Swansea Life - February 2020

Y O U R a w a r d - w i n n i n g M AGA Z IN E

SWA NSE A

LIFE HOT february 2020 £2.95

RIGHT NOW

16

beauty tricks you will love

Dream home

Interior inspiration in a real Mumbles home

Chef hire

How we let the restaurant come to us!

PARTY S PICTURE FROM D AROUNE SWANS A BAY

season’s

best style fab fashion at a snip

WHY YOU FELL IN LOVE Let us take care of every last detail and discover the timeless luxury of Oldwalls

Oldwalls, a collection of exclusive wedding venues oldwallscollection.com

Contents...

F E B RUA RY

2 02 0

actiNG Editor Peter Slee | 01792 545559 peter.slee@reachplc.com PUBLISHER Lisa Cameron | lisa.cameron@mediawales.co.uk Photography Adrian White, Jonathan Myers, Hoosh Multimedia, Robert Melen Contributors Chris Peregrine, Lara Johnson, Dom Capel, Lesley Taylor, Sian Day, Joseph Atkin, Andrew Morgan, Dr Charlotte Jones, Chris Howells, James Richards, Marc White and Daniel Turner editoral designerS Sandra Evans | sandra.evans@reachplc.com Sue Hall | sue.hall@reachplc.com Lisa Walsh | lisa.walsh@reachplc.com advertising For all advertsising inquiries, please call Debbie Roberts | 01792 545626 or email debbie.roberts@reachplc.com Swansea Life, Urban Village, High Street, Swansea SA1 1NW @swansealife

19

40

FASHION

BRIDE

9.

40.

OUR VERY SPECIAL DAY Join Bishop Gore teacher Leanne Fowler and her new husband Sam Edwards as they tie the knot at The King Arthur in Reynoldston

46.

YOU & YOUR WEDDING A relaxed, romantic but fun day for Kate and Oliver Warren at Oldwalls in Gower

YOU WILL LOVE Our fashion team’s favourite buys for February

10. COSY COMFORT DRESSING

Loungewear that is not an afterthought,

but really worth splashing out on 18. CLOAK & SWAGGER

Add some drama to your February

wardrobe with a cape 20. LOOKING PRETTY IN PINK

A perfect look for your Valentine’s Day

COVER IMAGE: From a range at Marks & Spencer, Swansea

4 SWANSEA LIFE

If we have published anything that is factually inaccurate, please contact the editor on 01792 545533, at postnews@mediawales.co.uk or at Evening Post, Urban Village, 220 High Street, Swansea SA1 1NW and once verified we will correct it here as soon as possible.

Swansea Life is part of Trinity Mirror North West & North Wales Ltd, a subsidiary company of Reach Plc, which is a member of IPSO, the Independent Press Standards Organisation. We adhere to the Editors’ Code Of Practice as enforced

by IPSO, which is contactable for advice at Independent Press Standards

Organisation, Gate House, 1 Farringdon Street, London EC4M 7LG. Website: www,ipso.co.uk Telephone: 0300 123 2220; email advice@ipso.co.uk If you have a complaint concerning a potential breach of the Code of Practice, we will deal with your complaint directly or IPSO can refer your complaint to us. Please go to www.reachplc.com/how-to-complain where you can view our Complaints Policy and Procedure. A “How To Complain” pack is also available by writing to the Legal and Compliance Department, Reach PLC, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5AP.

50

95 116

FOOD & DRINK

HOUSE & HOME

FLASHBULB!

52. CHEF HIRE

How we let the restaurant come to us!

64. SIMPLE IDEAS FOR STYLISH LIVING

Expect the unexpected at a seafront

cottage in Mumbles!

113. GRADUATION SUCCESS

Swansea University Medical School

celebrate the achievements of its

latest graduates

55. KEEP IT LOCAL

Swansea’s Sian Day rustles up a

family feast favourite 56. PERFECT PASTA?

We run the taste test rule over a

Mumbles favourite

94. FEAST ON BLUE

Create a home to love with a splash

of classic blue 100. LUXE FOR LESS

How to add energy to a living space

without breaking the bank

116. CARIBBEAN CALYPSO

Hundreds join in the fun at

Swansea’s Brangwyn Hall 118. PARTY FUN

A staff party get-together for Oil4Wales

102. IN THE GARDEN

How to make the most of your outdoor

space this month

Competition winner:

Average net distribution 7,500 copies sold and distributed in Swansea, Gower and the surrounding South West Wales areas. Opinions expressed in Swansea Life magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or designer and the magazine is in no way liable for such opinions.

While every effort has been made to ensure that the contents are fully accurate, we cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies and late changes. No article, advertisement or graphic, in whole or in part, may be reproduced without prior permission of the publishers. Prices correct at time of press.

The winner of the £200 Next vouchers from our December magazine competition is Zita Cameron from Gowerton in Swansea

SWA NSEA

LIFE SWANSEA LIFE 5

9

From the editor O K, so we’re six weeks or so deep into the new year. 2020 is officially the norm and I’m actually quite relieved.

Why? Well, not because I don’t like new beginnings, because I do. But the pressure of trying to better yourself in the year ahead can make us all forget the successes of the 12 months gone by. It’s akin to a new day at Crossfit.

14 20

I’ll explain.

You arrive for a session, the whiteboard is wiped clean and in its place goes today’s goals. Those 20 snatches teamed with some squat thrusts? Distant memory. Today it’s run 400 meters, blitz 30 box jumps and endure 20 minutes on your bike trainer. But wait, because it is the victory moments of yesterday, last week and the year before that give you the strength and courage that you need today. So, maybe don’t forget them or downplay your efforts because “this year you’re going to do better”. Instead, see them as the foundations for the 11 months that still lie ahead. It is what we are excited to put on your radar.

Yes, we are about to enter the dregs of winter – a time of year that doesn’t tend to get much love. November and December are ‘party season’, but January through to mid-March, well that’s just a drag; endless weeks of nothing but dreary gloom we’d happily do without.

But could we be missing a trick? Think back over the past couple of years or so. How many times did you find yourself thinking: if only I had some time to myself; wasn’t so busy; could just slow down?

Well, maybe here’s your chance. With a bit of rebranding, late winter – in all its emptydiary, tightened-purse-strings glory – might be exactly what we’ve been wishing for.

28

It means our pages this month are packed with some simple, easy-to-follow ideas to help you do exactly that from brilliant, healthy eating advice to how to easily update your wardrobe without spending a fortune in the process. Discover inspiration too for your home with pages of great interior styles, a reader property that could be yours in Mumbles or maybe follow the stories of our local brides as they get hitched in Gower.

As the excesses of December and January fade into the distance, we lay the foundations of what is to come. Here’s to building a brighter future, one success at a time, right here in Swansea, a place we all quite rightly love so very much! ’Til next month!

34 6 SWANSEA LIFE

PETER SLEE Acting editor Contact me at peter.slee@reachplc.com 01792 455559 Find us on Facebook @SwanseaLife

flashbulb!

Our pick of the month’s best party get-togethers

Hello Shoppers! £3 for 3 hours at St Davids Multi Storey Car Park in Swansea City Centre

113

Monday - Saturday

Swansea University Medical School latest graduates

116

A Caribbean-themed party night

FREE parking every Sunday at all Swansea Council City Centre car parks

Shop local &

118

A staff party for Oil4Wales

Save

Download the FREE Big Heart of Swansea money saving app today Visit: bigheartofswansea.co.uk

Brought to you by

125

www.bigheartofswansea.co.uk /BigHeartSwansea

Front Runner Event at Old Havana

SWANSEA LIFE 7

Show your devotion with Diamonds this Valentines

1 Cradock street the Kingsway Swansea SA1 3EN 01792 467676

A Passion for Quality

FASHION

We love Merino!

STYLE with Laura Davies

This fabulously versatile wool is essential for your spring wardrobe, with its lightweight soft feel and unbeatable breathability. Celtic and Co have 11 colours available to choose from with more to come and more styles to come this season than ever before. It’s perfect for laying or as a show stopper to style on its own. The brands timeless collections are inspired by the Cornish landscape,and produced where possible in Britain and crafted solely from natural materials.

hot pink Look pretty in pink this Valentine’s Day with this stunning fuchsia two piece Natasha blouse, £99 and Trousers, £149, from Hobbs

Fine Knit Merino Crew Neck,: Peony Micro Stripe, £82, Celtic & Co. Celticandco.com

Peachy

What better way to tell someone that they’re a peach than with this cheeky little gift. Leave them blushing with this duo of juicy bath products sure to make them feel fresh and fruity. Swirls of colour and blissful bubbles are ready to be harvested with the fragrance of zingy grapefruit, fruity davana and woody tagetes Oil. Contains: Peachy bath bomb, Peach Crumble bubbleroon, £13, Lush, Swansea

Slip Ons

we

lo e

How gorgeous is this charm!

A gesture of unity and a token of love, this is perfect to symbolise or give to the person who holds the key to your heart,or wear it as an emblem of self-love. The sterling silver charm features a padlock and key with 48 bead-set and three micro brilliant-cut clear cubic zirconia attached to a key in Pandora Rose (14k rose gold-plated unique metal blend). “ Pavé Padlock & Key Dangle Charm, £45, Pandora, Swansea

Introducing the new Havaianas Flatform Mule.

Slip into these stylish suede mules for an effortless boho finish. Pair them with baggy rolled up jeans or your favourite floral dress.

Havaianas Flatform Mule, £35 (Out in March)

Scents to fall for this Valentine’s Day These are just two gorgeous gifts from Jo Malone London that are getting us all worked up about Valentine’s Day (partners take note!)

The new Travel Candle Collection, £69, brings together a fragrant trio of small but perfectly-formed Travel Candles to create a romantic atmosphere anywhere, especially in cosy, intimate spaces.

Or why not surprise a loved one with a luxurious gift from Jo Malone London’s Cologne Intense collection. £78 per 50ml Cologne and £122 per 100ml Cologne. Jo Malone, Cardiff

SWANSEA LIFE 9

FASHION Plush footbed grey and white slippers, £9.99; Deichmann, Cardiff

Comfort dressing: how to look cool but remain cosy ÐÐNine by Savannah Miller long sleeve revere top, £18.50; Debenhams, Swansea

What to do on miserably cold days when all you want to do is hibernate in bed?

(Preferably one in a boutique luxury hotel, with artisan hot chocolate and gin cocktails ).

The answer, if one is really forced into the horror of non-boutique reality, is to fashion oneself as closely to bedwear as possible.

Loungewear really is no longer an afterthought but something worth splashing out on...

ÏÏFine-knit hooded jumper, £19.99; H&M, Swansea

ÐÐCashmere socks in grey, £12; FatFace, Mumbles

ÏÏVelvet flower headband, £9.99; Zara, Swansea

ÏÏhush Fish cotton pyjama bottoms, £25; John Lewis, Cardiff

10 SWANSEA LIFE

ÏÏPoppy eye mask, £14; Laura Ashley, Pontarddulais Road Retail Park

ÍÍHygge by Mint Velvet ivory stripe pyjama top, £19; John Lewis, Cardiff

ÎÎVelour fleece poncho, £8.50; John Lewis, Cardiff

ÏÏAubade Romanced’Ete bra, £95; brief, £59; Figleaves.com

ippers, £25; Dreaming sl bles Seasalt, Mum

SWANSEA LIFE 11

Tiered Midi Dress, £30, Stitch V-Neck Cardigan, £26, Signature Buckle Ankle Boots, £90, all Next, Morfa Retail Park and Swansea

12 SWANSEA LIFE

pretty petals Perfect for date night or an instant seasonal lift, LAURA DAVIES picks the best of the bunch of feminine floral dresses laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk @LawsDx

SWANSEA LIFE 13

M&S Collection Dress £39.50, M&S, Swansea

14 SWANSEA LIFE

Oliver Bonas Kayla Studded Crossbody Bag £39.50 Yellow Martha Midi Dress £75, Oliver Bonas, Cardiff

SWANSEA LIFE 15

Miriam Bardot Dress, £199, Hobbs, Cardiff

16 SWANSEA LIFE

ÎÎMesh blouse with embroidery, £24.99; H&M, Parc Fforestfach

Sonder Studio at M&Co Dress, £49.50, M&Co, Cardiff

ÎÎHoney bee pendant, £149; Stephen Hughes, Quadrant, Swansea ÏÏBlue marl floral print jumper, £55; Laura Ashley, Swansea

How to style winter florals...

Want to get that breezy summer feeling in winter? A floral print or accessory is your answer... ÍÍEda Stone flower charm huggie earrings, £15; Oliver Bonas, Cardiff ÎÎMulti colour ditsy smock mini dress, £35; Miss Selfridge, Swansea

ÐÐMulti floral top, £9.50 Tu at Sainsbury’s, Swansea

ÏÏEsther floating floral skirt, £39.99; FatFace, Mumbles

SWANSEA LIFE 17

FASHION

cloak& swagger: 10 of the best winter capes

Of all the incredible outfits on the autumn/winter catwalks, some of the most dramatic were topped with capes that allowed models to sweep down the runway, fabric billowing like wings behind them.

So now is the perfect time to follow that look and add some drama to your winter wardrobe with a cool cape.

Damart Christian Lacroix Poncho, £99 (damart.co.uk)

Here's our pick of some of the best...

ÏÏCOS Short Cape Wool Knit, £59 (cosstores.com)

ÏÏMarks and Spencer ochre checked wrap, £35; Marks and Spencer, Swansea

ÏÏAurora cashmere Cape, £299 (was £329); lupin sweater, £79 (was £110); rianna skinny jeans, £85; Imogen knee boots, £269 (were £299); tan amy belt, £29 (was £59); Hobbs, Cardiff

18 SWANSEA LIFE

ÏÏReversible blanket cape, £27.99; Bonprix, Swansea

Oliver Bonas Fluffy Check Pink Cape, £42; Camel Knitted Jumper Dress, £65 (oliverbonas.com)

Principles formal cape, £69; Debenhams, Swansea

ÎÎM&Co Petite Faux Fur Collar Cape, £59 (mandco.com)

ÏÏFrench Bkue crouching tiger hooded cape, £24.99; TK Maxx, Parc Morfa

ÎÎBlack houndstooth check patchwork cape, £50; River Island, Swansea

SWANSEA LIFE 19

FASHION

Pretty in

ÏÏPink scarf, £10; Matalan, Morriston

pink ÏÏSamsung Galaxy watch Active2, bluetooth, £259; John Lewis, Cardiff

ÏÏResin square link earrings, £8; Accessorize, Swansea

ÏÏLofty twist pink jumper, £18; F&F at TescoExtra, Parc Fforestfach

ÐÐWomen’s sailor socks, £6; Seasalt, Mumbles

ÏÏHoliday floral button through blouse, £50; Laura Ashley, Swansea

Thomas Sabo charm club rose quartz bracelet, £34

Whether you’re staying in and watching The Crown with a tub of Ben & Jerry’s or going for a 10 course Michelin star meal with your other half, you’ll be needing an outfit for Valentine’s Day even if it’s only your favourite PJs. Our fashion team has found their perfect Valentine’s Day looks in the hope that you’ll be inspired to dress up, wherever the night takes you.,...

20 SWANSEA LIFE

ÐÐPowder pink leather backpack, £49.99; TK Maxx, Parc Morfa

Casis shoes, £120; Dune of London

Double-breasted coat, was £78.99, now £49.99; Zara, Swansea

ÏÏHobbs Elaine dress, was £199, now £59; John Lewis, Cardiff

ÏÏBaby pink cropped sweatshirt, £12.99; TK Maxx, Parc Morfa

ÐÐShort padded jacket, £40; Bonmarche, Swansea

ÏÏPink coat, £40; Matalan, Cwmdu

ÏÏBright pink lace thong, £5.99; New Look, Swansea ÐÐKnit trainers, £10; Primark, Swansea

ÏÏWomen’s red and pink star Pj’s, £14; Tu at Sainsbury’s, Swansea

SWANSEA LIFE 21

FASHION ÍÍPearl lilac padded packable coat, £18; George at Asda.

Gorseinon

ÐÐCroc slingback shoes, £18; Tu at Sainsbury’s, Swansea

Supermarket

ÐÐRed patent mock croc bucket bag and mini clutch set, £16; George at Asda, Morriston

c h i c

The surprise style hits to try from Sainsbury’s, Asda and Tesco We won’t pretend that every clothing item in our supermarkets is a winner. Far from it.

In fact, all of the big name supermarkets can sometimes serve up some questionable designs, from catwalk copies and scratchy knitwear, to shoes that just look a bit cheap.

But there are also gems to be found.

Lots of them. Here’s our choice...

ÐÐ Red bandeau midi dress, £45; F&F at TescoExtra, Llansamlet

ÏÏPink shimmering knitted scarf, £9. George at Asda, Llansamlet

ÏÏYellow check coat, £45; Tu at Sainsbury’s, Swansea

ÏÏRed check mini skirt, £16; Tu at Sainsbury’s, Swansea

ÏÏDress from F&F at Tesco, Parc Fforestfach ÏÏChain detail rust loafer, £17; F&F at Tesco, Swansea Marina

22 SWANSEA LIFE

NEW YEAR NEW YOU Visit Dr Alan Jones and his staff at Defy Time Medical Cosmetic Clinic in Swansea. He has 30 years experience as a GP and 18 years as a Cosmetic Doctor.

MEMBER OF British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM) British Association of Body Sculpting (BABS) British Association of Sclerotherapy (BAS) General Medical Council Registered Health Inspectorate of Wales Registered Clinic

PRIVATE CAR PARK

MEDICAL COSMETIC CLINIC

A C H I E V E A N AT U R A L , YO U N G E R L O O K I N G , F L A W L E S S YO U F R E E P E R S O N A L & C O N F I D E N T I A L C O N S U LTAT I O N S

466 Gower Road, Killay, Swansea SA2 7DZ • 01792 208466 • www.defy-time.co.uk

BRIAN BROWN SALON MODELLING & MANAGEMENT AGENCY

01792 301901

1 BELLEVUE WAY • SWANSEA • SA1 5BZ

Start 2020 the right way

REVITALISE yourSelF Pampering of the highest order

Hair ServiceS

Wedding ServiceS

colour Family

every service is important, whatever it maybe... and we look forward to a consultation before every service, in order to discuss your requirements and what can be achieved. communication is paramount.

We believe in excellent quality hair services. We pride ourselves on exceptional customer service, along with expert hair care knowledge and internationally renowned products.

our wedding team offer a flexible and individualised service. The bridal party can be accommodated at our salon or at a prearranged venue of choice. early Salon openings and champagne breakfast are available on request. Wedding hair consultations and trials are recommended to ensure we achieve your dream look and efficient planning for your big day.

all your colouring needs are catered for, whether it be Blonde, red or Brunette, covering grey, blending grey, bold statement colours or natural looking enhancements.

Just a chat with your stylist can determine what you want and what can be achieved- the world of colour is yours to explore.

geT in ToucH Today Swansea - 01792 587444 | Skewen - 01792 812858 www.hairloungebymarcisaac.co.uk

hair & beauty

Makeup s e v a h t s mu For the presenter and author, beauty products have got to be ethical and easy to use

Fearne Cotton X Carrie Elizabeth jewellery collection is available now from Notonthehighstreet.

Cotton’s make-up essentials INIKA Organic Mineral mattifying powder, £23

ÐÐCharlotte Tilbury Luxury Palette The Vintage Vamp, £40

ÏÏINIKA Organic Certified Organic liquid eyeliner black, £19

ÏÏBurt’s Bees Goodness Glows liquid foundation, £14.99, Superdrug

ÍÍBurt’s Bees All Aglow lip and cheek stick peony pool, £12.99, Superdrug

ÍÍCharlotte Tilbury Hot Lips S Viva La Vergara lipstick, £28

26 SWANSEA LIFE

It’s clear from the way she recalls the unexpected arrival of a box of Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks, that Fearne Cotton is a true makeup lover.

