2020 City Life Spring

C ITY L IFE SPRING 2020

P R O U D

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PRICELESS

I N D E P E N D E N T

C a r d i f f ’s P r e m i e r L i f e s t y l e M a g a z i n e

Dog’s Life COOL DOGS, WARM BURGERS & HOT CARS PLUS HEALTH, FOOD, VINTAGE & TONS OF TRAVEL

Restaurant Reviews What’s On, Business, Shopping

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more online

citylifecardiff . co . uk

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THE CITY OF CARDIFF’S PREMIER LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

CITY L IFE Editor Jennifer Hobbs-Roberts jennifer@goodlifepublishing.co.uk Creative Director Mark Roberts mark@goodlifepublishing.co.uk Editorial editorial@goodlifepublishing.co.uk

www.citylifecardiff.co.uk 0845 130 6452 Cardiff House Cardiff Road Barry CF63 2AW Passionate about the City of Cardiff We are a small independent publisher. We are not a large publishing group pretending to be home grown. City Life magazine is written, designed and produced in the City of Cardiff for the people of the City of Cardiff.

Our philosophy We are committed to quality. This quote by William Foster pretty much sums up our thinking: “Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.”

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WELCOME

Namaste. And welcome to the spring edition of CityLife. After all the turmoil of Brexit, we thought life would get a little less fraught. But life has a habit of not going exactly to plan.

As I’m writing this, our amazing capital and the country is facing one of its greatest challenges for generations. The coronavirus Covid19 has landed and it’s not going away any time soon. The fear and uncertainty that this pandemic is creating is understandable and, for most Cardiff residents, hopefully we will come through this relatively unscathed. We can but wash our hands (thoroughly), keep calm and carry on.

The situation will inevitably cause disruption and for the city’s small, independent businesses, it will mean huge challenges. Finding the positives in this can be difficult but there are benefits from using smaller food shops: there would be less crowds (less people, less chance of contact with anyone carrying the virus). Certainly, large supermarkets would create, potentially, a greater chance of catching the virus.

Perhaps this is the time that, by changing our behaviour and shopping at your local butcher, greengrocer and fruiterer, we can all make the change to a more environmentally friendly way of living. It was interesting that when I was at (insert large supermarket name here) the shelves were stripped bare of toilet roll, paracetamol and sanitizer, and baby food was going a similar way. While at our local small independent shop, supplies of those items were plentiful.

Talking about sustainability and with the environment very much in mind, on page 34 and 35 we have our regular feature about Happy Days Vintage. Happy Days is the epitome of the reclaim, recycle and reuse ethos. It’s a lovely place and you should certainly pay them a visit. Cardiff and the Vale have several excellent markets and we should certainly use them more.

We hope we will all come through this and wish you the very best, brightest and healthiest spring. Stay safe, keep healthy and be kind.

See you in the summer. Namaste.

Jennifer Hobbs-Roberts Editor 07766 106 701 jennifer@goodlifepublishing.co.uk uk.linkedin.com/in/jenniferhobbsroberts

“If you would like to promote your business in City Life and Vale Life please call me.”

Promote your business Butcher? Baker? Candlestick maker?

Whatever business you’re in, reach our many thousands of aspirational readers right across the capital and beyond! For more information call 07766 106701.

Our cover stars This issue’s cover star is one of the cool dogs currently residing at Cardiff Dogs Home. This wonderful organisation needs your help. Read all about them on pages 6 and 7.

CITY LIFE WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE WHO HAS SUPPORTED US OVER RECENT MONTHS. OUR CONTRIBUTORS, OUR FAMILIES, OUR FRIENDS (INCLUDING ALL THE NEW ONES WE HAVE MADE) AND OUR ADVERTISERS - WITHOUT THEM CITY LIFE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE. WE HOPE YOU LIKE WHAT WE’VE PRODUCED AND WE’LL TRY TO MAKE EACH ISSUE EVEN BETTER THAN THE LAST AND IF YOU HAVE A STORY THAT YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE, PLEASE GET IN TOUCH. CITY LIFE IS REGISTERED AT THE BRITISH LIBRARY AS A MAGAZINE ISSN 1757-1723. FOR TERMS AND CONDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.CITYLIFECARDIFF.CO.UK

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HENSOL The Vale Resort named best resort spa in Wales

For 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 hattrick 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. 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 4

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.vale-hotel.com

Takeaway Menu Available 10% OFF Takeaways 21 Glebe Street, Penarth, Cardiff CF64 1EE

029 2070 2429

VEHICLE LEASING & FINANCE

Peter Lewis celebrates another first Readers may recall the feature on Peter Lewis in the winter edition of Vale Life.

Peter had taken on the First Vehicle Leasing franchise for Cardiff and the Vale and was extremely excited about getting the business going and helping people source their perfect vehicle.

Well, it seems celebration is in the air as Peter secured his first client just before Christmas. Michael Bennett is now the proud driver of a beautiful, black Skoda Karoq SUV 1.5 TSi ACT 150 SportLine 5Dr DSG (with start stop technology).

Quite a sharp looking vehicle.

Peter said, “I was delighted to assist Michael. We had a good hunt around and potentially saved him £255 per month as the figures we were receiving were, shall we say, a little far apart. It just shows that it’s worth employing a broker like myself to source the right car. That way you ensure you’re saving as much money as possible. We even suggested an insurer which Michael ultimately chose as he said it offered the best deal. Job done!”

Michael Bennett (left) with First Vehicle Finance’s Peter Lewis

Michael was equally complimentary.

“Peter and his team provided an exceptional and friendly service in sourcing a vehicle that met my needs, presenting a number of options until we agreed on the car which was lower than the best price and I could find elsewhere. The vehicle was delivered to my home on the agreed date and the overall experience was very smooth and hassle free.”

First Vehicle Finance Cardiff and The Vale Of Glamorgan 029 2167 2960 Peter.Lewis@FirstVehicleFinance.co.uk www.firstvehiclefinance.co.uk

If you’d like assistance sourcing your next vehicle, please call Peter on 029 2167 2960.

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If you love dogs like we do, you’ll understand that we’ll do anything for our dogs - they’re part of the family. However, sadly, some of our furry friends have tough lives and that’s when, in Cardiff, the wonderful team of volunteers at Cardiff Dogs Home step up to the plate.

“We looked after 851 dogs that came through our doors last year, and a similar number the year before.”

EMOTIONAL R ESCUE City Life met Alex Milakovic and the Cardiff Dogs Home team at a recent ‘Meet the Dogs’ event at Marco’s (Gavin & Stacey fame) on Barry Island. We were so impressed with the volunteers and the dogs we had to find out more.

Please tell us a little about your background?

Myself, and a few other volunteers, decided to set up a charity called The Rescue Hotel, which will run alongside Cardiff Dogs Home. I personally started volunteering at the home around four years ago. I set up the social media side of things to help promote the residents at the home, and to show that rescue dogs rock. I think that more and more people are willing to adopt a rescue dog now, which is great.

How long have you been at Cardiff Dogs Home?

The Rescue Hotel was set up last year by a group of volunteers. We are just in the middle of setting up a charity, The Rescue Hotel, which is great and so exiting. We want to make everyone feel welcome and to show people that even though dogs end up at the home, they’re not broke or damaged, they’ve just had a tough time and deserve nothing but the best. All funds that we raise will go towards helping the pups at the hotel with whatever they require.

We are here for them and we will do anything we can to help them in their journey of finding the perfect home for them.

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When was Cardiff Dogs Home established?

