Style of the city Magazine Autumn 2021 by Style of the city Magazine

Autumn Issue 2021

Cardiff & The Vale

FR EE

Richard

BLACKWOOD Talks exclusively to us on his incredible journey to success, his new links to Wales and current role on Hollyoaks

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St David’s Dewi Sant 27 The Hayes laingsuk.com 2 Style of the city

EDITOR’S LETTER

Shining A Light FOUNDER & EDITOR - IN - CHIEF Rosie Harris EDITORIAL & COMMUNICATIONS Angharad Thomas DESIGNER Ella-Louisa Romain PHOTOGRAPHER Justin Harris CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lauren Green Luca Malacrino Polly James Saul David Stephen Truelove Sophie & Hannah Pycroft Yvonne Jones Style of the City Magazine, Castle Court, 6 Cathedral Road, Cardiff, CF11 9LJ Call: 02920 647640 ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES: info@marcarmedia.com GENERAL ENQUIRIES: rosie@marcarmedia.com

Is it really Autumn? Although this year seems to have flown by, our ‘new normal’ is starting to feel, well, normal again. Season change is always good and a positive change gives us all a new lease of life. With that said, you might have noticed a few changes here. We are thrilled to bring you a brand-new designed magazine, something fresher and more stylish to take in. We welcome you then to our autumn edition with an exclusive interview with actor, comedian and all-round TV favourite, the icon that is Richard Blackwood. Sharing all on his career and journey (P13), it was amazing to hear how he has stayed relevant and consistent throughout his time in show business, proving that you should never give up on your dreams. His exclusive interview with us was truly special. With October being Black History Month, we share with you (P29) some incredible black owned independent Welsh brands. We also look at those who have cemented themselves as real game changers and those who have paved the way, in our Black History Month section (P36) History can teach us so much and it was a real privilege to interview John Actie (Part of ‘The Cardiff Five’) and former BBC journalist, Ceri Jackson who shared their story with us on reviving ‘The Cardiff Five’ trial to a new audience (P30). The new documentary ‘A Killing in Tiger Bay’ shone a light on the huge miscarriage of justice, but it was only when speaking with John himself, that I truly understood the real depth and consequence of injustice when ignorance and bigotry clouds any judgement. We have filled this latest issue with all the things you enjoy, including our popular ‘Shop Local Initiative.’ Here you can support homegrown local brands who are so passionate about their products and services (P8.) With so much content and style, of course, we hope you enjoy our latest read. Thanks for picking us up x

Rosie Harris LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Style of the city Magazine does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the quality, accuracy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information, product or service represented within our magazine.

FOUNDER & EDITOR - IN - CHIEF

www.styleofthecitymag.co.uk

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Style of the city 3

CONTENTS AUTUMN 2021

Features

P8 SHOP LOCAL INITIATIVE We highlight the best of what local businesses have to offer P11 OUR COVER STAR Richard Blackwood talks to Style of the City on his career from comedy to acting, his new clothing line and his journey back to success from bankruptcy P38 WEST QUAY The Leading Property Management Company in South Wales P46 POLLY’S BABY BLOG Our parenting columnist shares her journey on returning to work whilst juggling being a mum

18 11

Health & Wellness

P52 NUFFIELD HEALTH Nuffield Health Cardiff & Vale Hospital shares all on women’s health P56 HOW CAN FITNESS HELP YOU? Our Health & Fitness columnist, Lauren Green, shares her advice on how fitness can help you mentally and physically P60 EQUALITY - DONE DEAL OR WORK IN PROGRESS? Mindset coach Stephen Truelove shares his advice on breaking limitations on disability

30 Black History Month P30 A LONG ROAD TO JUSTICE John Actie and Ceri Jackson, former BBC Journalist, share their journey on reviving ‘The Cardiff Five’ trial to a new audience P34 BLACK OWNED WELSH BUSINESSES We celebrate Black History Month by highlighting established black brands in South Wales.

Fashion & Beauty

Leisure & Lifestyle

P28 OCEANS SALON Ocean Hairdressing shares their new working schedules

P73 COOKING BYDEI Shelma Dei shares her stylish recipes.

P18 FASHION Millie-Charles-Davies shares her autumn style must-haves.

P30 THE SPECTRUM SISTERS Sophie & Hannah Pycroft share their core values 4 Style of the city

P71 WHAT’S ON We’ve rounded up the best events for you to experience over the upcoming months

P74 SOCIAL BUTTERFLIES A look inside the ‘Brunch in the Bay’ event P86 MIDDLE EIGHT We review the luxurious London hotel

LAINGS set to treble the size of St David’s showroom aings, a luxury family jeweller with a flagship showroom in St David’s Centre, has announced ambitious new expansion plans which will begin here in Cardiff. Formerly Parkhouse, Laings has developed a strong relationship with its Cardiff clientele over the years and is proud to service jewellery and watch enthusiasts in the capital city. Now, in the first steps of a £10m investment to transform its presence over the next two years, Laings is set to treble the size of its Cardiff showroom with work already underway on the site. While already hosting a premier range of Swiss watch brands, the expanded Cardiff showroom will see Laings bring new brands to its Welsh clientele including Rolex and Patek Philippe in dedicated brand environments. Stuart McDowell, Retail Director at Laings, says: “The expansion in Cardiff is in response to our client’s enquiries – catering to the watch collectors of Wales who might not have Laings at the forefront of their minds now, but hopefully they soon will. The showroom is right in the heart of the capital city and our expanded presence means we can give the brands we represent the stage to shine. No longer will Cardiff clients need to travel outside their home city to access these brands, they can enjoy having them on their doorstep – with Laings.” Laings is also reimagining the way its Welsh clients experience diamonds and jewellery. The expanded showroom is set to include dedicated diamond and jewellery areas so that clients can view the carefully curated collections in private, with a glass of champagne served by Laings’ refreshments

partner Lanson. Despite the changes, clients can expect the same warmth, expertise and attention that they have become accustomed to at Laings. To meet the needs of the new space, Laings has recruited for new positions in Cardiff. From Sales Advisory level through to Supervisory, the growing team will work to achieve Laings’ aim to “create unforgettable experiences”. The company is known for its thorough training delivered by in-house teams and brand partners, so the new starts can be assured they will learn the intricacies of the industry from the very best. Katie Keefe, Laings Cardiff Showroom Manager, says: “The growing showroom means we’ve hired for a number of roles in Cardiff in our watch, diamond and service departments. We look forward to welcoming the new team members to our Cardiff Laings family and embarking on the next exciting chapter of our journey together.” To help understand the future of Laings we need to remember its legacy, where over six generations of family ownership the company has become one of the UK’s leading luxury jewellers. Laings – with showrooms in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Southampton – is proud to offer an elite selection of watch brands including Rolex and Patek Philippe, as well as a collection of fine jewellery to mark life’s most special occasions.

St David’s, 27 The Hayes, Cardiff, CF10 1GA Tel: 02920 660 890 www.laingsuk.com

Style of the city 5

VOLVO CARS CARDIFF

VOLVO SELEKT APPROVED USED VOLVO Each Selekt used Volvo comes with: Checks and updates – Every car receives over 100 checks by our expert Volvo Technicians along with the latest software upgrade from the factory Satisfaction Guarantee – You have 30 days or 1500 miles to exchange your car should you not be fully satisfied subject to terms and conditions Volvo Assistance – A minimum of 12 months Volvo Assistance cover Warranty and MOT Test Cover – A Minimum of 12 months unlimited mileage Volvo Selekt warranty along with MOT Test cover for its first or next MOT.

2018 Volvo XC90 R-Design PowerPulse

2021 Volvo V60 Inscription Plus

2020 Volvo S60 R Design Plus

£40,995

£33,995

£35,495

LARGE RANGE OF STOCK CHANGING DAILY FOR EVERYONE’S CLARITY, ARRANGE YOUR VISIT IN ADVANCE

Volvo Group

281 Penarth Road, Cardiff, CF11 8YZ volvocarscardiff.co.uk, 02920 644 300

6 Style of the city

FORDTHORNE

Mustang Mach-E. The all-electric suv. NOW AVAILABLE TO TEST DRIVE AT FORDTHORNE

Introducing the Mustang Mach-E: Ford’s first all-electric SUV. eautifully sculpted design, state-of the-art technologies, and a maximum electric driving range of up to 379 miles. The Mustang Mach-E is an electric SUV that delivers instant acceleration, with the GT model capable of 0-62mph in just 3.7 seconds. The Mach-E is not what you expect from a Mustang. We need to make that statement blatantly obvious before you read further. There is no roar, nor is there that drive you would expect from a Ford Mustang. You need only Google ‘Mach-E’ to be presented with searches such as ‘why is the mustang Mach-E a suv?’, and ‘why is the Mach-E called a mustang?’ As Top Gear referenced the Mach-E in their detailed review, it is ‘badge engineering.’ That is not to say the Mach-E is a fraud, if anything the all-electric vehicle is one of the most intriguing and electrifying vehicles Ford have produced in recent years. With a starting price of just over £41,000, the range is split into rear- or all-wheel-drive models, each offering Standard or Extended Range set-ups with usable battery capacities of 68kWh and 88kWh respectively. The four models across the series range are; Mustang Mach-E (RWD), Mustang Mach-E First Edition, Mustang Mach-E AWD and Mustang Mach-E GT. Power outputs range from 265bhp for the Standard Range cars, through to the 290bhp RWD Extended Range model and the top-ofthe-range AWD Extended Range version with 346bhp. The ability to travel a reasonable distance on a single charge is often uppermost in the minds of potential customers, and particularly those who aren’t used to their car being solely reliant on all-electric power.

Choosing the Mustang Mach-E RWD Extended Range version you can benefit from up to 379 miles on the road without needing to top up the battery. Selecting the cheaper variants will result in slightly less range being achievable, but even the AWD Standard Range car will deliver 248 miles before you need to plug in. Equipment as standard available on all models is generous including a substantial feature 15.5-inch, portrait-style touchscreen given pride of place at the centre of the dash, while other comforts include heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a smartphone charging pad, adaptive cruise control and front and rear parking sensors. The vehicle truly must be seen to appreciate all of the exterior and interior features on offer, and you can visit us on Penarth Road to find out more. To test drive and find out more about more about Ford’s first fully electric car, call Fordthorne on 02920 223 100, or visit Fordthorne.co.uk for more information and to talk to us on 24/7 live chat or web form. Style of the city 7

THE SHOP LOCAL INITIATIVE The Little Green Corner The Little Green Corner is a boutique business based in Penarth, near Cardiff providing a wide range of plants, flowers, dried flowers and associated gifts for your home, both indoors and out. They deliver straight to your doorstep, making things quick, stress free and, in these uncertain times, safe for you. Their new range of dried flowers can be posted through your letter box, making them a perfect surprise gift, or fuss free delivery. www.thelittlegreencorner.co.uk

The Shop Local INITIATIVE Now more than ever local businesses need our support. In every issue, Style of the city will highlight the best of what local brands have to offer in our Shop Local Initiative.

Boho Buffalo

Boho Buffalo is a unique 'BohoChic' Boutique specialising in unconventional clothing & accessories for women who like to blaze their own trail! This Cardiff based brand blurs the lines between bohemian & western style fashion in an aesthetic that feels highly personal, comfortable & carefree. Browse the luxury collections of handmade semi-precious jewellery, clothing, hats, boots & leather bags online, at local events or by appointment at the studio. Join the tribe at www.bohobuffalo.com 8 Style of the city

Pure Beauty Pure Beauty by Bianca was created in 2017, which specialises in lash lifts, brow lamination, waxing, and the most popular, in demand treatment being custom hand painted nail art.  Pure Beauty offers personalised one to one nail art lessons to both beginners and advanced nail technicians, which teaches others how to create such striking and intricate nail designs. Instagram: @purebeauty.bybianca

SPONSORED

Scentsational Cottage Scentsational Cottage is an Indi retailer and brand that focuses on bringing you vegan and cruelty free bath and beauty products and only use sustainable ingredients. They have a strong brand ethos and are very passionate about doing their bit for the planet. They sell stunning artisan soaps, soap bouquets, bath, body products and designer candles. All of the which are hand crafted. They have a boutique on Broad Street in Barry. Pop in and say hi! www.scentsationalcottage.com

Amanda Jones

Amanda Jones Jewellery is located in the beautiful town of Cowbridge. Amanda is passionate about creating a magical and personal shopping experience for her customers. She has used her 20 years experience to build a relationship with many leading stockists here in the UK and Europe, such as Uno de 50, Anna Beck, Chlobo, SVP rings and many more. www.amandajonesjewellery.co.uk

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THE SHOP LOCAL INITIATIVE

Wing Stack The perfect ‘wing’ destination in Cardiff. Wing Stack offers mouth-watering, tasty meat and vegan options, such as their signature wings. You’ll find an array of wings, burgers and ‘tings’ which are full of flavour. Every single dish has its own signature style, from popular classics to indulgent favourites, there’s something for everyone’s taste. @wingstackuk

Little People Party Supplies Located at the top end of Holton Road (opposite the Tadros Hotel), Little People Party Supplies opened its doors 5 years ago and has swiftly become the go to place for your partyware and balloons. Whether it's a party for a child or a more adult theme they have you covered! This is the Santa's grotto of shops, jam packed with a selection of partyware that is not available anywhere else in the UK; only in Barry! Their locally famous 'Balloon Hug' displays are beautiful, classy and are so versatile, it's no wonder they are a top seller. www.partyvillage.co.uk 12 Style of the city

TO GET YOUR BUSINESS NOTICED IN OUR NEXT SHOP LOCAL INITIATIVE, Contact us on 02920 647640.

Richard Blackwood speaks exclusively to Style of the city Magazine on his incredible journey, brand new clothing line and so much more. Photographer Tony Atile Style of the city 13

INTERVIEW

Richard Blackwood is an actor, comedian, presenter and rapper from South London. In 1999, Blackwood was the second black person in the UK to have his own television show, which has since helped pave the way for future black artists within the entertainment industry. After his success on ‘The Richard Blackwood Show’, he began his acting career in UK soap operas. He is known for playing the role of Vincent Hubbard on EastEnders and has recently begun a new role on Hollyoaks, as Felix Westwood. Our founder, Rosie Harris, spoke with Blackwood as he shares his career from comedy to acting, his new clothing line and his journey back to success from bankruptcy. 14 Style of the city

Photographer:Tony Atile.