“She actually sent me this box of about 20 lipsticks – it was one of the most exciting days of mine and my daughter’s lives.

“We were just like, ‘Oh my god, what are we going to do? This is insane.’ We were both playing around with them for hours.”

What was the TV presenter’s favourite shade from the glamorous glut?

“I’ve got one in my bag right now, what’s it called?” she says, rummaging to retrieve the brick-red lippie encased in a shiny rose gold tube.

“This one is called Viva La Vergara. It’s a darker colour, I wouldn’t normally wear this colour, but I’ve been really liking it recently.”

“And I mean, who doesn’t like Charlotte Tilbury’s eyeshadow quads? They’re amazing,” she continues, warming to her theme.

The 38-year-old, whose main focus now is her Happy Place podcast, as well as being mum to kids Rex, six, and Honey, four, is also a cookbook author – her most recent, Happy Vegan, is entirely plant-based, so it’s no surprise to learn she has a preference for ethical cosmetics brands.

“I like Burt’s Bees [the brand is cruelty-free and doesn’t test on

animals],” she notes. “I like its cream blusher – it’s like a stick – and its foundation.”

She says organic brand INIKA is another go-to, citing the powder and eyeliner as favourites.

All this enthusiasm might lead you to believe Cotton loves nothing more than relaxing with some #skincaresunday ‘me’ time.

“God no. Absolutely not,” she laughs. “I’m not gonna lie. I’ve got a million things I would rather do than have a facial, or even pampering myself.

“Occasionally, like once every two weeks, I might have five minutes to put a quick face mask on while the kids are killing each other in the bath and screaming the house down.

“But other than that, I don’t have a routine. I just take my make-up off with micellar water, or whatever cleanser I’ve got at home, and put moisturiser on. That’s it.”

The only indulgence the busy mum does sometimes allow herself is a soak in the tub. “I do love having a bath, don’t get me wrong. But I see that as very different from having a skincare routine.

“For me, being in the bath is all about chilling the hell out and transitioning from a hectic day to, ‘I’m going to bed soon’.

“So I love getting in the bath, maybe adding a bath bomb, maybe some oil, you know, nice smelling stuff, to calm me down, and reading a book – that, for me, is heaven.”

It’s all about the...

NAILS! With the help of long-taloned stars like Cardi B and Kylie Jenner, 2019 was arguably the year we really became obsessed with nails.

Whether you’re the kind of person who’s always at the salon getting the latest design, or more likely found doing your own at home on a budget, chances are you have a few questions about how to keep your nails looking their best.

Google Trends put together 20 of the UK’s top-searched nail queries for 2019 and it makes it clear that we’re all asking a lot of the same things; similar questions come up time and time again.

We’ve picked out five of the most common queries from the list, and enlisted the help of manicurist Joanna Newbold (joannanewbold.com) to answer them...

Whether it’s how to shape your nails or get the ombre effect, many of us were asking the same things this year

“The safest, healthiest way to remove product from natural nails is to use pads soaked in acetone, covered in nail clips,” says Newbold. “This should take between five and 10 minutes, then remove the clips and pads, and wipe away the dissolved product from the nails.”

If there’s anything left over, repeat the process until your nails are natural and fresh. Don’t worry if you don’t have special nail clips, wrapping tinfoil around your fingers to hold the pad in place can do just as well.

You’re probably well aware that you really shouldn’t scrape, peel or pick the product off your nails, but it bears repeating. Newbold says “this could cause dilapidation” – essentially, it can ruin your nails.

2. How to strengthen your nails

1. How to remove your nails

Whether it’s how to remove gel, acrylic or other fake nails, this question popped up repeatedly. When your pristine manicure has had its day, you want to be rid of it immediately – but it’s not as simple as wiping it off. Most of us are too impatient (or lazy) to go to the salon to have it professionally removed, so need a good at-home remedy to prevent us from picking the polish straight off the nail.

Whether it’s growing out your nails or stopping them from peeling, stronger, healthier talons are in demand.

For Newbold, this means being more careful day-to-day. “Nails will benefit from being covered with gloves in cold weather, and when using detergents,” she says. “Do not put your hands in anything you wouldn’t put your face in.”

To encourage strength and growth, Newbold recommends using a professional cuticle oil like Jessica Phenomen Oil (£9.50-£14.50, Jessica Cosmetics). “This product heals and nourishes dry cuticles and promotes strong nail growth,” she says, and a lot of that is due to key ingredients like vitamin E, jojoba, sweet almond oil and rice oil.

3. How to do ombre nails

With more than two million tags on Instagram, it’s clear the trend for ombre nails – where one colour gradually blends into another – isn’t going away. But how can you achieve that yourself at home?

For Newbold, the easiest way is to use glitter. First, you paint your nails the base colour you want, then “apply a tonal glitter to the tip and blend upwards toward the middle of the nail. This can also be done with polish or gel using a sponge.”

4. Why your nails are yellow

Few things are more unpleasant than off-colour nails. Unfortunately, it’s easy for this to happen. “They are porous, so left bare they will absorb colours from food etc, and could become yellow or stained,” explains Newbold.

So it’s important not to have bare talons.

“Cover them at all times with a hybrid manicure or a nail polish, but be sure to always apply a base coat to stop the colour penetrating the nail plate,” Newbold says.

5. How to shape your nails

Knowing how to shape your nail properly is key to keeping them strong and healthy, but are you doing it properly? “I would recommend filing the nail using a natural file that is gentle on the nails,” says Newbold.

“File from the outside of the nail into the middle, to form a beautiful round nail that complements the cuticle.”

SWANSEA LIFE 27

HAIR & BEAUTY

How to find your perfect berry lipstick shade Katie Wright catches up with makeup artist Zara Findlay, who reveals her top tips for bold lips

ÏÏNudestix Intense matte lip + cheek pencil in Raven, £20, Cult Beauty ÏÏKat Von D XO Vinyl lip cream in Dahlia, £18, Debenhams, Swansea

ÏÏLipstick Queen lip mousse in Royal Icing, £22, Space NK

ÏÏTropic Kiss Me Quick lipstick in Plum Pout, £20

ÏFenty Ï Beauty Stunna lip paint Longwear Fluid lip colour in Undefeated, £19, Boots, Swansea

ÏÏ3ina The Longwear lipstick in 501, £9.31 (was £10.95)

Finding your perfect berry

How to wear your berry lip

“I like to call this the Five Finger Trick. Pick up five berry lip colours that you’re attracted to – even if you don’t think they will suit you – in different finishes such as matte, sheer or shiny.

“Swatch them onto your finger tips and looking into a mirror, place each finger against your lip. You will instantly see whether you like the colour against your skin.

Just think ‘yes, no or maybe’. This is all about the process of elimination.

“Clean off the lip colours that are definitely a ‘no’ and you are left with one or two to try.

From there, you will be able to decide which is your favourite colour – or you may just end up taking them both.”

“Lipsticks can we worn in all kinds of ways. If you want the colour to be sheer, use your finger to swipe a little colour and press it on your lip. This will give you your sheerest coverage and a ‘lip-stained’ effect. You can add your favourite lip balm on top for a more moisturised finish.

“To get a medium colour pay off, swipe the colour directly on the lips. If you’re worried about how much colour the lipstick has, my favourite tip is to line and fill your lips with your go-to nude lip liner then add the lipstick on top. This will give you a slightly more muted version of the original colour.

“To get the fullest colour pay off, maybe for a special event, pick a lip liner that is a similar

28 SWANSEA LIFE

tone, line the lips, apply lipstick, then add a gloss on top for a full-coverage, glossy finish.”

Makeup to wear with berry-toned lipstick “If you’re wearing it sheer, you can doll up your eyes and cheeks to add a little more colour to the rest of your face. I love running a little of the lipstick between my fingertips and bouncing it on my cheeks as a soft blusher.

“If you’re wearing it as medium coverage, you are able to play with how bold or subtle the rest of your makeup is. If you’re wearing it with full colour pay off, it’s best to keep the eyes really subtle. Maybe just a clean liner and a soft wash of a nude shimmer shadow.”

WINTER Vs YOUR SKIN During the winter months we turn the heating on, wrap up warm... but do we look after our skin?

The elements take their toll on our skin in winter just as much as any other time. Harsh cold winds, central heating, dry the skin causing damage and fine wrinkles.

It is essential to look after your skin, our advise is to have a good daily skin regime and also monthly treatments.

HydraFacial

Latest generation of skin resurfacing technology. Combing six treatments in one: Cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, hydration and antioxidant protection.

Crystal Clear Microdermabrasion

A non-invasive deep ex-foliation of the skin using a fine flow of microscopic crystals to gently remove old, dead skin cells layer by layer to successfully treat a wide range of skin problems such as open pores, wrinkles, acne, scarring, blackheads & milia

Chemical Skin Peel

A chemical peel is a technique used to improve and smooth the texture of the skin. Facial skin is mostly treated, and scarring can be improved. Chemical peels are intended to remove the outermost layers of the skin

Non Surgical FaceLift

Thermotherapy (warming the skin/ opens pores), Microdermabrasion to clear our pores / treat fine lines, ultra sound, Bio-lift to tone & firm facial contours, LED light therapy to boost collagen, and finished with cryotherapy to close the pores and lock in products.

N

Cleanse, tone, mask & moisturise with facial massage and products tailored to your skin type.

EBRATIN EL

21

G

C

Skin Specific Facial

I

NewBrow Lamination Now Available

years BU

SINES

S

01792 775558 Family run business. Est. 1999

in to Please call a full r our Salon fo t price lis

www.swanseasunlounge.co.uk facebook.com/MorristonSunLounge 52 Woodfield Street, Morriston, Swansea SA6 8BW

HAIR & BEAUTY

Makeover!

W ITH

L ARA

JOHNSON

Stylist and Mumbles salon owner Lara Johnson shares her best insider tips in her monthly column

ter af

C o l o ur stateme n t Model: Sophia Shallai Occupation: Model and student

sophia says My hair has been short for a long time and i have been growing it. The problem has been I haven’t really known what I want to grow it to. The thing that I love about short hair is that it can be really directional. I love retro looks but wanted a style that was a modern version.

The team at Lara Johnson Lifestyle really listened to me and came up with a look that had direction with both the cut and colour. The condition feels so much better and it is really easy to style. So Happy!

Lara Johnson Lifestyle says Sophia has been growing her hair from a short style for a few months and hasn’t had it trimmed. It is important to trim the hair even if you are growing it to keep it healthy and to stop it splitting.

We decided to work Sophia’s grown out shape into a retro look that had a bit more direction, this coming season will see some sixties shapes returning, plenty of ‘the Purdey’, Page Boy and Pixie cuts. Prior to the makeover Sophia’s hair has been bleached with a dark panel. It was in need of moisture as well as a completely updated colour. We created shine and texture with some ‘on trend’ muted colours that looked much softer but still had as much of an impact.

30 SWANSEA LIFE

B e f o re ...

...

Step by step...

ish fin

A s o f t v e r s at i l e p l a i t e d Lo o k This is a dressing that is versatile enough to be worn everyday or for a special occasion. You can accessorise to really make it stand out. Perfect for our changeable weather in the winter Difficulty level? Medium. It may take a little practice to get the plaiting, but don’t worry if it is a little loose as it adds to the look Ideal hair length? Medium to long Assistance needed A friend could be handy until you get the hang of it Accessories Pair this style with your favourite accessories for special occasions Try this If you take a holiday on the beach or the slopes this winter and spring apply some UV hair protector (which also makes it easier to style) when you dress it. It will help to stop your hair becoming damaged. It then looks great when it is brushed out What you need? n Clear hair band n Hair grips that match your hair colour n Hairspray (optional) n Sun Hair protector (Optional) Chloe says.

This is a great versatile look that can be worn on all sorts of occasions. It is based on a three-stranded french plait which with a little practice is easy to do. The look is further enhanced by just gently rubbing with the palm of your hand to loosen up the look. Finish with some Sebastian Professional Zero Gravity hairspray.

befor e

1

2

3

4

5

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Start plaiting from above the ear. It is a waterfall variation of a threestranded french plait.

Keep it soft as it works better with the look

Work your way around the head, keep the direction at the same level all the way across.

The important thing is to not pick up hair from the bottom part of the plait, only bring in hair from the top .

When you reach the front of the opposite side of the head reverse the plait and plait back to where you stared. At this stage of the plait work in three pieces, taking in from the top and bottom. A french plait that sits against the scalp

Continue until all of the hair is plaited and secure with a band. Either use a clear band or one that matches your hair colour

Fold the length between the two scalp plaits and secure with a pin or grip.

Put the last pin through the end and secure through the band

SWANSEA LIFE 31

advertisement feature

The Vale Resort named best resort spa in Wales for third year running

F

or the third year in a row, the four-star Vale Resort in Hensol, South Wales, has been named Wales’ best resort spa by an international awards body that recognises excellence in tourism.

The Vale Spa, located in the four-star hotel and leisure venue in the Vale of Glamorgan, was named Wales’ Best Resort Spa 2019 at the 5th annual World Spa Awards.

The resort is no stranger to accolades and also retained its crown of Wales’ Best Golf Hotel 2019, completing a hat-trick of winning both awards three years running.

Last year, it also featured inside the Lonely Planet’s first Wellness Escapes guide, a global list of the best places to experience total wellbeing and relaxation.

The ceremony was organised by the World Travel Awards to recognise the best in travel and leisure, which has been described by the Wall Street Journal as the ‘Oscars of the travel industry’. This year’s ceremony was held in the Armani Hotel Dubai, situated at Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest tower.

The Vale Spa fought off stiff competition from the Forum Spa at Celtic Manor and the Spa at Corran Resort to win the title again.

32 SWANSEA LIFE

Votes are cast by professionals working within the spa industry and by members of the public.

Stephanie Metson, marketing manager at the Vale Resort, said: “To have won this award not once, not twice, but three times, is testament to the hard work our entire team put in day in, day out.

“The World Travel Awards is recognised on a global scale and is an industry-wide benchmark of quality, so to meet its high standards more than once demonstrates our commitment to offer the best quality service.

“We believe our spa, which is Wales’ largest, offers a warm welcome and access to plenty of bespoke relaxation spaces, in addition to indulgent treatments, and that sets us apart from other hotels with spa facilities.”

The Vale Spa has 19 treatment rooms and five bespoke relaxation zones. These include the ‘chill-out’ zone with leather sofas and magazines, the ‘float’ zone, with water beds and water feature, and the ‘slumber' zone, with low lighting and quilts. The resort’s spa and leisure facilities also include a 20-metre pool, whirlpool bath, steam room and sauna.

Ms Metson added: “We recently also announced a craft gin distillery which is opening in the new year in the cellars of Hensol Castle. Spa goers who want to add a little something extra to their stay or day will be able to add on a tour of the distillery with tastings or even distil,bottle and take home their own bespoke bottle of gin.

“And if that wasn’t enough, this summer we’re investing in a major spa refurbishment, which will include expanding our spa’s wet facilities, further evidence of how we continue to invest and raise the standard in our spa offer.”

www.valeresort.com 01443 667800

VALE N TINE’S DAY AT THE VALE RESORT

Valentine’s Day is a day to really show your loved one how much they mean to you.

Surprise them with a candlelit dinner, an indulgent spa experience or romantic break away.

Valentine’s D,B&B Break from

£199*per couple

Valentine’s D,B&B Spa Break from

£295*per couple

01443 667800 | www.valeresort.com Vale Resort, Hensol Park, Hensol, Vale of Glamorgan, CF72 8JY *Terms and conditions apply, subject to availability. † Distillery School opening March 2020.

Valentine’s Spa Day from

£170*per couple

Valentine’s Gin Making Gift Voucher† from

£345*per couple

SANCTA MARIA HOSPITAL

Make your transformation.

The experienced team of cosmetics consultants at Sancta Maria Hospital offer a wide range of treatments from Breast Augmentation Face Lifts Liposuction Tummy Tuck Start your journey today by booking a consultation Visit www.hmtsanctamaria.org or call 01792 479 040 Sancta Maria Hospital. Care You Can Trust.

Run from the city to the sea!

2020 Title Partner

JCP Swanse14a.06.20

Half Marathon

# Run Swansea

SWANSEAHALFMARATHON.CO.UK

HEALTH & WELLBEING

10

clever daytime hacks to help your child get a goodnight’s sleep

C

hildren sleeping well is one of the holy grails of parenting, and many mums and dads swear by the bedtime routine of bath, book, bed to help little ones have a good night's sleep.

But it's not just immediately before bed that steps can be taken to encourage an unbroken night for both children and parents - there are plenty of things that can be done during the day too.

"A positive bedtime structure is about ensuring daytime and night-time routines are a continual process, and not seen as two separate things," explains psychologist and sleep expert Chireal Shallow, who runs the Baby Sleep Clinic (babysleepclinic.co.uk).

36 SWANSEA LIFE

A child sleep expert outlines simple things to do during the day to help children settle better at night.

"It's really important that children are stimulated. This can take the form of education at school, or post-school activities such as games, hobbies, reading or seeing friends. School is one of the better opportunities for children to develop good sleep hygiene, due to the rigid structure of the day - they know when to expect break times for example, and the routine is structured and secure.

"Their home life routine needs to match up in the same way, so it's more of a fluid process."

Here Shallow, in partnership with natural family skincare experts Bloom and Blossom (bloomandblossom.com), shares her tips on what parents can do during the day to help children settle well at night.

1. Hide and seek in the bedroom Playing hide and seek helps to create a familiarity with the bedroom, allowing children to take ownership of the space, and create a feeling of purpose and love. The more time spent in their bedroom during the day, the better association they have with it at night time.

2. Eating cottage cheese with raspberries Feeding children snacks such as cottage cheese before bed may sound absurd, but it's full of the amino acid tryptophan, which can increase serotonin levels. Top the cheese with raspberries to appeal to a child's sweet tooth, as these are rich sources of melatonin, the sleep hormone.

3. A foot massage an hour before bed

conducive for sleep, and are preparing the body for winding down and rest.

A foot massage every night an hour before bedtime can help anxious children feel calm and settled.

6. Cater to your child's needs

4. Fresh air and stimulation It's important to make sure children are getting enough fresh air and stimulation during the day. For older children, the main barrier to sleep is anxiety and feeling overtired or hyperactive. Fresh air during the day can do them a world of good as being outdoors and surrounded by nature helps with sleep and relaxation. There's a stark contrast to how we feel indoors in comparison to outdoors, and it's about ensuring the balance is right and encouraging children to come out of their internal world.

5. Choose activity time wisely Where possible, it's better to get most of your weekend activity done first thing on a Saturday or Sunday. This doesn't have to be set in stone hour-by-hour, but it could work to cut your day into segments. This will help you to settle children later on, as otherwise you may struggle to remove them from their friends and the fun.

Boisterous activity and active games are best done in the morning or early afternoon. Activities which relate to quiet time and winding down, such as chatting with family, reading books and doing puzzles require mental engagement rather than physical and are better placed towards the end of the day. These are more

Cater to your child's individual needs and make sure what you do during the day suits them and their unique personalities. If they're afraid of scary films, ensure they spend plenty of time outdoors and not in front of the TV or iPad. If your child is highly stimulated, then it's a good idea to give them more sedentary activities, and if you have a calmer child give them more stimulation, so they gradually become worn out in the morning and tired in the afternoon/early or evening.

7. Communicate with their teachers

there are any objects which may look different at night. For example, your child may have a backpack hung up, which may look scary in the dark - invest in a personalised one, which they can take pride in and helps them to feel unafraid.

9. Create a bedtime box Put inside the things that children need to feel safe and help them sleep at night. For example, books, favourite toys and pictures of family.

10. Hang up family photos Place family photos around your child's bedroom, so if they wake during the night, they're immediately comforted.

