrill that followed was a pumpkin terrine paired with a sharp blue cheese. The fruity Chateau du Seuil Rosé (2012) enhanced the Bristol Channel-sourced Sea Bass; the strawberry notes worked in pure harmony with the smoked butter and caviar sauce. It was utterly moreish. Indeed, all wine pairings were a winning marriage of flavours; the light red Armand Salmon Sancerre (2013) with the rich and creamy rabbit dish, in particular, was a triumph. The rabbit itself was a magnus opus that taught me that meat can be so tender I’d want to describe it as “ripe.” A duo of delicious desserts brought the meal to a close; a playful popcorn panna cotta, preceded by a sultry sweet russett apple terrine. The evening underlined a technical mastery coupled with the soaring sensibility of an artist unleashed in the kitchen. Treat yourself to a visit to his seafront studio in Penarth. Restaurant James Sommerin The Esplanade Penarth Vale of Glamorgan CF64 3AU T. 029 2070 6559
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Situated on Cardiff’s ever-busy Mill Lane, we arrived at ‘Pitch’ for lunch on a sunny Saturday in April. With the slightest sliver of sunshine this street becomes a Mecca for al-fresco diners, but this day the still-chilly breeze sent us indoors. Owner Ben Browne attempts to source all his ingredients locally or from within Wales and his aim is to champion Wales and Welsh produce to all customers. Thankfully decor-wise they’ve left the leeks and sheep to the kitchen. White clean walls, exposed brick, rustic-timber tables and chairs and a sincere warm welcome all feel very genuine, wholesome and homely. This is a modern Wales that hasn’t forgotten its roots. To start I chose the Caesar salad with poached egg – the egg nicely gooey, the leaves crisp and fresh and the dressing satisfyingly creamy and tangy – the anchovy providing a salty ‘hit’ and the cheese adding proper weight to it. My dining partner J’s cod goujons were massive yet light – the batter delicate and fresh, the meat tender and flaky. This was a good omen for the mains. J chose the lamb burger with minted aioli. Cardiff is blessed with some really good ‘‘burger joints’’ at the moment – so choosing this as a main could leave you rueing your decision. Luckily for us it paid off. The patty itself was generously proportioned and thankfully looked less McDonalds – more Old Macdonald Had A Farm (if your Granny made burgers they would look like this). More importantly it tasted properly delicious. The lamb was moist and not overshadowed by the mint and reminded me more of childhood Sunday roasts than any fast-food style outlet’s offering. The homemade ‘slaw also deserves a mention – the horseradish kick being a welcome surprise. I chose my main off the specials board, opting for mussels in white wine sauce and chunky bread. I usually suffer from raging food envy but this time I was happy with my choice. If this is ever on the specials again – go for it. The mussels (fresh from Pembrokeshire) were huge and the sauce so yummy I asked for a spoon to slurp it all up once my bread was gone. Dessert was a croissant bread and butter pudding...with two spoons. It sounded too tempting despite us being so full and didn’t disappoint – the croissant bread ensuring it sat lighter in the tummy than its traditional equivalent. A thoroughly enjoyable way to while away an afternoon...though I was tempted to stay till the lunch menu turned evening menu and do it all again. Pitch Restaurant 3 Mill Lane Cardiff CF10 1FL 029 2022 8882 www.pitchcardiff.com
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Live Wales Goes Pop! The Gate, Cardiff Now in its third year, Wales Goes Pop! serves a veritable feast of exciting new music together with some more established indie favourites between two stages over the Easter weekend. Good Friday is anything but as traffic chaos means I miss out on a number of the earlier acts on the first day. However, when I do arrive, Californian Jen Schande, new wave trio Feature and the clever quirky punk of The Lovely Eggs lift my spirits. Indie veterans The Pooh Sticks deliver an energetic and joyously raucous performance that brings Friday to a close. Echo Lake kick off proceedings on Saturday; a mixture of dreampop and heady electronica. Slightly hampered by a lack of a sound check, the later, heavier part of the set, whilst great, is perhaps a little too sonically challenging for some as they hot foot it to the café to catch Tigercats who, unable to fulfil their main stage slot earlier in the day due to car trouble (I can sympathise), play a blistering, if somewhat truncated, hit and run set. The revelation of the day is Oscar. It’s the band’s live debut in Wales and they clearly revel in their set with most recent single Daffodil Days introduced as ‘their most Welsh song’. These are well-crafted, infectiously sharp and hook-filled tunes that get the crowd shape shifting. PINS are an engaging, visceral and an edgy ensemble that make