It’s been in this current location since 1993. It was built as a joint venture between Cardiff Council and the Vale of Glamorgan Council. It currently deals with strays from the whole of Cardiff and the east of The Vale of Glamorgan. It takes in sign-overs from anyone who needs assistance, regardless of where they live.

How many dogs do you look after at any one time?

There are forty-four purpose-built kennels; thankfully we don’t often operate at full capacity but there have been occasions where we have had in excess of forty dogs and have had to double up and use the veterinary suite.

Are there breeds you can’t or won’t accommodate?

We have a statutory obligation to deal with any stray regardless of its breed. When it comes to sign-overs we can use our discretion. If we think a dog may be difficult to re-home, or we believe it wouldn’t be good for its welfare to be in kennels, then we can make other arrangements. In some cases we can direct people to other rescues. We do not have any restrictions on any breeds.

How can readers donate?

By donating through The Rescue Hotel, which is currently obtaining charitable status - the money will go further because it is gift aided. We also accept donations of burns dry food, blankets, treats and toys.

Are you looking for volunteers?

Volunteers can register on the Cardiff Dogs Home website for dog walking or to help in the kennels.

Are they vaccinated? What about health problems?

All dogs receive a health check and first vaccination whilst with us. If dogs are here for longer periods of time they will receive their second vaccination, otherwise the new owner will be responsible for this. If any concerns are raised on the health check then further investigation will take place prior to re-homing.

How many dogs have you looked after and rehomed since the facility opened?

It would be difficult to give an exact number but last year around six hundred dogs passed through the kennels. There have been years when it has been in excess of a thousand.

Do you put dogs down if you can’t find a home for them?

We never put a dog to sleep simply because we can’t find them a home.

The only reasons this could happen would be on veterinary advice, or because it is a Pitbull type (as identified

by South Wales Police) and therefore cannot legally be re-homed. PTS (put to sleep) rates are extremely low at around 3% of dogs passing through.

We have had residents at Cardiff Dogs Home for nearly a year and we will keep them until we can find them a suitable home or alternative rescue.

What are your plans for the future of Cardiff Dogs Home?

To continue to provide a quality service for the dogs and the people of Cardiff.

We are currently looking to improve the existing facility or relocate to improve conditions for the dogs and create a better visitor and volunteer experience.

Alex would especially like to thank photographer James Richards for giving up his time plus a huge thank you to all the volunteers and members of the public who support this worthy cause.

If someone wanted to visit Cardiff Dogs Home to view the dogs, how would they go about that?

People can visit anytime during our opening hours 10:30am - 12pm and 1pm – 4pm. Every day except Thursday which is 2pm - 5pm.

How is Cardiff Dogs Home funded?

It is funded by Cardiff Council however we do rely on donations from the public for either food, blankets and contributions towards additional veterinary services.

The setting up of The Rescue Hotel is to provide additional support which is not covered by the Council as well as promoting the dogs and looking for suitable homes and caring owners.

The Rescue Hotel Cardiff Dogs Home Westpoint Industrial Estate Penarth Road Cardiff CF11 8JQ 029 2071 1243 www.cardiffdogshome.co.uk

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Honest Burgers Cardiff is located on Church Street, just off St Mary Street and High Street. It’s opposite the beautiful St John The Baptist Church and just up the road from Cardiff Central Market - a mere fiveish minutes walk from Cardiff Central train station.

BURGER

HEAVEN? A REAL HONEST REVIEW

Church Street appears to be turning into a foodie haven (possibly heaven if tonight’s experience is anything to go by). I’m reluctant to call it a food quarter as Cardiff already has one of those just off Caroline street; home of the world-famous chicken curry off-the-bone – ah, Dorothy’s (sighs, as very fond memories are recalled). Having said that, being quarters, there is, technically, room for another three. I digress.

As we walked up Church Street past Morgan Arcade we could see The Botanist’s rather beautiful neon sign glowing like a homing beacon (Honest is next door) so we knew we were close. We arrived at about 6:30pm and Honest was buzzing and, as we approached, we had a sense this could be good. It had a nice vibe about it.

We had a lovely warm welcome and were seated. Drinks ordered (we liked the jam jars – it’s not a new idea but here it felt like they had invented it) and we scanned the menu while taking in the ambience (‘soaking up the vibe’ if you’re under thirty).

It’s nicely designed, but it doesn’t feel designed if that makes sense.

One of the things I hate about chain

restaurants is they are mostly formulaic and soul-less. Not so here. If you didn’t know any better, you’d think you’d stepped into one of Cardiff’s coolest, independent burger bars. While we were eating, the thing that struck me most were the smiles on everyone’s faces. Honest makes you happy, and that’s a good thing.

Being intrigued by the idea of a burger especially made for Cardiff, I opted for the appropriately named Cardiff burger: Honest beef, candied bacon, Hafod organic cheddar, Cwtch leeks, mustard mayo, lamb’s lettuce and pickles with homemade rosemary salted chips.

My good lady chose the gluten-free burger (which she said was very good) and our twenty-one-year-old lad went for the “Honest” burger but doubled up on the burger. Throw in a few bowls of onion rings, gravy and slaw and we were good to go.

Now prior to this, our son (a burger connoisseur of some repute) had always said that the best burger (or cheese burger) he had ever eaten in Cardiff was at Burger & Lobster (still going but not in Cardiff sadly). This is officially no longer the case. The best burger in Cardiff, in his humble opinion, is now Honest, and deservedly so.

8

I have to agree. My Cardiff burger was delicious. I knew it was delicious because I started to make noises while I was eating and was scolded firmly. The burger was cooked to perfection. It was, unbelievably good. Honestly, everything was unbelievably good; the onion rings were huge and crunchy, the gravy was silky and delicious. The slaw was crunchy and silky if that was even possible! And we loved the scraggy, salty chips.

The portion sizes are excellent. In the end we were eating not because we were still hungry but because the food was just that good. At time of writing, Honest don’t do desserts although they are looking into it. We didn’t have coffees. I don’t think it’s an option anyway, and we didn’t mind – we had just enjoyed some of the best food, certainly the best burgers, we’ve had in a long time.

To sum up, everything about this experience was enjoyable. Was it worth the money? Hell yes. Was the service good? Absolutely. I’m reluctant to give a 10/10 for any restaurant but on this damp night in March, Honest nailed it. So it’s a big, fat, juicy ten from us.

“Honest makes you happy, and that’s a good thing.”

BACKGROUND

Being Honest Tom & Phil met working at a restaurant in Brighton, while at university. They loved restaurants. They talked about them, worked in them, ate in them, and thought ‘we could do better than them’ so they conceived Honest over a pint in their favourite pub. They wanted Honest to be a pull-up-a-chair local with good people and good food and their first restaurant was Brixton. They weren’t chefs, they just loved cooking.

Their story is on the website and it’s a good one. It shows how passion, combined with hard work and a real understanding of what people want to eat and how they want to eat it will always win through.

I like their authenticity. I admire the way they source their beef and British produce, and I love how their restaurants feel local. In our experience that’s really hard to do successfully and they have certainly done so in Cardiff.

“Jay Rayner described their chips as “edible crystal meth”.

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Honest Burgers 10 Church Street Cardiff CF10 1BG 029 2130 3446 www.honestburgers.co.uk Open for lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday 11:30am - 11pm Sunday 11:30am - 11pm n n n

All day burgers Click and collect Vegan options available

CALL 029 2066 7787

VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.ALEXANDERBULLOCK.CO.UK

CORIAN APPROVED FABRICATORS

EMBRACING CHANGE During the last fifteen years the insurance broking industry has seen major changes.