Children spend a lot of time at school, and this is the best place for structure and routine. Make sure you're constantly in contact with their teachers and know what's going on day to day. Find out what's happening towards the latter end of the day where possible, so you can then build this into your home life routine. Planning and preparation is key - if a birthday is being celebrated at school, and there are lots of sweets, it's advisable that you know about this, as ultimately, this could impact how your child sleeps that night.

8. Lie down with children on their bedroom floor Getting a feel for what a child experiences in their room can be vital to understanding their experiences. Ask yourself if it feels like a calm space, or if SWANSEA LIFE 37

HEALTH & WELLBEING

ASK

DR. CHARLOTTE

What is it?

Atrial fibrillation is where the atrial chambers of the heart (top chambers of heart) go out of sync due to irregular electrical activity which causes the muscles to contract erratically and thus causes an irregular pulse which can vary in speed.

The normal pulse rate is 60-100 beats per minute. Other symptoms can include feeling dizzy, short of breath and / or tired although many people are not aware of any symptoms.

What does this mean?

The irregular contractions of the heart muscle means there is more of a risk of throwing off clots and this raises your risk of having a stroke.

Hearts are a flutter...

Swansea Life and Sketty GP Dr Charlotte Jones talks about Atrial Fibrillation “With St Dwynwen’s Day already upon us and Valentine’s Day rapidly approaching it made me think about hearts. So this month, I am taking a little look at what is a relatively common medical problem.”

38 SWANSEA LIFE

How is it detected?

It is often picked up when we examine the heart for a variety of reasons and many surgeries now check a patients pulse opportunistically when they are in the surgery with patients not being aware of any symptoms.

The main issue is to ensure it is accurately diagnosed as there are lots of conditions that cause irregular pulses either permanently or intermittently. It is diagnosed by a combination of history, examination of the heart and doing an ECG (tracing of the heart).

Do I need any other tests?

All patients will have a blood pressure and examination of heart. Some patients will need some additional investigations (e.g. thyroid test, cholesterol test etc depending on your history and examination)– your GP and practise nurse will inform you if you need anything more.

Can I check my pulse?

Yes you can – it is easiest if you check at your wrist (put your 3rd and 4th fingers of your right hand just below the base of the thumb at the wrist level and you should feel it pulsing under your fingers) OR check it in the neck (put your 3rd and 4th fingers of right hand below angle of the jaw and press up slightly and it should be easily felt).

How is it managed?

The main stay of treatment is to reduce your stroke risk. This is through a variety of measures tailored to you:  Have a healthy diet and lifestyle – avoid triggers (for many this is caffeine / stress / alcohol), limit alcohol and stop smoking are key.  Medication to reduce the risk of a stroke – this might include a cholesterol lowering agent, blood pressure medication and medication to “thin the blood” When you are diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation, your GP will use a risk assessment calculation (known as CHADS2VASC2) to assess your individual risk of having a stroke. In addition, they will assess your bleeding risk using a tool called the HASBLED score.

Following this, they will discuss with you what anti-coagulation medication would be best for you, if any.

These include: warfarin or newer anticoagulation medications (these include apixaban, rivaroxaban, edoxoban, dabigatran). Your GP and / or specialist practice nurse will advise which you are suitable for.

Many people are scared about these medications but your doctor will counsel you carefully. ** Please note – Aspirin is an excellent drug recommended for many conditions but no longer recommended for atrial fibrillation** The main question for you is to think carefully about the risk of a stroke, listen to the advice you are given by your GP but at the end of the day it is always your decision.  Medication to control the rate of your heart or restoring the functioning of the heart (e.g. betablockers, flecainide, calcium channel blockers, amiodarone, digoxin etc)  Surgical procedures – You may be referred for a pacemaker or cardioversion (electrical shock to the heart to essentially reset the electrical activity of the heart) or a catheter ablation (procedure that aims to destroy the area of the heart where the abnormal electrical activity is coming from) depending on the findings

THE FUTURE OF HEALTHCARE IS HERE

ROBOTIC

KNEE REPLACEMENTS BMI WERNDALE HOSPITAL IS THE ONLY HOSPITAL IN WALES CURRENTLY OFFERING THIS PATIENT TAILORED SURGERY

Patient benefits include: • Encourages a faster recovery following surgery • Reduction in pain during recovery • Precision positioning of implant tailored to patient anatomy • Potentially removes the need for additional knee surgery in the future

To book an appointment to see one of our Navio Orthopaedic Consultants

CALL 01267 225600

To find out further information visit www.bmihealthcare.co.uk/robotics/werndale

BRIDE

Leanne Fowler and Sam Edwards Leanne Fowler, 29, head of maths at Bishop Gore School and Sam Edwards, 31, a student information co-ordinator at Swansea University, got married on a rainy day at the King Arthur Hotel in Reynoldston. Did it matter that the heavens opened?

Not a bit, as Peter Slee has been finding out...

The background; How did you and your husband meet?

Sam caught my eye in our weekly spin class at our local gym. Every week, I would try to get a bike closer to his. Then I caught his eye on a night out in Uplands. I gatecrashed his best mate’s birthday gathering by plonking myself next to Sam and spending the next hour or so getting to know him.

We exchanged numbers that night and arranged our first date and the rest, as they say, is history.

40 SWANSEA LIFE

What’s your engagement story?

I surprised Sam with a trip to Barcelona for his 30 th Birthday scheduled for a week after his birthday. Unbeknown to me, as soon as he found out we were going, he bought a ring and took it with him to Barcelona. We were strolling the streets of Barcelona (Sam secretly guarding the ring with his life after hearing the city’s reputation for pickpocketing) and headed down to the beach.

We walked out to a jetty where we were the only ones around. He asked me to go into the rucksack to get something out, and I pulled out a box with a ring in it. Next came

a lot of crying, Sam on one knee, and me saying yes. We then spent the rest of our trip on a blissful high before coming home to celebrate with our family and friends.

Where is your engagement ring from?

Did your husband choose it himself?

The ring is from Warren James. One of the first things Sam did after deciding he was going to propose was text my best friend for advice (he was fully aware that she would know EXACTLY what I wanted) but went on his own to pick the perfect ring.

The Planning: How long did you have to plan your wedding and was it enough time?

There was 18 months between us getting engaged and getting married. It felt like the perfect amount of time for us – enough time to save but not too far away that it seemed it would never come Why did you choose your dress? Which dress did you wear?

I wore a dress called ‘Maribella’ by Mori Lee. I always knew that I wanted quite a simple dress but I ended up picking something completely different to what I had expected.

I didn’t even notice the dress in the shop – my best mate picked it off the rack and forced me to try it on. I know it sounds a bit of a cliché but I knew from the moment that I put it on, it was the one. It was flattering and simple but with enough detail to make it feel special.

Why did you choose your venue? Where did you get married?

We got married in the King Arthur Hotel in Reynoldston. We knew years ago that it was where we were going to get married and to be honest, there was no real competition.

Whilst attending other weddings there, we were blown away by the beauty and warmth of the Avalon room. The day after we got engaged, I was on the phone to the King Arthur to arrange a viewing. We were incredibly lucky to have a friend of Sam’s as our wedding planner at the King Arthur and we couldn’t have imagined getting a better service anywhere else.

The memories; What was your first dance song?

George Ezra – hold my girl. The lyrics mean a lot to us.

How did you feel in your dress?

Again, I know it is a cliché, but I felt incredible. I couldn’t have imagined wearing any other dress.

How many bridesmaids did you have?

Where did you buy your bridesmaids dresses from?

I had 5 bridesmaids – Sam’s 2 sisters and then 3 best friends. We went up to Cardiff to Laura May and had the most fantastic service from them. I would highly recommend the service that we received there.

Photography: Bradley Lever SWANSEA LIFE 41

BRIDE

What was your colour scheme or theme?

We had a burgundy and blush winter theme for the wedding. There were gold/rose gold elements threaded throughout the décor.

We also had some bike wheels decorated and hung from the oak beams as a tribute to Sam who is a keen cyclist.

What was the best moment of your wedding day?

There are so many to choose from but if we had to pick, we would choose the moment we walked down the stairs into the Avalon room as husband and wife. Just before we entered, we had two minutes alone for the first time after having just gone for photos up Cefn Bryn. We just smiled at each other and talked briefly about how amazing the day had been so far. We then heard one of the groomsmen ask for everyone to be upstanding for the arrival of Mr and Mrs Edwards and then we walked into the room, hand in hand. Seeing everyone’s faces smiling up at us was pretty special and set the tone for the rest of the day.

What was the funniest thing that happened on the day?

Without a doubt, the speeches were the funniest part of the day, particularly the best man’s speech and the bridesmaids’ speech.

The best man delivered his with such wit and dry humour that he had everyone in the room laughing. One of the bridesmaids actually wrote and performed a self-penned song with the chorus of ‘Yma o Hyd’ which got the whole room on their feet, singing at full volume.

Advice; What’s your best tip for dressing for the big day you’d like to share with other brides?

I would say to make sure that you leave plenty of time for getting ready in the morning. We all had cosy matching pyjamas on the morning of the wedding and we had our hair and make up done together in the cottage with a really relaxed vibe. I would 42 SWANSEA LIFE

say that having such a calm, relaxed environment made the world of difference as there was no stress about hair or make up and everything went really smoothly. I would also say to make sure you have a comfy pair of shoes. I got the most gorgeous pair from Rainbow Club that had beautiful embellishment at the back but the padded lining meant that I was able to dance in them (nearly) all night.

What advice would you give to other bride’s planning their wedding?

I would say to just try to be as organised as possible. Do your research and don’t rush any decisions. It also helps having a fantastic bride tribe that can help you make decisions and help with any preparation in the run up to the big day. I swore by my little wedding planning book that I bought in Barcelona just after we got engaged. I would write any little notes in there as I went along and would always refer back to it before making a decision. I would also say to spend your money well – you will only do this once and so spend the money on what will make the day special for YOU and don’t worry too much about other people’s opinions.

Did you discover any amazing suppliers that you’d like other bride’s to know about?

Would you recommend your venue?

There are SO many suppliers that we would recommend for their incredible service: King Arthur Hotel – I cannot imagine a better wedding venue or a better wedding planner in Laura. Brad Lever from Blinc Photography is a friend of ours and anyone who has had the privilege of working with him will know that he is an incredible photographer and a pretty special person too. We have both said that Brad is possibly the best money that we spent on this wedding as everyone involved LOVED him from start to finish. WeCreate – Taylor and his team were the utmost professionals from beginning to end. They were an absolute pleasure to work with on the day and made us feel so comfortable in their presence. The videos are beautiful and are memories that we will cherish for the

rest of our lives. The Hat and the Fiddle – These guys are worth every penny as the energy that they produce during their set is sky high. Again, they could arguably be one of the best planning decisions that we made for this wedding. They had the guests on the dancefloor from the moment they played the first note to the end of their set. Marcus came to do an acoustic set in the afternoon which had everyone singing along with him. They were a pleasure to work with. Cakes by Katy – Katy made our dream wedding cake that tasted absolutely incredible. She was so supportive in the planning process and we had complete confidence in her from the moment we booked her. Dancing Daffodil – Rachel made the most beautiful bouquets, centrepiece arrangements and decorations. We had so many compliments about her floral work that managed to tie the whole theme together seamlessly. Hair by Hanna at Halo – I started working with Hanna in the run up to the wedding to achieve the perfect colour and cut for the look that I wanted to achieve. Her advice and guidance was exemplary and she made the morning of the wedding so special. I have always been so conscious of my hair and she made my hair look incredible. I could hardly believe it was my own! Slaters – We chose to buy our suits as appose to renting as we wanted the

groomsmen to keep them as gifts. The service that we received by the staff at Slaters was highly professional and second to none. Sam would recommend any Groom and his party to use Slaters for purchasing their wedding suits.

Looking back, is there anything you’d change? Is there anything you wish you knew before you started planning your wedding?

In all honesty, nothing. Yes it rained, but we couldn’t have changed that and it made for some pretty epic photographs. The planning process went pretty smoothly and I actually loved every bit of it. Being a pretty organised person meant that I could really get my teeth into this dream project.

What was the most stressful thing about planning your wedding?

I don’t think I would describe any part of the planning process as stressful as we just tried to keep on top of it one month at a time.

We were realistic with our budget and just kept to it as much as we could to avoid any added stress.

Finally;

What 3 words would you use to describe your wedding day?

Special, Unforgettable, Perfect.

SWANSEA LIFE 43

HOW BOOKING YOUR WEDDING AT THIS BEAUTIFUL COUNTRYSIDE VENUE WILL HELP A WELSH CHARITY

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Bryngarw House has an important extra role on top of its commitment to happy couples

EDDING couples at a popular venue in south Wales do far more than just take centre stage on their big day as thanks to them they help make other people's lives better.

W

wedding sees them give back to a charity - Awen Cultural Trust.

EXCLUSIVE WEDDING VENUE The wedding-only venue in the heart of Bryngarw Country Park has been under new management since January.

It may be a bold statement, but at Bryngarw House, near Bridgend, they are confident that it stacks up because tying the knot there means making a real difference.

Country house charm and character meets modern elegance to form a winning combination. The importance of the big day is taken very seriously with no half measures.

Couples who choose Bryngarw House can feel as good about themselves as possible as their socially conscious

And you are right in 113 acres of multiaward-winning Welsh countryside to add that little bit extra to proceedings.

BLANK CANVAS FOR COUPLES At Bryngarw House everything is done to ensure that each wedding is truly unique to the couple at the centre of the celebrations.

So, there is a choice of all-inclusive wedding packages to suit all types of weddings and budgets.

The perfect backdrop for all-year-round wedding photographs just adds to it all. The ornamental bridge and pagoda in the oriental-style gardens is just one example.

Only a few minutes’ drive from junction

36 of the M4, the venue is easy to access but feels a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The venue is licensed to hold civil wedding and civil partnership ceremonies, whilst there are 18 boutique bedrooms for guests to stay overnight. The complimentary bridal suite for the couple on the night of their wedding is a perfect way to end a day like no other.

All in all, it has been a good 2019 for the wedding team which has received rave reviews on social media and through testimonials from happy couples.

SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS WEDDINGS ARE IN Richard Hughes, chief executive of Awen Cultural Trust, said: “We are meeting an increasing number of couples who are looking for a wedding venue which aligns with their socially conscious values.

By holding their special day at Bryngarw House they are, in effect, giving something back to a registered charity which touches more than a million lives a year through a range of wellbeing activities and opportunities across Bridgend and beyond.�

HOW OTHERS BENEFIT FROM WEDDINGS AT BRYNGARW HOUSE Every wedding booked there has a positive impact on adults with disabilities and also on the local environment.

The grounds within Bryngarw County Park, including around Bryngarw House, are maintained by the staff and trainees from B-Leaf, a work-based horticultural project for adults with disabilities.

Wedding payments are made to Awen Trading Ltd, which is the wholly-owned trading subsidiary of registered charity Awen Cultural Trust.

Profits from weddings are gift-aided back to the trust, which distributes money to the services it runs, including B-Leaf. That means opportunities for people on the project to pick up new skills and enhance their sense of wellbeing. The positive experiences they enjoy include enhancing the grounds within the park for all to enjoy.

Bryngarw House | Brynmenyn | Bridgend | CF32 8UU www.bryngarwhouse.com | Tel: 01656 729009 | events@bryngarwweddings.com @bryngarwhouse |

@bryngarwweddings

BRIDE

Kate and Oliver Warren A stunningly simple yet elegant wedding is what quality inspector Kate and insurance head Oliver Warren from Swansea wanted for their big day at Oldwalls in Gower, along of course, with memories to treasure for ever. Peter Slee has been to meet them

46 SWANSEA LIFE

How did you first meet?

We met at a charity night in a local bar. A friend of mine had passed away and every year we do a charity night in the local pub with speakers and music. Oliver’s friends played in the band that was performing on the night and he caught my eye. The rest is history!

How did he propose?

It took me by complete surprise! We went to watch a Coldplay concert in The Millennium Stadium (now known as The Principality Stadium) and in front of thousands of people Oliver proposed. I really didn’t expect it.

The stadium was cheering, it was a magical moment.

Where did you get married?

We got married at St Rhidian and St Illtyd Church in Llanrhidian. It was only a five minute drive from Oldwalls, and Father Tim was amazing. He played the flute as everyone arrived and was even wearing flip flops!

The ceremony was so serene.

My father walked me down the aisle while the Taliesin String Quartet played ‘At Last’ by Etta James. We then had Coldplay, Viva La Vida playing while we walked up the aisle as husband and wife.

What attracted you to Oldwalls?

The exclusivity. We’d been to see a handful of other venues but none of them were exclusive and none lived up to the reputation that Oldwalls has. It truly is a unique place.

The setting was just incredible. With exceptional service and breathtaking views the whole venue was just so peaceful and beautiful…and don’t get us started on the food…

Photographer: Nick Murray (@nickmurrayphotographer) SWANSEA LIFE 47

BRIDE What was your wedding theme?

I’d say classy, elegant and sophisticated. I didn’t have any sparkle or diamonds as I’m not really a girly girl. I wanted to keep it nice and simple. I went with a khaki green/ grey for my bridesmaid dresses and for my flowers I had vintage cream roses.

What stationary did you have?

Exquisite by Design made our order of service and invitations for the wedding.

What did you wear? Tell us about your gown…

I wore a ball gown dress by Ronald Joyce and the dress was called Helena.

What was the cake like?

We had a three tier cake from Bella Cakes. The top tier was red velvet, the middle tier was salted caramel and the bottom was Victoria sponge. It was gorgeous.

We froze our cake as we were going on honeymoon to South Africa a few days later and when we got back a week later the cake still tasted amazing! It was so moist, you would never have known.

How did your dress make you feel?

Amazing. I didn’t think I’d go for a big dress, I always had a specific vision in mind. But when I tried it on I felt like this was ‘the’ dress.

It was backless and it had a high-up mesh top. I felt like a real million dollar princess.

What did the groom wear and where were the suits from?

The suits were from Crush Mens Outfitters which is part of the same company as my bridal dress - White Orchid Bridal. For the suits, we went ‘Ascot’ theme with pin striped trousers, waistcoats, tails and shiny shoes. The guys looked so handsome.

How did you feel when you first saw him at the altar?

I had butterflies! He looked so handsome. I’d seen him previously in the suit when we were in the shop trying them on, but seeing him in that moment with the music playing and the flowers in the church.; It was everything. The feeling was nothing I had ever imagined, it’s so hard to describe.

Tell us about your bridesmaids, who were they?

I had five bridesmaids and one flower girl.

Four of my bridesmaids, Katie Roberts, Rebecca Clarke, Angharad Johns, Louise Kelly have been my best friends since nursery. I also had Katie Nibb who is Oliver’s niece and my gorgeous flower girl Chloe Ford who is also Oliver’s niece.

What was your best memory of the ceremony?

My dad walking me down the aisle. I wore a veil and that moment of my dad lifting my 48 SWANSEA LIFE

veil and giving me away to Oliver was just so special and a moment I will treasure forever.

What’s your recommendation to future couples getting married ?

How did you decorate your venue?

Make sure you take it all in as it goes so quick.

We realised we hadn’t even spoke to our parents most of the day! Just enjoy it and live in the moment. Oh, and use Nick Murray and Steve Ratcliffe… they’re amazing!

The venue had such a romantic feel to it. We had candles, flowers, and more candles!

We also had a sweet cart where guests could enjoy their own pick and mix. That went down an absolute treat.

What favours did your guests receive?

Personalised M&M’s, We went to New York for Christmas and we saw them in store. We had the date of the wedding and ‘just married’ printed on the chocolate and chose pink, grey and cream for the colours. It was something different and the guests loved it!

What was your first dance song?

Maroon 5 – Sugar. Oliver and I are not slow dancers at all. It took us weeks to pick a song that we both liked. This one came on and then we knew. It was so us!

How did you entertain your guests?

During the drinks on arrival we had the Taliesin String Quartet. In the evening we had a band called iRock. We also provided guests with a flip flop box so there was no excuse not to dance the night away!