the occasional foray into the crowd. When they invite everyone onto the stage for their final number, most are happy to oblige. Frontman Gordon McIntyre of Saturday headliners Ballboy is just as interactive with his audience, chatting heartily throughout the set. The songs are at times both wistful and anthemic with rousing opener I Hate Scotland evoking half forgotten teenage memories of first hearing the band on John Peel’s radio show. Sunday is more suitably subdued but no less impressive. Catchy Swedish duo Alpaca Sports play an uplifting set in the café as do indie-pop trio Colour Me Wednesday. The main stage plays host to French folk chanteuse Freschard whose mellifluous tones are beautifully augmented by guitarist Stanley Brinks. American artist Jessica Pratt is as equally captivating. Whilst the performance is introspective and audience interaction minimal, it’s impossible not to be overwhelmed by the subtle haunting vocals and delicate guitar interplay at work. Thomas Truax’s anti-folk performance is downright bonkers but great fun. He traverses most of the pews, exits through one door, appears at another and then races back onto the stage (all mid-song, of course). His ‘backing band’ consists of home-made instruments such as the brilliantly titled Cadillac Beatspinner Wheel and the Hornicator. Wonderful stuff. David Took
Morrissey Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff After a litany of cancellations and endless hearsay about his current health, it’s good to see Morrissey back on stage. Dare I say it, he seems to be enjoying it too with comedy club banter (‘Did I just hear somebody boo? I demand an explanation!’) and chat about a ‘burger van’ that only deals in nachos. Opener The Queen Is Dead sends the diehards at the front into raptures as their hero parades the stage with authority, cracking his vocal lead like a lion tamer. One classic is swiftly followed by another as Morrissey’s vocals shine bright on the brilliant Suedehead. Then comes the new material. Of course, it’s to be expected, but his latest album, World Peace is None of Your Business, takes up a hulking nine songs in a set that’s barely double that. Of the new material, Istanbul is the most captivating whereas the rest mostly glides through unnoticed. Another Smiths classic perks up the mood as Stop Me If You Think You’ve Heard This One Before is dedicated to the late Andy Fraser of Free (and also reminds you how downright awful Mark Ronson’s cover version is). Fronted by a stomach-churning animal cruelty video, Meat is Murder is Morrissey’s relentless diatribe to all the carnivores out there. The sloganeering stops for a moment to savoir Everyday is Like Sunday; one of Morrissey’s finest solo moments as the crowd sing heartily in unison with him. A few more new songs are paraded and then Morrissey briefly departs only to return for a one-song encore of First of the Gang to Die. The music stops and Morrissey rips off his shirt to reveal the only meat on show this evening. It’s great to see Morrissey back but this could’ve been so much more. The problem is it’s always on his terms, and always will be, which is the most frustrating thing. Michael Took
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Look & Listen Mike Took and Jason Jones select the best reads and the coolest tunes They still have the power to surprise though, no more so than on Ghost Ship; a loose, reggae-ish track powered by Alex James’s funky bassline and a surprisingly laidback Coxon. However, Coxon’s let off the leash properly for I Broadcast, a fun romp littered with his unmistakable, buzzsaw guitar lines. A fine return.
MUMFORD AND SONS BLUR The Magic Whip Parlophone Their first studio album in more than a decade, The Magic Whip is Blur’s opportunity to show they can still captivate beyond the live stage. Guitarist Graham Coxon is back in the booth – the first time since 1999’s 13 album - and the winning formula is complete with Stephen Street, Blur’s maverick producer during their mid-90s pomp. Lead single Lonesome Street is a pleasant, four-chord chug levelled against sprightly, plinky-plonky synths. However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The melancholy of My Terracotta Heart is trademark Damon Albarn; a sound more akin to his work with Gorillaz.