Across the country local independent brokers have, sadly, sold out to large corporate businesses. Gina Dixon reflects on the changing world of insurance.

These changes have altered the landscape of the insurance industry across the UK and South Wales has not been immune. As a result, the region has very few Independent Brokers left and this has left a real gap in many communities.

Thankfully there are, as always, a few exceptions to the rule - one of these being Watkin Davies Insurance Consultants in Cardiff.

We were eager to catch up with the Managing Director, Gina Dixon, to find out the reasons for remaining independent and the challenges they face when competing with the corporate world and online brokers.

Why do you want to stay independent when a lot of your competition have decided to merge and consolidate?

Most of the independents that have sold their businesses have mainly done so for two reasons: succession planning is one and the opportunity to retire with generous cash deals. Secondly, regulation. This has been seen as a burden for many independents.

Neither of these apply to Watkin Davies, we have a succession plan in place, seeing the next generation coming through, and regulation has been good for the broking world. It has made us far more professional and, in the main, most of it is good business practice.

What are the advantages of being an independent broker?

We believe that “big isn’t always beautiful�. By remaining independent we are able to make quick decisions 12

and implement changes within the business in order to respond rapidly to developments within the insurance industry market.

Our drivers are also very different to the big corporate brokers. The business is owned by Roger Watkins and not by corporate investors, at the moment corporate investment is coming in from the USA and, quite rightly, they want an immediate return on their investment.

Roger Watkins strategy is long-term.

For over forty-two years he has built this business on customer service.

The simple ethos that if you look after customers with respect and integrity, they will look after us. Whilst of course we want to make a profit, this is not our primary focus.

This long-term strategy is a proven one - our retention on new and existing clients is extremely high. We provide a great service and so clients reward us with their loyalty.

What are your plans to grow?

I love growing our business organically, this is an excellent measure of your business, it proves our capability. We will continue to grow propositions that our clients will benefit from and attract new clients.

We cannot grow our business without good quality staff. We have a great team and are all committed to the cause. All employees of Watkin Davies have to be right for us and, equally important, we have to be right for them. Experience tells us when you get this right, the business develops itself.

We are very interested in acquiring small businesses, again the culture and the fit has to be right for us both.

We opened an office in Newport city centre and recently acquired Quentin L Jones Insurance Services and now have a presence in Ystrad Mynach. Newport and the valleys have great communities so we feel they’re a good fit.

Are your clients just in South Wales?

Whilst our focus is in South Wales our clients are spread across the country. We can service clients anywhere in the UK. Can you really compete with the “big boys”?

We can, and we do. It is a great time to be an independent insurance broker.

Corporate businesses are constantly going through change, as a result they take their eye off the ball and staff and clients become disgruntled. We are able to offer staff and our clients security, the constant change in a business is not good for either.

We have various links within insurance networks, coupled with long-standing relationships that provide us with the competitive contracts that we need. Our skill set allows us to compete at all levels. Our clients range from sole traders and small businesses to large corporate operations. We pride the same level of excellent service to every client regardless of size. Today’s sole trader can be tomorrows giant corporation.

As we’ve seen, anything is possible.

Watkin Davies Insurance Consultants Commercial, personal, property 15 Penlline Road Whitchurch, Cardiff CF14 2AA 029 2062 6226 Watkin Davies Insurance (Newport) 1-5 High St, Newport NP20 1FQ 01633 250282 Also in Ystrad Mynach Quentin L Jones Insurance Services 22 Penallta Road, Ystrad Mynach, CF82 7AP 01443 816099

So how do you see the future?

Consistency is important. Keep doing what we do best but constantly evaluate. Invest in our people, continue to build our team, attract new clients and look for the right opportunities they are out there, and it is exciting. Life is good in Watkin Davies but we take nothing for granted - especially clients.

www.watkindavies.com Watkin Davies Insurance Consultants are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

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Nigel Ford and family took ownership of Fonmon Castle on 19th January 2019. As a boy Nigel had always wanted to own his own castle and it was on a day visit with his family when he fell in love with the estate.

FONMON CASTLE In just over a year the castle has fulfilled all previously booked events and then closed in October to undergo a full renovation including a new roof, electrics, plumbing and re-instating the chimneys. A new biofuel boiler will soon be installed in line with their ethos of sustainability. This is carried through to their current project of re-wilding the woodland with the support of local nature organisations.

In addition, a brand-new wedding and events facility opened on Saturday 21st March showcasing the castle and new Orchard Tipi and Wedding Village.

Due to the Corona Virus, we have postponed the launch of our brand-new family attraction. The medieval farm and dinosaur experience will open later in the year and will include a spectacular horse jousting event, combat display and live re-enactments. We will be hosting this exciting event with horses, knights of honour, company of chivalry, medieval combat display and jousting plus so much more. The farm includes a recreated working medieval grange for children to see and interact with history as costumed staff are available and can talk about what life was like at that time. Don’t forget the dinosaur woods and life sized dinosaurs around the woodland trails.

Please keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates on new launch date.

Fonmon is a family home which was also designed for parties and entertaining. The village and Orchard Tipi can be used for all kinds of

celebrations and events. It’s not only weddings that Fonmon Castle are renowned for. Exceptional parties and events are also an important part of what the castle does best. The village and tipi offer all the essential elements required for a fun party within close proximity to the castle creating a blank canvas and perfect backdrop to your treasured memories.

Whether it’s a special birthday party, engagement, corporate dinner, sporting event, conference or fundraiser, the tipi provides the wow factor for you and your guests. Open air theatre evenings are also planned for later this year.

Look at the website for further details of all up-coming events.

The convenient location of the castle within twenty minutes of Cardiff makes it an ideal location to hold larger events.

There are two interconnected fields spread over seventy acres available to hire separately or together. The fields have direct access from the main coastal road A4226 and tracks laid to accommodate larger vehicles.

The Castle is the proud host of the Vale of Glamorgan Agricultural Show held annually in August which regularly attracts crowds of 25,000 people, ideal for a family day out. The event field is available to hire for all kinds of largescale events like concerts and festivals and a full feasibility study is available on request to interested commercial promotors or event organisers.

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Fonmon Castle Fonmon CF62 3ZN 01446 710206 info@fonmoncastle.com www.fonmoncastle.com

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Inflammation in the body isn’t always a bad thing. When we get injured or have an infection, the area becomes red, painful and hot. This is the body’s way of warning us that work is being done and that it needs rest. But it’s not always as simple as that…

REDUCING INFLAMMATION There is another type of inflammation. This type isn’t so obvious. This ‘silent’ inflammation is a part of nearly every chronic condition e.g. auto-immunity, heart disease, arthritis, cancer, allergies, depression, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), kidney disease, osteoporosis, obesity and more.

What are the causes of inflammation?

There are many possible triggers of inflammation and diet is on top of the list:

FOODS & EXAMPLES

Look out for the following Sugar and insulin resistance White sugar Refined carbs White bread, white pasta, white rice, white flour etc.

Processed foods Cereals, cheese, tinned foods, pastries, bacon, sausage, ham etc.

Omega 6 Meat, poultry, eggs, mayonnaise, corn oil, soya, beans, walnuts, cashews etc.

MSG Mono Sodium Glutamate or E621 Found in processed foods, crisps etc.

Nightshade Family Tomatoes, potatoes, aubergines, peppers, chilli, tobacco.

Lectins Red kidney beans, soya beans, wheat, peanuts, tomatoes.

What can I do to reduce inflammation?

Inflammation from foods isn’t inevitable, just follow my helpful diet tips: Include fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds in your diet. The Mediterranean diet is best!