How did you feel on the day?

Time flew, it was all so quick. We were so overwhelmed. . After months of planning for one day we just wanted to do it all over again. We were so impressed at how smoothly everything went on the day. It was perfect. The timings, everything. I wouldn’t change a thing.

Suppliers: • Venue: Oldwalls Gower (@oldwallsgower) • Photographer: Nick Murray (@nickmurrayphotographer) • Florist: Simply Elegant ~ (@simply_elegant_weddings) • Dress designer: Ronald Joyce (@ronaldjoycebridal) • Dress shop: White Orchid Bridal (@white.orchid.bridal) • Videographer: Steve Ratcliffe (@steveratcliffefilms) • Hair: Morgan Lloyd (@morganlloydhair) • Make Up: Farhana (@farhanaaliart) • Cake: Bella Cakes (@bespokebellacakes) • Stationary: Exquisite by design

SWANSEA LIFE 49

Image courtesy of Pippa Carvall Photography

Your first ki has led to this ...

... a ‘Simply Chic’ weing AT THE PLOUGH £2,995

Intimate and elegant, celebrate your love in spectacular style. Our welcoming and relaxed approach to your Wedding makes sure it’s your day, in your own way.

The Plough Hotel Rhosmaen Llandeilo Carmarthenshire SA19 6NP | 01558 823431 | info@ploughrhosmaen.com www.ploughrhosmaen.com

We offer a range of packages to suit every budget, Exclusive discounts for selected dates and we can cater to all guest numbers Use of our Grade 1 listed historic theatre for your Ceremony Plus get exclusive use of the venue where your guests can stay the night before/after your wedding at 50% discount*

Book our spectacular castle in beautiful surroundings, to make your dream wedding, the most beautiful wedding ever.

Please contact us for more information on our Fantastic Packages Our experienced wedding planners are on hand to talk you through your options

Phone:

01639 731167 weddinginformation@craigynoscastle.com

Brecon Rd, Pen-y-cae, Swansea SA9 1GL

Email: Website:

www.craigynoscastleweddings.com *subject to availability

FOOD & DRINK

There’s a chef in my kitchen!

Planning a special celebration in Swansea? Then maybe, as Peter Slee did, consider hiring a private chef and let the restaurant come to you.

52 SWANSEA LIFE

I

am not a natural at hosting dinner parties. Over the years, my catalogue of kitchen mishaps have included a still raw chicken chasseur that resembled some sort of lumpy wallpaper paste and chocolate pots so runny that they spilled all over the place and were never ever mentioned in polite company again.

It’s not that I’m a terrible cook. I actually rather enjoy getting in front of our stove and feeding family and friends. But the pressure sometimes makes me underperform. It can get to me, particularly if it is for any more than for four diners at a time. Modern life is stressful enough without the bloodpressure-raising moment your soufflé collapses just as you about to serve it up.

But I do still love a dinner party as much as the next person. I love pals getting together and putting the world to rights over a garlicky chicken kiev or home made curry.

So I thought about what others do when they think they are hopeless at something.

They outsource. They get somebody in who knows what they are doing. And that is how private chef Christos Georgakis ended up in my kitchen in Swansea making me and five friends dinner.

Hiring a personal chef is becoming increasingly fashionable among the way-too-busy brigade. Booking a cook is the perfect way to salvage a sinking social life and return dinner-party favours without lifting a finger other than making sure everybody’s glasses are properly topped up.

Though most customers are going to have deep-pockets to fork out for private dining, it might be worth thinking about if we don’t want to spend the night stuck in the kitchen while our guests are knocking back the wine and chatting among themselves.

We discovered Christos and his company Foodisy after a recommendation from a friend. He arrives in his white jacket about three hours before my guests, all smiles and charm, and proceeds to take over our tiny (and yes, I really do mean tiny) kitchen. Like a restaurant, there’s clearly been a lot of pre-prep so everything can run smoothly on the night. Menus have been agreed well in advance from a huge range of options offering all sorted of dietry requirements available.

What is bliss is that, as the host or hostess, you have time to get ready without having to

simultaneously sweat onions and peel the spuds. And when your guests arrive you can actually talk to them at your leisure, rather than quickly shoving them into the sitting room so you won’t be distracted and burn the veg.

While my guests and I discuss the on-going state of Brexit, Christos starts by serving up appetisers of chicory cups with Abergavenny goats cheese and smoked trout, Gower ale Welsh rarebit with sour dough wafers and laverbread and cockles on

a short crust base. Unlike my usual approach of simply scooping a few nuts and crisps onto plates and shoving it in front of people his version is so beautifully presented on slate discs that it should be hanging in a gallery. That doesn’t stop us wiping our plates clean, though.

Then comes starters of a mosaic of Welsh ham hock and corn fed chicken terrine, wild mushroom broth, truffle oil with a pancetta crisp all so delicious, I debate asking Christos if he fancies popping in every Saturday night to give me a helping hand.

A main course of pan roast monkfish tail and Parma ham, wild mushrooms and sapphire, red wine jus and a lemon hollandaise sauce adds a heartiness to the meal, while pudding — white chocolate

mousse with a raspberry coulis — addresses my appallingly sweet tooth. To finish, local cheeses and biscuits.

Christos-an award-winning chef, semi-finalist in Welsh Chef of the Year, and a semi-finalist in the BBC’s Masterchef , The Professionals, unobtrusively explains both what each course is ( most of what he serves up is locally sourced) , and he copes admirably not just with an unknown kitchen but with the six diners watching his every move as he delivers the goods from just feet away.

What he served up was a really fresh and colourful array of dishes that offered so many tastes of Swansea and which left us full but not uncomfortable.

He was great company and clearly a pro.

He arrived early with everything immaculately prepped and struck just the right balance of of chatting and telling us all about the food, without being intrusive in any way.

And the food itself was only part of the pleasure. The change in mood in the house – dressing up, being served at table – all made for a special evening.

It is an enormous luxury to entertain in your home and have somebody else do all the work, all the work for you. Prices vary from around £45 rising to £65 or more per head depending on your menu choice.

But you are not paying for taxis, expensive restaurant wines (you can buy your favourite for a fiver at your local supermarket and serve it up if you want) and you get to eat a menu you want rather than one dictated to you by a restaurant.

So as a special one-off, we all absolutely loved it.

Most of us don’t get to see our friends very often, so when we do, we don’t ‘t want to spend the night slogging away in the kitchen while our guests are knocking back the the wine and chatting among themselves.

The best thing? Well, possibly the fabulous food itself, an unrushed night and great company.

But coming out to a clean kitchen at the end of the evening with all the dishes washed and put away and surfaces spotlessly clean, doesn’t half help too! * www.privatechefchristos.co.uk

SWANSEA LIFE 53

6

FOOD & DRINK

comforting wines to warm up your winter It’s cold, it’s dark, and everyone’s feeling very ‘February’. So, rather than totally give up drinking for another month (unless you want to, of course), why not make a deliciously warming glass of wine an end-of-week treat you can look forward to?

Pop a log on the fire, cosy up under a blanket and sup on a velvety-rich red while you chat with friends, read a good book or catch up on some telly. Care to join us?

1

2

3

4

5

6

Here are six beautiful bottles to get you through one of the gloomiest months of the year...

1. Exquisite Australian Shiraz 2016, £5.79, Aldi, Llansamlet

3. Villa Maria Private Bin Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon, £9.50, Asda, Gorseinon

5. Lirac Les Closiers 2017, £10, M&S, Pontarddulais Road Retail Park

If the smack of succulent black cherries, ripe black plums and blackberries sounds like heaven in a bottle to you, this is the bargain buy to stock up on. Quaffable on any night of the week.

This merlot/cab sauv is beautiful blend of cassis, red fruits and dried herbs. It's absolutely begging to be drunk alongside a Sunday roast beef and all the trimmings.

A little bit of spice warms the cockles late at night, and this deep, elegant red bursts with berry flavours. It’s a perfect match with a Friday night peppery steak.

4. Irresistible Chilean Carmenere, £7, Co-op, Mumbles

6. Appassimento Rosso Puglia Rocca Pagliara 2018, £9, M&S, Swansea

An elegant wine, with flavours of plum, fig and a twist of black pepper, it's an easy drinker, and pairs perfectly with most meaty winter fare.

This powerful little number is a bit of an all-rounder, blending together negroamaro, merlot and primitivo. It can match hearty meat dishes, cheese plates or even chocolate desserts - what's not to love?

2. Emiliana Organic Malbec 2018, £9, M&S, Swansea Popping with notes of blackberry, cherry and vanilla, this young wine is delicious with a meaty curry or stew at the weekend.

54 SWANSEA LIFE

Upgrade your KITCHEN basics

Personalise your home by turning a functional buy into something special..

Home

cooking with Penllergaer’s Sian Day

A delicious recipe for February

Teisen lap

 Cycling rabbit kitchen tea towels,

£5.99; HomeSense, Parc Fforestfach

 Pink jug,

£7.99; HomeSense, Parc Fforestfach

 Kitchen scales,

£12; Wilko, Swansea

Teisen lap pronounced ‘ Teeshan’ is a classic Welsh recipe, it is a light fruit cake, very easy to make and keeps well for up to five days in an airtight tin. Traditionally it kept the miners going as a sweet treat in their lunch tins.

My grandfather made this cake every week and every time I’d visit there would be a fresh Teisen lap just out of the oven. It has a beautiful fragrance because of the spices used. He used to bake his in an enamel dish but you can use an eight inch cake tin. He would use Welsh salted butter as I still do although some people would use half lard and half butte but using soft margarine works well too.

This recipe is a nod to my childhood and of the wonderful memories I treasure my grandparents home and their baking skills which were passed on from generations gone by.

I hope you like it!

 Gold seam plate,

£35; John Lewis, Cardiff

ingredients

 Contrast kettle,

£24.99; TK Maxx, Parc Morfa

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

100g salted butter 225g plain flour 110g caster sugar 110 mixed fruit or sultanas 2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp mixed spice 2 eggs 150mls milk

method

 Quinn pipe bar kitchen table light,

£80; Matalan, Cwmdu

Oven 180c, 350f, gas 4 Mix the butter, sugar, flour, mixed spice and baking powder into a mixing bowl then add the eggs and milk and combine.

This will leave you with quite a wet mixture. Then add in the fruit., pour the mixture into a greased and lined cake tin and bake in the centre of a pre heated oven for approximately 30 minutes until golden brown and risen.

Check the centre is cooked by inserting a skewer and it comes out clean.

Allow to cool and put the kettle on!

! t i t e p p a n o B

FOLLOW SIAN’S DELICIOUS RECIPES on her blog page siandaydream.wordpress.com or Tweet her @SianDay SWANSEA LIFE 55

FOOD & DRINK

Prezzo, Mumbles

Pizzas and pasta can be a comforting choice when eating out. Laura Davies has been out in the hope of finding an Italian masterpiece among the leading chains...

56 SWANSEA LIFE

"I like it when someone I trust recommends a place,” says the go-between with whom I go to my first Prezzo meal.

“Isn’t that how restaurants survive?”

She was probably right too! It sure is a sounder way than via Instagram or guff and gush from those who subscribe to all that social media hype.

So here I am in Prezzo in Oyster Wharf, Mumbles. And it's busy, very!

In our hour of collective need, it seems – rightly or wrongly – that we are turning more and more to the big-name chains that proliferate. People brave enough to spend money on eating out seem to be flocking to them in droves, most likely many clutching the two-for-one vouchers that have been printed in newspapers or on the back of cinema tickets or on their supermarket receipts.

So there’s barely a table still empty at 7.30 on a Friday night.

It was crammed with couples, parents and grandparents with children, and still more queuing up to get in. The efficiency with which these armies were dealt by staff was impressive indeed. As we walk through the door, a waiter member welcomes us in, ushers us to a nice, just-vacant window booth overlooking the prom and hands over a couple of menus.

It is a high-ceilinged box of a room, vaguely Italian in style I suppose but not styled with the intensity of a Scorsese movie set. So it's not particularly fancy but it is welcoming with a great vibe going on. You immediately feel you want to be part of it all.

Huge floor to ceiling windows cover its frontage. At one end, a compact open kitchen, staffed by a couple of hard-working cooks. Staff are diving between left and right and up and down stairs to its first floor operation.

The menu is lengthy, though partly because they list individual portions of almost every pizza and pasta variation known to man as well as everything from traditional lasagne to lobster and crab raviolli. We start with a sharing board of antipasti cured Italian meats: a selection of salami, prosciutto and pepperoni, served with mozzarella, olives and bread. It’s all exceptionally well looked after.

From the list headed “pasta” comes a spaghetti carbonara with pancetta and crispy prosciutto (£10.85). Some accompanying flat bread to share (£9.75) is blistered and burnt prettily at the edges and disappears swiftly.

Across the table, my dining partner wants a pizza to furnish the soul. But it so often disappoints in restaurants, I say. They are all the same in the end, aren’t they? Most pizzas end up with frisbees of cold cheese skimming over their surface. No, not here.

Here, you not quite, but almost have to use your knife and fork just to scoop up all the glorious sauce pooled up on base. This base is not thin and crispy or Chicago style fat.

The depth of a business card, it is soft, Neapolitan style, with charring marking the base like tiger stripes.

She had the Margherita; (£10) just a plain but very good tomato sauce – which made me realise when I sneaked a mouthful

halfway into the meal that the tomato component is the critical ingredient because it binds all the others together – along with fresh basil and indulgently gooey mozzarella.

The flavours were well focused and delivered what was wanted. One minor niggle? Some rather unadventurous olives at £3.60 a pop.

So in short, the kind of place to go when you want to meet up with a pal or take the kids out for a meal – children pay just £1 Sunday – Tuesday per full-priced main dish – and you don’t want anyone to feel they are paying over the odds. With all the offers available here, you won't leave feeling short changed.

We take our waiter's advice about the wine and end up with a citrusy Chenin

Blanc at £17.65. He beams when he knows we like it, as do we.

The desserts we try of three mini panna cottas (£.5.40) and affogato (£4.70), two scoops of vanilla ice cream served with a double shot of espresso and a lemon cannoli are characteristically Italian if you can be bothered to dwell on nationality.

There are probably prettier meals to be had in Swansea. There are certainly fancier dining rooms. But I doubt there are many places which will leave you feeling so well cared for.

Here, you can rush in for a quick bite and be out again before you can say 'ciao' or sit for an hour perhaps on its outside terrace when the weather allows, with a bottle of wine and some olives and garlic bread.

Buon appetito. Trust me, you will!

SWANSEA LIFE 57

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

WELCOME TO A FRESH NEW DINING EXPERIENCE WHICH HAS PLENTY OF SOUL At El Fuego they are bringing a new choice in relaxed, luxury dining to the heart of Swansea, fusing their experiences of different styles and cuisines into imaginative original dishes, as well as some continental classics.

The independent restaurant opened its doors for the first time late last November, led by owner and head chef Kobir Ahammed, previously head chef of the city’s La Parrilla, La Braseria and Brewstone restaurants, and restaurant manager Luke Langley, previously of Ffresh in Wales Millennium Centre and La Parrilla.

Bringing together a small, family-feel team of talented individuals, El Fuego may have only been open for a short time, but has already been blessed with some amazing customers and lovely reviews.

Simple things, done well... with a little flair They are really proud of the space that they have created there and the food they are producing because it is done with heart. Their soul is in quality ingredients and fresh produce daily, prepared with care by the dedicated and expert team.

Along with fresh fish, seafood daily and the finest Welsh 28-day matured prime steak cuts cooked to order on the authentic,

classic charcoal grill, there are meat-free and vegan dishes and a selection of options, designed with a wide range of allergens in mind. The menu is also entirely halal, serving small plates and hearty dishes alike to cater for all tastes.

Largely Mediterranean style, with some classic Welsh offerings for a taste of home too, they use Welsh, including locally sourced, ingredients and products wherever possible.

These dishes are a wow with customers The best sellers at the moment are the signature El Fuego kebab skewers, slow cooked lamb shank with creamed potatoes, polpette di pollo chicken meatballs, and Welsh cawl, just like mama used to make!

You can choose your finest Welsh steak by cut and select from ribeye, sirloin, fillet, T-bone and even the mighty tomahawk.

All are complemented by gorgeous homemade steak sauces.

There is a full table service,

but customers can also take their time and wander over to the meat, fish and seafood display to see their preferred dish if they wish. A choice awaits from calamari, scallops, mussels, fillets of salmon, plaice, hake, and whole fish such as sole, bream or sea bass, grilled whole or salt baked and filleted for you tableside. A range of side dishes and accompaniments add to the culinary experience.

So much to relish “We think you’ll love our menu, with chef specials cooked from fresh daily, but you can always just let us know what you might like because we’re here to help you enjoy,” said Mr Ahammed.

“Our desserts are produced in Wales, handmade patisserie delights. The red velvet is a dream, and there is a choice of sorbets for dairy free dessert, or just as a palate cleanser.

“And the little ones are looked after too in our kids’ menu. We are also here for daily light bites, a working lunch or meetings in the

Find us at 3 Victoria Rd SA1 3NE | 01792 470004 www.Elfuego.uk |

@elfuego_swansea

City centre off Oystermouth Road, in front of the Vue Cinema & LC2

heart of town, or that extra special occasion, with a choice and a flavour for all.”

You will find a fantastic selection of wines, champagne, gins, cognac, brandy and liqueurs, dessert wine, mixed drinks, soft drink mocktails, and whole bean barista coffee, which is also available to take away.

A warm welcome awaits The El Fuego team welcomes you to join them

and enjoy a beautiful city centre dining and bar space with an experienced, attentive service team.

“We at El Fuego Restaurant are proud to introduce ourselves as one of the freshest new restaurant dining experiences, situated in the heart of Swansea’s city centre,” said Mr Ahammed. “We believe in, and are dedicated to fine food, drinks, and hospitality, so we are happy when you’re happy. Hope to see you soon!”

NEW YEAR SPECIAL OFFER 2 courses set Lunch £12 | 2 courses set Dinner £15 Open 6 days a week - Closed on Tuesdays

FOOD & DRINK

miso stir-fried greens with fried egg

G N I y a st Y H T L A E H

Filled with vitamins and minerals, greens are rich in nutrients that help reduce muscle aches after exercising Ingredients (serves 2)

3tbsp white miso paste; 2tbsp soy sauce; 1tbsp mirin; 3-4tbsp water; ½tsp vegetable oil; ½tsp sesame oil; 3 garlic cloves; 2.5cm piece ginger, julienned; 125g tenderstem broccoli; 125g asparagus; 125g mangetout; 175g cavolo nero, ribs removed and chopped (100g prepared weight); 100g Chinese leaf cabbage, thickly shredded; 100g rainbow chard, roughly chopped into thirds; 1-cal sunflower oil spray; 2 large free-range eggs; 1tsp furikake (Japanese seasoning), to finish

Taking responsibility for what you put in your body the Kerridge way...

Method 1. Mix the miso paste, soy sauce and mirin with two tablespoons water until smooth.

2. Place a large non-stick wok over a high heat. When it is almost smoking, add the oils, garlic and ginger and stir-fry until the garlic is golden.

3. Add the broccoli and asparagus with one tablespoon water. Stir-fry for a minute, then toss in the mangetout and stir-fry for a further minute.

4. Add the cavolo nero, cabbage and miso mixture and stir-fry for one to two minutes or until the cabbage is cooked. Add the chard and cook for another minute, then remove the wok from the heat.

5. Place frying pan on a high heat. Add a few sprays of oil, and cook the eggs.

6. Divide the greens between warmed plates and top each portion with a fried egg. Sprinkle with furikake to serve.

You’d think a chef – especially one famed for his decadent, £32.50 fish and chips – would struggle to fuse the dieter in him with his bias towards all the good (if unhealthy) things that make food delicious.