Wilder Mind Gentleman of the Road / Island Hang on, is that the sound of an electric guitar being plugged into an amp? Yes it is! After their disappointing (yet global munching) second album, Babel, Mumford and Sons have decided to throw the banjos on the fire and shut down the barn dance. It’s a smart move and Wilder Mind, in part, is the sound of a band yearning to break free from their indie-folk shackles. With its purposeful, chugging guitars and pounding drums The Wolf is the best thing they’ve done since their debut. Sadly, the pang of excitement doesn’t last though. The quiet-loud dynamic of Believe is a stab at Coldplay’s euphoric-pop which just doesn’t work out. Clichéd and tedious.
SNOOP DOGG Bush
I Am Other / Columbia After his brief foray into reggae on Reincarnated in 2013, Snoop Lion is dead and the Dogg is back wagging his tail on Bush; a not-so-subtle nod to his love for the green herb. Snoop’s an interesting ball of contradiction; a committed family man with three children, he embraces all of hip-hop’s seedy stereotypes. The running themes of weed, drink and hot girls remain, but because it’s delivered in such tongue-in-cheek fashion he manages to deflect the critics. The ubiquitous Pharrell Williams is on production duties and creates ten slick tracks to get any nightclub shaking. Peaches N Cream is a Funkadelic-inspired jam with Snoop’s laconic, cartoon rhymes slickly delivered over Pharrell’s taut beats. So Many Pros repeats the trick; another infectious slice of hip-hop pop narrating more good times at the club. It’s all a bit silly, especially for a man of 43, but wonderful fun nonetheless. MT
US
PROUD
David Nicholls £20, Hodder & Stoughton How do you make a success of marriage? Is it possible to stay interested, attracted to and stimulated by one person for a great swathe of your life? Even asking that makes the premise of a long-term monogamous marriage seem utterly preposterous, like a primitive form of voodoo. How can anyone fulfil all your needs, forever? That’s the central question at the beating heart of Us. The ‘us’ are Douglas and Connie. They’re the archetypal odd couple: Douglas is a buttoned-up biochemist whose life is orderly and measured, while his wife is a free-spirited artist. Essentially, this is an exploration of the eternal opposites-attract aphorism. While it holds true initially for them, long-lasting wedded bliss eludes them, something spotlighted by Connie when, just after they’ve taken a big trip around Europe with their son, she informs Douglas that she intends to leave him. This novel is much anticipated because Nicholls experienced a serious case of writer’s block after the megasuccess of his last literary-offeringturned-Hollywood-film One Day five years ago. In many ways, he covers similar terrain here, namely the complexities, expectations and difficulties of contemporary relationships. By turns moving, funny and thoughtful it lays bare what it really means to be ‘in love’.
Gareth Thomas £20, Ebury Press If you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, then maybe you should judge it by its title because here it succinctly sums up exactly where rugby legend Gareth Thomas is at in his life at the moment. He didn’t always feel pride about who he is, though, as this autobiography attests. On the surface, Thomas was leading a charmed life: a glittering career, a devoted wife and a loving family. He was living a lie, though, and was struggling to come to terms with the fact he was actually gay. He was so tormented by his secret sexuality that he attempted suicide several times. All of which sounds like a pretty depressing read, but this is one of the most uplifting, honest and insightful autobiographies ever written. This is partly because Thomas narrates his own life with a complete lack of self-pity, but primarily it’s because it lifts the lid on what it’s truly like to try and conceal who you fundamentally are and conform to the socially-sanctioned constraints that control all of us one way or another. It’s actually a brilliant piece of social commentary that one day will hopefully be consigned to social history. Thomas has every reason to be proud of it and himself. JJ
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Smoke without fire?