Include cold water fish that are high in Omega 3. Wild salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, halibut, sea bass and trout.

Choose olive oil, hemp seed oil, flax seed oils to cook and drizzle!

Include plenty of leafy green vegetables - kale, mustard greens, collard greens, cabbage, broccoli, dark green lettuce leaves (romaine, green leaf, arugula and butterhead).

Gluten Wheat, pasta, bread, crackers etc.

Avoid all intolerances and allergies.

Casein Milk

Avoid margarine containing trans fatty acids.

Aspartame An artificial sweetener: found in low sugar foods, chewing gum etc.

Reduce meat and dairy intake.

Alcohol Wine, beer, gin etc.

Introduce ginger and turmeric to your diet.

Ensure regular, moderate exercise.

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Angharad Evans Therapïau Naturiol Angharad Natural Therapies by Angharad 07739210291 www.angharadevans.cymru AngharadsNaturalTherapy

We really love Llantrisant and had the great pleasure of having an office there for ten years. It is steeped in history. Llantrisant Guildhall is a fascinating new heritage and visitors’ centre that tells the remarkable story of an ancient Welsh hilltop town.

LLANTRISANT

GUILDHALL

The Grade II Listed Building has stood alongside the romantic ruins of Richard de Clare’s Norman Castle for almost seven centuries and is now becoming a major tourist attraction in South Wales.

Built in 1346 and rebuilt under the auspices of Lady Windsor in 1773 the Guildhall has been at the heart of Llantrisant life for over 650 years.

Today visitors are enchanted by the splendour of a building which has undergone a £1.4million restoration with the help of the National Lottery Heritage Fund and other funding bodies.

The beautiful Georgian Court Room is home to a collection of artefacts and treasures where visitors can learn more about the unique traditions of the celebrated Freemen of Llantrisant whose charter was presented in 1346 by the Lord of Glamorgan shortly before they fought under the victorious Black Prince at the Battle of Crecy.

There are exhibitions to the pioneering Dr William Price, while tales of bloodthirsty battles, haunted cell rooms and captured kings of England captivate visitors. Children are thrilled by the variety of interactive displays, treasure hunts and puzzles while also dressing in medieval costume in the Archer’s Hall. Many even attempt an archery competition of their own in a town that boasted an army of trained longbowmen.

As a growing resource of historic collections, the Guildhall welcomes many different voluntary groups on a regular basis while visitor numbers are constantly growing. Its dedicated volunteer team includes experts in the field of education who have designed classes, activities and learning modules suited to the new national curriculum which attracts frequent classroom visits.

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With an impressive programme of guest speakers, exhibitions, dinner parties, concerts, guided walks, ghost tours and a host of community activities from medieval fayres to outdoor cinema on its neighbouring Castle Green, Llantrisant Guildhall will delight and fascinate any visitors.

The Guildhall is a new licensed wedding venue and from the minute you cross the threshold you’ll realise that the majestic Georgian Court Room is a perfect venue for that all-important moment when you both say “I Do”.

The versatility of the building means that you can choose from several locations for your wedding ceremony. Maybe you’d prefer the iconic porchway with your guests gathered at the foot of the steps watching you exchange your vows?

Or the balcony overlooking the Castle Green? This is a romantic setting where marriages have been blessed for over one thousand years and celebrant-led ceremonies are still performed here today.

Our dedicated team of experts will put you at the heart of everything we do, ensuring your ceremony is planned to perfection and fulfils all of your hopes and dreams.

The Guildhall is also available for private hire, from conferences or corporate meetings to award ceremonies and team-building days. With disabled access to both floors and catering facilities on offer, the range of options is limitless.

From conferences to banquets, concerts to classes, the Guildhall is flexible, accessible and well-equipped the ideal canvas for any event.

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If you’re visiting the Guildhall then it’s always worth planning your day in advance because there are plenty of other great attractions, places to eat and stay in the Llantrisant area.

If you have a group of friends joining you on a visit then why not contact us and see if we can arrange a guided history walk of Llantrisant or if it’s later in the evening then maybe a ghost walk instead? There are plenty of spooky tales to be told!

We may be able to accommodate you at the Guildhall outside of our usual opening hours so contact us to discuss other options.

Llantrisant Guildhall does more than tell the big story of a small town, it’s becoming a major community asset for activities and events for people of all ages and walks of life.

It’s also the perfect venue for a special occasion, corporate event and of course the all-important wedding day.

Llantrisant Guildhall Llantrisant Guildhall is open every Thursday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm For further details call 01443 449111 info@llantrisantguildhall.co.uk www.llantrisantguildhall.co.uk

PENCOED HOUSE Karen Beynon and David Murray-Dickson chose Pencoed House for their wedding venue and it’s clear from Karen, that they made the right decision.

Being vegan, they needed a venue that catered for their lifestyle choice and the staff at Pencoed House couldn’t have been more accommodating in giving the couple the wedding and wedding breakfast of their dreams and one which the couple and their guests will remember forever.

How did you meet?

Dave wooed me leaving chocolate in the office fridge and post-it notes.

What are your occupations?

I am a Support Planner with Learning Disabilities and Dave is an Adult Safeguarding Consultant.

Where did you live and where do you live now?

We lived in Talbot Green and Penarth and now live in Pontyclun.

When and where did David propose?

Unbeknown to me, my gran wrote memoirs and Dave found out that my bampi proposed at Oxwich Bay. He took me there and proposed overlooking the beach from Oxwich Bay Hotel.

When did you get married?

We tied the knot on the 12th October 2019

Why did you choose Pencoed House as your wedding venue?

Dave knew Pencoed House and the moment he took me there I fell in love with it. From that first moment there could never have been another venue.

The place has romance and magic, it is captivating and draws you in. Plus, they have a massive gin selection!

Did you look at other venues before choosing Pencoed House?

That first visit won me over. We cancelled other viewings.

Did you work with their wedding planner?

Yes. From the moment we booked. Their attention to detail was outstanding.

Nothing was too much trouble although Jamie told me I hold the record for the most emails sent! On the day everything was how I had dreamed.

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Did you use their caterers?

Yes, we used Cresta Caterers for our wedding breakfast, and they delivered a feast! The standard was unbelievable, high end restaurant quality. Working with Cresta was easy and the relationship between Cresta and Pencoed House was seamless.

Everyone commented on the food. The canapés were of equal standard and even made our wedding photos.

The evening was catered by the Dirty Vegan Matt Pritchard and filmed for Episode One, Season 2 (on iPlayer). We had loads of fun and Pritch smashed the challenge!

How did the day go?

Perfect. Literally a dream wedding that was entirely down to Pencoed House Estate who delivered a flawless wedding, and Dave for marrying me of course!

KAREN & DAVID

Quick fire questions Where did you buy your dress/ shoes etc?

Wynter Isabelle.

Where did Dave buy his (and groomsmen/guests etc) suits?

Slaters Menswear.

Where did you source your flowers?

Andreas Flower Boutique in Penarth.

Who supplied the cake?

My step mum made one and the Vale Cake Boutique made the Vegan alternative.

Who supplied the rings?

Dave’s parents which Northern Star rerolled for us.

Who supplied the cars?

Pencoed House provided us with a beautiful new Bentley.

Who was your photographer?

The amazing Catherine Wiggins Photography. So much more than a photographer. She was with us from start to finish and captured the full essence of the day. The finishing touch to our dream wedding.

What was the most special part of the day?

Walking down the aisle between the people we love, into my new life as Mrs Murray-Dickson.

Did you and your guests stay at Pencoed House? If so, what was that experience like?