One on one with

RICHARD BLACKWOOD

I WAS TRYING TO SHOW YOUNG BLACK MEN THAT YOU DON'T NEED TO FOLLOW THE STREET TO BE SUCCESSFUL Style of the city 15

INTERVIEW When did you realise that you had a real passion for the entertainment industry and comedy in particular? I was eight years old when I first had the notion that I could do comedy. I saw Richard Pryor live on TV; I snuck downstairs to watch it and I just remember being blown away at how funny he was and how much I understood the stuff he was saying, even at that tender age. He had a great way of storytelling, it was self-explanatory, and it didn’t matter what the subject matter was, everyone still understood. At the start of your career, how did you find navigating through a fickle industry whilst still being true to yourself? Everything that I learnt was just me going through it and staying true to who and what I believed, so it definitely came down to the way that I was raised and my ethics. I was very fortunate of everything I was taught stood the test of time in the world I decided to be in. Because my Uncle Junior [Giscombe] was in this field, I had a front-row seat to what it was all about; I saw the ups and downs of the industry. I think that helped me understand that in this industry when you’re hot, you’re hot but when you’re not, you’re not. It also taught me that because the industry is fickle you have to know when to reinvent yourself and to let go of yesterday. I definitely schooled myself on what opportunities to take on; you have to learn to listen to your inner voice. Having been the only second black person ever to have their own television show, what impact did that have on you? I must say that Ian Wright (the footballer) also had his own show around the same time. For me, I felt proud as I had come up through the comedy circuit and the only other person to do that was Lenny Henry. So, for me, that’s why it held such relevance because coming up in the ‘90’s you had the black circuit, which was called ‘the alternatives’, and you had the ‘mainstream circuit’, which was the white circuit. If you had the option, you would go see the ‘mainstream’ because the ‘alternatives’ just didn’t sound as good. It was a one-time sting for a black person to be famous, so for you to be next was even harder.

16 Style of the city

Lenny Henry made his mark, and we were all scrambling over who was going to be next. At the time, there was no likelihood that it would be you, as there wasn’t one designated spot for you to be discovered.

You have done many things in your career from music to acting, what role do you feel most comfortable in? That’s a good question, but I don’t think it’s a straight black and white question to answer. Stand up for me is probably the most rewarding in terms of the euphoria I feel because stand up is my own material that I created myself, in my four walls at home, standing with a comb, performing to myself. Most stand-ups will tell you that when you’re reciting the jokes, and because the jokes feel funny to you, you actually put in the laugh where you think it’ll go – but you don’t actually know if the audience is going to laugh there, as you’ve never done it before. So, now you have to trust where your sense of humour says it’s funny, is where the audience thinks that it’s also funny. But there’s no guarantee that the audience will laugh along; you just have to trust yourself that it’s going to work.

INTERVIEW

So, for me, that’s why I'm proud of being a comedian because I went from performing in my bedroom to performing on stage and making people laugh.

Tell us about your clothing line? Ashley Smith (Cardiff entrepreneur) and I have been friends for a while now, and originally, we were going to call it Real Boss, I came up with this idea for caps, and Ashley got it out there to the public. We used the initials RB which is my name, but we knew that no one was going to want to wear something called Richard Blackwood, so we changed it to Real Boss. It worked and got a little bit of traction for a while. Ashley then came to me and said he knew these guys from Wales, and they wanted us to come in for a meeting. I was doing a play called ‘Typical’ at the time, in the West End, and I thought I’d take a look. They came down to the show and they were very professional and had a plan in place, so we met them again and began the new brand; we eventually took it over, so it’s just Ashley and I now. The new brand is called Monde D’or. A lot of people are under financial pressure now with job loss following the pandemic, from someone that found themselves losing everything and gaining it all again, what advice would you give for those that might have lost hope? In terms of my emotional and mental standpoint, I’m not good at giving up. I come from a family that isn’t good at giving in. The template my family live by is don’t start something that you can’t finish. So that’s why I never got into crime or anything like that because I couldn’t go to prison, I couldn’t do the time. The crime didn’t scare me, but

knowing I would have to go to prison for a certain amount of time… I wasn’t built for that. I knew that my calling was for comedy, so all the pitfalls in between and the times I wanted to give up, even kill myself, because I got really serious to losing everything at once, my family and friends reminded me of who I was and what I stood for. Also, at how lucky I was that it happened to me in my younger years. I went bankrupt when I was 31-years-old, going on 32-years-old, so I had all of this success in my 20’s and early 30’s and then I had to climb the ladder again. But, as far as my career and when business is concerned, I was still a baby in the industry, especially as an actor, presenter, comedian– there’s no age limit in those careers when you’re successful, people throw stuff at you, which makes you more successful. But the real success comes from when you fall, and you know how to reinvent yourself.

Where did the sense of knowing who you are come from and how did you know you were to become this person? It was my family; I knew what I was meant to stand for. I was trying to show young black men that you don’t need to follow the street to be successful, you can still be streetwise without having to do street things – that’s what I truly stood for. I grew up in South London, but I never gave into the streets or do crazy things for money; not because I was rich, but because I stood my ground and knew what was right morally for me and staying true to myself. Now, when I’m seen out and about, I hear people say that I’m an ‘old G’, never because I was a gangster, but because I always stayed true to who I was. What would you say to a young Richard Blackwood? I would say, don’t make any changes. Even if I told my younger self all the bad things that were going to happen, God would have made sure it came in a different way. We always say ‘God is good' when life is going well, but we don’t say it when something goes bad. God puts us through these things not only to teach us but to shape us, make us who we are and test us to see if that’s what we were meant to do. I’ve lost count of the number of auditions I got turned down for, but I’m still acting today. What's next for you? I always say I’m big on what I’m doing now. I’m currently on Hollyoaks and I’m very happy and grateful. The storylines are getting stronger and stronger every time, so I have nothing to complain about. In the future, Hollywood is the dream, and always will be, but I’ve learnt that will come when it’s meant to. I would say to everyone, even if you have big dreams, it’s important to be thankful for what you have right now. Great things can’t come for you if you don’t recognise what you have now.

To keep up with his journey, follow @richardblackwood on Instagram.

Style of the city 17

High-waist palazzo trousers MANGO £35.99

PHOTO: @FRANNFYNE

FASHION

Faux leather shirt jacket ARITZIA $88.99

PHOTO: PINTEREST

Campo Chrome Free VEJA £115.00

EARLY AUTUMN PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

Striped Cotton Jumper Arket £69.00

STYLING Your in-between-seasons outfit solution: navigating your wardrobe from heatwaves to downpours will include adding autumnal classics such as light weight knitwear, chunky boots and pops of colour to your outfits. By Millie Charles-Davies

TRANSITIONAL KNITWEAR

Oversized Wool Hopsack Blazer ARKET £135.00

TRENCH SEASON

PHOTO: @ROSIEHW

Ribbed longsleeved t-shirt MANGO £17.99

From classic tailoring to neutral knits, embrace cool temperatures by layering your favourite pieces underneath an oversized coat. Creating a relaxed, cosy yet chic look.

Black tapered trousers COS £89.00 Bea oversized single-breasted blazer Frankie Shop £285.00 Track outsole boots MANGO £59.99

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Braided handbag MANGO £89.99

Long coat H&M £49.99 Side slit suit trousers MANGO £35.99

Wide-leg linen Trousers COS £79.00 PHOTO: @ROSIEHW

MILLIE CHARLES-DAVIES

Time to update your wardrobe with

FLORENCE STYLE CLUB VIRTUAL STYLING SESSION: This is a one hour virtual styling session, followed by a custom mood board, including styling tips that are personal to your style/ wardrobe and shop-able links. This service is the perfect time to discuss any of your fashion dilemmas. This could be relating to your personal sense of style, not knowing where to shop or simply needing some new inspiration. For example: often when people have a special occasion coming up and have no idea what to wear or where to shop, booking this service will allow us to virtually map out ideas together. STYLE REFRESH: This service is perfect for somebody who loves fashion but needs help putting new looks together. Somebody who is on the go and needs a dose of style inspiration. HOW DOES IT WORK?

lorence Style Club is an online personal styling platform, designed to save you time, incorporate what you already own, show you how to shop smart and build your perfect wardrobe. With an understanding that not everyone has the time (or desire) to go shopping to update their wardrobes, we began creating styling services that were accessible for anyone from the comfort of their own home. We pride ourselves on delivering an extremely personalised service, tailored to the clients lifestyle, goals and needs.

WE OFFER THREE KEY STYLING SERVICES. HOWEVER, WE CAN ADJUST EACH SERVICE DEPENDING ON THE CLIENTS NEEDS.

We believe that good style is for EVERYONE and getting dressed should be stress and fuss-free.

1.Fill out our style questionnaire so we can understand your style and wardrobe needs. 2.Receive a mood board and 5 fully accessorised outfits with direct links to shop from. 3.Shop only what you love. PERSONAL STYLE DEVELOPMENT:

Perhaps a client is having a career change and wants to build a section of their wardrobe around that. Or perhaps they want to develop and refine their personal style/ want to reinvent and fall back in love with their wardrobe. This is a lot easier with a fresh pair of eyes and new ideas. It is always important to us that we help everyone to pick out their favourite items, re-style and give them a new lease of life. We will only encourage people to shop for new pieces when it is essential. HOW DOES IT WORK?

1.Style consultation: during this time we will discuss your goals for your style development service and you will fill our style questionnaire so we can gain a better understanding of your lifestyle, physique, fashion likes and dislikes and so on.. 3.You will receive a mood board full of visuals relating to your style goals and lifestyle. This is such a great way to map out how we will build your outfits. 4.After receiving your mood board we will make relevant changes based on your preferences. 5.Receive an in-depth style book which will include a written guide of fashion tips, trend advice, shape advice and 15 fully accessorised outfits with direct links to shop from. 6.Buy only what you love. 7.We can reconnect for a virtual styling session once you have shopped the items online.

You can book a style consultation via www.florencestyleclub.com or by simply emailing millie@florencestyleclub.com Additionally, you can read about all things style, sustainable fashion, upcoming brands and ways to build on your own style over on our Style Journal. Style of the city 19

FASHION

Yamini Top InWear £49.95

RETURN TO THE OFFICE Nira Dress InWear £89.95

VoIW Shirt Ink Stroke InWear £69.95

IN STYLE

Black Edge Style, a woman owned online ladies’ clothing store, offers a range of elegant pieces as well as personalised shopping and styling services. With bold prints and colours, it flaunts an edgy but stylish alternative for the corporate world. www.blackedgestyle.co.uk

Zella Blazer InWear £144.95

Nabal Skirt Black InWear £64.95 Left Image: Zella Blazer Pink Petunia InWear £144.95

Venus Shirt White InWear £79.95 InWear Zella Pant Black £74.95 Zhen Culotte Nautic Blue InWear £99.95

Zella Dress Golden Sunset InWear £99.95 Zella Dress Black InWear £99.95

20 Style of the city

Rena T-Shirt Black InWear £22.95

Adalia Zella Cigarette Trouser Graphic Check Rose InWear £44.99

Kerasilk Smoothing Hair Treatment From Frustrated to Fabulous at Simon Constantinou

Do you find every day a battle to smooth the frizz and fight with uneven curls? Investing in a Kerasilk Smoothing Treatment at Simon Constantinou’s will completely transform your daily routine. A Kerasilk Smoothing Treatment’s main purpose is to change the texture of the hair – rather than straightening curls and waves. Perfect if your issue is with frizz or hard-to-manage curls. If you still enjoy the ability to both straighten or curl your hair, then this treatment gives you that flexibility and will half your blow-drying time. Best of both worlds! The Kerasilk Smoothing Treatment lasts 3 to 5 months, it costs £184 and includes a free home-maintenance kit worth £36.50 for long-lasting results.

Quote Style of the City to receive a free Kerasilk Hair Perfume worth £20 with every Kerasilk Treatment while stocks last

www.simonconstantinou.com O.Constantinou & Sons, 99 Crwys Rd, Cardiff CF24Style 4NFof the city 21 Tel: 02920 461191 hello@simonconstantinou.com

OCEAN HAIRDRESSING

The First UK Salon to Implement a 4 Day Working Week “Looking after yourself and your well-being has never been so important as it has this last year and a half” says a Ijan Davies-Emrus founder of Ocean Hairdressing, one of Cardiff’s premier hairdressing destinations.

cean’s focus is not only on providing a bespoke service and attention for its bustling clientele but also on providing its team with the best support and environment to help them thrive and grow with minimal pressure. Ijan says “it’s such a balancing act when you have back-to-back clients every 45mins for days on end it can seem like a treadmill that is never ending.”With this in mind and with a lot of consulting with the Ocean hairdressing team Ijan wanted to evolve the working week and help his dedicated and busy team to have a more flexible and family friendly work/ life balance. “One of the things that really resonated with me was how Covid really brought into focus how fragile we can be and how important family time is to everyone,” states Ijan. So, with this in mind, he began the process of consulting with his team to come up with a solution that suits everyone, that keeps the team motivated, feel supported and the clients happy and cared for by vibrant knowledgeable fresh team.

22 Style of the city

The solution took some time and really running through the numbers to make sure it was fair to everyone, and last month the team saw the introduction of a four-day working week; not only that, but the team also work alternate weekends which Ijan believes makes him the first UK salon to implement such flexible hours. “The four-day week and especially working alternate weekends has been a real breakthrough and the team have responded magnificently. We are monitoring the effect closely and so far, the team’s performance has increased and been very positive” Ijan says The team are fresher they are enjoying time with their loved ones plus giving outstanding service to our wonderful clients. I’m proud of everyone involved in making this such a great success and the salon is showing really good signs of solid growth. We are attracting some great job applicants and have already had two new stylists added to the team rota. So out of adversity we really have been innovative and created some brilliant opportunities for everyone. We have created an environment which makes the whole team feel cared for and valued.

OCEAN HAIRDRESSING

“After 23yrs of business it’s easy to sit back and take a dogmatic view of the workplace and keep doing what we have always done… it’s much harder to have a critical eye to still be looking for improvements and better practices but really worthwhile when it rewards you the way this has” says Ijan. I’m really looking forward to seeing other business’ take our lead and make changes for their own teams and support them with more than just words. For more information, follow the salon on Instagram @oceanhairdressing. Book you next hair appointment via the website, www.oceanhairdressing.com Style of the city 23

SPECRUMN

THE SPECTRUM SISTERS SHARE THEIR CORE VALUES

Sophie and Hannah Pycroft are the sisters behind the incredibly successful Spectrum Collections, the fabulous makeup brush brand taking the world by storm. Launching their brand from their garage in Wales, Spectrum Collections has grown at an incredible rate, their brushes are loved by countless celebrities, and have been called the “World’s most Instagrammable.” In their exclusive column for Style of the City, the sisters share their core values behind their beauty products and makeup brushes, as well as highlighting some of their must-have Spectrum Collections products.

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Hi darlings!

Firstly, thank you for picking up this issue and taking the time to read our column. It’s a new season and that is always the time of year that gets us thinking and reminiscing, where we are, what’s happened and what’s yet to come. There are so many things we see in the media or on social that distract us and sometimes we forget the bigger picture. For us, one of our core values that has remained constant since we started the business and one of the reasons we started in the first place - was to ensure there was a kinder way to wear makeup, with vegan and cruelty-free tools. This value has been an easy one to uphold, however in the time since we began in a garage a lot has changed in the makeup industry. We work to continually improve our products and our business, your first thought might be that means our bottom line, but, for us, we’ve begun investing more into what we believe to be most valuable to us. The environment and our ethical status as a brand is one we view with the mindset that needs continual improvement, not just a box to tick. ‘Attainable sustainable’ is a value we’ve added as one of our most important. What that means is as the industry develops better materials and improved ways of working, we adapt our business to embrace those, so we work in a mindset of continuous improvement.