Business
Not for Mark Power, co-owner of The Smoke Haus in Cardiff and Swansea, a man whose passion for American food has turned into a thriving business and put all my savings in. My two partners put some money in and then we went to the bank who gave us a small loan. It was really difficult. Funnily enough, the bank who loaned us money for the first restaurant in Swansea didn’t come through for us for Cardiff, which was surprising, but Finance Wales did and they’ve been awesome. They are very keen to support us.
RedHanded: What was the route you took to starting your own business? Mark Power: I made the decision while on a soul-searching holiday. I had this idea of a man v food style American diner, so it was all about finding the right premises. Having looked at three or four, when La Tasca left Swansea, I thought “that’s the one”. Having that unit available at the same time as having the idea was the kickstart – it all just dropped into place. Why an American Diner? After watching Man vs Food and travelling around the USA I saw a gap in the market. The Man vs Food programme sparked an interest and I loved the fact that Adam Richman, the host of the popular TV show, said to the world that yeah, you might think that American food is McDonalds, but it’s not – this is real American food. His passion mirrored my passion for it. Why did you want to start your own business? I asked myself, “What do I want to do?” I’d been relatively successful; I’d seen the profits and margins and it was just: let’s give it a go. If it works, great, if it doesn’t, I can stand in the mirror and say we gave it a try. I had experience, the time was right, and I saw a gap in the market. Everything aligned. Setting up a restaurant is not a cheap exercise. How difficult did you find it to raise the finance? I put everything I owned into it. I sold my car
How did Finance Wales help you? I basically took out a loan. It may not be the cheapest loan in the world but it’s not like we’ve sold our souls to the devil. Every quarter we send them our figures and they just keep abreast of what we’re doing. I think they want to be associated with success and they want to lend money as much as possible, to the right people. They are tasked with lending money to businesses and the more they lend the more success stories they have. How many people realise Finance Wales are willing and able to help their business? I would say very few. We were lucky we had an introduction through our bank manager, who was disappointed that her bank had turned down our application (due to previous businesses failing on the Cardiff site). She was the one who put me on to Alun Thomas at Finance Wales and it was so simple once we had the introduction, but we probably wouldn’t have thought of it ourselves. And they’ve been amazingly helpful and have offered to help further expansion.
We have a fantastic team; we’re up to 75 between the two businesses. We put a mood board up to find out how staff perceive us and one of our young chefs put, “Well, it’s family isn’t it?” and I love that. In ten years when I look back, that’ll be what I’m most proud of. And I love the comments on the twitter-feed – we’ve clearly given people some great experiences. Sometimes I have to pinch myself: it’s really happening! What’s your favourite dish on the menu? Crikey, I like it all but if I had to choose one, Jacob’s Ladder. It’s a four bone, thick, beef cut off the short rib and it’s phenomenal because we smoke it for an hour then roast for four hours and serve it with our barbecue sauce and it’s unlike any beef you’ve ever tasted. If you had to put in a short sentence what Smoke Haus is about, what would you say? Funnily enough, we’ve been working on this and we’ve come up with six words that we feel epitomise us – “Great food, cool music, good people”. And it is just great food. The music is incredibly cool because customers get to pick whatever they want over the phones or on twitter. And good people because I like to think that reflects us, three people from south Wales having a go. The Smoke Haus, Wind Street, Swansea (01792 642045) and Mary Ann Street, Cardiff (029 2022 0777). www.thesmokehaus.co.uk
What have been the biggest challenges? Initially raising finance. Then the pressure from having two weeks to open the doors before the money ran out. The challenge since then has been looking for suitable, affordable sites, though affordability is no longer a problem because of the success we’re having. There’s the ‘challenge’ of staying ahead of the game – that’s never going away but to be honest, I see it as a great opportunity – we’re off to America in a couple of weeks to get new menu ideas.
Alun Thomas, Senior Investment Executive at Finance Wales, said: “A loan from Finance Wales provided Mark Power and his team with the backing they needed to open their second Smoke Haus restaurant in Cardiff. We’re pleased to back this young business. They’re ambitious and have the vision and know-how to continue expanding the business and developing their distinctive brand. Finance Wales is keen to back more exciting new businesses like Smoke Haus.”