But Tom Kerridge, the man behind festival Pub In The Park, two-Michelin star restaurant The Hand And Flowers and BBC2 series, chocolate Lose Weight and Get Fit has chia pudding spectacularly integrated the two.

Chia seeds are full of healthy omega-3 “I have the understanding of how to fatty acids, protein and fibre – which all cook something lower calorie using a chef help stave off hunger skill set” says the 46-year-old, “which means Ingredients: ( serves 4) 500g light custard; 100ml whole milk; 1 vanilla pod, split and seeds flavour and taste-wise, it’s amazing. scraped; 30g good-quality cocoa powder; 50g dark chocolate (70% “When we cook at the restaurants it’s all cocoa solids), roughly chopped; 1tbsp granulated sweetener; 4tbsp chia seeds; 180g raspberries about, ‘What does it need? Does it need Method: cooking in butter? Do we make that crispy by 1. Pour the custard and milk into a medium saucepan and deep frying it?’ We don’t compromise,” add the vanilla pod and seeds, cocoa powder, dark explains Tom. chocolate and sweetener.

“When it comes to eating at home there’s 2. Place over a medium-low heat and heat slowly, whisking gently until the chocolate is completely the added thing of how we make it healthy. melted – this will only take a couple of minutes.

How do we get things crunchy without deep Remove from the heat and discard the vanilla pod. frying? How do we get things to taste rich and 3. Add the chia seeds to the chocolate mixture unctuous without loads of butter?” and whisk again until well combined.

4. Divide half the raspberries between four Around six years ago, the dad of one small jars or glasses. Spoon the chia mixture into revolutionised his life – he cut out carbs, quit the glasses and chill in the fridge for two booze and lost a whopping 12st. Following malaysian-style hours. that major weight-loss, he took up lifting beef curry 5. Pile the remaining raspberries on top of the puddings to serve. weights, before realising he’d rather “lose Lean stewing steak is high in protein and low some timber” and maintain a lighter in fat compared with other cuts of beef physique. And so, Lose Weight and Get Fit – a Ingredients: ( serves 4) 650g lean stewing beef; 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 litre fresh beef stock; 1 follow-up to his 2017 diet book and series, cinnamon stick; 2 star anise; 2 kaffir lime leaves; 150ml tinned coconut milk; Lose Weight For Good – concentrates on 1tbsp tamarind paste; sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. For the spice paste: 8 shallots, quartered; 4 garlic cloves, peeled; 2 dried chillies, calorie-controlled meals that can support stalks removed; 2 long red chillies, deseeded; 2.5cm piece fresh ginger, training, as well as day-to-day life. diced; 2.5cm piece fresh galangal, diced; 2 lemongrass stems, coarse layers removed, chopped; 1tsp ground turmeric There are copious salads and multiple Method: ways with salmon, but also dishes you 1. For the spice paste: Put all the ingredients in a food wouldn’t expect, like this chocolate chia processor along with 1tsp salt and blend until smooth, pudding. adding a splash of water if needed.

“I am conscious 2. Cut the beef into 2.5cm cubes. Place a pan over a high heat and add the oil. When hot, add the spice paste and about what I put cook, stirring, for one minute or until fragrant. into my body and 3. Add the beef and cook, stirring regularly until starting to trying to make the brown. Add the stock, cinnamon, star anise and lime leaves. Bring right decisions,” says to a low simmer, cover and cook gently for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the lid and cook for a further 20 minutes or until the former Great the sauce is thickened.

British Menu winner.

4. Increase the heat, stir in the coconut milk and tamarind paste and Lose Weight and Get Fit by Tom Kerridge, Bloomsbury Absolute, priced £22.

Photography Cristian Barnett

cook for five more minutes.

5. Meanwhile, if using pouches of rice, heat according to instructions. Season the curry with salt and pepper and discard the cinnamon stick and star anise.

6. Divide the rice and curry between warmed bowls and top with coriander leaves and chilli slices to serve.

SWANSEA LIFE 59

Regionally 18 offices throughout the region Nationally 225 offices across Great Britain Internationally Plus 75 offices globally 5000 professional associates all around the world

SALTHOUSE COTTAGE, PORT EYNON, GOWER, SWANSEA

Offers In The Region Of £395,000

NO CHAIN. Salthouse Cottage will make any dream to live by the sea a reality! A truly mesmerising location precisely on the beach of Port Eynon, you are quite literally one step away from the paved veranda which leads down a few steps to the sand, rock pools & sea what a very special place!

This end of terrace beach house offers 2 beds (one with a spacious sit out balcony), 1 large reception room, sun room, fitted kitchen & 1 bath. EPC F

20A JOINERS ROAD, THREE CROSSES, SWANSEA

SOUTHRIDGE, REYNOLDSTON, GOWER

A modern detached family home situated within the traditional village of Three Crosses. This hidden gem over looks rolling hills, Loughor Estuary and the village green. The detached home offers 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 3 reception rooms and private garden. EPC B

This much-loved family home is beautifully located in the fabulous community focused village of Reynoldston. This tranquil position offers exquisite far-reaching views, 4 beds, 2 receptions, 1 bathroom & attic room.

EPC F

Contact: 01792 367301

Contact: 01792 367301

Offers Over £550,000

Fine & Country Swansea 77 Newton Road, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4BN Tel: +44 (0)1792 367301 | Email: swansea@fineandcountry.com

Asking Price £595,000

OAKDALE, SOUTHGATE, SWANSEA

CHANTRY ACRE, BISHOPSTON, SWANSEA

An absolute joy of a family home which is tucked away & perfectly private in the beautiful coastal village of Southgate. This beautiful detached home has 4 bedrooms, 4 reception rooms, 4 baths, generous integrated triple garage & beautiful large gardens & patio areas. EPC D

This 1920's grand home is finished to a very high standard & located among glorious countryside with has immaculate landscaped gardens & exquisite, panoramic countryside views. With approx 7.2 acres of grounds including paddocks, Chantry Acre is private & peaceful. EPC E

Offers In The Region Of £1,150,000

Offers Over £1,500,000

Regionally 18 offices throughout the region Nationally 225 offices across Great Britain Internationally Plus 75 offices globally 5000 professional associates all around the world

LONG OAKS COTTAGE, PENMAEN, GOWER

HAWTHORNE COTTAGE, SWANSEA

THE DINGLE, CASWELL, SWANSEA

Possibly the best hidden spot in South Gower, the home is nestled at the foot of Cefn Bryn with glorious, large gardens. Quaint cottage with 3 beds, 3 receptions, kitchen, 2 baths, attached 2 bed annex. Heated outdoor pool, hot tub & garage. EPC E

This cottage has bags of charm and character, only built approx 15 years ago and cleverly renovated capturing the essence of a traditional cottage. Comprising: Kitchen/breakfast room, utility, 3 receptions & 4 bedrooms & family bathroom. EPC D

LAND WITH FULL PLANNING Magical secret garden situated only a 5 minute walk from Caswell Bay beach, & surrounds you with enchanting mature private gardens. Full planning for a 4 bed ultra modern detached property. EPC n/a

Asking Price £745,000

Asking Price £549,950

Offers In Excess Of £975,000

BELLENDAINE, MIDDLETON, RHOSSILI, GOWER

TREFFOS, REYNOLDSTON, GOWER

HEATON RISE, SKETTY, SWANSEA

Stunning countryside & sea views with approx 1.8 acres. A main house offers 5 beds, ample living space, large garden & paddock. You also have an attached 2 bed annex which could create additional income as a potential holiday let. EPC E

This fantastic family home is idyllically situated overlooking the beautiful lower village green in Reynoldston. This 4-bed detached home is a stones throw away from the Gower countryside. offering 3 receptions & 2 bathrooms. EPC E

A detached family home with great location offers accommodation briefly comprising: kitchen/breakfast room, 3 receptions, 4 beds & 2 bath/shower rooms. Generous gardens, outdoor swimming pool, detached garage & workshop. EPC D

Offers Over £699,950

Offers Over £600,000

Offers Over £875,000

Fine & Country Swansea 77 Newton Road, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4BN Tel: +44 (0)1792 367301 | Email: swansea@fineandcountry.com

HOUSE & HOME

A

winning

blend of the old with the new and unusual!

Want to know how to add a little va-va voom to your cottage home? Jo Rideout has been checking out a traditional-looking Mumbles property with a very contemporary interior...

I

f you are expecting every cute Welsh cottage for sale to be bursting with exposed stone walls and large inglenook fireplaces, complimented by original ceiling beams and slate floors then The Blue House will definitely surprise you.

Located on the seafront promenade in Mumbles, this terraced cottage looks pretty and characterful and boasts a prime park and sea view position that includes boats bobbing in Swansea Bay and people strolling along the promenade.

The large, multi-paned windows are very handy for admiring these views. But it might be the internal views that are the most visually engaging.

Open the front door and inside the cottage it’s not dark and cosy but instead a bright display of contemporary interior design more expected in a purpose-built modern dream home. And it looks incredible.

64 SWANSEA LIFE

The home is called The Blue House not just because the front facade is painted a sea-inspired pale blue.

Inside the cottage has been transformed into a white and blue modern haven, with clean lines and striking contrasts the chosen style rather than period features.

The dividing walls are long gone to create an open-plan ground floor reception space that has been white-washed to create a clean and seamless blank canvass for the current owner to express their interior design style.

Presumably initially inspired by the seaside location, this interior is not a classic coastal design scheme but rather a bold and mesmerising mix of white and a striking navy blue.

And it just so happens that the interiors are totally on trend too, with the Pantone Colour of the Year which influences interiors trends worldwide announced as classic blue in December 2019.

“

“

the cottage has been transformed into a white and blue modern haven, with clean lines and striking contrasts

SWANSEA LIFE 65

HOUSE & HOME

So a new owner is not only buying a slice of Mumbles seafront but also arguably a slice of the coolest interior design in the village.

Go past the spacious lounge area at the front of the cottage to the kitchen and diner and there’s enough space to host a dinner party or family lunch at the table in the dining zone.

The culinary magic is conjured up in the high glossy dark blue kitchen with handleless units to create an interrupted visual flow within the space; bulky handles would just get in the way.

The work surface is white to blend into the white walls.

The kitchen straddles two spaces from the back of the dining area where the sink and dishwasher can be found to an area to the side which houses the cooking quarters.

In this space there is another surprise to discover. Under the hob there is a glass fronted display case not housing a fish tank but showcasing a slice of the original rock face that the cottage backs onto. So unique and inventive.

Upstairs and the design scheme continues into the two double bedrooms, with a master suite boasting an ensuite shower room.

There is a family bathroom too and both are fitted with contemporary suites befitting of this impressive house.

But the home is not cold or unwelcoming as warmth is provided not only by the fitted living flame fire in the lounge but also the walnut wood flooring and tactile soft furnishings.

Rugs, cushions and artwork not only provide opportunities for pattern and a 66 SWANSEA LIFE

striking yellow accent colour, they add layers of visual interest and break-up the bold scheme.

This period property has certainly been transformed into the most modern of homes, tastefully designed and with nothing for a new owner to do except admire the sea views.

If a new owner can drag themselves away from the stylish spaces inside and the sea views at the front, they will find a rear sitting area that is accessed from the main kitchen and is fully enclosed surrounded by rock face and shrubbery.

the details: The Blue House is for sale for a guide price of ÂŁ289,950 with estate agent Belvoir at their Mumbles office.

Call 01792 361656

SWANSEA LIFE 67

Tel: 01792 896531 Unit A2 & A3 Kingsbridge Business Park, Gorseinon, Swansea SA4 4HJ

For more information visit out website www.chicblinds.co.uk Email: sales@chicblinds.co.uk or visit our 3 showrooms

GREAT WINTER SALE NOW ON!

Gorseinon Road, Swansea SA4 9GG Tel: 01792 893121 | www.homestoreinteriors.co.uk

RATED 4.9 / 5

Claim your FREE design package, worth ÂŁ500* Simply visit sigma3.co.uk/designappointment to book yours today!

Find your dream kitchen in The Big Winter Sale.

Proudly manufacturing Award Winning Kitchens in Wales since 1975.

Visit sigma3.co.uk/design-appointment to book an appointment to meet a designer and start your journey to a dream new kitchen.

SIGMA 3 SWANSEA 2 Mannesman Close, Llansamlet Enterprise Park, Swansea, SA7 9AH Call us: 01792 790088 | Email us: swansea@sigma3.co.uk

HOUSE & HOME

It’s all about the shelf There’s nothing better than showing off your favourite items on a shelf. Mix ‘n’ match is the order of the day, so check out what we’ve found to fill those gaps and make us smile

Labelling fanatic’s gift box.

Cambridge Imprint, £15

Nest. Wireworks Cook House utensils rail shelf £65. www.nest.co.uk

Nest. Menu FUWL cage shelf £93.50. Nest.co.uk

74 SWANSEA LIFE

Oliver Bonas mini ceramic watering can £19.50. www.oliverbonas.com

Oliver Bonas Agave ceramic footed plant pot collection £7.50. www.oliverbonas.com

Houseplants perfect for that shady spot Jo Malone scent surround reed diffuser - red roses £64. Jo Malone, Cardiff. www.jomalone.co.uk

John Lewis & Partners Broste Copenhagen Borje vase, £95 John Lewis & Partners Pols Potten Bubbles & Bottles, Set of four, £236 John Lewis & Partners Poole Pottery Maya Fish, £35 John Lewis & Partners Poole Pottery Maya Purse Vase, £90 John Lewis & Partners Flower Gold Mirror, £125

Set of 3 nesting bears £14.

Next.co.uk

M&Co Footed succulent plant pot £12.99

TK MAXX Mosaic Photo Frame £6.99

Hexagonal pencil pot Charleston stripe.

Cambridge Imprint, £18 www. cambridgeimprint. co.uk

Oliver Bonas plant pots and vase collection £6.50-£32. www.oliverbonas.com

Houseplants are still gaining popularity – but what if your home has lots of shady corners away from windows, where your greenery simply won’t get the light it needs?

Here, Emma Allen, garden manager at RHS Garden Wisley, recommends three plants which will withstand shady spots in your home...

1. Clivia miniata (forest lily) Clivia make striking houseplants, with their bold strapshaped, dark-green leaves and trumpetshaped red, yellow, orange or cream flowers, borne in groups on stout stems from spring to summer.

Clivia are evergreen perennials growing to 45cm with swollen bulb-like bases. They are ideal for a cooler area of the house away from radiators, as they need a cool period from Nov-Feb to form flowers.

2. Howea forsteriana (sentry palm, Kentia palm) An elegant, easy to care for evergreen palm, which grows to 2m in height as a houseplant but up to 12m in its natural habitat. The dark green fronds can be up to 1.5m in length and are pinnately divided into several narrow segments. They tolerate low light levels.

Although flowers are rarely produced when grown inside, the palms will add an air of the exotic into any room.

3. Tradescantia zebrina (silver inch plant) This versatile trailing evergreen perennial can quickly reach up to 50cm, and will gracefully adorn the side of a mantelpiece, bookcase or bathroom cabinet. The lance-shaped, deep bronze-green leaves have two silvery bands on the upper side and a purple underneath.

Rosy-purple flowers appear sporadically throughout the year. It is easily propagated from stem cuttings to refresh when the plant becomes too big or tired.

SWANSEA LIFE 75

e s a h c r u p o Looking t ome but h your next ? s r u o y d l haven’t so

www.swansea-bs.co.uk

Retired and looking to take out a m ortgage on your ho me?

Whatever the reason…

Come and talk to us about our personal, flexible and tailored approach to mortgage lending. We can help you raise funds so you don’t miss out.* Speak to your local mortgage manager for a no obligation discussion. * Subject to the Society’s Lending Criteria and Mortgage Terms and Conditions.

MUMBLES BRANCH 01792 739200 496 Mumbles Road, Swansea SA3 4BX YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE SECURING OTHER DEBTS AGAINST YOUR HOME Swansea Building Society is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Financial Services Register Number: 206066

Shop seasonal savings for your home

FOR OVER

120 YEARS EST. 1897

Leekes Cross Hands, Business Parc, Carms. SA14 6RB Leekes Llantrisant, Cowbridge Road, RCT. CF72 8XU

Tel: 0333 222 4120 | Online: leekes.co.uk

Your Living Room

You’ll be spoilt for choice with our collection of sofas and corner suites in a range of leather and fabric options. Visit us to browse our extensive ranges or shop online at leekes.co.uk

†

4.7/5

Find us on

Shop online at leekes.co.uk | Share your pictures with #loveleekes

rating on

TRUSTPILOT‡

In stock and available for immediate delivery

ercol ENGLAND SINCE 1920

96% of our customers recently surveyed rated us as excellent or good•

Privilege

r hom e you and you Rew ards for

CARD

FOR OVER

120 YEARS EST. 1897

†

Share photos of Leekes products in your home #loveleekes

Enjoy exclusive offers throughout the year at leekes.co.uk/privilege-card

Leekes Cross Hands, Business Parc, Carms. SA14 6RB Leekes Llantrisant, Cowbridge Road, RCT. CF72 8XU

Tel: 0333 222 4120 | Online: leekes.co.uk

Terms and conditions apply. Ask in store for details. •Based on customer satisfaction survey from October 2019. ‡Checked on 12th December 2019.

Your Bedroom

Create a relaxing retreat with our extensive range of bedroom furniture and complete your room by choosing from our collection of beautiful bedding.

A divan with built in storage creates a clutter-free retreat.

Share photos of Leekes products in your home #loveleekes

Find us on

Shop online at leekes.co.uk | Share your pictures with #loveleekes

In stock and available for immediate delivery

Create a warm cosy atmosphere using table lamps.

Your Flooring

With styles to suit every home including plain and patterned carpets as well as a wide choice of hard flooring, tiles and vinyl options. Let our experts guide you through our collection.

Book a free carpet consultation at leekes.co.uk/ carpets or telephone 0333 222 4120

FOR OVER

120 YEARS EST. 1897

Leekes Cross Hands, Business Parc, Carms. SA14 6RB Leekes Llantrisant, Cowbridge Road, RCT. CF72 8XU

Tel: 0333 222 4120 | Online: leekes.co.uk

SPONSORED FEATURE

1 L E S L E Y

TAY LO R

Bathe it in IS A NEW BATHROOM TOP OF YOUR WISHLIST FOR 2020?

2

1. The bathroom has come a long way from a purely functional room 2. Got an occasional chair with nowhere to go? Why not see how it fits in the bathroom?

3. Part tile a wall in a neutral shade and paint the remainder in a hue you love.

Image shows the 3D Offset Hexagon range from The Baked Tile Company

3 4

4. Think bold when bringing house plants into the bathroom

82 SWANSEA LIFE

A great bathroom will not only add value to the home and impress guests, but it’s also the room where we relax and unwind. For some, it’s the only spot in the house where they will ever have any peace. So not only does it have to look the part, it must feel it too.

For some homeowners, the idea of undertaking a bathroom renovation can be terrifying – especially if you’ve never done one before.

There is no denying it’s a big job – especially if you’re starting from scratch. But it’s one that will pay dividends.

If your bathroom is already in tip top condition – why not consider what new touches you could add to make it 2020-proof.

A bathroom’s role in the home is no longer purely practical. And as a result, more emphasis is being placed on the aesthetics.

In previous years, function would reign supreme over style, but now these two elements very much work in partnership to ensure the space fulfils its role within the home and looks fabulous at the same time.

Which is why we are seeing a return to lavish opulence; roll tops baths, mixed metal finishes and beautiful, ornate tiles.

Increasingly, we are also seeing furniture not traditionally associated with the bathroom taking centre stage. Bookshelves are taking over from clinical stainless steel to become the storage unit of choice while statement artwork is being used to add some wow.

Just remember to keep your bathroom well ventilated to protect any treasured possessions.

Create the look of luxury by opting for a neutral colour palette teamed with natural materials such as slate, wood or stone.

Add interest by bringing the greenery of the outdoors in, albeit in an unconventional way.