The rooms are five-star quality and we were so impressed by the level of cleanliness, design and comfort.

What was working with the people at Pencoed House like?

It’s easy to see why Pencoed House is considered by many to be the number one wedding venue in Wales.

From booking, nothing was too much trouble. They’re clearly experts in their field and gave us total confidence to trust them with the most important day of our lives. In a word, outstanding.

Would you recommend Pencoed House to friends and colleagues?

We have friends planning weddings and we tell everyone Pencoed House is the only choice. From aesthetics to service, they nail the perfect wedding.

Where did you go on your honeymoon?

Ragdale Hall Spa. 23

Pencoed House Estate Llantrisant Road Capel Llanilltern Cardiff CF5 6JR www.pencoedhouseestate.co.uk 029 2167 8090

Sustainability is the word of the moment. But when it comes to cars, we’re constantly being encouraged to get rid of our cars and get the latest model - even if it is hybrid or electric. So what do you do to be truly eco-friendly?

R EPAIRS & R ESPRAYS THE RACE TO SUSTAINABLITY

With waste and climate change on our minds surely we should be aiming to hold on to our vehicles longer and get the maximum amount of use out of them. We caught up with Sean Davies, owner of Davies Motors to get his perspective.

Sean, what are your thoughts on the disposable car culture?

I’m not sure that’s a culture I recognise.

Even with new cars for example, someone might own it for say two, three or even four years and then sell, or return if they’re on a PCP. That vehicle will go on to be reused. There’s a strong argument to say that the automotive industry does a very good job of recycling and reusing the products it makes. They’ve done a lot over the years to minimise the use of single use plastics for example. It’s going the right way.

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You repair a lot of what we’d call “every-day” vehicles but quite a lot of what you repair are classics and high-end supercars…

That’s right. What we see is that the people who own classics for example will hold on to their vehicles for years if not decades. They really care for them so we find we might repair or respray a vehicle several times for a client over a decade or so.

In the super car sector, the owners vary; from people who have always dreamed of owning a particular marque and, once purchased, may never part with it. Those owners, like the classic owner, will lavish a lot of love on those cars so they tend to last a long time and be repaired and resprayed more than say a runof-the-mill vehicle.

You’re always posting some beautiful cars on your Facebook feed. Why do you think these owners come to you?

We’ve earned an excellent reputation for quality and finish. Brands like Bentley and Aston Martin are incredibly choosy when it comes to who carries out their bodywork repairs. They demand exceptionally high standards - there is simply no way they would tolerate anything sub-standard.

You work on a lot of high-end vehicles but do you do work on what we’d call the ‘normal’ cars?

Most of our work is the usual brands that we all drive every day. And it’s important to add that those customers receive exactly the same quality of service as a driver of an Aston or a Porsche or Ferrari. People don’t realise that they don’t have to use their insurer’s nominated repairer. You can choose your own and it’s important you do. If you’ve had the misfortune of having a bump, you want to be confident that the car returned to you will be as good as it was previously.

How is 2020 going so far?

Any highlights?

We’ve had some gorgeous cars in already this year. We haven’t had so many winter bumps this year because it’s been very wet rather than icy. However, things can change very quickly - remember a few years ago we had snow and blizzards in March and April.

So you’re excited about the year ahead…

Definitely. We’ll be into spring soon enough and then drivers will want their classics and high-end cars on the road. We usually start getting calls then – either because they want a spruceup before they take them out, or they already have and have had a little prang. We, like drivers, never know what’s around the corner. Look at the coronavirus, who saw that coming?

Davies Motor Company Hadfield Close (off Hadfield Road) Cardiff CF11 8BD 029 2039 4407 sean@daviesmotorcompany.co.uk www.daviesmotorcompany.co.uk

To follow the super car comings and goings at Davies Motors, like and follow them on facebook: www.facebook.com/daviesmotors 25

Regular readers will know that Steve Collier of Atlantic Self Storage had an extremely successful ornamental and industrial fencing company which, several years ago, he sold and then set up the storage business. End of an era? Not quite…

STEEL FENCING CARDIFF Commercial Palisade Steel Fencing We provide a supply only, or supply and installation service for our Steel Palisade Fencing to all commercial clients across South Wales.

School Vertical Bar Steel Fencing We provide a supply only, or supply and installation service for our Steel Vertical Bar Fencing to all commercial clients across South Wales.

Council Palisade Steel Fencing We provide a supply only, or supply and installation service for our Steel Palisade Fencing to all councils across South Wales.

Playground & Park Bowtop Fencing We provide a supply only, or supply and installation service for our Bowtop Fencing to all playgrounds and parks across South Wales.

Domestic Bowtop Steel Fencing We provide a supply only, or supply and installation service for our Bowtop Fencing to all security companies across South Wales.

Sports Ground Palisade Steel Fencing We provide a supply only, or supply and installation service for our Steel Palisade Fencing to all types of sports grounds across South Wales.

Well, after not too much persuasion, Steve is back in the steel fencing business. We caught up with him (and we had to run - he’s a hundred miles an hour!), to find out more.

Steve why are you back in the fencing business?

I really like what I do. I’ve always loved it. I enjoy my work. Now Atlantic Self Storage is well established, why not?

I’m twiddling my thumbs a little and anyone who knows me knows I can’t sit still for a minute. I like being busy, and I love steel fabrication!

Is there still a demand for the ornate and commercial fencing?

Yes, there is and the main reason I started again is the amount of requests I’ve had over the past years for specialised contracts where our expertise has been necessary.

What are you offering potential customers?

We make steel palisade fencing which we can install for your business or on your land. This can help secure your premises from even the most determined intruders. Whether your premises are commercial, industrial, a school, playground, council land, sports ground or even residential, we can provide security fencing.

We want to be the number one fencing contractors for palisade fencing in Cardiff, Vale of Glamorgan and south Wales. We can provide a supply only, or supply and installation service, for our steel palisade fencing.

What areas will you cover?

Across south Wales mainly; Cardiff, Newport, Barry, Penarth, Bridgend and anywhere within The Vale of Glamorgan.

“Anyone who knows me, knows I can’t sit still for a minute. I like being busy, and I love steel fabrication!”

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EXPERIENCE

Tried & Trusted…

“We carry out a lot of work in the local community and surrounding areas of Cardiff and south Wales on behalf of local and central government and public transport, as well as other private and social sectors such as Housing Associations.”

Steve adds, “Some of our relationships with business go back forty years. Having handled large scale commercial and industrial projects in Cardiff over such a long number of years, we’re highly qualified and offer exceptional quality of work and unrivalled customer service.”

Steel Fencing Cardiff Unit 8, Atlantic Trading Estate Barry, Vale Of Glamorgan CF63 3RF For quotations, please call 07813 134123 info@steelfencingcardiff.co.uk www.steelfencingcardiff.co.uk

Finance expert Peter Lewis has fulfilled a lifelong dream of starting his own business. Now the proud franchise owner of First Vehicle Finance in Cardiff and The Vale, Peter tells us more.

FIRST VEHICLE FINANCE to different leasing companies, we have connections to a large number of dealers and this is where we get a lot of our deals and what differentiates us from our competitors.

What areas do you cover (geographically speaking)?

My franchise area covers Cardiff and most of The Vale. However if you have friends and family outside this area, I can still help them if they come to me directly, or they can get in touch with Head Office.

Can you source a vehicle if I’m on a tight budget?

Absolutely. Part of the process is to ensure that you can afford the vehicle you would like. Just give us a call. We’re confident we can help in most cases.

What does First Vehicle Finance offer?