BEAUTY

Some small ways we’ve adapted to ensure we’re offering the best product is opting for FSC wood where possible, avoiding air freight, not over producing and eliminating plastic wherever possible. We also refuse to use PVC even though it’s a standard material in the production of consumer goods. That may sound like an obvious checklist but, you’d be very surprised to find how many brands place a bigger value on their margins than on their values. That’s where we are truly different, and we are so proud to say so. Our most recent development is we’re now also official charity partner to The Aspinall Foundation who work to conserve, breed and then re-wild endangered and rare wild animals. Their most recent project is to re-wild their entire herd of 13 elephants back to Africa, no mean feat considering it’s a two-year project and it’s the first of its kind in animal conservation history. The donations we make monthly and the additional donations our customers make are so important to contributing towards projects like this. As a company we never claim to be perfect, however, we will continue to work hard to keep improving.

If you’d like to donate to the Aspinall foundation, please visit this link. www.spectrumcollections.com/products /aspinall-foundation-donation

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MWAH CARDIFF

SUFFERING FROM HAIR LOSS?

Mwah Cardiff is here to help Mwah Cardiff offers a luxurious blow dry bar and an array of services from hair extensions to the latest beauty treatments. The stylish salon has recently began offering a new service to their clients called Mesh Integration. Targeted at those who have suffered from hair loss, Mwah Cardiff can’t wait to start helping their clients find happiness with their personal appearance once again. MESH INTEGRATION AT MWAH CARDIFF MWAH have been through extensive accredited training to ensure they offer the highest quality treatments. Their new treatments are specifically targeted at those who suffer from hair loss. This could be as a result of chemotherapy, alopecia, trichotillomania, post-partum changes or damage from poor hair treatments. They have ensured that their new systems can cater to everyone, no matter the amount of hair loss or to where on the head it is located, the treatment is fully adaptable. The new system uses a method called Mesh Integration. This incorporates using a mesh system in place of the natural hair. The mesh panel uses breathable, hypoallergenic fabric which acts as the scalp, yet still allows for hair to grow underneath. The new hair is then applied to the mesh 'scalp' and undetectable. WHAT DOES THE TREATMENT INCLUDE? Treatment is offered using a fully holistic approach, meaning the MWAH staff are with the client from start to finish. They know that hair loss is a sensitive and personal issue, and it isn’t just a case of applying the hair and that's that. MWAH offer an in-depth consultation prior to 26 Style of the city

treatment, where they will explore all options and discuss placing, colour, style, blending and aftercare. During treatment, clients can have the choice to be fitted in a private room away from the salon floor, or in the comfort of their home. MWAH ensures to cater to the privacy of their clients and are sensitive to those needs, whilst still including their VIP 5-star service. MWAH also offer a follow up after the treatment and are on hand for any issues, adjustments or questions. They explain the best aftercare routine to extend the life of the hair and ensure the client is completely satisfied with the treatment. They also offer additional items which aid in keeping the hair in the best condition, such as OLAPLEX treatments, silk scarfs and pillowcases to aid with sleeping. This hair loss treatment is about increasing confidence, self-esteem and helping those to find happiness with their personal appearance. MWAH are all about self-love, selfcare and empowering women to be the best they can be.

No matter your background, hair type or condition, MWAH will ensure you feel and look amazing; just like you deserve. Contact Mwah Cardiff on 029 2037 2759

MWAH CARDIFF BE THE FIRST TO SIGN UP FOR OUR NEW NON-INVASIVE HAIR LOSS TREATMENT BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

FAQ's Mesh Integration treatments can last up to 18 months with the advised care and can be styled, washed and treated just like normal hair. MWAH uses the highest-grade human hair which means no matting or knotting. Further benefits include immediate and noticeable results completely adapted and fitted to the individual, unlike other procedural hair loss treatments which take time to show effect.

CONTACT MWAH NOW FOR AN EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT To book your consultation and for more information, visit www.mwahcardiff.com

MWAH CARDIFF SPECIALISES IN AFRO & EUROPEAN HAIR, MAKEUP, BEAUTY, AND LASER HAIR REMOVAL.

Pictures courtesy of @moxyhairacademy Style of the city 27

BLINK BLINK 1. Hydro Peel / Deep Cleanse uses a combination of three solutions to cleanse and smooth the skin using an AHA based solution. It hydrates and nourishes the skin using an RH-Oligopeptide-1 and Acetyl Hexapeptide base. Bacteria and inflamed skin are improved using a BHA based solution. 2. Exfoliation / Oxygenation creates ‘the Bohr effect’*, allowing oxygen to be drawn into the skin. The active ingredients used are Kojic Acid and Retinol, which result in a hydrating and brightening effect.

REVIVE YOUR SKIN with The Hydro2 Facial link Blink Cardiff first opened their doors in London, 5 years ago, and are now situated in Churchill Way, Cardiff. The studio offers multiple treatments, but the main goal is to enhance the natural beauty of the client. The studio offers treatments from microblading to Dermalux LED Therapy. However, the studios favourite treatment is their Hydro2 Facial.

Here are the 7 technologies to refresh, hydro peel, lift, firm, tighten and give that Hydro2 glow.

3. The Oxygenation spray creates a venturi effect, breaking down the molecules within the product to encourage skin hydration. 4. Hydration, Ultrasound technology is used for product infusion. This treatment can be used alongside the 3D-Professional Solutions Time Defence Expression skincare range, for anti-ageing and hydration around areas where fine lines and wrinkles are likely to appear. 3D Solutions masks can also be used. 5. Skin Lifting treatment uses electroporation to increase the absorbency of the cell for product penetration. This, in turn, revitalises and ‘wakes up’ dull and lifeless skin. 6. Skin Tightening Radio Frequency technology is used to increase collagen reproduction in mature skin. Skin Tightening is ideal for incorporating into an anti-ageing facial. 7. Fire and Ice - The ‘fire’ represents the heat element during treatment. Using this applicator, heat is incorporated into the beginning of the facial protocol to open the pores, increase blood supply, and aid product infusion. The ‘Cryo facial’ uses cooling technology, chilling the skin down to 5°C. This is used at the end of each facial to decrease the bloody supply, giving a tightening effect, and sealing in the infused products. This also helps to reduce any erythema following treatment. Prices start from £45.00

For more information and to book a free consultation, visit www.blinkblinkcardiff.co.uk. @blink_blink_cardiff 28 Style of the city

Made in Wales, Inspired by the Caribbean

Award-winning gourmet Caribbean cooking sauces. Experience a real taste of the Caribbean from the comfort of your own home, with these mouth-watering sauces.

With flavours developed and influenced by traditional fine dining recipes, Earl's Kitchen offers premium Caribbean sauces, including their award-winning Barbados Sauce and Scotch Bonnet Chutney.

www.earlskitchen.cymru @earlskitchen

Style of the city 29

INTERVIEW

THE LONG ROAD TO JUSTICE John Actie and Ceri Jackson, former BBC Journalist, share their journey on reviving ‘The Cardiff Five’ trial to a new audience. Words by Angharad Thomas

n February 14th, 1988, Lynette White was brutally murdered in her flat. Within weeks of the murder, BBC’s Crimewatch programme shared a detailed image of a white man, with his hands covered in blood, who had been seen by a member of the public near Lynette’s flat at the time of the murder. For nine months police had been looking for a single white man; suddenly, an entirely different set of suspects were taken in for questioning, leading to five innocent men being racially targeted and trailed for her murder. The four other men charged alongside John Actie, on the 11th of December, 1988, were Ronnie Actie, Tony Paris, Stephen Miller, and Yusef Abdullahi: later to be known as ‘The Cardiff Five’. BBC Wales and BBC Two recently released a new

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documentary called ‘A Killing in Tiger Bay’, which examines the wrongful arrest of ‘The Cardiff Five’ and investigates the UK’s biggest police corruption case which followed after the trial. This is the second documentary series BBC Wales has created on the story, following on from the hugely successful ‘Shreds: Murder in the dock’ podcast by Ceri Jackson. Whilst researching for the Shreds podcast, Ceri Jackson began contacting members who were still alive from ‘The Cardiff Five’. When she met John for the first time, there was an instant connection and understanding of trust. We sat down with the pair to discuss their journey on reviving The Cardiff Five case, racial injustice, and the new BBC documentary ‘A Killing in Tiger Bay’.

INTERVIEW JOHN, TELL US ABOUT YOUR LIFE GROWING UP IN CARDIFF DURING THE ’60S? I had a big family; we were from the Docks in Cardiff. We then moved to a house in Llanrumney, and we were the only black people on the estate. We experienced a lot of racial remarks growing up in the ’60s and ’70s, especially in an area where there weren’t many black people. When I was 11-years-old, my dad died from Cancer, at 43-years-old, and my mum was left alone with seven black kids in a predominantly white area, so it was very difficult for her. I was the middle child, but now I’m the oldest as my brother died from cancer and my sister had a heart attack, so there’s only five of us now. When my dad died, I started drifting and hanging around with different crowds from the estate and doing stupid things. It just went from there, detention centres, borstal [a type of Youth Detention Centre], YP; then when I was 21-years-old, I had a prison sentence for 12 months and that was it, I had enough. I had a wife and a daughter and settled down in the ’80s. Everything was ok, and then it was the 14th of February 1988 and Lynette White was killed. My wife was pregnant at the time, and my second daughter was born on February 16th, 1998, just two days after. I didn’t know Lynette well, only to say hello on the street. CAN YOU TELL US WHAT HAPPENED ON THE DAY OF THE ARREST? The day before they knocked on my door, they arrested a few other guys and then on a Friday morning, I heard about five coppers outside my door at 6 am, whilst my baby was fast asleep in the cot and my other daughter asleep in the back room. I went down the stairs and asked them “what do you want?” and they said, “Oh John, the Superintendent said we’ve got to bring you in for the Lynette White murder”. They said if I didn’t come then they would have to call for backup; so obviously, I’m nervous as they’re bringing me in for murder. I said to these coppers “f*ck off and go sit in your car, and I’ll come in a minute” and they did. But this is the guy who they came to arrest for murder, and I’ve told them to go sit in the car and they did, and then waited for me to come out? I knew these coppers, they had put me in jail once before for nothing; anyway, I went back into the house and my wife was upstairs. She came down to ask what was going on and I told her it was for Lynette’s murder, we just

looked at each other in horror. I gave her and the baby a kiss and said I’ll see you in an hour; I didn’t see her for 23 months from that day. I was sitting in a room waiting for them, you could hear them sounding happy and excited in the other room; making noise to make me feel rattled and scared. I had no solicitor at this point. They came into the room asking where I was over 10 months ago, asking questions I didn’t know the answer to and then they took me to a room upstairs. I was sitting down in this room watching the traffic go by and they had this window open; I was thinking to myself “go on just take off, jump out of the window, just go” but I knew if I did that they would go to the house and terrorise my wife. I was in there for another hour, and then suddenly, the door flies open, seven officers walk in: one with a large ruler. They went “John Arthur Actie, I’m now arresting you on suspicion of murder for Lynette White”. Style of the city 31

"You can come back to me with

anything that you need to know" and it was from there that we had trust between us.

HOW DID YOU FEEL WHILST ON TRIAL FOR LYNNETTE WHITE’S MURDER? The first trial started but the judge died; the verdict was on the second trial, and that week was daunting. On the Tuesday, Miller’s verdict was guilty, my cousin Ronnie on Wednesday, not guilty. I go back on Thursday, the jury calls us in, I was at the bottom of the stairs waiting for Paris’ verdict – guilty. They then called me up, the prison officer came to get me. I was walking up the stairs, but I couldn’t move my legs as they were shaking so much. As I got to the top, I could see all the crowds in the back, a line of policemen waiting for the verdict, and then I heard those words “how do you find the defendant, guilty or not guilty? NOT GUILTY”. All I remember is the crowd erupting, screams of joy from my family and just saying thank you over and over. My brothers ripped the gate open and got me out of the dock and carried me out of the courtroom screaming and crying with joy. It was remarkable, I was outside. But then, a policeman came and said the judge wants you back and I thought “Oh no, are they going to take me back and change the verdict?”, as I went back in, I was shaking again in the dock, only for the judge to tell me he had to discharge me officially. After that, we had a convoy back to Cardiff and then a party; that’s a night I’ll never forget. 32 Style of the city

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF EACH OTHER? Ceri: I was quite intimidated because I had known John's name growing up, but I hadn't ever met him. I didn't know that much about the case when it was happening, because at the time I had gone to London to do my journalism training; typically, I left Cardiff because nothing ever happened and then it all started to unravel. When I met John, he said to me how much of the story do I know, and that was a big thing with the guys, I said I do know quite a bit, due to all the research I had done. I always remember him saying to me afterwards "you can come back to me with anything that you need to know" and it was from there that we had trust between us. John: I met Ceri and she got the story out there with Shreds. Without the podcast, no one would have known the story and opened it back up. We got on fine, we just clicked. TELL US HOW THE PODCAST ‘SHREDS: MURDER IN THE DOCK’ BEGAN? It was the 30th anniversary of the murder and I had been commissioned to create a big multi-media piece for the BBC website, which was called ‘Making Murderers’. After it was published, it did very well globally, so I said to my

INTERVIEW then boss "I feel like we’re only just scratching the service with this story, and I feel like it has to be told more". At that time the story had been forgotten and we were just bringing it back to life. He didn’t think there would be a market for a book, but it would make a great podcast. I was then explaining to John about podcasts, but he didn’t really listen to them. In the end, I just told him to go with it and trust me, he didn’t really know what Shreds was going to become. John: No, I didn’t, I was just hoping it was going to be good, but it was fantastic, and it opened everything back up and showed the public exactly what’s happened to us. It pushed the documentary, which wouldn’t have happened without Shreds from Ceri. Ceri: It took a long time to create Shreds, I had a very small budget because it was the first series that had been done for BBC Wales on the Sounds platform. It was just me, before working with a sound specialist in the studio – I kind of had to do everything as a one-man band, it overtook me. I was so upset by the story, for many reasons, but it became a labour of love and very consuming; It became my life.

CERI, HOW DID THIS MAKE YOU FEEL EMOTIONALLY WHILST RESEARCHING THE CASE FOR SHREDS? I knew this was a story that had to be told, the emotion and human levels of it needed to be revived. There were times when I unravelled more and more information about this case, such as the unsavoury aspects of it, in terms of when the former police were involved, and I was saying to myself “is it me, but this is outrageous” and “am I sure I’ve got it right?” – why hadn’t anyone highlighted this before? It was quite frightening as a process.

Growing up in Cardiff and being out in the nightclubs, I would see relatives of Tony’s and obviously knew of John, so from doing all this research, it made me feel a real sense of guilt. All of this was happening in my city, where you think these types of things only happen in America, and we were just living our lives when all this time this was going on. I felt that this had happened on my doorstep, a world-class story in terms of injustice and there was a sense of I need to tell this story, that’s the least I can do for the lack of collective consciousness around it at the time.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE WILL COME FROM BBC’S NEW DOCUMENTARY ON THE CARDIFF FIVE? I think the documentary will give it a bigger audience than just a podcast. The story should never be forgotten, because it is a tale to get the audience to check their own bias, not just conscious bias, but it asks you what lens are you seeing the world through? We all like to make judgments of people but be careful of making a snap decision of someone, because it can lead you to big trouble. You can watch ‘A Killing in Tiger Bay’ via BBC iPlayer and listen to ‘Shreds: Murder in the dock’ on BBC Sounds. Style of the city 33

SHINING A LIGHT ON

BLACK OWNED WELSH BRANDS We celebrate Black History Month by highlighting black owned businesses in South Wales, From mental wellbeing to Caribbean classics, we shine a light on these local brands.