Plants that are well suited to bathroom humidity and low levels of light include bamboo, orchids, snake plants, the aloe plant and spider plants.

What’s more, these plants aren’t only for aesthetic purposes, as they can purify the air and make your home a healthier environment in which to live.

It’s currently a very exciting time to be involved in bathrooms, not just for designers but for you, the homeowner too. There is more choice than ever before and with price points varying widely, all budgets can be catered for.

So take your new found energy and put it to good use – give your bathroom a makeover to be proud of, even if it involves a lick of paint, a new set of bath towels and a few candles. The smallest of changes can sometimes make the biggest difference.

Lesley Taylor is a full member of the British Institute of Interior Design. She is the author of 10 books on Interior design and has been a regular contributor on many network interior design programmes. She is lead designer at EDIT Home and Design in Mumbles.

Your local online tile specialist!

ADD CHARACTER TO YOUR HOME Don’t forget we offer local residents 20% off our wonderful tile ranges

www.bakedtiles.co.uk Call us on 01792 439239 512B Mumbles Road, Mumbles, Swansea, SA3 4BU Technical and design advice just part of the wonderful service.

Showroom service with on-line prices…call in to see us, we would love to help!

• Bespoke furniture and furnishings • Spatial planning • Bathroom design

• Home furnishings • Retail showroom • SS20 collections now available

EDIT your home to perfection Beautiful home furnishings and full interior design services for all areas of the home.

Call in to our Swansea showroom to view our full collection and for free, in store consultations.

512B Mumbles Rd, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4BU | 01792 439119 | www.edithomeanddesign.co.uk

orial

ADVICE + INSPIRATION FOR YOUR HOME

Why use an interior designer?

Quite often our customers don’t come to our showroom looking to engage an interior designer, sometimes they are looking for a new sofa or some tiles and end up being helped to create their perfect room by the designers who are part of the EDIT team.

This particular client did just that, they were extending their home to create a large open plan living room and dining area, and initially were looking for tiles. But anyone interested in design or embarking on a renovation or design project at home knows, to get it right, you really need to know what look and feel you want to achieve at the end of the project that will drive your product selection.

We can help you determine the best models of furniture for your room.

• Bespoke furniture and furnishings • Spatial planning • Bathroom design

When our customer asked about tiles, we immediately set about asking some prudent design questions. This led to one of the design team creating a few inspiration boards so our client could identify the look he liked the most.

So, design concept decided, we could then draw together the products needed to create an inspired yet relaxing finished room. Understanding what shaped sofa and dining table would work best within the space was determined by the creation of floor plans, showing the customer all his options. It was then a matter of showing our customer some furniture options, looking at costings, processing an order and getting the products into production.

• Home furnishings • Retail showroom • SS20 collections now available

Our client has a real eye for detail so accessorising his room was easy, he selected a few items on his travels and came into EDIT and selected some statement items of lighting, mirrors and accessories with the guiding hand of one of the designers.

We were delighted to see the finished project and most importantly another very happy customer.

The moral of this story is, to create a beautiful home, don’t select items in isolation, choose your flooring, furniture etc with the finished look in mind. Make sure they all work in unison and don’t be frightened to engage the help of one of our friendly designers……we will help you get the very best out of your home and budget!

EDIT home and design is a beautiful showroom based in Mumbles, where you are free to relax and browse the ranges of furniture, lighting, soft furnishings, wallpaper and homewares.

You can simply buy a perfumed candle to enhance the atmosphere of a room or have a chat with one of our qualified designers, to see how we can help you make the most of your home.

www.edithomeanddesign.co.uk

Beautiful home furnishings and full interior design services for all areas of the home.

Call in to our Swansea showroom to view our full collection and for free, in store consultations.

512B Mumbles Rd, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4BU | 01792 439119 | www.edithomeanddesign.co.uk

T H E B AT H R O O M S P E C I A L I S T S

Turning Bathrooms into Reality with the U.K.’s leading Respatex specialists...

01269 595806 ⁄ www.nuwavebathrooms.co.uk

104 Wind Street, West End, Ammanford, SA18 3DU

HOUSE & HOME

Late winter luxury

With Joseph Atkin, head gardener at Aberglasney Gardens in Carmarthenshire

As the days start to grow longer and the first shoots appear this is the time when we as gardeners really want the season to get going after the quiet mid-winter months. It is also an easy month to get plenty of colour and interest in the garden. There are the usual winter stalwarts such as Snowdrop Hellebore and Witch hazel but there are also some special options that are definitely worth a try

Cyclamen in combination

Schlumbergera truncate

(Christmas cactus)

We have been growing a large selection of Cyclamen at Aberglasney for many years now and have found them to be wonderful plants for creating a long season of interest. The main February flowering one is Cyclamen coum but there are also many others and mixed with the Ivy leaved Cyclamen (hederifolium) produce flowers from July to March. We find them best grown under conifers which is usually a poor soil, so this long display is a really good addition to the garden. They are very long lived and require little or no attention making them about as good as it gets. n Height = 20cm n Spread = 30cm n Position/aspect = Any n Soil = Any n Pest and diseases = Vine weevil in pots but not in the ground n Style = Woodland, shade garden, ground cover

Camellia sasanqua Some plants just impress you and these Camellia certainly do that. They are generally considered to be autumn flowering, but we find they flower from September to April making them excellent winter flowering plants. Like most Camellia the flowers are generally red, white or pink sasanqua Camellia are slightly smaller but equally elegant. The leaves are slightly narrower but again dark green glossy and evergreen. We find they do better in slightly sunnier conditions than the usual Camellia’s and flower for a much longer period. Generally, the flowers avoid the frost you will get a little damage but for long periods they will be fine. n Height = 3m max n Spread = 3m max n Position/aspect = Sunny sheltered n Soil = Acid or neutral n Pest and diseases = No real problems n Style = Shrub border, winter garden, woodland, mixed border they are also excellent for hiding unsightly objects like oil tanks.

90 SWANSEA LIFE

Conservatory plants can be an excellent way to cheer up late winter from Christmas onwards. Schlumbergera are possible the oldest favourite for this job. They are low maintenance long lived and flower for a good few weeks depending on when you start watering them. We have one that is over fifty years old and is affectionately known as Mrs Davies’s Cactus. Each year it bursts into flower just after Christmas and keeps going until March it brings so much joy and reminds us that the old favourites can often still be the best. In the summer it can be left outside and only needs repotting every four to five years so well worth having. We grow ours in a cool glasshouse most of the year and bring it into one of the buildings as it comes into flower, so it only takes up space when its at its best. n Height = 30cm n Spread = 50cm n Position/aspect = Glasshouse, conservatory windowsill n Soil = Any peat free compost should be fine n Pest and diseases = No real problems n Style = House plant display windowsill display or hanging basket

O n d i spl ay at LBS HOME & GARDEN LLANDEILO SA19 6LW Tel: 01558 823900

www.middleton.wales

LBS NEATH SA10 7BR Tel: 01639 646511

LBS PEMBROKE DOCK SA72 4RT Tel: 01646 687500

Fi nd us at your l ocal

Quality made truly affordable

Electric, gas & wood burning fires Stone, wood & marble fireplaces

Gorseinon Road, Gorseinon, Swansea, SA4 9GG Tel: 01792 892357 | www.brisco.co.uk

HOUSE & HOME

10

way to use the Colour of the Year Rich, deep and oh-so soothing, blues certainly won’t be banished this season. Gabrielle Fagan shows how to add a splash of Classic Blue

Jupiter Twist Carpet in Royal, £22.99 per square metre, Carpetright

Bergamo Solid Oak Double Bed, £299 (was £349.99), Furniture Choice

“suggestive of a sky at dusk”, explains: “We are living in a time that requires trust and faith.

“It is this kind of constancy and confidence that is expressed by Pantone 19-4052 Classic Blue, a solid and dependable blue hue we can always rely on.”

We’ve found 10 ways to give your home a beautiful blue injection, to take it from dull to dazzling in 2020 and beyond...

Big up the blues at home this year, if you want to be on trend. Pantone, the global authority on colour, has declared ‘Classic Blue’ its Colour of the Year for 2020, which it describes as a “timeless and enduring hue”, and “elegant in its simplicity”.

This bold but calming deep cobalt ushers in a fresh decade on the colour charts, and you’ll definitely be seeing it everywhere as designers and decor companies rush to get on board with blues.

Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of Pantone Color Institute, who says the shade is 94 SWANSEA LIFE

1. Splash out on a statement seat “The popularity of blue is down to its versatility. Blues are easy to live with and simple to pair with other colours,” says Charlie Marshall, founder of furniture company, Loaf.

“Plus they don’t really ever go out of style, unlike some bolder, fleeting of-the-moment shades.

“If you want to make a real statement, then a sofa or love seat in a blue fabric will add real wow-factor to a sitting room.”

2. Take flight with blue “Classic Blue is a strong, honest colour that gives you a feeling of being anchored when you look at it,” declares Anna Jacobs, one of many designers inspired by this year’s blue palette.

“There’s nothing frivolous about blue,” she adds. “This timeless colour will outlast through multiple trends. It also makes a

fantastic base colour for many colour schemes, as it will support and enhance bright colours, while enlivening neutrals.”

3. Go grand with majestic blue Bold decorative designs in rich dark blues will add a touch of grandeur that could turn your home into a little palace. “Although it may be considered a bold choice for walls, Classic Blue is surprisingly versatile,” points out Alex Whitecroft, head of design at I Want Wallpaper.

“It can be styled in many ways to achieve different looks. Deeper shades of blue can look regal, so add a splash of opulence to ÐÐ Blue Jay Head Cushion, £79, Anna Jacobs

your living space with a quirky feature wall, such as one papered with a Rasch Portfolio Peacock Print.”

ÐÐBlue Jay Wing Lamp With Blue Flex Medium, £199, Anna Jacobs

4. Think blue and take two Splashing out on the home, particularly after Christmas, may not be on the agenda – but you can easily add a fashionable dash of blue by styling up with a couple of affordable accessories.

Give a sofa a smart, new look with a cosy throw, and invest in that most useful of occasional seats – a plush pouffe.

5. Dream in blue Colour blocking is another chic way to introduce Classic Blue while creating visual interest, enthuses Rebecca Snowden, interiors style adviser, Furniture Choice.

“Painting a blue band on the lower half of a wall, and having the upper half ivory or white, is super effective” she says. “Take the colour up to less than half the height of the room and paint the larger proportion in ivory or white. This will make the wall appear higher and is ideal for making smaller, low-ceiling rooms look airy and more spacious.”

6. Feast on blue A deep blue tone brings a summer vibe to any room, which is calming, relaxing and ideal for an eating area.

Combine fresh white and blue with a pared-back contemporary interior, free of clutter, and let the colour sing in the space.

ÏÏSainsbury’s Home Coastline Watercolour Dinner Plate, £3 ÐÐDenby Studio Blue Cereal Bowls, Chalk/Blue, Set of 4, £36.40, John Lewis

ÏÏVelvet Pouffe, Midnight Blue, £79.99, Studio.co.uk

7. Transform a tabletop A successful table setting is one which is a visual feast for the eyes, but doesn’t compete or clash with colourful food, allowing the meal to star.

Serve up delicious shades of cool blue in tableware and contrast with a pure white tablecloth, or for a more rustic feel, display on a richly grained wooden table.

8. Guarantee a blue skies outlook Add drama and luxury to a room by dressing windows with new curtains in a deep blue shade, reminiscent of velvety blue skies.

“It’s amazing how blue can transform a home, and a sophisticated, deep, dark blue for curtains and Roman blinds will not only be dramatic and striking but will ramp up a feeling of cossetting comfort,” says Susan White, group marketing director for blinds and shutters specialists, Hillarys.

9. Make an open and shut case “Brightly coloured shutters make for a fantastic alternative to a feature wall,” says Chrissie Harper, customer experience manager at California Shutters.

“Full height or solid shutters work particularly well painted in a bold shade, instantly creating a major statement. Classic Blue is striking but not anchored to a season, so the shade will make your home feel cosy during the colder months but bright and open when days are lighter and longer,” she adds.

10. Quick step into blues Interior designers always plan the floor before the walls, because they know the impact it can have on a space. Carpet or flooring in a deep, rich hue could lead your scheme and make your wall colour choice easy, as it should merely complement the floor.

“Carefully considered flooring is the perfect way to introduce blue in a subtle yet stylish way,” says Anna Del-Molino, buyer at Carpetright.

“Using a deep shade of blue on floors, curtains and walls adds depth and interest to a space. To keep the shade from overwhelming your room, complement with pops of softer colours, such as dusky pink, grey, or rich oranges, and reflect the light with gleaming metallics.”

ÏÏBlue Full Height Shutters, which start from £168 per square metre, California Shutters

SWANSEA LIFE 95

MERCURY

PREVIOUS WORK

CARPETS & FLOORING LTD

Leading Brands at Leading Prices

FREE DELIVERY FREE MEaSURING

5

StaR

reviews

everywhere!

“Highly Recommended” “Great Quality & Excellent Service” “Service was over and above” See Facebook For more

29 Ystrad Road | Fforestfach | Swansea | SA5 4LH Tel: 07875 428 954 | Tel: 07966 436 986 www.mercurycarpets.co.uk

INTRODUCING

WINNER FOR SWANSEA

Belvoir Swansea have just won the British Property Award for Swansea for the second year running.

Their team performed outstandingly throughout the extensive judging period, which focused on customer service levels.

Belvoir Swansea have now been shortlisted for a number of national awards which will be announced early next year.

The British Property Awards provide agents throughout the UK with an invaluable opportunity to compare the service that they provide against the service provided by their local, regional and national competition.

Agents who go that extra mile and provide outstanding levels of customer service are rewarded with our accolade, which acts as a beacon to highlight these attributes to their local marketplace.

Belvoir Swansea 29 Castle Street, Swansea, SA1 1HY 01792 461929 www.belvoir.co.uk/offices/swansea

THE BRITISH PROPERTY AWARDS are one of the most inclusive estate agency awards providers as they do not charge to enter. This has enabled their award to be structured in a manner that ensures maximum participation, on average judging over 90% of agents that meet their minimum criteria on a local level.

The team personally mystery shops every estate agent against a set of 25 criteria to obtain a balanced overview of their customer service levels. The judging criteria is both comprehensive and detailed exploring different mediums, scenarios and time periods to ensure that agents have been rigorously and fairly judged.

Robert McLean from The British Property Awards said "Our awards has been specifically designed to be attainable to all agents, removing common barriers to entry, such as cost, to ensure that we have the most inclusive awards. Our award has also been designed to remove any opportunity for bias or manipulation. If an agent has been attributed with one of our awards, it is simply down to the fantastic customer service levels that they have demonstrated across a prolonged period of time. Winning agents should be proud that their customer service levels provide a benchmark for their local, regional and national competition."

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE BRITISH PROPERTY AWARDS PLEASE CONTACT US ON 0800 987 11 22

HOUSE & HOME

Who’s looking at you?

Want your home to feel nice and private? Luke Rix-Standing looks at window dressing options to keep prying eyes at bay

Alongside space, security and cosiness, privacy plays an important role in how comfortable we feel in our homes – and it’s an increasingly prized commodity.

Unless you live somewhere very rural, a glance out of the window will often reveal 10 or 20 other windows – and all too frequently their occupants, going about their daily lives while trying very hard not to make eye contact. You don’t have to be a humanhating hermit to want a little bit of ‘me time’, and no one wants their front room turning into the neighbourhood goldfish bowl.

We profiled the various ways you can insulate yourself from prying eyes – from contemporary, frosted window film, to simply buying a large vase...

material may struggle with the moisture and cooking fat, while in bedrooms, even

 Blinds

 Curtains Perhaps the most popular choice for the nation’s windows, curtains are sleek, elegant and provide total privacy when drawn. They can look good at any size (ever seen a wall-sized set of shutters?), so are a go-to for larger projects, and help insulate your home during the winter months too.

They do, however, suit some spaces better than others. Be cautious counting on curtains in kitchens or bathrooms, as the 98 SWANSEA LIFE

curtains take up a decent chunk of space too and can risk making small rooms feel smaller, while hanging fabrics don’t always fare well at the hands of kids or kittens.

Although curtains come in many shapes and sizes, quality fabrics are costlier than their mechanical counterparts, so your options may be limited by price range.

Matalan SS20 Homeware coming soon

light-blocking options sometimes allow in enough sunrise to ruin a light sleeper’s lie-in.

Undulating several inches into the room,

Roman or roller, vertical or Venetian, there are probably more different types of blind than there are windows in your home, and you’d be best-advised to explore the wonderful world of blinds yourself.

There are, however, a few common traits.

The good news is they’re usually very affordable, can fit in almost any aesthetic, and are far less intrusive than bulky wooden shutters or curtains. Most are moistureresistant, so fit for any room, while slatted models are specifically designed to regulate privacy and light.

The bad news is that they’re notoriously breakable, often lack the wow factor of larger, statement dressings, and can present a serious threat to small children thanks to their hanging strings (so always opt for child-safe options if you share space with

 Window film

 Bottom up blinds

An ‘au naturel’ option that leaves you free from structural work, window film creates a translucent surface that lets in light but debars prying eyes, akin to the tinted windows of a limousine. Filmed windows benefit from superior strength too – an added protection against shatter – and can potentially keep out harmful UV rays that may cause furniture to fade.

There are loads of different varieties – insulating films that can reduce your utility bill, decorative films can turn normal windows into elegant style statements, or dyed films that bathe your interior in coloured light.

The main drawback is simple – people can’t see in, but you also can’t really see out – while poor installation can leave your window looking bubbly and uneven.

A natty design choice that probably should be better known, the gravity-defying bottom up blind is exactly what it sounds like. Sometimes known as ‘reverse blinds’, the fabric rolls up from the bottom via a pulley system, and is then held in place with a cleat.

Particularly proficient at street level, the blinds allow natural light to flow through the tops of your windows, while blocking nosy neighbours at middle or bottom.

 Shutters They can be a little cumbersome, but shutters are an attractive, statement choice that may even add value to your home.

Low-maintenance, durable and free from cords and pulleys, slatted units leave residents with supreme flexibility over

privacy and light. Open shutters offer unfettered access to your window, closed shutters are akin to blackout, and the shifting slats let you negotiate a balance between the two.

Classically associated with a whitewashed, Mediterranean style, shutters may not suit every aesthetic, and they are substantially pricier than their peers both to purchase and install.

 Line of sight We don’t mean to sound glib, but if you don’t want to start messing around with your windows, but you still want a bit of privacy, you could just move some things around indoors.

A large pot plant, a set of well-placed ceramics, a conveniently-shaped item of furniture - anything that puts up a visual barrier without blocking out the light.

SWANSEA LIFE 99

HOUSE & HomE

Luxe Less for

Cost and quality are often related – but not all of the time. You can spend millions on renovations and be left ruing poor design choices,for example. Or you can be spend savvy and create the illusion of luxury for less.

Like the sound of that? Here’s 10 ways to have your home look lavishly luxuriant, whatever your budget...

Embrace minimalism Luxury does not have to mean crystal chandeliers and lashings of gold leaf. In fact, it can be quite the reverse – a pared back, white-washed aesthetic can look modern in all the right ways, while too much clutter can look old-fashioned and lived-in in all the wrong ways.

It’s a basic design rule that sometimes less is more, and there’s no greater luxury than good taste and styling. Giving your space the Marie Kondo treatment costs nothing, but could instantly make a space feel more curated (and calm!).

Bet on green Excluding bulbous cacti and foul-smelling corpse lilies, vegetation lends a feeling of freshness and elegance to any room. It is 100 SWANSEA LIFE

A dash of paint Your paintwork provides the backdrop against which your whole interior is judged, so it’s hard to overestimate the invigorating effects of a new layer. You may want to debut a bold new colour, or – if you’re feeling very brave – try out a pattern, but even a simple re-application will work wonders.