And what’s been most rewarding? The bit I find phenomenally rewarding is we’re changing the lives of people who work for us.
Visit financewales.co.uk/growth to read more about setting up or growing your business.
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Films Avengers: Age of Ultron
Mad Max: Fury Road It’s been a long time coming, but George Miller has brought the beloved Mad Max franchise back to rampage across the big screen more than 30 years after the original changed the face of the modern action film. This beauty is already critically acclaimed and has been widely regarded as the best of the Mad Max series. This post-apocalyptic film follows Mad Max (played by Tom Hardy) in what is essentially a two hour chase. Charlize Theron joins the scene early on as runaway Imperator Furiosa smuggling out a harem of wives from a warlord-cum-cult leader. It’s natural to fear that Max might have lost his edge with age, but Hardy channels the raw animalism and punk flare that first landed Mel Gibson the role in the late 70s. Somewhere between the stunning visuals and authentic practical effects you realise that your heart has been pounding since your first mouthful of popcorn and you’ve never cared so much about the fate of two grimy warriors on the cusp of humanity. Verdict: Madder than the original Mel himself 5/5
Disney and Marvel have dominated the superhero movie scene in recent years and they’re set to keep on climbing. The most notable thing about Age of Ultron is the subtle shift as the franchise gears up for the next instalment, centred on the Civil War arc of the comics. During this film you follow the motley crew of heroes who have far too much power for such dysfunctional people (but really, that’s the beauty of it) as they fight for survival against the AI brainchild of Tony Stark’s: Ultron. Marvel keeps the formula that has done well so far – pairing up intense action and personal politics with a generous peppering of light-hearted dialogue. But, as aforementioned, the change is there. There is a certain feeling that the Avengers are in real danger, whereas they used to be practically invincible. They face death quite literally as they stagnate in their power, but their foes seem to get ever stronger. The rifts between members, particularly Rogers and Stark, grows as Joss Whedon prepares fans who don’t follow the comics for the future, but at least this time the heroes come out on top. Sort of. Verdict: Classic Marvel superhero flick 4/5
has no limits as the team search for the “God’s Eye”, the glamorously named, souped up tracking software that’s central to securing help to get Shaw bumped off. The film becomes sombre at points and very much self aware as the cast emphasise their long running theme of family, felt more keenly after the loss of Walker. Aside from these especially heartfelt moments, the film is your bread and butter Fast and Furious; the effects are brilliantly done, as are the stunts. Verdict: Fast and furious - turned up to eleven 4/5
Furious 7 The Furious crew are back with chases that will blow your socks off... even further than the last film. Furious 7, having been anticipated for so long (due to its release being delayed by the sad loss of Paul Walker), meets and exceeds expectations for a fun action flick with as many sleek cars and gravity defying stunts packed in as possible. Vin Diesel and co. go head to head against Jason Statham’s archetypically British villain in a manhunt that spans the globe. Deckard Shaw (Statham) is seeking revenge on Dominic Torreto (Diesel) for the damage done to his brother in Furious 6. And his vengeance
Good Kill Ethan Hawke stars in a film that covers the reality of war. Only, the front lines have moved from one side of the world to the other as Major Thomas Egan (Hawke) controls drones from Las Vegas. This is a war movie that sits on the better side of Clint Eastwood’s action-based American Sniper to convey an aspect of war that is both detached from, but intrinsically linked to, the heat of the battle. This is the realistic and introspective face of the modern war film. When Egan’s unit is sub-contracted by the CIA, the orders to kill become less and less discriminate. Egan begins questioning the ethics and effects of his drone attacks and thus embarks on a psychological journey that threatens his sanity and relationship with his wife. The script is well crafted and provocative and Hawke’s portrayal of Egan serves to emphasise this. It’s a “show, don’t tell” kind of film and perfect if you want something a bit deeper. Verdict: Fresh perspective on the war film genre 4/5