LINNY D H Fitness Linford Daniel Harris became a Personal Trainer in 2016 and has since grown his brand via Instagram by showcasing hardcore fitness videos and specializing in Functional Fitness. Functional Training focuses on using equipment such as kettle bells, freeweights and other plyometric exercises in an attempt to condition the body in an un-stable environment. He also continues to educate himself on other fitness techniques by training with specialized trainers, such as boxer Steve Robison, practicing Muay Thai with George Wintle and military style fitness classes with Mark Devine. To start your fitness journey, contact Linford on Instagram @linnydh_fit.

Bernie Davies Global Ltd After years as a property Lawyer turned Business Strategist and restaurateur, Bernie Davies launched Bernie Davies Global in response to the 2020 pandemic. The “overnight” plight businesses faced was relevance, diminished visibility and restricted access to Clients. Davies helps businesses establish relevance, gain credible visibility, harness their uniqueness and utilise clever strategies to catapult to a global platform as a sought after expert and gain financial freedom! Bernie Davies, Intl Master Coach, TEDx Speaker, Publisher, Bestselling Author www.berniedavies.com

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Paula Burns

Paula Burns is a multi award winning Wedding Planner and venue stylist. She specilises in a personalised service, which stems from a blend of over 20 years corporate experience and a natural creative flare. Paula has been planning weddings and events for 17 years, helping couples create their dream wedding day by expressing who they are, while also injecting fun into the process. Her services include a range of online support which can be accessed in real time or downloaded. Paula loves nothing better then the opportunity to really connect with her clients - whether that is online or in person. www.paulaburns.net

Ambassadora BE.Xcellence BE.Xcellence stands for, Black and ethnic excellence. The organisational aim is to contribute to raising the representation of Black, Asian and minority ethnic people in positions of power, by using a collaborative multi-layered approach. The aim is for their unique and integrated programmes to become a catalyst in galvanising inclusion and social mobility through knowledge acquisition and intellectual self-realisation. BE.Xcellence is direct affirmative action, in education, businesses, law, media STEM and politics. A diversity of voices speaking for a diverse society. www.communitylawproject.com/be_xcellence-cic

Facilitating international commerce, communication and universal understanding, Author and Entrepreneur Jessica Dunrod is multilingual translator, specialising in Fashion and Legal translation. The Director of the most innovative translation firms in the UK Ambassadora Translations & Language Solutions Ltd which covers all major languages, to establish and protect brands and businesses in international markets by translating everything from their websites, product packaging and digital content to legal documents and instruction manuals. Additional Ambassadora services include subtitles, dubbing/voiceover, international market research and representation. Jessica is currently co-authoring a series of Welsh History school textbooks in collaboration with renowned Welsh Historian and Black History Professor Abu-Bakr Madden Al-Shabazz! www. ambassadora.co.uk

Bar Dros Dro

Joy Transformation Coaching

Transformation doesn’t have to be a painful process. You can experience the joy on your path to transforming your life. The founder, Joy Ogeh-Hutfield, is a multi-award-winning transformation coach, author & speaker. Joy Transformation’s mission is to coach and support high achieving entrepreneurs, top coaches and leaders to experience the joy of living life with purpose, passion and potential. Joy Ogeh-Hutfield aims to solve 3 major problems. 1. Lack of confidence 2. Procrastination 3. Purpose. Her holistic approach means you’re able to tackle all areas of self- development, including mindset, health and fitness, business, career and lifestyle design – all while having fun along the way. www.joytransformationcoach.com

Celebrating WelshCaribbean culture through food and drink, Bar Dros Dro is a popup bar with a difference. Creating their very own fantastic array of signature cocktails using the finest premium welsh spirits, craft beers and wines. With flowing rum cocktails and jaw-dropping Caribbean eats, their menu celebrates the diversity of the Caribbean, with dishes from an array of islands, delving deeper into the culinary heritage and curating a full Caribbean dining experience; serving the very finest authentic Caribbean cuisine. Instagram @bardrosdro Facebook - Bar dros-dro

Style of the city 35

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

A LOOK INTO the history of Welsh Somalis and Their Impact on Society By Steve Khaireh While Black History Month UK is an important day in the calendar, history is made every day of the year. Black communities began during the 19th Century in South Wales Cardiff, Newport and Barry as in other UK ports with colonial seamen, which created sizable Black communities. There are many well-known famous Somali heritage individuals such as Rageh Omar, Mo Farah etc. Steve Khaireh shares some of Somali Seamen’s hidden history in South Wales. Here is a collection of Welsh Somalis and a brief of their impact on society in South Wales.

ABBY FARRAH MBE Abby Farrah MBE was known as ‘Father’ to countless colonial seamen who visited Barry and Cardiff. He was an entrepreneur and leader in the Somali Community as he was the first point of reference for seamen who sought his guidance and advice when they arrived here. He founded both ‘Barry Coloured Society’ probably one of the first race Relations organisations in Wales and the innovative ‘Domino Youth Club’, in Thompson Street Barry, which attracted children from around the area and ran successfully for several years. Abby became the president of the ‘Colonial Club’ in Thompson Street Barry and went on to manage the ‘Colonial Club’ in Bute Street Cardiff. He was awarded the MBE by King George VI for his war time services to seamen.

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ABDULRAHIM ABBY FARRAH Abdulrahim Abby Farrah (The man who helped free Nelson Mandela) Abdulrahim Abby Farrah schooled in Gladstone Road Junior school and Barry Grammar school before joining Clarks College Cardiff and on to Exeter and Oxford University. He worked as a Somali Government Official and became director of the Somali Information Service and also served as Somali Ambassador to Ethiopia, before moving to the United Nations as permanent representative of Somaliland. He was the Minister of Agriculture, as well as being Somaliland’s representative on OAU Organisation of African Unity. Abdulrahim also became the Under Secretary General of the UN second only to Kofi Annan, one of the most important people in the world. As we can see their rich contributions covered wide-ranging areas from youth, community, race relations, diplomatic initiatives, to UN peacekeeping.

DR AHMED ALI

Dr Ahmed Ali is an awardwinning Research Chemist based at Cardiff University’s School of Biosciences. His specialised area of research is investigating the chemistry of plants indigenous to the “Horn of Africa”. Together with scientists based in Wales, he has co-authored five international patents mostly based on Somali and Ethiopian plants. His scientific discoveries range from novel garden pest repellents to novel anticancer agents both based on Somali myrrh extracts. The photograph above shows Dr Ali receiving an innovative Smart Award, worth £70K, from the Welsh Government for his myrrh inventions whilst a Research Director for the Compton Group based at Cardiff University.

OMAR ALI

Labour candidate Omar Ali made history as the first black Somali to be voted onto Newport Council. Omar Ali’s election to represent Labour at the Pilgwenlly ward, Newport Gwent, made him the first Black Somali Councillor in Wales. A youth and community worker by profession he worked for several years at the Welsh Governmentbacked Communities First organisation in Pill and served on its board. Omar was active in the Welsh Labour Party movement and in community politics, including volunteering with organisations such as Somali Integration Society.

LBS

Kitchens & Bathrooms

Be inspired Your nearest showroom is:

LBS BARRY, CF63 2BE | 01446 500925 9 Showrooms across South Wales. Contact us today for a FREE design consultation. Style of the city 37

LBSKitchensBathrooms

KitchensWales

WEST QUAY

WEST QUAY PROPERTY MANAGEMENT The Leading Property Management Company in South Wales West Quay Property Management was set up by leaseholders for leaseholders and is a non-profit making company. They are one of the leading and fastest growing block management companies in South Wales, with offices on Barry Waterfront. hey have a team of hard working, established and friendly staff, all of whom have many years of experience in all aspects of property, estate and sound financial management. Their outlook is fresh and modern, whilst offering traditional values and a genuine willingness to work hard on your behalf. They offer a local service, using local contractors and tradesmen, and ensure they are always available to attend to enquiries and problems. West Quay Property Management cover all aspects of block and estate property management within small and large properties, both residential and commercial. Geographically, their portfolio is mainly located in Barry, but are soon expanding their property portfolio to Dinas Powys and Cardiff. They welcome enquiries from developers, freeholders and residential management companies and other Right To Manage developments.

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WHAT CAN WEST QUAY DO FOR YOU? They look to set the standards for property management, administration and financial control and by utilising the latest technology, to show their customers that they care when looking after their home. Their customers are important to them, so they always go that extra mile to solve any problems. WHY CHOOSE WEST QUAY PROPERTY MANAGEMENT? West Quay Property is run for the sole benefit of their leaseholders, so that they can offer a top-class service, which has become more cost effective than any other management company. Property management can be offered by a wide range of types of companies, including lettings and estate agencies and chartered surveyors. However, West Quay Property Management specialises solely on property management of residential blocks and estates. This approach allows them to focus on what they’re good at without the distraction of another business model or potentially a conflict of interest in any property they manage. WEST QUAY PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICES West Quay offer a variety of services to their clients to help make the process of property management as easy and stress free as possible. ACCOUNTS • Annual Accounts • Annual General Meeting • Credit Control • Budget Preparation

WEST QUAY

HEALTH & SAFETY • Fire Prevention and Risk Assessment • Inspection Visits • Health and Safety • Maintenance LEGAL • Legal Enquiries • Subletting • Data Protection • Block Insurance • Tenant LOOKING FOR A MANAGEMENT COMPANY? If you are a developer, why not choose West Quay Estates & Lettings to manage your development? As well as having a wealth of experience in the industry, they are also a nonfor-profit making company. Listed below an example of types of organisations they have worked with previously: • Right to Manage Companies • Developers • Resident Associations CONTACT WEST QUAY TODAY! If you have a question, please get in touch and one of the team will be able to assist. You can email enquires@westquayproperty.co.uk , or call 01446 506079.

COMMUNICATIONS • Communication • Complaints • Cleaning Schedules • Contractors Style of the city 39

Antiques . Interiors . Hobbies . Collectables Penarth Road, Cardiff, CF11 8TT Open 7 days a week 10am-5pm including Bank Holidays Tel:02920221085 www.thepumpingstation-cardiff.co.uk 40 Style of the city

FALL IN LOVE WITH ART

A N I N D E P E N D E N T A N D C O N T E M P O R A RY A RT G A L L E RY COMING TO CARDIFF THIS AUTUMN. From the UK’s leading collectible artists to emerging Welsh talent, Adamo Gallery will bring you highly collectible artwork, previously unreleased in Cardiff.

Adamo Gallery, 20 Morgan Arcade, Cardiff, CF10 1AF @theadamogallery

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POSH MOPS

OUR ‘RIGHT ROYAL’ LAUNDRY SERVICE

WE’VE TURNED THOSE LAUNDRY DAY BLUES INTO GOLD. Its us AGAIN! We are still here helping take that day to day pressure off you all. Since opening our HQ in May and introducing our Laundry service it has grown rapidly and we have been totally rushed off our feet, LITERALLY! e absolutely love knowing we have eased those washday burdens for all you busy people trying to juggle the pressures of a hectic modern life. In the last issue Spring had sprung and we focused on ‘out with the old and in with the new’ offering tips for organising your home and decluttering your mind. Now as, the golden embers of the summer sun are due to fade, we will be radiating our golden success throughout Autumn and Winter and spreading clean, happy positive vibes to old, new and prospective clients all the way through to Christmas. In this issue it’s all about totally freeing up your precious time and that’s where we come in! The ethos behind our business has always been lightening the load for people in the 21st century. Many live such stressful lives and lots are doing a juggling act of the normal daily chores whilst also needing to take some down time for their mental well being. We feel so strongly that a clean, organised space makes a happy place and we believe our success today is because we keep it real with you all and we can actually relate to the daily struggles ourselves. We don’t try to be this perfect pair that have everything under control (as you can see from the pic above), life can be hard sometimes and there is only so many hours in the day, so if you can accept some help from us with the domestic duties and free up the spare time you have life, will become much more fulfilling and enjoyable. For the last 3 years we have been cleaning and organising the homes of busy working families all over Cardiff and the Vale and adding the laundry side was just the next step and the perfect add on service to complement our unique business, that provides any kind of help in a domestic situation.

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Our current cleaning clients have taken full advantage of our new service and are absolutely loving their new personalised, breathable washing bags too. What more could you want? The cleaners come in spruce your home, collect your laundry and then deliver it back to you on your next scheduled clean. We have also gained lots of new Drop & Go clients at the HQ, they are loving the convenient location and there is no issue with parking, so they can just swing in and swing out. Our ironing service is extremely popular too; ironing is like marmite you either love it or hate it, some find it therapeutic others find it the worst chore ever! Luckily we love it, especially doing it from our POSH MOPS BASE. We just blast the tunes out and get our ironing ‘groove on’. We also love the fact we are helping the ironing haters stay sane. With our laundry ethic, we start with the premise that a workman can only be as good as the tools he uses and that is why we use POSH PRODUCTS (only the best for the best) and also keep our machines optimally clean and fresh with regular hygiene deep cleans and maintenance. We get so many compliments on how lovely and fresh the laundry looks and smells. We have now also included washing machine cleans as an add on service for our domestic cleaning clients when requested. It's yet another job that many people don’t find time for and it is so important to kill the bacteria, bad odours and remove any hidden dirt and limescale. If you want to take advantage of any of our great services please get in touch with the Queens.

POSH MOPS

BEFORE

AFTER

*New contact number 02922802972 Style of the city 43

INTERIOR DESIGN Interior design columnist Yvonne Jones has over 30 years of experience in interior design, having trained at the Royal College of Art and is founder of ‘Chameleon Interiors’ based in Pontcanna Cardiff. Yvonne regularly works for clients in London, Monaco, Italy and Spain. Her intricate eye for detail and design has seen her stay a consistent and trusted figure.

DECLUTTER

YOUR HOME

ust the thought of decluttering can be a daunting task. If so, then just start with small steps; allocate one hour of your time and do not be too ambitious. Try and make the task more pleasurable by playing your favourite music so that it becomes a nicer experience. A well organised home can boost your wellbeing as you are creating a more relaxed and orderly space.

KITCHEN – Look at your worktops for clutter. Is there something that does not belong in the designated space? If there is something on the worktop you do not use on a daily basis should it be on view? Would it be better stored in a cupboard? The less you have on view, the easier it is to clean the space. DRAWERS AND CUPBOARDS – Group all the kitchen utensils and decide how often you use them. We all have our favourite knives so do we need all the others we never use? How many frying pans, saucepans and baking trays do we use on a regular basis? CROCKERY – Get rid of chipped and mismatched items. FOOD CUPBOARDS – Check all the sell by dates and items you never use. Do not replenish any items until you have run out. BATHROOMS – Empty your medicine cabinet and put back what you use regularly. Don’t let your bathroom cabinet become the ‘graveyard of unused products’. It’s better to invest in beautiful products you love and use them up completely before you buy more. BEDROOMS – My best advice here is to make up your bed perfectly every day. It sets the tone for the rest of the day. Just as a streamlined, stylish space is a must to help you rest and relax after a long day. WARDROBE SPACE / STORAGE – Tackling this area can be a bit precious and maybe daunting so perhaps go through a drawer at a time. Put your clothes in category order, ie shirts, sweaters, dresses, etc. and consider streamlining even further into colours or summer and winter. The key point is to allocate time and not to be too ambitious. Just a few hours work is cathartic and lends towards a less stressful, organised life.