All paintwork starts to chip, flake and fade eventually, and most paint jobs look their age, so this can be a sure-fire route to major makeover.

Some clever styling and attention to detail doesn’t have to break the bank.

By Luke Rix-Standing

almost impossible to feel stuffy when surrounded by living leaves, and a few well-placed plants can give your home the same restorative feeling you get when you step outside into nature.

From simple rubber plants to elaborate orchids, study after study has linked green exposure to feelings of calm and contentment – indoors and outdoors alike.

Use layered lighting A room illuminated by a single diffuse light source will look monochrome bland, so create contrast by texturing your rooms with multiple light sources, trained on focal points like tables or beds.

Householders never have enough mood lighting. Call into your local megastore, pick out some lovely-looking but budget-friendly lamps, and distribute them evenly around you home. You could even invest in a dimmer switch – a status symbol as well as a practical gadget.

Low colour, high texture Using a coherent colour palette looks elegant, tasteful and thought-through, so add contrast and interest by mixing materials instead. Try laying a fluffy woollen rug over a hardwood floor, beneath the metal legs of a plywood table, stocked with ceramic pots or ornaments.

Luxurious spaces do not happen by accident, so the more co-ordinated a space seems, the more upmarket it will feel.

Mirror, mirror Mirrors have been a longtime go-to for designers looking to create a sense of space, and a large unit can add a tremendous sense of depth to even the pokiest shoe-box.

Hanging a mirror opposite an entrance can make a room appear almost literally twice the size, while mounting one opposite a window will send natural light bouncing around the space. If a room looks luxurious, so too will its reflection.

Create vignettes A single matchbox on a coffee table is clutter; a curated arrangement of matchboxes is a vignette. Organised tablescapes can consist of almost anything – seashells, pine cones, bowls of baubles and bric-a-brac – and lend an air of elegance to even the most ordinary living room.

They’re luxurious because they’re so unnecessary, and a well-placed vignette is a sure-fire conversation starter.

Mount your television It looks satisfyingly hi-tech, removes an electronic eyesore by banishing tangled wires, and echoes the aesthetic of a high-quality hotel. We advise professional installation for all but the most sure-handed DIY-ers, but the bracket itself needn’t cost more than £20-£30.

Cushions and curtains Fabrics are your best friend when trying to look lavish, and long, floor-length curtains lend a room a soft, well-furnished feel. Flashy finery and throw pillows are synonymous with indulgence, and are comfy to the skin and the eyes. They can be expensive but they don’t need to be – choose wisely and bog-standard cushion covers and high-street drapes will serve your living room just fine.

Invest in a party piece It can be literally anything – an ornate work of art, a statement chandelier, an heirloom or antique – just one extra item of interest to add that most coveted luxury: individuality. It’s not about cost, it’s about standing out from the domestic crowd.

SWANSEA LIFE 101

house & home

New Year,

Small garden with planting which hides what is on the higher tier.

new garden?

Fancy a new patio, bed or border, or maybe it’s time to make that veg plot a reality? Hannah Stephenson offers design ideas to help get you started

The New Year is a great time for turning over a new leaf and planning a new look for your garden.

You can sit inside in the warm, sketch possible shapes and sizes of lawns, beds and borders, and maybe even contemplate a new patio.

Here’s some inspiration for getting started...

The key to an interesting garden is to be able to move through it, and everything should not be visible at a single glance. It’s great to provide surprises by creating trellises or other borders, which will divide a garden into individual areas.

 Tackling steep gardens

If you have a square plot, this may seem almost impossible, but you can soften boundaries with climbing plants. It is also a good idea to base the whole garden on a circular pattern, whether it be with a circular lawn or paved area, with soft curved borders providing eye-catching colour and detail.

If you have a town garden with an unsightly view of, say, an industrial building, or you are overlooked by neighbours, you could think about planting a tree or a climbing plant on trellis in a strategic position, to enhance privacy and create a pleasing sight for the eye.

My own garden needs some careful thought as it’s on a steep hill – but I haven’t got round to terracing it into sections, as that would require major digging work and all the expense that goes with it.

The trouble with steep gardens is that if you want level planting areas, you can create terraces, but you are likely to need a specialist to build the necessary retaining walls.

However, if you decide to go ahead, it can mean endless possibilities, as such walls can include steps, water features and split-level flowerbeds.

 Softening borders

 Dealing with difficult shapes

 Tackling narrow and wide gardens

Use trellis and climbing plants to separate different areas of the garden.

You, too, may have a difficult garden which doesn’t have a uniform, rectangular shape, but while you are planning, bear in mind these basic guidelines.

People with wide gardens which are not very long should never place a focal point on the opposite boundary, as this will only emphasise the garden’s shortness.

Instead, place eye-catching points from corner to corner, arranging a viewing point in

one corner and planting the borders, so the eye automatically goes to the other corner.

Long, narrow gardens can also cause headaches, but such a plot can be divided effectively by creating a meandering path in an S shape, using plantings so that each curve you take brings you to another surprise.

 Make a plan Soft, curved borders

102 SWANSEA LIFE

There are a number of garden apps which will help you do this, including iScape (iOS), a great way to visualise how your garden could look. The app lets you take a photo of your garden, render it into 3D, then drag and drop features onto it, including plants, trees, ponds and ground cover such as grass and gravel.

Whatever online help you’re offered, make a list of what you want in your garden – will you be growing vegetables, making your own compost, investing in a greenhouse, or would you rather it consisted mainly of pretty pots and borders of colour?

If you are short of space, you may have to compromise on your initial wish list, rather than trying to cram everything in and not being able to move.

Also consider how much time you are going to have to spend maintaining your garden. If you have a full-time job, it may not be wise to have masses of beds and borders

and a huge lawn, which will need highmaintenance upkeep.

ď Ž Sketch it out

Water feature surrounded by purple planting, to represent a focal point in a small or awkwardly shaped garden

Always design a new garden on paper first, as though you are looking down on the garden. Measure the shape and dimensions, scale it down to suit the size of your paper and draw in your house first, making sure it is at the correct angle in relation to the garden.

Pick up ideas for new garden design by visiting public gardens, or flick through magazines and books to find pictures which may well correspond to the shape and size of your garden.

SWANSEA LIFE 103

MOTORING

Advertisement feature

Stylish Elegance...

Peugeot 108 Allure

T

he Peugeot 108 Allure is available at Day’s Peugeot from just £159 per month, with a £159 deposit.

The Peugeot 108 is the very model of stylish elegance. It pulls in envious glances wherever it goes, thanks to a sophisticated urban design replete with dynamic lines and meticulous details. With a bountiful choice of colours and models to choose from in the Peugeot 108 range – the hardest part will be deciding which one to go for!

The sharp design of the PEUGEOT 108 Allure has been further enhanced by the addition of a Raven Black roof and gloss black door mirrors, appealing to customers looking for a compact car with a sporty personality.

In addition, a new economical Euro 6.2 engine has also been introduced to the line-up: the 1.0L 72 and the 1.0L 72 2-tronic.

PEUGEOT is committed to reducing emissions and the new engine line up carries CO2 figures that are between 1g/km and 2g/km lower than the outgoing engines.

Technology enhancements include a new and improved capacitive colour touchscreen with Mirror Screen®, Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto connectivity, putting functionality at the driver’s fingertips.

Mirror Screen® allows the driver to display compatible apps on the 7” touchscreen and manage them using the vehicle controls. The touchscreen is available as standard on Active trim level and above and comes with DAB Digital radio, USB / 3.5 mm Jack for external audio devices and gloss black surround.

Further improvements to the PEUGEOT 108’s safety technology come in the form of Active City Brake and Lane Departure Warning System options, which now feature a traffic sign recognition system. This technology is available on the Allure and

Collection trim level as an option with an additional charge.

The Peugeot 108 is also available with additional extras * such as Peugeot Open and Go- where sensors on the front door handles allow you to open the doors without removing your keys from your pocket. There is also manual air conditioning to make every journey as comfortable as possible and automatic air conditioning available on the 108 Collection range.

The PEUGEOT 108 is available to purchase with Just Add Fuel®, PEUGEOT’s innovative finance package which offers three years’ insurance for up to three drivers, car tax, warranty, road side assistance and routine servicing – all for one fixed monthly price. This makes the Peugeot 108 an ideal first car, or would simply give peace of mind to drivers who don’t want the additional hassle that often comes with car ownership.

To find out more and to book a test drive, call Day’s Peugeot Swansea on 01792 616000 or visit www.days.co.uk.

104 SWANSEA LIFE

THE CITY PERFECT PEUGEOT 108 AVAILABLE NOW AT DAY’S MOTOR GROUP

FROM

£159

AND ONLY

PER MONTH^

£159

DEPOSIT^

ALSO AVAILABLE WITH JUST ADD FUEL® * INSURANCE , WARRANTY, ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE , ROUTINE SERVICING ALL INCLUDED*

Motor Group www.days.co.uk

facebook.com/dayspeugeot

Beaufort Road, Morriston, Swansea, SA6 8HR

01792 616000 Model Shown PEUGEOT 108 Allure: ^Monthly Payment: £159.00, Deposit: £159.00, Total on the road cost: £9,538.22; Total advance: £9,379.22. Total Interest: £1,491.78. Total Amount Payable: £11,030.00. Final Purchase Payment: £3,398.00. 5.9% APR, PCP contract based 6000 Miles Per Year, 4 Year Contract, (excess mileage charges may apply) with a Guaranteed Future Value/Optional Final Payment. Terms and conditions apply, finance subject to status. Model Shown PEUGEOT 108 Allure: Official Fuel Consumption in MPG (I/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/km) for PEUGEOT 108 range are: Combined 65.7 (3.8) - 74.3 (4.3) and CO2 99g/km. The fuel consumption or electric range you achieve, and CO2 produced (where applicate), in real world conditions will depend upon a number of factors: including the accessories fitted (post-registration), the starting charge of the battery (electric only), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. There is a new test (WLTP**) for fuel consumption, CO2 and electric range figures. The estimated electric range and CO2 figures are achieved using a new test procedure. The CO2 figures shown are NEDC equivalent, calculated using EC correlation too which converts WLTP figures to NEDCeq** figures and will be used to calculate tax for first registration. Figures shown are for comparability purposes, you should only compare fuel consumptions and CO2 and electric range with other vehicles tested using the same technical standard. **WLTP – Worldwide harmonised light vehicles test procedure. +NEQCeq – New European Driving Cycle. ~Standard, or cost option, according to version. *Peugeot Just Add Fuel® is an innovative finance package that covers the costs of your brand-new Peugeot. Just choose your Peugeot, add fuel and go! It includes all of the following for a fixed monthly payment. If you’re aged 18-20 or have less than two years’ No Claim Discount, then there is Just Add Fuel® with the addition of a telematics device. *Terms and conditions apply. Offer available at Day’s Peugeot in Swansea & Haverfordwest. Offer available for a limited time only. Not in conjunction with any other offer. Images for illustration purposes only. ^Subject to quotation, Finance Subject to Status, Terms and Conditions Apply. Offers correct at time of going to press, subject to availability.

WE HAVE BEEN SUPPLYING AND FITTING ACROSS SOUTH WALES FOR 34 YEARS We are experts in fitting:

■ TOW BARS

■ VAN RACKS

■ NUMBER PLATES

■ TRAILERS

■ CYCLE CARRIERS

■ DUAL CONTROLS

■ PARKING SENSORS

Llanelli Trailer Centre Let the specialists fit it for you

Unit 3A, Llanelli Workshop, Trostre Industrial Park, Llanelli, SA14 9UU Tel: 01554 773608 | E: info@ltcmobility.co.uk Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm | Saturday 9am to 12.30pm

Summer Time

in Europe

Soak up the sun in the continent this summer on one of our fantastic tours.

LAKE GARDA

PORTO & LISBON

6th June 7 NIGHTS 3 Hotel Splendid Sole, Manerba del Garda ONLY £769

9th June 9 NIGHTS 4 Hotel Mercure, Figueria da Foz ONLY £1,169

2 nights dinner, bed and breakfast en route – 5 nights dinner, bed and breakfast at the main stay hotel – Scenic lake tour – Excursions to Verona and Sirmione

2 nights dinner, bed and breakfast en route – 5 nights dinner, bed and breakfast at the main stay hotel – Guided tour of Porto – Excursions to Cais de Gaia, Lisbon and Coimbra

BELGIAN COAST

LAKE COMO

NORTHERN ITALIAN DELIGHTS

12th June - 3 NIGHTS 3 Ibis De Panne ONLY £319

13th June, 4th July & 8th Aug - 7 NIGHTS 3 Hotel Bazzoni, Tremezzo ONLY £799

13th June - 7 NIGHTS 3 Hotel Valentino Acqui Terme ONLY £889

3 nights bed and breakfast – Excursion to Ostend – Day pass on the coastal tram

2 nights dinner, bed and breakfast en route – 5 nights full board accommodation at the main stay hotel – Free drinks from 10am-11:45pm* - Scenic boat cruise on Lake Como – Discover Bellagio and Milan

2 nights dinner, bed and breakfast en route – 5 nights half board accommodation at the main stay hotel – A variety of interesting excursions including Casale Monferrato, Turin, Alba and Milan

GARDENS OF PICARDY

LAKE MAGGIORE

NORMANDY DISCOVERY

14th June - 6 NIGHTS 3 Ibis Amiens Centre Cathedrale, Amiens ONLY £799

9th July - Only £799 | 8th Aug - Only £819 3 Hotel Milan Speranza au Lac

12th July - 4 NIGHTS 3 Mercure Rouen Centre Cathedral ONLY £499

Bed and breakfast – 3 half days cruising on board a Backwaters electric barge – Excursions to Château de Long, Moulin Ventin Garden, Gerberoy and the Gardens of Mazicourt

2 nights dinner, bed and breakfast en route– 5 nights dinner, bed and breakfast at the main stay hotel – Excursions to Lugano, Como’s Old Toown and Lake Orta

Bed and breakfast – A variety of excursions including Honfleur, Monet’s House and Gardens and Vernon

Lake Garda, Italy

NEW 2020 BROCHURE OUT NOW! Come and see us in your local travel shop or book online at: edwardscoaches.co.uk Blackwood 01495 222272 | Cardiff 02920 348811 | Llansamlet 01792 274444 Llantrisant 01443 202048 | Merthyr Tydfil 01685 38787 | Swansea 01792 456600 All tours include return executive coach travel and short sea ferry crossings. T&Cs apply. Subject to availability.

Prices for all tours correct at time of printing and are per person based on two people sharing. *Applies to selected house drinks

WHAT’S ON

A N D R E W

M O R G A N ’ S

SWANSEA BAY WALK Join Andrew as he leads us on a Swansea Bay walk

Start/finish location .......... RSPB Cwm Clydach Nature Reserve Car Park Distance ..................................... Morning: 3 miles (1.5 hours) and/or Afternoon: 3 miles (1.5 hours) Level ............................................. Moderate Parking ........................................ Craig Cefn Parc: Reserve Car Park just over bridge from New Inn

Mynydd Gelliwastad and/or Cwm Clydach For February, Swansea Ramblers has arranged a couple of Figure of Eight walks to give you the choice of a short walk in the morning: a short walk in the afternoon or to combine the two walks to enjoy the day in a lovely area with great views. If you’ve wanted to try group walking but feel daunted by meeting new people, bring a friend or relative and enjoy it together. The first two walks are on February 16 when we’ll explore the foreshore at Loughor then cross the River Loughor to discover more coastal and inland paths.

On Saturday February 22, we’ll meet at Cwm Clydach Reserve from where we’ll go up Mynydd Gelliwastad for the views.

108 SWANSEA LIFE

Carefully ascend the road, watching for the footpath sign on the left.

At the end of the drive, go through the gate then straight on, following this path as it curves right and uphill. Continue along the broad path to the top where there is a Trig Point and 3600 views.

The broad path descends to meet another path. Turn right and head to a track near the fence line. Turn right on this track then left where it leaves the hill and descends to become Rhyddwen Place.

At the junction, turn right on Golwg y Mynydd, crossing Mountain Road to descend a footpath that brings you back to that first gate (on the left) that you used at the start. Return down the road to the start point.

Upcoming walks The afternoon walk starts with a riverside walk from the back of the car park. Keep to the left side of the river and follow the path through woodland. Cross the end of the road to continue along the Cwm Clydach Walk. This path ascends away from the river then drops down to meet the river again at Pont Llechart.

Cross this road bridge and ascend the road a little way. Turn right at a footpath sign to follow the farm track to Ty-llwydyn Farm. Turn right to follow the lane then where it turns downhill, leave it to enter the field below Cathelyd-uchaf Farm.

The path turns left uphill to a gate and the junction of four paths. Cross the track to go straight on through a gate and enter more fields. Follow the signs to go roughly straight on, gently descending all the way with views of Swansea ahead of you.

Eventually descend a steep narrow wooded path to emerge close to the New Inn and the finish.

For some, it’s nice to walk alone and appreciate the area at your own pace. But if you are unsure of the way or prefer company and wish to make new friends while enjoying the fresh air then come along with Swansea Ramblers to places you never knew existed.

Transport: Traveline: www.traveline-cymru.info • 0871 200 22 33 or BayTrans: www.baytrans.org.uk/ Visit our website: www.swansearamblers.org.uk

february 2020 Sat 01

Pennard, Parkmill, Green Cwm (6 miles) Moderate meet 11.00am Pennard Library/School Car Park

Sun 02 Bryn, near Maesteg (12 miles) Moderate

meet 9.00am Guildhall (Francis St) Mon 03 Neath Canal, Resolven (4 miles) Easy Access meet 10.00am Resolven: Car park

off A465 roundabout Wed 05 Gower Coast, Woods & Bryn (9 miles) Moderate meet 9.30am Penmaen: Rose Cottage Sat 08

Clydach & Glais (6 miles) Moderate meet 11.00am Clydach: Heol Eithrim: Upper Forge

Sun 09 Taf Fechan Skyline (9 miles) Strenuous

meet 9.00am Guildhall (Francis St) Sun 09 Burry Port, Pembrey & Cefn Sidan

(8 miles) Easy meet 9.30am Guildhall (Francis St) Tue 11 Melincourt (8 miles) Strenuous meet 9.30am

Go Outdoors CP (Llansamlet) Sat 15 West Cross and Mumbles (5 miles) Easy meet 10.30am Guildhall (Francis St) Sun 16 Oxwich to Port Eynon Circular (10 miles)

Strenuous meet 9.30am Oxwich: Beach Car Park Sun 16 Loughor - (The morning walk) (4 miles) Easy meet 10.00am Bynea: CP on B4297 opp.

Yspitty Road) Sun 16 Bynea - (The afternoon walk) (4 miles) Easy meet 12.30am Bynea: CP on B4297 opp.

Yspitty Road) Mon 17 Lower Lliw Reservoir (4 miles) Easy/ Moderate meet 10.00am Felindre: CP opp.

Shepherds Inn Tue 18 Mynydd Du/ Black Mountain (6 miles)

Strenuous meet 9.15am Go Outdoors CP (Llansamlet) Sat 22 Mynydd Gelliwastad - The morning walk (3 miles) Moderate meet 11.00am

Clydach: RSPB Reserve CP Sat 22 Cwm Clydach - The afternoon walk

(3 miles) Easy/Moderate meet 1.30pm Clydach: RSPB Reserve CP Sun 23 Mynydd Emroch (8 miles) Moderate meet

10.00am Port Talbot: Goytre Wed 26 Afan Argoed (7 miles) Moderate

meet 10.00am Pontrhydyfen: Rhyslyn CP Sat 29

Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen (6 miles) Moderate meet 11.00am G.C.G.: Canolfan Maerdy

SWANSEA LIFE 109

y r a u r Feb

WHAT’S ON

eight GOOD THINGS TO DO COOK LIKE AN ITALIAN

WHERE? Gower Heritage Centre, Parkmill WHEN? February 8 and 9

When it comes to cooking Italian food at home, the thing to remember is that using good quality ingredients is the key.