First Vehicle Finance are brokers for both personal and business vehicles (cars and vans) contract hire and leasing sector. We are able to ensure you get the best advice, the most suitable vehicle, and then we find you the best price. Of course, if you know what you want that’s great, but if not, we can put together some options.

We also look after fleets including commercial and agricultural.

Who is involved in the business?

At the moment it’s just me, but I am hoping my son will come and join me in the future.

Why did you set up the business?

I have worked in the Financial Services Industry for nearly forty years which has included branch banking, IT and Change Management in companies such as Barclays, Lloyds and AA Financial Services. It’s been a lifelong ambition to run a business of my own. I have a passion for great customer service and a real interest in researching and finding best value deals. This meant I was naturally drawn to vehicle finance.

What are the benefits of using you?

For both businesses and individuals, I have access to not only a number of vehicle leasing companies such as Lex and Arval but also to a huge range of dealers. This means I have the ability to hunt for a great value deal for my customers right across the country.

Traditionally buying a new car for personal use has meant going to a dealer, telling them what you want, either organising a loan with a bank or taking the dealers finance option of either Hire Purchase or Personal Contract Purchase (where there is a bubble or balloon payment at the end).

Options that have only been available to businesses in the past are now available to individuals.

Do you finance luxury or high end vehicles?

Most definitely, in fact contract hire makes luxury or high-end vehicles much more affordable for the average person. You’ll be quite amazed at what’s available. www.firstvehiclefinance.co.uk/ testimonials

This means that trying to find the right type of finance for your car is getting quite complicated – and there are a lot more opportunities than dealers will normally offer you. There’s a lot to consider and it’s my job to simplify the process and present the benefits and pitfalls of a particular deal.

What’s best? Electric, hybrid, petrol or diesel?

Great question, and one of the reasons people should consider contract hire or leasing. There’s no one answer as it depends on so many variables, but an area I have experience in and happy to explore with each customer.

What sets you apart from other companies?

My aim is to delight my customers and exceed their expectations. For me this isn’t about getting a deal as quick as I can, it’s making sure that the customer gets the right vehicle with the right finance deal for them and I take all the hassle out of it. As well as access 27

First Vehicle Finance Covering Cardiff and The Vale Of Glamorgan 029 2167 2960 Peter.Lewis@FirstVehicleFinance.co.uk www.firstvehiclefinance.co.uk

K WEST HOTEL & SPA K West Hotel & Spa underwent a dramatic interior redesign in November 2014, inspired by the cult West London hotel’s rich music heritage and history of musicians staying at the hotel.

Bedrooms A defining characteristic of all 219 guestrooms is the generous space, with the smallest being just under 300 sq ft. The rooms are designed to offer a soothing respite from the fast pace of London life, with luxurious oversized beds and a calming colour scheme. Modern flourishes including LCD flat screen TVs, sandblasted glass, and original artwork give the rooms a distinctive K West stamp.

The story of the K West building began in the 1950s when it became the home of the BBC Recording and Broadcasting Studios in Shepherd’s Bush. The building was the base of an eclectic mix of BBC services. From The World Service to David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix and Bob Marley, legendary sessions and broadcasts were captured within the walls of K West.

The hotel is West London’s Neighbourhood Hideaway. The cherished location is an authentic London residential neighbourhood, a stone’s throw from the vibrancy of Shepherd’s Bush, White City, and well connected to the heart of London.

Fashionable areas such as Notting Hill, Portobello Road and Kensington are also just a short walk away.

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At the upper end of the scale, the six spectacular K Suites offer the ultimate experience. Dramatic walls of glass divide the bedrooms from the lounge areas, which are fitted with Bose surround sound entertainment systems, a 42” plasma screen television and ultra-comfy sofas. Two-metre square beds and Aromatherapy Associates toiletries are also staples in the suites, and the bathrooms have been fitted with designer Philippe Starck doubleended baths and fixtures.

Eating and drinking On the ground floor by the entrance, Studio Bar has been given a moody, music-infused atmosphere come the evenings. Industrial style pendant lamps hang low over raised tables, and textured silver wallpaper by Dixon & Turner gives the bar a modern edge. The polished dark walnut-wood flooring brings warmth to the area, which is opened up with the use of floor-to-ceiling mirrored pillars and relaxed seating arrangements. Upcycled furniture is used to create high backed booth seating along the back wall, separated by silver and black voile curtains to create intimate VIP style corners. Chic black and white artwork depicting musicians hangs above each booth, with punchy contrasting accents of colour adding vibrancy. Even the drinks menu has been injected with some Rock ‘N’ Roll swagger, with six signature Bourbon Whiskey Cocktails available, plus the quirky K West special ‘Pickleback’ shot of Jack Daniels whiskey accompanied with a shot of pickle juice.

By day, Studio Bar is a light and airy space for creative media meetings over coffees and laptops. Plugs are fitted conveniently by seats; ensuring meetings never run out of charge, and a ‘Geek Hub’ laptop bar with complimentary iMacs for guests to use can be found tucked into a snug area around the corner from the bar.

On the mezzanine floor above the Bar, Studio Kitchen is an informal eatery with an urban New York vibe. Edgy city landscape sketches stretch along the walls, mirrored by a quirky wave of banquet seating hugging the back of the room. Sprinklings of filament light bulbs suspended on individual wires add an abstract, arty feel to the room.

The Library has been redesigned to complement the front of house bar, providing a relaxed, informal and creative atmosphere which can be completely sealed off from the buzz of the bar with black and silver drapes suspended between a giant wooden frame. Statement Andy Warhol style artwork depicting Amy Winehouse is displayed at one end of the room, a tribute to yet another music legend who loved the hotel.

Against the opposite wall, a large flatscreen TV sits in the centre of floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, which display an eye-catching collection of coffee table books. The Library will be a multifunctional space which will be used for screenings, events, popups and various other antics as well as providing a chill space for guests.

To Spa Awarded ‘Best Spa in London’ at the Good Spa Guide Awards 2015 and winner of a World Luxury Spa Award, K West’s holistic spa offers a range of exclusive treatments. K Spa introduced the first ‘Snow Paradise’ to London, which mimics the Finnish experience of alternating between freezing and steamy environments.

The spa also features a twinkling hydrotherapy pool, sanarium, sauna, dry flotation tank, aromatic herbal steam room and the fully equipped K Fit gymnasium.

Prices start from £109 per room per night, and the K Suites are from £540 per night including VAT. Spa packages are also available and include overnight accommodation and treatments.

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K West Hotel & Spa Richmond Way, London W14 0AX www.k-west.co.uk For reservations, please call 020 8008 6600

Struggling to find that ultimate gift for the man in your life? You may still be, even after reading this. But hey, we can dream.

Cool, red, retro child's car £60 This gorgeous little red racing car with No.1 emblazened on the side is an excellent example of the cool products you'll find at Cardiff Indoor Flea Market.

We do love this place. Great for a mooch on a saturday and the cafe does a brilliant bacon butty and a good cuppa.

Tag Heuer Monaco 24 Steve McQueen CAL5111 FC6299-2014 Call for price 029 2023 3691 Watches Of Wales www.watchesofwales.co.uk

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Dual Time 26120ST.OO.1220ST.02 £20,950 Circa 2010 This exceptionally well designed timepiece from the master watch makers at AP features a 39mm steel case, glareproofed sapphire crystal, screw-locked crown fixed bezel, blue dial, date function, set beautifully on a steel strap with deployment clasp.

This watch is in excellent condition.

Finance is available (subject to the usual terms, credit status etc.). Go on, it's got your name all over it. www.watchesofwales.co.uk

Open Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday we believe.