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WESTMINSTER, LONDON’S MOST ICONIC ADDRESS

A very personal family hotel in the grandest of neighbourhoods A location that’s fit for a royal family. Service that is tailored to you and yours. A team that is discrete and attentive. A commitment to know what makes your stay special, and a desire to make you feel completely pampered. Come and enjoy London’s most iconic neighbourhood from its most personal familyhotel, The Guardsman.

1 Vandon Street, London SW1H 0AH T: 0207 309 9200 I reservations@guardsmanhotel.com

guardsmanhotel.com Style of the city 45

POLLY’S BABY BLOG

BACK ON THE

AIR 46 Style of the city

POLLY’S BABY BLOG

Indy is almost 18 months now, which is wild to me. She is ball of energy, into everything.

have a new show! I'm back on air now every weekend at Radio X, loving it as always and managing to juggle parent and work life (just about). The hosting gigs are starting to pick back up as restrictions ease. Zoom events have been a great alternative, but there is nothing better than being elbow to elbow with ya pals on a night out; although, I'm not going to lie, the process of getting 'glam hostess' ready I haven't missed. Joggers and baggy T-shirt girl ALL day long! I started a new business adventure earlier this year, something that I had always wanted to do. It's mainly run-on social media and tapping into the timeless trend of tie-dye. I mean, come on, tie-dye is iconic at this point. House of Indy, aptly named after my daughter, was a toddler tiedye t-shirt brand which has quickly turned into adults as well after, big amounts of peer pressure! I adore tiedye and have done for years! I spent a lot of my childhood days growing up on the beaches of Florida with my Dad and seeing the boardwalk shops flooded with spiral tie-dyes that caught my imagination. I loved the fusion of bright colours, the patterns, the super cool vibes that tie-dye holds so richly. I fell in

love with the feeling when wearing tie-dye. For me, not only does tiedye take me to a warm and happy place but it, represents individuality and creativity; a symbol for freespirits dating back to the 60s. As well as being fun, unique and nostalgic, it can be comfortable and casual. Colourful, crazy and chill. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to show off my new tee's in warmer climates like, Florida due to COVID, but I have to say I have absolutely loved the rise of staycations since lockdown. I know a static caravan isn't everyone's cup of tea, but I adore it! There is something about staying in a caravan that just slows life right down. We love Croyde Bay in North Devon, a small beach village on the coast. It's our happy place and a part of the world where we go to chill out and wind down. We don't tie ourselves down with schedules, we just go with flow. I love being able to pack up the car with everything we could possibly need for a family getaway and not have to worry about

whether I have taken too much… because when it comes to a caravan stay, too much is never too much! It really is a home from home. I have SO many happy memories from caravan holidays over the years. Chippy tea on the decking, game nights, staying on the blow-up bed with all my cousins in the living room, belly laughing, letting go and being stupid. I adore the beach. The beautiful coastal views, easy beach access and enjoy some fresh sea air. I love the fact Indy is going to grow up with the same happy memories. Indy is almost 18 months now, which is wild to me. She is ball of energy, into everything. Thankfully my worries of her social development as a 'COVID generation' baby have eased. She is a determined little rascal but also affectionate, friendly and loves playing with other kids. Indy by name AND nature. Look how peaceful she is sleeping. It's the only time I get to look at her properly and ponder 'how do I have a toddler already?'. It goes so quick, SO quick. I know they say that, but it's true. We have already had two Summers with her, maybe 16 left until she flees the nest. Saviour every moment. Wear Tie-dye and book that caravan! Style of the city 47

“Like a jigsaw, everyone seems to fit in“ SIXTH FORM PUPIL

INDEPENDENT DAY & BOARDING EDUCATION FOR BOYS & GIRLS AGED 7-18 YEARS

www.christcollegebrecon.com 01874 615440 | admissions@christcollegebrecon.com 48 Style of the city

THE GUARDSMAN

THIS AUTUMN A CHANGE OF GUARD FOR LITTLE ONES

he Guardsman is a luxury boutique hotel on Buckingham Gate, set amongst some of London’s most historic and prestigious landmarks, offers the ultimate staycation accommodation for family or group stays. The hotel comprises a selection of one, two and three bedroom self-contained suites, along with sumptuous living spaces, dining areas and state-of-the art kitchens. The Guardsman is now giving its younger visitors the chance to take charge and be treated like royalty this October half term. All family bookings will be made in the child’s name. On arrival they will see their details appear on the screen and they will be gifted a goody bag containing a whole array of treats. There will be a little edible surprise left for them in their room too. At The Guardsman’s restaurant there are no rules on dining times, just suggestions, so the whole family can eat at a time to suit them. There is a brilliant Children’s Menu available and special dishes can be ordered on request. Following a good night’s sleep in one of the hotel’s spacious and luxurious suites, some of which even boast outdoor gardens, it’s time for breakfast. Little ones can fortify themselves for the excitement ahead with The Guardsman’s very own take on eggs and solders. The first stop on the itinerary has of course to be Buckingham Palace, just a short walk from the hotel. Older children will love wandering through the royal rooms and no one will want to miss the Changing of the Guard. The Guardsman is also a short tube ride away from lots of other wonderful attractions, from the world’s best toy store, Hamleys, to the London Eye. Kids can feed the gorillas or look after the giraffes at London Zoo and later catch one of London’s legendary theatre shows, from Mary Poppins to Matilda. Whilst the young ones are having the best adventure, parents will be able to take advantage of The Guardsman’s very special summer staycation offer. Book two rooms and they get the second one at 50%. Minimum two nights stay with rates from £250 per room per night including breakfast - eggs and soldiers included.

For more information, visit www.guardsmanhotel.com The Guardsman, 1 Vandon Street, London SW1H 0AH Style of the city 49

TY HAFAN

BE A LIFELINE –

include a gift in your will for Tŷ Hafan children’s hospice

ŷ Hafan children’s hospice has provided care and support for more than 1,000 children and their families across Wales since it first opened in 1999. Currently caring for around 300 children with life-limiting conditions, Tŷ Hafan provides respite care at the hospice in Sully and outreach support across our community. It costs £4.5 million to run Tŷ Hafan annually and 25% of that comes from the generosity of incredible supporters via gifts in their wills. One such family to benefit from this are the Meredith’s who describe Tŷ Hafan as a “total lifeline”. Mum and Dad Sophie and Sean were just 22 when their son Ollie, now six, was diagnosed with the ultra-rare MOSAIC Syndrome. At four months old Ollie was admitted to hospital, and at 18 months he and his family had their first experience of Tŷ Hafan. “If we did not have support from Tŷ Hafan we would have no respite at all,” says Sophie. “The hydrotherapy pool is amazing, plus the socialising with other children and families. The nurses there have known Ollie all his life and they are amazing with him. “Through the Super Sibs group, Summer, Ollie’s big sister, gets to speak to children in same position as her and she absolutely loves that. Tŷ Hafan has been there for us all the way.” Will you help Tŷ Hafan to continue to be a lifeline to families such as the Meredith’s by including a gift in your

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will? No matter how big or small, every gift in a will makes a significant difference. Tŷ Hafan has partnered up with the National Free Wills Network to provide their supporters with the opportunity to meet with a local solicitor to write a simple will, or pairs of wills, for free. There is no obligation to leave a gift in your will to Tŷ Hafan, but your support will help more children with life-limiting conditions like Ollie. As Deborah Ho, Director of Care at Tŷ Hafan, says: “With your help we can continue to be a lifeline, providing vital care to all the families who need us, now and in the future.”

To find out more and to include a gift in your will for Tŷ Hafan please contact Abbie Barton, Gifts in Wills and In Memory Senior Fundraiser. Email: abbie.barton@tyhafan.org Tel: 02920 532270.

NUFFIELD HEALTH

Women’s health at Nuffield Health Cardiff and Vale Hospitals Our experienced gynaecology consultants pride themselves on helping women of all ages overcome a range of health problems. Whether you are suffering from an issue now or are concerned about your future health, we are here to re-assure and help you, offering rapid access to treatment. Packages

Screening

Fertility

Menopause

• Mirena Coil

• Well woman check

• TFT/FSH/Oestradiol

• Copper Nova Coil

• Colposcopy assessment

• Ovulation assessment and induction

• Assessment of abnormal bleeding

• TV Ultrasound scan

• Additional tests

• Annual check-up and pessary change

• TSH • Full blood count • A range of individual blood tests

For more information visit nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/cardiff-and-vale

The Cardiff Bay Hospital Dunleavy Drive, Cardiff, CF11 0SN

The Vale Hospital Hensol Castle Park, Vale of Glamorgan,CF72 8JX

02920 836714

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NUFFIELD HEALTH

FOR WOMEN’S HEALTH CHOOSE NUFFIELD HEALTH!

From gynaecology consultants, to female physiotherapists, GP's to our rapid access breast care clinic, we offer a wealth of services at our two private hospital in Cardiff. Our experienced consultant gynaecologists and consultant breast surgeon specialise in a range of women's health treatments which help to transform the wellbeing of women in Wales.

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t Nuffield Health Cardiff and Vale Hospitals we aim to provide women with the individual care they need and deserve with rapid access to surgery, expert advice and a personalised treatment plan. All of our women's health specialists are supported by our dedicated matron-led nursing team, who take pride in providing a well managed, comfortable and confidential hospital environment. Our experienced consultant gynaecologists specialise in bladder incontinence, fertility problems, recurrent miscarriage, abnormal smears and contraception, as well as a range of diagnostic investigative tests and scans. Our hospitals have been leading the way for private gynaecology care in the South of Wales for a number of years. Our reputation has attracted some of the country’s most highly acclaimed gynaecology consultants who are all experts within their chosen field. What sets us apart from other private hospitals in Wales, is the commitment to personalised care and privacy that we proudly offer on a daily basis. CHOOSE YOUR DEDICATED CONSULTANT All of our experts are established consultants, with a private practice at Nuffield Health Cardiff and Vale Hospitals, giving you the reassurance you need that you’re in the best possible hands. GYNAECOLOGY CONSULTANTS • Mr Sanjay Chatwathe • Mrs Nadia Hikary-Bhal • Mr Mohammed Elnasharty • Mr Jonathan Pembridge • Mr Lutfi Shamshuddin • Dr Anusha Sivasuriam • Mr Sean Watermeyer HERE ARE JUST SOME OF THE TREATMENTS OUR EXPERTS PERFORM AT NUFFIELD HEALTH CARDIFF AND VALE HOSPITALS: • Hysterectomy • Mammogram (breast screen) • Hysteroscopy • Mastectomy • Breast reconstruction • Hormone replacement therapy • Prolapse repair

NUFFIELD HEALTH

Menstrual problems at all ages can be successfully investigated and treated by a specialist gynaecologist. We have gynaecologists specialising in managing menstrual problems, such as those affecting adolescents, concerns over heavy periods and women reaching the menopause. BREAST CARE Our rapid access breast clinic provides access to our specialist consultant breast care surgeon, where all tests are done in one visit and most results are available the same day. Early diagnosis of breast problems helps to ensure that if cancer is detected in its early stages, the chances of successful treatment are improved. So it is important that you are seen and assessed quickly, enabling appropriate reassurance or prompt treatment, as necessary. At Nuffield Health Cardiff Bay Hospital, we understand that if you’ve been referred for any type of breast problem you want answers quickly. That’s why we’ve developed our rapid access breast clinic that is accessible to men and women whether you have private medical insurance or just want to pay for this service as a one-off. Our experienced breast specialist will ensure that your concerns are discussed promptly and that the right treatment, when needed, begins without delay. Our aim is to provide you with a seamless breast care pathway, We understand that having concerns about your breasts is very stressful and we are here to look after you with expertise, care and compassion. Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon Miss Zoe Barber will investigate breast lumps and, where necessary, she will remove these. She also provides mastectomy, breast reconstruction surgery where needed and breast reduction surgery. OUR TWO HOSPITAL LOCATIONS IN SOUTH WALES ALLOW YOU TO SHAPE YOUR OWN WOMEN'S HEALTH TREATMENT All inpatient procedures are performed at our Vale Hospital, however patients have the flexibility to decide where their initial consultation takes place. As well as the Vale Hospital, our gynaecology consultants operate out of Nuffield Health Cardiff Bay Hospital for initial consultations, diagnostic imaging and pre-op tests. Private GP with special interest in Women's Health Dr Sarah Morgan and a selection of in depth Health Assessments www.nuffieldhealth.com/health-assessments HOW TO BOOK A CONSULTATION WITH ONE OF OUR WOMEN'S HEALTH EXPERTS IN CARDIFF Booking a consultation to see one of our women's health experts is very easy. If you are suffering from a particular health issue or simply want to discuss your concerns simply give us a call on 02920 836714. Dr Sarah Morgan and Alex Crock who run the Health Assessments Consultant breast surgeon Zoe Barber with consultant radiologist Dr Jane Pollitt at Cardiff Bay Hospital Nadia Hikary Bhal who now runs the Menopause clinics

www.nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/cardiff-and-vale/ womens-health Style of the city 53

IF YOU BOOK, AND P AY INFULL, ONLIN E YOU CAN A LSO G ET A FURT HER 10 % DISCO UNT.

PeekaBooBaby Ltd is a family run business. Our aim is to ensure that pregnant women not only get the opportunity to bond with their baby, but also have an amazing experience of getting an insight into their baby’s world. We offer various types of scans:

Early pregnancy (From 8 weeks), Gender (From 16 weeks), Reassurance(from 8 weeks - 39 weeks) and 4D scans (From 26 weeks). Our services are at extremely affordable prices and range from £39 for a simply gender, or simply reassurance, to £70 for our 4D package. 54 Style of the city

XXXX

Dedicate a star in our virtual sky to a loved one and remember them always, wherever you are

"Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in the sky where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are near." Download our app 'Sky Full of Stars' on iOS and Android

www.2wishuponastar.org

Charity Number 1168140

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HEALTH & FITNESS My name is Lauren, I am the founder of EMPOWERED WOMEN FITNESS. I am a mother, a qualified personal trainer, and fitness instructor. My passion is fitness and my mission is to help as many women as I possibly can to gain strength and confidence through the power of fitness. www.empoweredwomenfitness.co.uk

How can fitness HELP YOU?

Our Health & Fitness columnist, Lauren Green, is here to guide you through!

speak to a lot of women who say they want to start their fitness journey, but they don’t know where to start. Some women don’t have the confidence, some women don’t think that they are fit enough, some women think that they don’t have enough time. Some women say they will start on ‘Monday”, set themselves health/ fitness goals and stick to them, and some women don’t. The thing is when we break promises to ourselves, by making excuses, by putting off the things we want to do and need to do, we are only cheating ourselves. THINK- when you had that thought of training/ exercising/ starting on ‘Monday’, what were you feeling? Why did you think to yourself you need to start? The answer more often than not is because we want to become a better version of ourselves, we want to build strength, we want to build confidence, we want to become fitter, faster.

TIPS TO GET YOU STARTED ON YOUR JOURNEY 1.