The much-vaunted ‘simplicity’ of Italian cuisine is deceptive; it rests on a lot of knowledge, of both ingredients and fundamental cooking principles.

So as the colder weather settles in, why not cheer up your plates with colour and taste...it’s pasta time!

Learn how to make delicious fresh pasta, mouthwatering ragus and spring salads in this one day course at the Gower Heritage Centre.

Tickets: £30 | 01792 371206 or email reception@gowerheritagecentre.co.uk

Hard Hat Tour

RHOD GILBERT

WHERE? Grand Theatre, Swansea WHEN? February 28. 8pm It has been a while, but Britain’s crossest comic roars back in style with his newest live show. In a seven-year break from stand-up, a lot has happened to Rhod. This show sees Rhod as funny as ever, but like never before. Raw, personal and brutally honest; no more lies, no more nonsense!

A return to his acerbic, witty best. Welcome back!

Tickets: £33.05 | 01792 475715

WHERE? National Botanical Gardens of Wales, Llanarthne WHEN? February 6. 11am - 1pm Join members of the garden's projects team on a hard hat tour of the lake restoration work. You will also find out more about the history of Sir William Paxton’s fabulous historic parkland and get an update on the progress of the centre's Regency Restoration Project with a close-up view of some of the changes that have already taken place!

The two hour tour, one of a series being staged throughout the month, starts from the western entrance of The Great Glasshouse.

Tickets: Joanne.Evans@gardenofwales.org.uk or phone 01558 667157.

CHARITY FUND RAISER

WHERE? Ostreme Hall, Mumbles WHEN? February 28 An evening of outstanding, standout, stand-up comedy as a fundraiser for Cancer Research UK. Headlining the gig is mentalist Kockov who hails from the former ‘Soviet Republic of Monrokvia’, where, until the winter of 1989, he lived with his 17 brothers and sisters.

Kockov will be supported by Wilson MIlton, Samantha Day and Matt Rees.

Tickets: ken@flockcomedy.com | 07790 670234 110 SWANSEA LIFE

MARK THOMAS WHERE? Volcano Theatre, Swansea WHEN? February 20 In his new show 50 Things About Us, Mark Thomas combines his trademark mix of storytelling, stand-up, mischief and really, really well researched material to examine how we have come to inhabit this divided wasteland that some of us call the United Kingdom.

Mark picks through the myths, facts and figures of our national identities to ask how we have so much feeling for such a hollow land. Who do we think we are? It is a show about money, history, songs, gongs, wigs, unicorns, guns, bungs, sods of soil and rich people in the vein of The Manifesto-meets-sweary history channel.

An unstoppable force both on and off-stage, Mark has stopped arms deals, created a manifesto and brought the winning policy to parliament, walked the entire length of the Israeli wall in the West Bank, set up a comedy club in Jenin, had six series on Channel 4 alongside several television documentaries and radio series, written some books, grabbed a Guinness World Record and nabbed himself a Medal of Honour and succeeded in changing some laws along the way.

TICKETS: Box Office 029 2063 6464 | www.wmc.org.uk

TEA DANCE WHERE? Brangwyn Hall, Swansea WHEN? February 12. 2pm - 4.30pm Why not indulge your twinkling toes and join Phillip and Gaynor Evans at the Brangwyn tea dance?

Phillip and Gaynor are professional dancers based at the established dance school ‘Dance Kingdom’ in Llanelli and currently compete as professionals for Wales. They are former Amateur Welsh National Ballroom and Latin champions, British Open Modern Sequence finalists, Latin Sequence Vice champions and more recently, UK Closed Professional 10 dance finalists. The afternoon get-together includes music, dance and cake.

Tickets: £7.50 includes tea and cake. 01792 475715. Booking essential

Boyzlife Tour 2020

WHERE? Grand Theatre, Swansea WHEN? February 8. 7.30pm

Two of the world’s biggest bands Boyzone and Westlife come together, for the very first time, with a full band production show. featuring Brian Mcfadden and Keith Duffy.

This specially adapted theatre production will include many of their greatest hits. The catalogue includes a record breaking 18 Number 1 singles and 9 number 1 albums, and combined record sales of over 60 Million Units.

Expect to hear, ‘World Of Our Own’, ‘Mandy’, ‘Queen of My Heart’, ‘Picture Of You’, ‘Words’, ‘No Matter What’, ‘Uptown Girl’, ‘Flying Without Wings’, ‘You Raise Me Up’, ‘Going Gets Tough’, ‘Swear It Again’, ‘Father and Son’, ‘Love Me For A Reason’, ‘My Love’ and many more…

DANIEL JOHN-MARTIN AND THE DAVE COTTLE TRIO WHERE? Langland Brasserie, Swansea WHEN? February 9. 7pm - 10.45pm A violinist/vocalist and one of the most talented and sought after violinists of his generation, the ticket price includes a two-course dinner as well as a show from the charismatic Daniel John-Marrtin whose singing, swinging violin has joined such world gypsy guitar greats as boulou ferre, angelo debarre and romane. born in the uk nut spending his childhood in Africa, Daniel then studied violin at Parisian conservatoires, where jazz became his first love.

Tickets: £30 | Call 07802 912789

Tickets: £31.50 | 01792 475715 SWANSEA LIFE 111

SOCIAL DIARY

going out...

12 pages of people and parties in swansea

graduation success WHere: Great Hall, Bay Campus TELL ME MORE: Swansea University Medical School celebrated the achievements of its latest graduates PHOTOGRAPHY: Robert Melen

SWANSEA LIFE 113

SOCIAL DIARY

114 SWANSEA LIFE

SWANSEA LIFE 115

SOCIAL DIARY

PARTY TIME WHere: Brangwyn Hall, Swansea TELL ME MORE: A Caribbean-themed party night staged by JR Events PHOTOGRAPHY: JR Events

116 SWANSEA LIFE

SWANSEA LIFE 117

SOCIAL DIARY

STAFF PARTY WHere: Towers Hotel TELL ME MORE: A staff party for Oil4Wales PHOTOGRAPHY: Hoosh Multimedia

118 SWANSEA LIFE

SWANSEA LIFE 119

SOCIAL DIARY

CELEBRATION EVENING WHere: Old Havana, York Street, Swansea TELL ME MORE: A get-together for partners, sponsors, staff and friends to kick off the Front Runner Events’ 2020 season.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Jon Myers

120 SWANSEA LIFE

SWANSEA LIFE 121

SOCIAL DIARY

122 SWANSEA LIFE

PRIZE WINNERS WHere: Pencoed House, Pentyrch TELL ME MORE: Newlyweds Olivia and

Ioan Evans won the value of their wedding back in a competition at the award-winning venue in which all couples who got married there during 2019 took part in a competition to win back the prize of their big day. photography: Simon Gough from

Simon Gough Photography

SWANSEA LIFE 123

SOCIAL DIARY

Mari Lwyd Festival WHere: Gower Heritage Centre TELL ME MORE: The annual Mari Lwyd Festival reviving the ancient tradition of Wassailing dating back to Celtic times to promote a good apple harvest next autumn.

PHOTOGRAPHY: lbarryphotos@gmail.com

124 SWANSEA LIFE

Our special 2020 events

Our special 2020 events

We have a wonderful choice of daytime and evening events throughout the year. Combine your stay with one of our events or come along to enjoy the atmosphere and our renowned hospitality. grovenarberth.co.uk | 01834 860915 AA Hotel of the Year, Wales 2019

TIME FOR YOU

the Kingham Plough The six-bedroomed Kingham Plough village pub is in a cluster of honey-stone properties in a picture-postcard Cotswolds village: a foodie destination; with relaxing furnishings, genial staff and brilliantly conceived menus. Peter Slee paid it a visit...

 Location Wow, if you can tear yourself away from this supremely relaxing retreat, it is a place that offers that quintessential Labrador and Hunter boots experience and which lies at the heart of the picturesque Evenlode Valley within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and with several classic Cotswold destinations including Stow-on-the-Wold, Broadway, Chipping Norton and Burford all just a few miles away and with wonderful walks from its doorstep. Turn down the tree-lined road into the village itself and you enter quite another world. It’s not simply rural here, you feel you might have strayed into a picturebook of old-time England. The main station is a 15-minute or so walk away.

You are also within reach of Westonbirt Arboretum and Prince Charles’ Highgrove Gardens.

126 SWANSEA LIFE

 Style and Character It’s composed of various indoor/outdoor elements – all beautifully restyled and which means the Kingham Plough exudes a great sense of easy-going comfort. You enter through a traditional bar area (there’s no reception as such) complete with china on a dresser. Next to it is a welcoming lounge with leather chairs and cushiony sofas around a huge, stone, wood-burner fireplace.

This leads on to the restaurant, traditionally furnished and with masses of appeal.

Locals pop in for coffee or a pint in the bar, but in this epicurean outfit the focus is very much on superlative dining.

The place is creaking with atmosphere: think dreamy cream and muted furnishings, soft sofas and crackling fires. The tranquillity is deftly maintained given that this is a

supremely family-friendly hotel. A big part of the equation is space with a generous, rambling feel to it all. It is also a profoundly peaceful venue, very beautifully devised so that the spirit of its various buildings is honoured. At its core is that central hub-cum-bar and where clever lighting draws your eyes up to a host of venerable old beams.

The interiors are timeless, homely, stylish, vintage and glamorous. You won’t want to leave. For all the relaxing atmosphere though there is also painstaking attention to detail, with exquisite results; fabulous interior design and to-die-for restaurant menu options.

The tranquillity is deftly maintained given that this is also a supremely family-friendly hotel ( the Beckhams happened to be parked up in the Kingham the same weekend we were there!)

 service and facilities The comfort and happiness of the guests have been given impressive thought and you feel it the moment you are ushered in by staff straight from central casting. A happy spirit emanates from them too which is to be applauded and which is still all too rare. There’s a great sense of zeal here, in part because of that smart team of quietly efficient workers very much in tune with what their customers (and bosses Matt and Katie Beamish) are after.

 rooms There are six bedrooms perched up on a first floor block and reached up a small flight of stairs.

All the rooms are individually designed and use Farrow & Ball colours and quirky, one-off antiques with plenty of rustic chic style and luxurious touches including duck down duvets, Egyptian cotton sheets, mohair throws, glossy magazines, free Wifi and digital radio. .

There’s a feel that no expense has been spared. All rooms have tea and coffeemaking facilities, fresh milk and home-made treats.

 food & drink Farm to fork in 40 paces is the vibe around here so you can max out on great local flavours . This is an epicurean haven as well as being a bit of a kick-back place to settle and savour a great taste of the Cotswolds.

Behind the bar, a list of expertly crafted seasonal cocktails, a well-kept selection of craft ales and traditional local beers by the Hook Norton Brewery and regularly changing guest ales. On the carefully curated wine list, a selection of 16 wines by the glass and 61 by the bottle. Head to one of the cosy nooks furnished with deep armchairs and sofas to relax with drinks by a crackling fire or head outside to the pretty sun-drenched terrace or lawned beer garden.

New Head Chef, Jonny Pons, formerly of Slaughters Country Inn, Ellenborough Park Hotel and The Feathered Nest, continues The Kingham Plough’s legacy of championing artisan products and sourcing the very best fresh, local, seasonal ingredients for his daily-changing modern British dishes with Mediterranean influences and British pub classics on the à la carte menu. We dined in style on herb

crusted roast hake, brown shrimp, mussels, kale and cream sauce (£23) and truffled mushroom puff pastry tart, tender stem broccoli and Barkham Blue (£18) before retiring to our rooms at the end of the night as very happy souls.

 would we go back?

Absolutely. One of the very nicest places we have stayed at in the Cotswolds for all sorts of reasons not least the genially helpful staff .

Remarkably, given it’s not a huge place, there’s still plenty to please a wide range of ages and interests, from extended families to adults on a quiet break, day trippers in search of good food and drink as well as activity enthusiasts who want to use the Kingham as a base for a walking or cycling break.

* From £145 per room per night B&B based on two people sharing. Two dog-friendly rooms available costing an extra £10 a night per dog. To book Tel 01608 658 327 or visit www.thekinghamplough.co.uk SWANSEA LIFE 127

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

ASK

PETER LYNN & PARTNERS

Sara Plant, Partner and Head of the Divorce & Family Law Team, talks this month about overlooking key documents

One of the Most Overlooked Aspects of a Divorce A divorce can be an extremely emotional and often painful time. Although some divorces can be amicable, many can turn in to bitter battles, and it is when emotions are high that people often overlook key documents While the focus of each couple may include children, homes, assets, and many other important aspects of family life, the most commonly overlooked document is the will.

Sara Plant, Partner and Head of the Divorce & Family Law Team commented: “Until a divorce is finalised and the Decree Absolute has been issued, existing legal documentation such as a will remains binding.

“Unfortunately, this can result in assets and inheritance being distributed to the party you are trying to obtain a divorce from in the event of a sudden death”.

There have been many examples where this has proven true, and failure to review your will or to not have a will in place can have a serious impact on the inheritance and asset distribution when someone passes on.

Consider the following scenario that has proven true on a number of occasions.

A married couple decides to separate and eventually, both parties settle down with new partners.

Neither person wants to remarry so do not finalise a divorce, however after a number of years the husband dies.

His new partner, with whom he has a

child, expects the inheritance to be distributed to her however as he had not written a new will, his assets will not go to his new partner and their child.

Another common scenario is when high-value marital assets are involved in the divorce that leads to a long, bitter legal battle.

If one party passes away before the divorce is finalised, their estate is left as per the original will, often with all assets left to the surviving spouse – a situation which would not have been intended.

In both these scenarios, there is the option to challenge the will; however, this can be expensive and time consuming with no successful outcome guaranteed.

What can be done is to update or write a will once you start divorce proceedings.

If you do reconcile it can always be changed, but if one party does pass away suddenly during divorce proceedings, your assets are less likely to end up in the hands of the wrong people.

For expert advice on divorce and other wills and probate matters, contact 01792 450010 or email advice@plandp.co.uk to arrange a free initial consultation.

To arrange a free initial meeting, call 01792 450010 or email Divorce@plandp.co.uk Preventing legal problems 128 SWANSEA LIFE

Have you considered an independent Sixth Form for A-Levels? Every year, young people join us from a wide range of schools, to build on their GCSE success. Phone us today for a personal tour & free academic guidance on university possibilities Limited places still available for our Year 7 entry for September 2020, please enquire as soon as possible 73% A* & A grades at A-Level, 13th in the UK national table of co-educational Independent Schools

01554 820325 admissions@ stmikes.co.uk LLANELLI

Extensive Bus Network

TIME FOR YOU

The best new books to add to your february reading list

A good book by your side is surely an essential... here’s Swansea Life’s pick of the best

 Rabbits For Food

by Binnie Kirshenbaum is published in hardback by Serpent’s Tail, priced £12.99 (ebook £6.66). Available now It’s been around a decade since author Binnie Kirshenbaum’s last book. Rabbits For Food tells the story of Bunny, a writer whose struggle with chronic depression lead to self-harm, thoughts of suicide and eventually committal to an institution.

Part one of the book is the build-up to her full breakdown, a description of a single day and night that leads to a chilling climax. Part two tells of her time inside, leading up to a possible course of ECT treatment. And that’s basically all that happens.

Except the book sweeps you along because of its whip-smart, laser-focused observations – comic insights mined from the darkest depths. In the midst of despair, the efforts of Bunnie and Albie, a zoologist at the Natural History Museum, to cling on to their marriage are touching and candid. The relationships she forms with the other ‘loons’ – all of them sitting around, waiting in their different ways for the pain to subside – are just as poignant.

Pure laughter in the dark. Just brilliant.

 Woman On The Edge

by Samantha M. Bailey is published in paperback by Headline, priced £8.99 (ebook £5.99). Available now Debut author Samantha M. Bailey takes her unnerved readers through a fast-paced guessing game with two main female characters narrating different periods of time. Morgan finds herself in the middle of a tragic situation when a woman she’s never seen thrusts her baby into Morgan’s arms and falls to the train tracks. Morgan, who’s wanted a baby of her own for a long time, is suddenly the only suspect in the woman’s death – and it’s not the first time she’s been tangled up

with the law. It feels like only Morgan can get herself out of this mess and she starts investigating who the victim, Nicole, is, if she really jumped and why she gave up her child. It takes readers on a tension-filled journey of infertility, longing, friendship and ultimately what being a mother really means. You won’t know who to trust and its constant twists will delight thriller fans, however, it’s final twist feels like a step too far in an otherwise gripping read.

 Delayed Rays Of A Star

by Amanda Lee Koe is published in hardback by Bloomsbury, priced £16.99 (ebook £5.78). Available now

Sparked by a photo of three pioneering cinematic women – Marlene Dietrich, Anna May Wong and Leni Riefenstahl – captured at a party in Berlin in 1928, Delayed Rays Of A Star explores their lives and legacies to illuminate the world-changing events of the following decades.

Bisexual glamourpuss Dietrich becomes one of the biggest Hollywood stars of her era but is reviled by some on her return to her German homeland for entertaining US troops; Wong is known as the first female Asian-American star but

feels sidelined into playing stereotypes; and Riefenstahl’s status as the first female filmmaker is tainted by her Nazi propaganda productions.

This debut novel by Singaporean-American Amanda Lee Koe, a former Esquire Singapore fiction editor, exposes the grubbiness behind the glamour of the acting world and deftly uses more ordinary mortals – particularly a trafficked Chinese worker – as a counterpoint to explore the shifting sands of identity, performance and womanhood.

NON-FICTION

 Dishonesty Is The Second-Best Policy And Other Rules To Live By

by David Mitchell is published in hardback by Faber & Faber, priced £20 (ebook £12.99). Available now Dishonesty Is The Second Best Policy, from actor/ comedian/author David Mitchell, is a collection of his columns from The Observer newspaper from the last five years or so, loosely grouped into various categories. As Mitchell points out in his introduction, the book doesn’t need to be read front-to-back. Dropping in and out wherever you fancy is the best way to read it (and so it is the sort of book that is ideal for New Year’s Day! Mitchell’s writing is wonderfully tangential, and by the time 130 SWANSEA LIFE

you have unravelled his points, he has usually made a fairly compelling case – or you might have forgotten what the subject matter was. Perhaps it’s about the journey, not the destination. Given that some of the columns are a few years old, it’s possible that some of the points of view are now pointless too. Or maybe they have been included because they are actually still relevant. Either way, it’s worth a read, and is packed with laughs and puns, alongside many poignant points.

21

e! l b

ila a 0 2 l Av til S s

te a D

Everyone has been to a wedding; but not everyone has been to a tailor made Pencoed House Estate wedding.

Pencoed House Estate are excited to once again offer one of our lovely couples the opportunity to win the cost of their wedding back!

A lucky couple will have the chance to win the cost of their wedding back which would include venue hire, accommodation and pre-order drinks package to a maximum value of ÂŁ6,000, depending on how much the individual couple has booked for their special day. This exclusive prize draw will take place at Pencoed House in January 2022 for any couples who are getting married with us between January 1st and December 31st 2021 - Personal Wedding Co-ordinator - Wine Tasting Evenings - Distinguished Caterers - 36 Acres of Stunning Grounds - Bespoke accomodation - Welsh Wedding Breakfast - Use of our Woodland Bar - Bentley Cars for hire

pe

coed

house estate

cardiff

www.pencoedhouseestate.co.uk Pencoed House Estate, Llantrisant Road, Capel Llanilltern, Cardiff, CF5 6JR

Celebrate your love with

Fine Wedding Rings

Stephen Hughes Fine Diamonds have a beautiful collection of wedding, engagement and eternity rings. Come in store to view the range or call 01792 462 999 and book your consultation.

Quadrant Shopping Centre, Swansea | 01792 462999 | stephenhughesfinediamonds.com | ď‚‚ ď…­