One of Cardiff's hidden gems. www.cardiffindoorfleamarket.com

MAN CAVE Candlewick Man Flu Available in silver or rose gold tins £12 to £18 Hand-blended soy waxes Essential oils and fragrance oils Paraben free Hand poured and yes, they’re made in Wales www.gaucicandles.co.uk

The Loake Burghley Bag RRP £240.00 The Burghley Bag is the perfect travel bag for an overnight stay. This strong and sturdy bag is handmade using the finest leathers and a must for a man on the go. www.thebroguetrader.com/product/loake-burghley-bag

Bodie Gilet RRP £89 Available online only at www.howies.co.uk

If you’d like to promote your products or services in our Man Cave section, please contact Mark on 07766 106731.

If you’re looking for more gift ideas for the man in your life, check out the Happy Days feature on pages 34 and 35.

Full Body Makeover £POA Spring is certainly the time to be thinking about a repair or respray of your classic or dream motor in time for summer.

Davies Motors has a reputation for excellence and you'll be in safe hands. Check out their feature on pages 24-25.

Pictured: 1976 Toyota Celica RA28 GT2000 www.daviesmotorcompany.com

Accoson Sphygmanometer Blood Pressure Monitor £25 Feeling stressed? Take your own blood pressure! This monitor comes with the original box and instructions (hours of fun with your mates!).

If you're looking for 'Man Cave' items, you're in the right place.

We advise to pop in regularly as stock changes. www.happydaysvintagehomestore.co.uk The publisher or the retailer cannot be held responsible for any error or omissions.

All offers are subject to availability and price changes.

Why head to Europe when there are so many amazing places to enjoy in the British Isles? City Life ventured north to York, staying at Middlethorpe Hall, a National Trust Hotel to explore England’s ‘Eternal City’.

MIDDLETHORPE HALL

Location, location…

Middlethorpe Hall is a striking red brick William and Mary country house hotel. Part of Historic House Hotels, the grand building stands in twenty aces of manicured gardens and parkland just outside of the historic city of York.

The history…

Once the home of the famous feminist and diarist Lady Mary Wortley-Montagu, Middlethorpe has been restored with carefully chosen antiques, artwork and open fireplaces. Its twenty-nine bedrooms are all individually furnished and offer stunning views of the grounds surrounding the hotel.

We stayed in….

A gorgeous suite which included a lounge, bedroom, dressing room and bathroom. An added, and most welcome touch was fresh flowers and chocolates.

What’s nearby…

York is one of Britain’s most historic cities and is still surrounded by its medieval city walls. Within York’s walls you’ll find some of the most splendid urban architecture in the British Isles, including York Minster, the Minster Treasurers House, Fairfax House, the medieval street of The Shambles, the Castle and its outstanding museum, plus a profusion of other fascinating buildings and museums. In addition, many come to York to see the National Railway Museum, which contains the world’s fastest steam locomotive and a splendid collection of royal railway carriages.

Rosettes and Restaurant of the Year.

You could try the tasting menu, and we certainly did.

What about the food?

Dinner is served in the classically panelled dining room overlooking the magnificent gardens. The cuisine is British with both traditional and contemporary touches for which the hotel has been awarded two AA

Or you could try the more traditional three-course a la carte dinner menu.

No less impressive; dishes include roast diver-caught scallops with brawn ballotine, butter-roasted East-coast lobster with sea vegetables and confit filet of wild sea trout with Whitby crab.

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The head chef is Ashley Binder. Ashley joined Middlethorpe Hall back in 2008 as Chef de Partie before working his way up to Sous Chef. Ashley is an experienced local who has previously worked with Tom Van Zeller in Harrogate. But it is at Middlethorpe Hall's sixty cover restaurant that Ashley has excelled being part of the awardwinning team who won the Restaurant of the Year award both in 2015 and 2013 at the Visit York Awards.

Puddings are something to save room for, with such delights as new season Yorkshire rhubarb and hot blood orange shuffle. Please note, the menus change with each season.

How do they keep you entertained?

An essential part of a visit to Middlethorpe Hall is the Spa. We worked out in the gym, swam in the warm clear water of pool, relaxed in the steam room, sauna and the bubbling waters of the whirlpool bath.

We indulged in a full facial which lasted fifty-five minutes and was pure bliss, but you could choose one of their wide range of beauty treatments using Decléor, Neom Organics, Shellac and Jessica products.

To sum up…

Having thoroughly enjoyed our weekend stay in such beautiful surroundings, we could easily understand how Middlethorpe Hall is so popular as a wedding venue. Thankfully we’ve got that box already ticked!

Middlethorpe Hall Hotel Restaurant and Spa Bishopthorpe Road, York YO23 2GB 01904 641241 info@middlethorpe.com www.middlethorpe.com

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Mid-century Kardomah 1 1/2 pint coffee pot £14 Mid-century lemon coffee set £19

Recycling is on everyone’s minds these days. And quite rightly so. There’s never been a more important time to live sustainably. For one Cowbridge emporium this philosophy is no stranger. Indeed, it’s at its very heart.

RECLAIM, RECYCLE & REUSE WITH HAPPY DAYS VINTAGE Just off Cowbridge’s High Street, nestled right next to the beautiful church is the Vale of Glamorgan’s icon to recycling. Happy Days Vintage Homestore is a pretty inspiring place.

An artisan market with over thirty individual sellers - an Aladdin’s Cave if you will. It is one of the biggest and best stores in Cowbridge and simply oozes vintage and retro charm.

Packed to the rafters with restored vintage furniture, antiques and garden ware, Happy Days Vintage Homestore is home to a wonderful group of diverse, local small businesses, including a talented upholsterer, local artists and jewellery makers. There’s even a stall that recycles old car parts and homeware into seriously cool lamps and décor for the home.

Not only is it a must visit if you love all things vintage but it’s packed with cool collectables. Honestly, this great little warehouse of wonder has pretty much anything you need to deliver a gift that’ll bring joy to the ones you love. But more than this, it lives and breathes sustainability. Everything about Happy Days embodies the idea that just about everything someone doesn’t want, someone else will.

In addition to the stock from local businesses they also stock ceramics, collectable toys, vintage cameras, books, magazines, comics, artwork, posters, vinyl records, ladies’ fashion, Harris tweed jackets, waistcoats and flat caps. There are Welsh dressers and plenty of Welsh themed products and a plethora of great upcycled and recycled ideas that would furnish any home.

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Another great reason to visit Happy Days (the icing on the cake so-tospeak) is the cafe. The ladies are really friendly and welcoming. I do like their cooked breakfasts and egg on toast.

Occasionally I’ll have lunch and their soup is also excellent. Honestly ladies, you’ll love this place and gents too, you’re missing a trick – it’s full of Man Cave essentials.

Working rotary telephones £40 each

“Excellent retro clothing.

Changes all the time.

I bought a beautiful leather mini-skirt and wrap dress!”

Vintage egg basket £25 Vintage egg cups £3 each

Mid-century "coffee" themed coffee table £125 Upcycled mid-century furniture by "Family Lavisse"

“We enjoy browsing followed by a nice cup of tea and a slice of cake and my husband loves their bacon and egg sandwiches.”

Locally crafted steampunk bookends £55

Vintage Kodak Retinette 35mm camera £20

In the spirit of recycling, Happy Days also buys items. So, if you have any old bits and bobs that you are thinking of parting with, give them a call.

Who knows, you may get a few pounds back in your pocket, and know you are doing your bit for the planet. Happy days.