Pair and activity you want to do with an action that you need to do. For example, I WANT to see the sunrise, I NEED to exercise; therefore, I go for a long walk/ run somewhere beautiful and scenic and get both done.

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Join a community where your desired behaviour is normal. For example, @empoweredwomen_membersonly we have an online fitness community and a support WhatsApp group where we discuss goals, diet, exercise and exchange helpful tips daily. Sign up today via www.empoweredwomenfitness.co.uk

Set your intensions, be clear on what it is that you want, make a plan and be consistent. Make a plan, write it down and work on it every single day.

EMPOWERED WOMEN FITNESS THE QUALITY OF OUR LIVES IS CREATED BY THE QUALITY OF OUR HABITS Habits are simply actions that are repeated regularly. Most successful people don’t become successful over night, they become successful because of consistency, they become successful because they regularly repeat actions that day by day get them closer to their goals. The problem is, a lot of people have a goal, make a plan, but don’t repeat the actions consistently to achieve that goal. Take (pre lockdown) the gym in January- absolutely packed, have to queue for the squat rack/ treadmill. Then a month later, they’ve all disappeared and it’s back to normal. Successful people form habits that most people don’t like to do or feel uncomfortable doing...

- WAKING UP EARLY PUSHING PAST COMFORT ZONES - WORKING HARD - MISSING OUT ON SOCIAL OCCASIONS - PRACTICING GRATITUDE - SELF-DISCIPLINE - GROWTH REQUIRES DISCOMFORT - DONT GIVE UP ON YOUR GOALS

SELF-BELIEF VS SELF-DOUBT We all have a voice inside our head that either fills us with self-belief of self-doubt. We are all going to have days when we feel motivated/ energetic and days where we don’t want to do anything at all. I have days where I feel so confident, so goal driven, and days where I question everything I am doing. This is all completely normal. We must listen to our minds and our body’s and accept all of our feelings negative and positive. But what we must do is believe in ourselves, speak kindly to ourselves, and be patient with ourselves. My mindset about four years ago was completely different to what it is now. I would talk to myself so negatively, and guess what, the more I did, the worse my circumstances became. One day it all just clicked, how was the universe ever going to believe in me, support me, push me towards my dreams if I didn’t even believe in myself? So, I started from the bottom, I set myself mini goals, I worked hard to achieve them and then when I did achieve them I started to believe, little by little I started to believe in me. “Whether you think you can or you can’t you are right! “ How you talk to yourself is crucial! MY ADVICE IS THIS...When you set yourself a goal, always keep your why in mind and in the forefront. My why is the reason I the set the goal in the first place. My why is the reason I am never going to give up. My why is fire in the belly that burns every day!

ITS OK TO FEEL TIRED, ITS OK TO HAVE BAD DAYS, ITS OK TO REST, ITS OK TO FALL, ITS OK TO FAIL. THIS IS HOW WE LEARN, WE GROW, WE EVOLVE AND IF WE WANT IT BAD ENOUGH WE PICK OURSELVES BACK UP AND WE GO GET IT!

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EMPOWERED WOMEN FITNESS

HOW TO BUILD YOUR OWN CONFIDENCE

Things I did to build my own confidence up from rock bottom... - Take action, don’t just talk about it, be about it, put the work in every day. - Make decisions, stop sitting on the fence, worrying about what others think, decide and proceed. - Push past your comfort zone, get comfortable in being uncomfortable, growth requires discomfort. - Trust your intuition, if something doesn’t feel right, trust your feelings, if something does feel right GO FOR IT! - Take calculated risks, what have you got to lose? - Use every one of your losses as a lesson, take these lessons as blessings, learn, grow, get up and keep pushing. - Start saying NO! If you don’t want to do something you don’t have to, simple as that! - Set yourself goals, work hard to achieve them & watch your self belief & self confidence begin to grow -Surround yourself with people who believe in you, people who support you and want to see you win! 58 Style of the city

EMPOWERED WOMEN EMPOWER WOMEN HELPING WOMEN TO BUILD STRENGTH & CONFIDENCE, PHYSICALLY & MENTALLY THROUGH THE POWER OF FITNESS

Expert care every step of the way With Spire Cardiff Hospital you’ll see a leading specialist in a hospital where safety comes first. When you book an appointment with us, you can be sure that you’ll receive expert care in a secure environment.

Safety first We continue to screen our patients and colleagues for COVID-19 symptoms and maintain extensive protection protocols.

Fast access to diagnosis and treatment You can see one of our specialists quickly, because less waiting means less worrying.

Advanced technology We use the latest technology and techniques wherever possible to get the best outcome for you.

Book to see an expert today Search ‘Spire Cardiff Hospital’ Call 02920 601 630 Interest free finance – 0% representative APR available

Credit is subject to status. Spire Healthcare Limited is acting as a credit broker, Omni Capital Retail Finance Ltd is the lender. All named parties are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Spire Healthcare’s registered address is 3 Dorset Rise, London, EC4Y 8EN.

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WELLNESS Stephen Truelove is a Mindset Coach and Emotional Support Therapist with over 20 years experience, co-author of The Therapy of Cooking with Cardiff restaurateur Giovanni Malacrino and author of A Journey of Discovery and Self-Learning. Having experienced the highest highs and the lowest lows of life, Stephen developed the Love Life Love You process, Breaking Limitations, and now helps people tackle anxiety, depression and other obstacles to become the best possible version of themselves.

EQUALITY –

Done deal or work in progress?

"MY FACE IS MY FORTUNE" FORTUNE" – 18th century nursery rhyme. "IF THE WIND CHANGES, YOU’LL STAY LIKE THAT!" THAT!" – said to children pulling faces. THE EQUALITY ACT For more than a decade, it has been illegal to discriminate on grounds of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation and other protected characteristics. Yet more than 20 disability hate crimes are still reported to the police every day, half involving actual violence. But very few perpetrators are prosecuted, let alone convicted. If you witness a hate crime, don’t turn away – report it: www.reportthehate.victimsupport. org.uk

make it more difficult to get a job or be accepted into any social group. Two-thirds of respondents in a Scope survey had stopped doing something in the past year because of other people’s attitudes. How does it feel to see your portrait go viral as the ugliest woman in the world? Lizzie Velasquez knows, and has found the strength to become a renowned anti-bullying advocate for millions of people worldwide. See the film of her life, follow her on Facebook, or just Google her name – you’ll be amazed.

HOW CAN A SCAR, A BIRTHMARK, EVEN ECZEMA COUNT AS A DISABILITY? One person in five in the UK has a disability, and more than a million have a mark, scar or condition that affects their appearance, including 86,000 of school age and younger. Any major facial “disfigurement” counts as a disability. You don’t need to prove it affects what you can actually do, because other people's negative reactions automatically

WHAT IS UNCONSCIOUS BIAS? The brain is continually taking decisions to keep us and our community safe and healthy. The same processes that lead to unconscious prejudice also allow us to make life-or-death decisions at lightning speed. We consider when to cross the road, but we’re out of the way of a truck or an elephant almost before we’ve seen it. We don’t waste time deciding if it’s a dog or a child

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or a bin bag in the road – we slam on the brakes. When we make equally automatic assumptions based on irrelevant factors, we are at the mercy of unconscious bias. Once we understand our own biases, we can start to challenge and overcome them. Even then, we have to keep at it because they’re so deeply ingrained that when you’re not looking they creep back. And facial differences are among the most likely to trigger negative reactions.

I’M OK - YOU’RE NOT OK At its most basic, hostility is caused by fear of anything different or unknown. Traits that originally evolved to avoid disease and promote healthy mate selection linger deep in the brain. Negative reactions to unusual faces arise from an area that distinguishes human from non-human, associating familiar facial types with empathy, social values and justice, while dehumanising those we wish to

WELLNESS excluded returning heroes with serious disfigurements and disabilities for the same reason. In 2009, Jenny Saville’s portrait of a child with a large facial birthmark for the Manic Street Preachers album Journal for Plague Lovers led four major supermarket chains to conceal the 'offending' image. Where does this leave people with irregular features from birth, or those scarred by fire or in acid attacks, which have increased sixfold in a decade?

Lizzie Velasquez – anti-bullying advocate exclude. In the Vietnam War, American troops learned to dehumanise their south-east Asian enemies as “gooks”, enabling them to switch off their own consciences and see no harm in firebombing children. We see this primitive hate reaction triggered all the time – against Muslims one day, Chinese the next, maybe one’s own little group the day after. The good news is that it works the other way round as well. How long does it take to see ET or Johnny 5 as lovable chaps with God on their side? Two eyes and something akin to a smile and we’re on our way.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU, GETTING TO LOVE YOU… The best antidote to discrimination is getting to know one another. Every society has a standard idea of good looks that is portrayed everywhere – to the great discomfort of anyone who doesn’t fit that bill, and ultimately to the great loss of society as a whole. If you look without embarrassment, but without aggressively staring, within moments the human being will start to shine through, the scary stereotype will fade away, and your world will be the richer. We need to overcome primitive evolutionary reactions, not reinforce them. But how often do we get the chance to meet or even see people with visible differences, though there are plenty of them? Ordinary-looking people may go out of their way to avoid interacting with people who look different. And people who look different may do the same, to avoid the hostility that so often comes their way. As a result, people with plainer faces have little chance to get to know people with unusual ones. HIDDEN FROM HISTORY Henry Tonks’ WWI pictures of soldiers with facial injuries were concealed for a century as “bad for morale”. In 1982, Mrs Thatcher’s victory parade after the Falklands war

THE HUGE INFLUENCE OF THE MEDIA Indoctrination starts young. The ugly sisters are wicked, Cinderella is beautiful and good. From The Lion King, where the villain is simply called Scar, to The Phantom of the Opera and the latest 007 film, anyone with a damaged face or body will be bitter and twisted, evil and dangerous. When did you last see a news presenter with a major birthmark? Fifty years ago they were all white men with standard faces, standard haircuts and standard accents. It was argued that a person of colour and/or with a regional accent would distract from the message, and a woman would automatically trivialise it. But we seem to have adapted all right. And we could perfectly well get used to someone with an unusual face – with exceptional features. Just give us a chance! The media constantly reinforce these attitudes. Convicted criminals are shown as unattractive, though some of the worst serial killers were actually super good looking. Politicians who fall out of favour are portrayed less attractively than in their glory days. And so on. BIAS IS DRUMMED IN FROM EARLIEST CHILDHOOD Thinking to protect them, parents thwart their children’s natural curiosity, dragging them away from those who look different in some way. They are encouraged to giggle and scream in the Hall of Mirrors, unsure whether to laugh or run away as they see their own image scarily different. Children who look different have been bullied not just off the playground and the beach, but out of their own gardens - the one place they might reasonably expect to feel safe. Parents complained about children’s television presenter Cerrie Burnell’s missing arm. She replied that if some children were scared of her arm, or the dark or spiders or whatever, it was their parents’ job to reassure them, not reinforce their fears. TEACH CHILDREN TO VALUE EACH OTHER TOGETHER Much of what kids are taught at school is of little use in later life. Why not include half a day in a wheelchair and half a day pushing their friend, half a day blind and half a day guiding, a day limited to girls’ games and a day to boys’, and so on? In Jane Elliott’s famous blue-eyes-brownStyle of the city 61

WELLNESS eyes experiment, brown-eyed children behaved differently when told that they were better, cleaner, nicer than those with blue eyes. When the assumption was arbitrarily reversed, they started to understand about prejudice. But a child with a big facial difference will always get the losing ticket unless teachers work very hard on their own reactions.

Get used to looking at people who are different. Avoiding people because of their (or your own) appearance, or for fear of saying the wrong thing, can perpetuate ignorance in one party and social isolation or even depression in the other. Better to make a mistake than simply turn away. If you get it wrong, just say you’re sorry. Being blanked is far worse. Sometimes people’s social skills completely DOES SHE TAKE disappear when they see SUGAR? someone who looks different. ASSUMPTIONS If you’re the one with the AS DISABLING AS exceptional looks, remember DISABILITY that not everyone who seems to You stagger or slur your be staring is necessarily hostile. words – you’re drunk or – Janice, deaf-blind Paralympic They may just be curious, or stupid. double silver medallist. even concerned; you may even You use a wheelchair – you have felt this way yourself about can’t walk at all, or you’re a someone else’s visible difference. fraud. You can’t see, hear or speak either, Either way, it is an opportunity for both of so we’ll ignore you. You have a white stick – you. If they blow it, that’s their loss. you can’t see anything at all, or you’re a fraud. We’ll ignore you too. BREAKING LIMITATIONS You have a scarred face now – you’ll ON BOTH SIDES make people miserable and spoil the When you meet Janice the party. Paralympic swimmer, it is clear from We’d love to have you, but our her eyes that she has no sight at all, insurance won’t cover it. and she carries a red and white cane No one is a disabled person - a to show she has a hearing loss as well. diabetic, an epileptic, or whatever – Yet left alone for five minutes she will they are people with disabilities. Nor start up a conversation with anyone are they “handicapped”, except by society. nearby. How? It’s just how she is – or As one young woman put it, “MS is my how she has learned to be. She likes people disability – other people are my handicap”. and wants to interact with them. And if it doesn’t

I want to give what I can to society, but sometimes society itself disables us

BIAS IN THE WORKPLACE “We’re just one big Happy Family” may actually mean “We only employ people who Look Like Us and Think Like Us”. Changing Faces found that nearly 80 per cent of people with facial differences had avoided applying for a job due to potential reactions of interviewers or future colleagues. Have robust policies on bullying and discrimination, whether by colleagues, customers or anyone else. Train people how to report it and make sure it’s dealt with promptly and firmly, by the police if necessary. People soon learn what they can and can’t get away with. FACING UP TO PREJUDICE Changing Faces supports and encourages those coping with the practical and emotional impact of looking different and those working to wipe out prejudice. Shockingly, the charity’s implicit associations test found that two-thirds of us associate negative qualities with facial difference. Try it yourself – it only takes a few minutes. cogresearch.gabba.net/cif_survey 62 Style of the city

always work out, she doesn’t let that put her off next time. Every confident and friendly interaction between a person with a visible difference and a more ordinary looking one helps not just those two people but all who witness it, and is one small step towards a better world. Go for it if you can, whoever you are and however you look. Encourage so-called trendsetters to do the same. Most people want to be friendly – they just need to get over their fears and work out how to start. © Stephen Truelove 2021 Love Life Love You Steve is available to work online and at various locations. Please visit www.lovelifeloveyou.co.uk Tel: 07790003075 Email: info@lovelifeloveyou.co.uk Registered with the GHR, CNHC and DBS.

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SCENTSATIONAL

Sustainable Beauty at

SCENTSATIONAL COTTAGE centsational Cottage are an innovative, unique and exciting brand specialising in bespoke artisan bath and beauty products and gifts you won’t find anywhere else. With over twenty years’ experience in the beauty industry their recipes and knowledge are unrivalled. Every item from Sensational Cottage is hand crafted with stunning attention to detail and they only work with the top chartered chemists and biologists to ensure the luxury and quality they promise. Whether you’re new to sustainable beauty brands or unsure where to start looking for zero-waste products, Scentsational Cottage highlights a selection of zero-waste beauty, gifts and home scent products which are at the forefront of the green beauty movement. They are using innovative methods to create high quality natural skincare, body care, cosmetic products and designer candles which don’t cost the earth. As well as being environmentally conscious, they are cruelty-free and vegan. Ruth and Alun (Co owners of Scentsational Cottage) - firmly believe that animals are our friends and important to the eco-system. There is no reason to be testing beauty products on animals in 2021.