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Treemendous ambition Books, kids, TV shows – Bennett’s done plenty. But he still wants more! There is a famous saying: “Every man should plant a tree, have a child and write a book.” This saying has been attributed to the artist Picasso, the Cuban poet Jose Martí, the writings of The Talmud and S Club 7. Whatever the source, and putting the slight sexism to one side, all that’s left for me to do from this list is some tree planting. In fact, as I have doubled up on the other requirements I might now have to plant 2 trees. I have two children. I have a 12-year-old son and a 15-year-old daughter - although she might be 16 by the time you read this, unless of course you don’t read it until 2025 in which case she’ll be either 25 or 26. And we’ll have all been taken over by robots. I recently had to have the ‘sex’ talk with my son. It was uncomfortable and confusing - but by the end I had learned quite a bit. Both my children were recently involved in an incident on their school bus. The accident was so serious that it actually made it onto the news. Whilst waiting at a bus stop to pick up a child who was late, they all heard a loud bang. The driver immediately told everyone to evacuate. Moments later, the bus burst into flames. The seat on which my daughter had been sitting minutes earlier, immediately became nothing more than burnt ash. When things like this happen it puts everything else in perspective. Suffice to say I spent the rest of the day hugging my children. As well as the bus driver. In addition to producing two children, I have also produced two books. As with the children, this took time, commitment, energy, screaming and crying. One of the books is a romantic comedy called The Girl From The Discotheque and is loosely based on a true story about a guy who becomes obsessed with a girl he briefly met at a disco in the 1980’s. After spending the next
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20 years thinking about her, he realises that he won’t be able to get on with the rest of his life until he finds her. No, it’s not MY story…. The other book IS my story though. It’s a memoir called Heard The One About The Stolen Identity? and it covers the time I had my identity stolen, lost everything and had to move back in with my parents. It also goes into detail about the Channel 4 documentary I made on the subject, how I found a loophole in the law, how my actions forced changes to the Driving Licence Application Form and how I was knighted for all my hard work. Sorry, did I say ‘knighted’? I meant ‘arrested’. Both books have received lovely 5 star reviews and
are available on Amazon. Treat yourself. Of course the quote I mentioned earlier, is all about achievements and aspirations. Like most people, when I was younger I had many ambitions and dreams. Some of them came to fruition, for example, I did once kiss the girl I fancied in school, although it did take three years – the opportunity that is, not the kiss itself. Another ambition was to act in a film. I once had a small part in a film with Michael
Sheen. Funnily enough Michael and I went to the same school and had the same enthusiastic and encouraging drama teacher, proving that good teachers really can make a difference. Of course, some of my ambitions have yet to be carried out. For example, I am still waiting for the call to be the next James Bond and I haven’t found my own cure for baldness or fatty-belly-syndrome, but I assume this is all just a matter of time. There is one ambition however that I will be fulfilling later this year. I have always wanted to have my own radio series and the good people at BBC Radio Wales have granted this wish. The series is called Bennett Arron is Jewelsh and is based on my last stand-up tour. I am genuinely excited about this. I am also pretty nervous as when you are offered the opportunity to do something you’ve always wanted to do, you then have to live up to your own expectations. I hope it goes well and I’m sure that through the mediums of Facebook and Twitter I’ll find out pretty quickly if it hasn’t. However, before that happens there is the small matter of my having to plant a tree or two. I suppose the reason for the tree planting is to make up for the trees which are cut down to make the books. The thing is, my books are mainly being sold online as Ebooks, so I might get away with just planting a microchip. And if I do that, it will no doubt grow into an Apple tree… So I suppose the theme of this article has been ambitions and achievements. Many times we all want to give up on our ambitions. But we shouldn’t. We should keep trying. And we should always remember the man who continued working hard to pursue his dreams, despite all the odds. His name, of course, was Percy Veerance. See what Bennett’s up to at www.bennettarron.com Follow Bennett on Twitter @bennettarron © Bennett Arron 2015
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