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Technology and science are so advanced that products can be safely tested without involving animals. Vegan beauty products tend to be kinder to skin. They contain more natural ingredients and are therefore gentler on the skin and suitable for even sensitive skin and a wide range of skin types. Best of all they are based locally in South Wales and you will find the boutique in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan. Both Alun and Ruth (Co Owners at Scentsational Cottage) were both saddened by the ruling from hospitals, that patients were no longer allowed bouquets of flowers to brighten their bedside. They came up with the idea of designing bespoke soap flower bouquets that will last substantially longer than real flowers, they don’t need watering (until you bathe), and the hospitals let visitors take them in due to the flowers being soap! Loved one’s bedsides can look bright and cheerful again while they are recovering! Yippee. The bouquets also make stunning luxury gifts for any occasion and are a best seller. We know the boutique, website and social media pages are really worth a visit. They also offer a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee so they are a winner all around.

Scentsational Cottage Scentational_cottage @scentsationalcottage @ScentsationalC3

Scentsational Cottage, Priory Buildings, broad Street, Barry, CF62 7AD www.scentsationalcottage.com

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HOLM HOUSE

COME HOLM THIS

AUTUMN/WINTER Cosy log fires, hearty dishes, seasonal cocktails, sumptuous bedrooms and a 'zen-inspiring' spa, there's no place like 'Holm' during the cosy Autumn/Winter months. As for the festive period...

ike a scene from a Christmas romcom, nothing says magical winter wonderland quite like Holm House. With its beautiful Christmas decks and renowned Christmas event programme it’s the place to see and be seen. Expect festive afternoon tea offerings, its famous annual Carole evening hosted by the local choir (date tbc!) and Christmas party nights. Holm House is also one of the most popular places to escape for a full Christmas break. The hotel offers fabulously festive residential packages including a sumptuous Christmas Day lunch and a New Year’s Eve gala dinner. Get in touch early as the special occasion days tend to book up months in advance! The 2021 Christmas programme is due to be released this month.

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Wear your soul...

Photographer: Romi @amillionthingsmarketing

anzii Jewellery is an exciting addition to the Welsh jewellery marketplace, created by the talented Danielle Jade Phillips, a young Welsh jewellery designer based in the Vale of Glamorgan. The collection has been made with 925 sterling silver and genuine gemstones, with a rose gold and gold collection launching next year. Born from a love of Jewellery, Danzii is focused on creating inspired pieces that emanate nature and spirituality. The Brand was sparked by fond memories of dressing up with her Grandmother in her jewellery, and the name Danzii evolved around the kitchen table with her parents; it’s a combination of Dannii (her name), Daisy (her grandmothers name) and Pansy (her grandmothers favourite flower). Danielle began by creating pieces for herself and fell in love with the art. This creative inspiration led to making gifts for friends and family. With the gifts so well loved, the requests started coming in. Drawing inspiration from her passion for the wild beauty of nature and the calming, yet powerful influences of spiritual guidance, Danzii became a jewellery brand which captures these elements in their design and meaning. Each piece is lovingly crafted by hand from her jewellery workshop at home in Wales. The pieces are designed to be layered, stacked, mixed and matched; so that you can create your own unique look and capture your own meaning through the charms, pendants and gemstones. With timeless design and quality, this jewellery is made to last, love and enjoy forever.

START YOUR COLLECTION TODAY TURQUOISE BRACELET £39.00 This beautiful gemstone is known to dispel negative energy and is worn to protect against outside influences or pollutants in the atmosphere. Turquoise balances and aligns the chakras, stabilising mood swings and instilling inner calm. PEACE CHARM BRACELET £39.00 HAMSA HAND CHARM BRACELET £49.00 An ancient Middle Eastern amulet, symbolising the Hand of God. In all faiths, it’s a protective sign. It is said to bring its owner happiness, luck, health, and good fortune. BREAST CANCER AWARENESS BRACELET £45.00 This piece is close to Danielle’s heart, as her mother was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2014. Now a survivor, her mother helps to make these special pieces. Danielle donates 25% of the profits to Breast Cancer Now Charity and encourages women to ‘be their own hero’ by checking themselves regularly. For more information and a list of stockists, visit www.danziijewellery.com and follow them on Instagram @Danziijewellery.

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ROBERTSONS SOLICITORS ROBERTSONS SOLICITORS:

KEEPING A LEGAL LEGACY ALIVE Earlier this year, the legal community in South Wales was shocked at the passing of Wendy Hopkins who was arguably, the most prominent and widely respected family lawyer in the region. But from this a new era of family lawyers has emerged, and it's one that was nurtured by Wendy herself.

Hannah Magee and Wendy Hopkins

n popular culture terms, Wendy’s rise to notoriety within the legal community was nothing short of meteoric. She began her career as a legal secretary in the 1970s and then went on to qualify as a solicitor. Already a figure of repute, in 1996 Wendy co-founded the first legal practice dedicated solely to family law matters. Throughout Wendy’s long career her reputation as a ‘force to be reckoned with’ moved with her. Alongside Hannah Magee, her protégé of six years, her clients continued to include a plethora of sporting and entertainment celebrities plus leaders from both the

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medical and business worlds and the duo cemented their names as the most highly respected family law team in Wales. Wendy and Hannah had both been recognised in Chambers and Partners. Wendy was consistently ranked as Senior Statesperson for family/matrimonial law in Wales and was described as being ‘formidable, with an encyclopaedic knowledge of family law’, whilst Hannah was also recognised as ‘one to watch and is now ranked ‘Star Associate’. In 2018, the pair joined Robertsons Solicitors in Cardiff to head up the family law team with the objective to

Lisa Shrimpton

ROBERTSONS SOLICITORS become ‘the most recognised family law practice in South Wales’ and this is work that Hannah continues today. Similarly to that of her mentor, Hannah’s reputation has grown to one of tough negotiator on behalf of her clients, but with interpersonal skills that help clients to put their trust and faith in her when dealing with their deeply personal and financial matters. In early 2021, the appointment of Lisa Shrimpton furthered the growth of the team, which dedicates itself to clients by limiting the number of cases open at any given time, ensuring that every case is given due time and attention. Robertsons Solicitors has three offices in the region, two in the centre of Cardiff on Park Place and Windsor Place and a further satellite office in Barry. In all matters, the firm adheres to values of delivering a first-class service, expertise in the areas of law it practices and supporting the communities in which it serves; all values that Hannah and the family law team have embraced. Thankfully, just before the pandemic, the firm invested in its infrastructure and IT systems which meant that it has been able to provide an uninterrupted service during lockdowns. But this also means that process and document exchange for clients is simplified. As well practised communicators, the team nurtures clients throughout their cases and it is this, along with an unrivalled knowledge of family law that maintains a High Net Worth, international and celebrity clientele. The range of family law services provided by the team covers matrimonial including divorce, separation, civil partnerships to pre-nuptial agreements and financial settlements and also matters where children are involved including residency and contact. “The loss of Wendy was a dark day for the legal community in South Wales, and particularly for us here at Robertsons,” said Hannah, “however, she built a legacy of a no-nonsense approach and a positivity towards her clients that we build on every day. We won’t stand still and so we take everything we learnt from Wendy, plus her energy, enthusiasm and respect for the law and use this to help our clients. She may not be with us anymore, but I’m determined to make sure that her legacy as the undisputed leading force in family law, providing exceptional legal advice and robust representation, continues for a long time to come.”

Robertsons Solicitors are based at 6 Park Place Cardiff, CF10 3RS. Tel: 029 2023 7777. Email: law@robsols.co.uk

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WHAT’S ON

WHAT’S ON In Cardiff

As lockdown restrictions begin to ease and our favourite entertainment businesses start to open back up, Cardiff has many exciting events happening over the next few months. Cardiff is home to some amazing experiences this autumn; it’s time to spend your evenings and weekends laughing, singing and enjoying our fantastic city with friends and family. We’ve rounded up the best events for you to experience over the upcoming months, enjoy!

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WHAT’S ON SOMETHING FOR THE COMEDY LOVERS LLOYD GRIFFIN: NOT JUST A PRETTY FACE 13TH SEP The Glee Club IAIN STIRLING 28TH SEP The Glee Club GEMMA COLLINS 16TH OCT St David’s Hall ROSS NOBLE 21ST OCT St David’s Hall

WALES V FIJI 14TH NOV Principality Stadium WALES V AUSTRALIA 20TH NOV Principality Stadium

SOMETHING FOR THE CONCERTGOER NILE RODGERS & CHICK 19TH SEP Cardiff Bay Barrage AN EVENING OF QUEEN 26TH SEP Sophia Gardens BECKY HILL 17TH OCT Cardiff University’s Student Union PALOMA FAITH 18TH OCT Motorpoint Arena JLS 25TH-31ST OCT Motorpoint Arena

SOMETHING FOR THE RUGBY FANS

AJ TRACEY 19TH NOV Motorpoint Arena

WALES V NEW ZEALAND 30TH OCT Principality Stadium WALES V SOUTH AFRICA 6TH NOV Principality Stadium

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BOOKS / REVIEWS

LITERARY Life CLASSIC FICTION: Lord of the Flies (Faber & Faber, £8.99) by Nobel Prize-winning British author William Golding focuses on a group of boys stranded on a desert island and their increasingly brutal and disastrous attempts to govern themselves. Two boys – the main character Ralph and an overweight, bespectacled character called “Piggy” – find a conch which is used to rally the boys and later to moderate their meetings. Gradually Ralph’s authority is usurped by a rival group of boys whose behavior turns increasingly sadistic. Rejected by many publishers – with one editor describing it as an ‘absurd and uninteresting fantasy it was finally accepted by Faber & Faber and published in 1954 to positive reviews. It was named in the Modern Library’s 100 Best Novels, and was recently ranked third in a poll of the nation’s favourite books from school. 72 Style of the city

FACTUAL FAVOURITE: One of the finest non-fiction books of recent years was The Big Short (£9.99) by American author Michael Lewis, the inside story of how a small group of American investors anticipated the collapse of the US mortgage bond market that started the global financial crash in 2008. By turns revealing and shocking, the books lays bare the scandal of the American sub-prime mortgage market, and the hubris and greed that led to disaster. The protagonists of the book make a fortune by betting against the market; the rest of us paid the price. It was later turned into a gripping film of the same name in 2015.

IN THE NEWS: Timed beautifully to coincide with his heroics at the Tokyo Olympics, where he won Gold and Bronze, British diver Tom Daley’s autobiography Coming Up For Air (HarperCollins, £20) is published this autumn. Its blurb promises a “deeply personal and inspiring memoir from one of the most celebrated and influential names in British sport”. Certainly his unflinching honesty about “reclaiming the narrative around his sexuality” is a sign that the book will be both insightful and moving, and a guaranteed Christmas bestseller.

Monmouth-born Saul David is a historian, novelist and broadcaster. His many critically acclamed history books include The Indian Munity (shortlisted for the Westminister Medal for Military Literature), Zulu (a Watersone's Military History Book of the Year) and Operation Thunderbolt (an Amazon History Book of the Year.) BOOK OF THE MOMENT: Distinguished British historian Richard Overy has just published his long-awaited single-volume history of the Second World War, Blood and Ruins (Allen Lane, £40), and it’s nothing less than a masterpiece. Identifying empire as the key to understanding not only the cause of the conflict, but also its course and consequences, the author provides ten themed chapters that cover subjects as diverse as imperial fantasies, mobilization for total war, methods of fighting, economic warfare, morality and war neuroses. Hardly a sentence is wasted as the author brilliantly distills years of scholarship into these tightly focused essays, each of which can stand alone, but together provide one of the most compelling surveys of conflict ever written.

MY News My new book SBS: Silent Warriors – the first authorised wartime history of Britain’s secretive maritime special forces unit, our version of the US Navy SEALs - was published on 2 September. I’ve already signed almost 3,000 copies so the early signs could not be more positive. It was No. 4 in this week's Sunday Times bestsellers.

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLIES

Brunch in the Bay Sugar & Spice Events celebrated 20 years in the capital by hosting “Brunch in the Bay” at Lo Lounge, set against the idyllic panoramic views of Cardiff Bay. The event coincided with the Welsh Freedom Day on August 7th, 2021, and saw many dress up, reunite, and celebrate the good times! The guests also received luxury goody bags, organised by Style of the city Magazine. The content included items from The Parkgate Hotel, Woo Woo, Links Recruitment, Spectrum Collections and many more Welsh brands.

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLIES

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LINKS RECRUITMENT

LINKS RECRUITMENT has moved into their stateof-the-art office, which is headquartered in Cardiff. he recruitment agency has flourished throughout the last few months, employing an additional 10 new members of staff. The pandemic has had a major social and economic impact on many businesses, however despite the challenging situation, LINKS Recruitment have continued to develop and thrive. LINKS turnover grew by 48% in 2020, it also has an increased revenue target of more than 60% in 2021. The company, which specialises in six distinct sectors; Industrial, Driving, IT & Finance, FMCG, Construction & Engineering and Commercial, has evolved since 2017 and following increased demand for their recruitment services, the team have taken on additional members of

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staff to keep up with the increasing success of the agency. At the forefront of this continually expanding team, is the need for a bigger and better LINKS HQ. The new office is a beautifully designed space that provides a unique environment for the team. The HQ is equipped with green forest features and monkey lighting, original brick walls, neon lighting in each room and glass interior throughout. The new design benefits also include intercom systems for communication between offices, state of the art security and a fully sterilised environment with the most advanced bacteria and virus control technology providing 24/7 protection to all people within the building. Before LINKS had given the office an ultra-modern make over, the

building was tiresome and lacked a luxe feel. Now, it’s a cut above the rest. Daniel Puttick, Director of LINKS, said: “This move is a significant milestone for the business which, despite many challenges, saw a record-breaking 2020. It has been an exciting few years, and the location marks a new chapter for the business.” “Since launching the agency in 2017 we’ve learnt a lot and have grown and evolved far more than we could have hoped”. “We are extremely pleased with the look of our new office; it’s a proud moment for us as it shows how far we’ve come as a business.” As the business expands and the team grows, the new HQ will accommodate for over 25 employees. LINKS have come a long way since Daniel and Tiffany founded the

business in 2017, starting with only 3 staff members in a one room office. LINKS isn’t just about the physical building, it’s also about the people. LINKS pride themselves on investing in their team and people, focusing on an incredible culture and environment. Employee satisfaction and appreciation is a core value of the business. Looking back at how far they have come, directors Tiffany Briggs said “over the past 12 months, we’ve seen LINKS do incredibly well”. The office is a new chapter for our business and representative of the accomplishment we have achieved over the past few years”. “We love our new office design, we wanted to create something different and creative for LINKS”. The brand-new stylish office is like nothing we have ever seen in the industry. Directors Daniel and Tiffany, came up with the concept of creating a workspace like no other for this fantastic ever-growing team. They both feel extremely lucky to be able to launch an office space which represents the business’s innovative and unique qualities, as well as a symbolism of how far it’s come.

LINKS RECRUITMENT

Working with IMIUM, a UK leading commercial interiors refurbishment specialist based in Cardiff, they designed some incredible 3D sketches of the office and brought all their ideas to life. LINKS Recruitment are also making huge investments into their online presence to increase brand awareness and contribute to the growth of the business. Marketing Manager, Emily Matthews said: “this is such an exciting opportunity for us as a business. It’s given us the ability to be even more creative and produce high quality content to represent LINKS for who we are and allow us to portray our uniqueness.” The pandemic has changed the world we inhabit profoundly, and one of these changes has been the workspace. From a period when people’s homes were predominately their office space, having a spectacular HQ for employees to come back to is very important. The purpose of LINKS’ office space was to create a safe, productive and enjoyable environment for the team, clients and candidates. They have excelled all of that and more.

For further enquiries please contact: Emily Matthews, Marketing Manager: emily@linksrecruitment.co.uk Or Megan Mortimer, Marketing Executive: megan@linksrecruitment.co.uk

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CARDIFF’S ENTREPRENEUR

SHAZ HARIS, shares his journey from the music circuit to the hospitality industry Shaz Haris is a widely known entrepreneur in Cardiff and has worked his way up from the music circuit to venturing within the hospitality industry. He is now known for being the man behind Sugar & Spice Events, Corporation Yard, and Wing Stack. He shares his journey of creating successful businesses with us. ugar & Spice started 20 years ago when I was fresh out of University from London. Coming back to my hometown of Cardiff, I felt there was a lack of urban music in the Welsh capital. This gap in the market led me to organise regular club nights; where you could dress up, socialise, and enjoy good quality music. I have worked with some of the biggest Urban UK & US DJs, from Ice Cube, Wu Tang Clan to Black Eyed Peas and Tinie Tempah. I have also presented the official after parties for 50 cent, Rihanna, Jason Derulo, and the Champions League final after-party hosted by Black Eyed Peas. My first event was at the legendary Emporium; I then began hosting weekly Saturday residences in Bar Ice, Moloko, and Creation on Thursday nights. This led to hosting nights at the Number 10, Tantra, Glam, Ladybird, 411, Crystal, Soda and Kuku. Sugar & Spice Events has collaborated with promoters and venues to bring some of the very best nights in Cardiff throughout the 2000s; a highlight was the first live Radio 1Xtra broadcast from Cardiff at Sugar & Spice club night in 2003. It has been a challenge over the years, but with innovation and perseverance, I have been able to stay on top of the game. The hospitality industry has been installed in my DNA from a young age. My dad moved to Cardiff during the mid-60s and was one of the pioneers in the Bangladeshi Indian Restaurant industry, opening his first restaurant ‘Golden Bengal’ on Albany Rd, Cardiff. This then led to him opening further restaurants in Swansea and Newport. Growing up, I continuously worked in the restaurant trade, which gave me an insight into important elements of the hospitality industry, and I have since implemented them in my own businesses. During the Covid pandemic, it was a difficult period for the hospitality industry, but it was a time to reflect on new creative ideas, which led to the partnership development of the Corporation Yard and Wing Stack. These businesses have now flourished and are growing, with Wing Stack opening a flagship site on Whitchurch Rd.

To keep up to date with the latest events and tasty treats, follow on Instagram: @sugarandspicecf @corporationyard @wingstack @indiesuperstore Style of the city 79

TIMELESS WATCHES A Luxury Welsh Watch Brand Diamonds Gold Bullion Part Exchange & Finance Available

First call for sports stars and celebrities. 80 Style of the city

New Store 14-18 City Road, Cardiff, CF243DL @timelesswatches_no1

FOOD / COOKING BYDEI

COOKING ByDei

Hey Guys, My name is Shelma Dei, my love for food stems from my childhood and also being rather fussy when it comes to food. I am very passionate about food and love to create dishes that spring into mind. I love to experiment with different ingredients, often things you wouldn’t expect to put together.

SHELMA DEI shares her ‘Creamy Italian Carbonara’ recipe I am due to head to the south of Italy in two weeks and was dreaming of the pasta dishes I will have once I land in the beautiful land of Capri. Today I decided to try my luck by making the famous Italian pasta dish, Carbonara. A pasta dish that is quite simple as long as you make sure that the dish isn’t overpowered by salt, which the pancetta and butter can cause. Extra saltiness that can damage the dish. To be extra careful, use unsalted butter and make sure when browning the pancetta that you render the fat down as much as possible. The dish came out perfectly and tasted so good I had seconds. This dish is so simple but yet so stunning. It’s an easy meal you can make for a casual family dinner or lunch. Bon appetite! CREAMY ITALIAN CARBONARA INGREDIENTS • 100g pancetta • 50g pecorino cheese • 50g parmesan • 3 large eggs • 350g spaghetti • 2 plump garlic cloves, peeled and left whole • 50g unsalted butter • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper   METHOD

1. Place a large pan of water on to the stove and boil. 2. Chop the pancetta, also grate 50g pecorino cheese and 50g parmesan and mix them together.

Follow @cookingbydei

3. Beat 3 large eggs in a medium bowl and season with a little white pepper and black pepper. Set everything aside. 4. 1 tsp of sea salt to the boiling water, add 350g spaghetti and when the water comes back to the boil, cook at a constant simmer, covered, for 8 minutes or until al dente. 5. Squash 2 peeled plump garlic cloves with the blade of a knife, just to bruise it. 6. Whilst the spaghetti is cooking, fry the pancetta with the garlic. Drop 50g unsalted butter into a large frying pan or wok and, as soon as the butter has melted, tip in the pancetta and garlic. 7. Leave to cook on a medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the pancetta is golden and crisp. The garlic has now imparted its flavour, so take it out and discard. 8. Keep the heat under the pancetta on low. When the pasta is ready, lift it from the water with a pasta fork or tongs and put it in the frying pan with the pancetta. Keep a few cups of the pasta water. 9. Mix most of the cheese in with the eggs, keeping a small handful back for sprinkling over later. 10. Take the pan of spaghetti and pancetta off the heat and pour in the eggs and cheese. Using the tongs or a long fork, lift up the spaghetti so it mixes easily with the egg mixture, which thickens but doesn’t scramble, and everything is coated. 11. Add extra pasta cooking water to keep it saucy, season with a little salt, if needed. 12. Serve immediately garnish with grated parmesan and garnish with parsley and a grate of pepper.

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LIBERTY BOOTH

OPEN-AIR PHOTO BOOTH EXPERIENCE There’s a big change happening in the photo booth industry and Liberty Booth is leading the way. Liberty Booth strives to create studio-quality images and unique portraits that document your event.

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LIBERTY BOOTH

fter studying Photojournalism at University, the Founder of Liberty Booth, Judith Ree, went on to become a family and wedding photographer, with nearly 20 years of experience under her belt. In the last couple of years, Ree spotted a big gap in the wedding and events market for a luxury photo booth experience; something that would offer a studioquality product at an event. Tired of the same old photo booths on the market and frustrated with the quality of photographs that were being churned out, Ree knew there was a need for an open-air booth that used the best equipment to produce both a high-quality product and experience. Liberty Booth does just this. By moving away from the outdated plastic booths, it delivers a stylish product to bring flair and a fabulous aesthetic to any event.

THE BOOTH Liberty Booth was lovingly handcrafted from Oak to right here in the UK. It’s the result of a collaboration that happened between an experienced furniture maker and a veteran photographer, who got together and created this unique piece of mid-century modern furniture. This type of open-air booth is popular in the US and Australia, where the events market is blazing trails, but this is the first booth of its kind here in Wales. It’s a beautifully handcrafted modern booth with a timeless presence that fits perfectly into any type of venue from a tipi to a castle. If you are having an event, you need this booth to document it. It’s fitted with top-end photography products and gives the whole package. It provides professional beauty lighting and quality prints that are created from large format image files and can be blown up to make a poster if you would like. Liberty Booth allows you to have high-quality images with stylish backdrops that's perfect for any event. For more information, visit www.libertybooth.co.uk @libertyboothuk

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ART

Luca Malacrino is a Welsh actor, living in Los Angeles. He has worked on over 30 projects, including works such as Criminal Minds, Grey's Anatomy, Coronation Street, Distant Vision with the Godfather’s Francis Ford Coppola, and his first self-produced movie, Elephants is now available to watch on Amazon Prime. Follow @glucamalacrino

TO BE OR NOT TO BE:

Hello readers! In this column, Style of the City has asked me to talk a little bit about what advice I would give to anyone thinking about becoming an actor. Whether it has been something you have always wanted to try, or you are a little further along the road, I will try my best to share some of my experiences and provide some resources on what to do next. EXPLORE The first thing I would say is GIVE IT A GO! At first, while I was still managing nightclubs I was asked if I could try any hobby, what would it be? The night before I had watched Jerry Maguire and couldn’t get the idea of being a sports agent out of my head. I even researched sports agent programs abroad only to find out that it wasn’t the sports agent job that excited me the most. It was the idea of getting to embody a character as big and dynamic as that of Jerry Maguire, played by Tom Cruise. Long story short, I ended up booking my first ever acting class in Cardiff with The Actors Workshop. (check out the info below the image to book your first class!) I wasn’t going into it looking for a change in career but to simply explore and do something fun. Whether you want to pursue acting as a career or not, I would HIGHLY recommend taking a class. It helps your listening skills, builds confidence, pushes personal barriers, and it’s FUN! MASTER YOUR CRAFT If you decide that after taking a few workshops and getting your feet wet, that you would like to continue this journey and take it ‘seriously’, I would advise that you find an acting school and master your craft. Research schools with a good reputation and find out what programs they have, as well the audition requirements. Just like a doctor needs to learn how to be a doctor, an actor needs to learn how to be an actor. From breaking down scenes, building characters from scratch, using your mouth and body in the correct manner, warm ups, listening exercises, accent work, you name it - this is a competitive business 84 Style of the city

This Autumn Actors Workshop returns with ‘in person’ acting courses at Chapter Arts Centre in Canton. Starting in September there are a number of courses on offer for all levels of experience: Discover Acting Chapter Arts Centre Saturdays 2:00 - 4:00PM 18th September - 9th October £125.00 www.actorsworkshop.co.uk

A N

and you need to strive to be the best version of yourself to give yourself a true shot. I ended up auditioning for The American Musical & Dramatic Academy in Los Angeles where I had to prepare two contrasting monologues. I didn’t even know what that meant at the time…But I spoke with my coach, put the work in and gave it my all. It’s also good to note that you never stop learning in this world. The majority of the stars you see on TV are still studying and learning with their coaches. That’s one of the beautiful things about this job. You keep growing with it. I was back working with a new acting coach within weeks of graduating.

THE WHY I need you to back up for just a moment as this is advice that I was given from day one that was so accurate that it would be a sin not to share. If you are intending to become an actor because you want to be famous and not because you truly love acting then I strongly advise you become an influencer or reality star instead. The level of competition and amount of rejection in the business is enough to crush a soul multiple times. Only the true love for the art will get you through the tough times (which are frequent). Ok, you truly love acting,

LUCA MALACRINO

A C T O R you have put yourself through school and feel like a true thespian!

NOW WHAT TO DO? PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE At this point you need to show off your new skills. Film, film, film! Everything and anything! Even if it is so bad you need to burn it in the ground four times to ensure it never sees the daylight. Find facebook groups, look for student films, and lastly, make your own films. The ways I have seen people ‘make it’ in this business are as follows: LUCK: You fit the most specific role ever which happens to blow up and give you overnight success. (it happens but not often) DEDICATION: You build up relationships with casting directors and keep booking smaller roles that lead to bigger roles, that lead to a large part sometimes known as a breakout role. BORN INTO IT: You have a bunch of friends/family who are successful in the industry that can introduce you to Hollywood’s ‘gatekeepers'. MAKE YOUR OWN DESTINY: You make your own content and you put yourself on the map.

As an actor you should be pushing every single one of these options. Try and get yourself into the bigger films, say yes to all quality roles that will help your career (even if small), build relationships and support others, and finally - MAKE YOUR OWN PROJECTS that showcase why people should trust you in their film/ production.

THE UGLY/BEAUTIFUL TRUTH The truth is most actors become jaded as this business is incredibly tough. The hardest part for me is giving my everything to an audition, finding out it’s down to you and one other person to then not hear anything further. That one role could change your life and it’s so close yet so far. That happens a lot and is unfortunately part of the game. Trying to turn it into a positive note, it builds layers to you as a human. It forces you to work on yourself. Self growth is such a huge part of acting and life in general. However, all the negative points mentioned above go away when you are able to do what you love. Whether it’s performing on a local stage for 40 people or on a set like Grey’s Anatomy. It is a career that can form strong bonds, show you the world and teach you more about yourself than most other careers. Style of the city 85

MIDDLE EIGHT REVIEW

A LUXURY STAY in the heart of London Our founder Rosie Harris reviewed Covent Garden’s Middle Eight.

magine being transported into an ambience of pure luxury in the heart of the best city in the world! That is what the Middle Eight offers, and I should know, as I experienced a stay like no other. With only two hours on the train from Cardiff, getting into London is quicker than ever. It’s one of my favourite cities and this time I took a trip to Covent Garden and stayed in the Middle Eight. A stone's throw away from Trafalgar Square, take a turn into Great Queen Street and you’ll find Middle Eight. You can’t miss the outside, the beautifully designed doors leading into this architectural haven. On arrival the warmth and customer service were quickly apparent, the most beautiful décor and style, very on-trend, truly echoing the city surroundings. Taken up to my suite, I opened the door to the most beautiful room with soothing water features, underfloor heating, and a free-standing bath. Cosy yet so stylish with glass doors that led through to a separate dining area with a glass roof; it made me feel like I was outside on some exotic holiday with its greenery décor on its walls. Everything you could want, or need is available in

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the suite, and with a four-poster bed which embodied comfort, it took this stay to a whole different level. Dinner did not disappoint either, if your anything like me, which to put it in basic terms means you’re a ‘foodie’, prepare to have your taste buds tantalised. Sycamore Restaurant & Bar offers a truly authentic Italian experience. What was most appealing was the service; I was taken through the menu by the manager of the restaurant, his enthusiasm coupled with his obvious passion amplified the excellent service. I chose their handmade pizza which turns out was the perfect choice. Think artisan bread, pit-grilled meats and hand rolled pasta, that is what you can expect from Sycamore. Dessert wise, I chose the amaretti cheesecake, which was divine, a gorgeous culinary experience. So, my stay was practically perfect, what better way to experience London than with the ultimate luxury stay, and Middle Eight clearly represents that! For more information and to book your stay, visit www.middleeight.com.

JOIN THE CARDIFF

GLAMOUR REVIVAL Escape to a place of timeless elegance & luxury right in the heart of Cardiff. The Parkgate Hotel, opening autumn 2021

www.theparkgatehotel.wales

Part of the Celtic Collection Style of the city 87

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Style of the city Magazine Autumn 2021

Articles inside

MIDDLE EIGHT

SOCIAL BUTTERFLIES

HOW CAN FITNESS HELP YOU?

WHAT’S ON

NUFFIELD HEALTH

FASHION

BLACK OWNED WELSH BUSINESSES

OUR COVER STAR

SHOP LOCAL INITIATIVE