Happy Days Vintage Homestore Church Street, Cowbridge CF71 7BB 01446 771191 www.happydaysvintagehomestore.co.uk Original vinyl LP's from £8 Professionally reupholstered Louis XV style chair £95

Deichmann Pink and Grey Chunky Trainer £24.99 www.deichmann.com

Favourite T HINGS...

MY

ION8 Leakproof Steel Vacuum Flask (500ml) £19.99 www.leakproof.co.uk

Here’s a roundup of some of the lovely things that have caught our eye this spring...

Fresher Jumper - RRP £59 Available online only at www.howies.co.uk

The ZeroWater 12 Cup Ready Pour £39.99 from www.zerowater.co.uk

The My Tasty Cookbook, £19.99 (Paperback) £21.99 (Hardback) www.MyTastyCookbook.com

Lavender & Coriander 30ml Cologne RRP £50.00 For stockist information, please visit www.jomalone.co.uk

Deichmann Pink Croc Cross Body Bag with Chain, £14.99 www.deichmann.com

Product reference code: LB08300/01/D £189 www.rotarywatches.com

Leotards various styles and prices, Frangoulis, Penarth

Sand cast rings in 9ct & 18ct gold with diamonds by Justin Duance www.annemorganjewellery.com

As self-confessed foodies, we love travelling and enjoy finding great hotels that have a reputation for excellent cuisine. We’ve stayed at Orestone Manor in south Devon before and after hearing it had won more awards recently, we thought it was time to pay another visit.

“Orestone is fresh from being crowned The Best Hotel Restaurant at the prestigious Food Drink Devon Awards.”

RETURN TO ORESTONE

MANOR

The awards are stacking up for the fourteen bed Orestone Manor which has stunning views from its terrace overlooking Maidencombe in Torquay. A real hidden gem, this family-run boutique hotel by the sea has been voted the ‘Best Hotel Restaurant in Devon’. In the 2019 Food & Drink Devon Awards the judges said, “the D’Allen family's passion shines through everything”, and last year, for the fourth in a row, Orestone Manor walked away with the 2019 gold restaurant win in ‘Taste of the West Food and Drink Awards’. No surprise to us.

This magnificent Georgian manor house hotel, and award-winning hidden gem, is run by husband and wife chefs, Neil and Catherine D’Allen, son Craig and his wife Laura. It is nestled above the pretty South Devon coastal village of Maidencombe, just off the coast road between Teignmouth and Torquay.

With spectacular sea views over Lyme Bay and beyond, this luxury hotel has an incredible history that fascinates and enthrals its guests and diners.

2019 was a significant year for the UK’s greatest engineer, coming 160 years since Kingdom Brunel lived.

The Maidencombe area has its own micro-climate and the hotel is surrounded by palm trees and lush gardens in this secret spot on the English Riviera. Family-run, this luxurious country house hotel, is set in landscaped gardens overlooking Lyme bay in south Devon, and offers sumptuous accommodation and is renowned for its award-winning fine dining.

Orestone Manor was the scene of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s National Portrait Gallery painting, created by his brother-in-law, Sir John Calcott Horsley on the Orestone Manor lawn. In the 1850’s, Orestone played host to many Brunel/ Horsley family gatherings that took place at the venue, candlelit dinners, music in the parlour, children’s games and, perhaps, croquet on the lawn.

Nowadays under 20 are in existence, one is in the V&A, another is owned by the Royal Mail. The cards fetch £20,000 plus at auction.

38

Interestingly the youngest living descendant of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, 11-year-old Zebedee Noble, visited Orestone Manor with his parents to retrace his family roots and open the Brunel Lounge.

Orestone Manor was also the birthplace of the Christmas Card, with Sir Horsley designing the card in 1843.

The fascinating connection with the past continues with neighbours being equally famous, Rudyard Kipling, during Sir Horsley’s tenure, lived in the property nearest.

Excellent location This wonderful Devon location has the absolute best from land and sea and the award-winning, highly skilled Orestone kitchen team excel at preparing mouth-watering dishes that tantalisingly linger in guests’ minds long after they have visited.

This delightful country-house hotel also offers a less formal experience in their conservatory restaurant or out on the sunny terrace, offering entrancing alfresco dining.

Fabulous food The recognition and praise for Orestone Manor is effusive - this country house hotel has won accolades from Condé Nast Johansens, double AA Rosettes for fine dining, as well as continual gold-wins in the renowned Taste of the West awards (the 2019 win now takes pride of place), and is also a constant winner of TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence, listed in their Hall of Fame.

Orestone Manor’s passion for food is everything you’d expect in a hotel owned by husband and wife chefs. With an emphasis on modern European food, they source the finest fresh ingredients and are spoilt for choice from the abundance this idyllic part of South Devon provides.

The incredible local farming offers the very best from meats such as South Devon beef, Exmoor lamb, local estate wild game, an array of vegetables that accompany dishes and Orestone prides itself in offering a delectable separate vegetarian menu, to world famous sea food; Brixham Crab, hand-dived Torbay scallops and lobsters, Teign River Mussels and all the dayboat fish guests could want from the watery larder that sits on the doorstep.

Beautiful bedrooms Each of Orestone Manor’s fourteen bedrooms are unique in character and ambience, varying in size, shape and style to suit all tastes.

On this occasion, we stayed in the Horsley Suite. The rooms benefit from complimentary fluffy robes and slippers, Sky TV (including Sky Sports), telephone, en-suite bathrooms and hospitality trays. All apart from two classic rooms have stunning sea views.

The delightful rooms match the food in excellence and three have simmering private hot-tubs, a delight for autumn evenings while sipping bubbly and resting-up.

Meanwhile the swanky Brunel Bar & Lounge is an excellent place to enjoy a tipple, top tip: try the champagne cocktail of the week and as you do, cast your eye over the Bar & Lounge addition to see if the custom features modelled on Brunel’s famous Royal Albert Bridge, an impeccable landmark bridging Devon and Cornwall measure up to the renowned engineer’s exacting standards.

The vibe The hotel’s aim is to serve guests as they would wish to be served.

Relaxation and enjoyment, not rules and regulations, are the order of the day, so if guests want the full a-la-carte menu, but would rather sit outside in the evening sun, that’s absolutely fine.

Whether it is a holiday for a week, a mouth-watering meal to sample the award-winning food or simply to visit for tea and home-made scones on the terrace or on one of the many cosy sofas, every visitor simply melts into the Orestone experience.

Both A-la-Carte and Table d’hôte menus are available for lunch or dinner, with an all-day lounge menu. In the afternoons, Devon Clotted Cream is centre stage for their famous afternoon teas.

Orestone Manor Rock House Lane Maidencombe Devon TQ1 4SX 01803 897 511 info@orestonemanor.com

The hotel boasts an extensive wine list, with a wide range of superb wines to complement the delicious food.

Reassuringly, the rest of the bar stock is sourced and selected with the same passion and flair as the wines.

www.orestonemanor.com

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Cariad Café Bar has already gained an enviable reputation as being the go-to venue not only for the residents of Barry but further afield. Ken and Khlodia recently took over ownership and would like to welcome customers to sample their offering. We met Ken to find out more.

CARIAD CAFÉ BAR MADE WITH LOVE What are your backgrounds?

As a teenager, I worked at Little Chef and worked my way up the chain. When I moved to Malaysia, I opened a chippy restaurant and gained much experience in the industry there.

My core business is in the oil and gas consultancy and have been in this industry since I was 25. I’ve built successful companies in Asia while Khlodia’s family are in the manufacturing sector and own a bank back in her country.

Khlodia, managed two elite clubs in the Philippines so what she doesn’t know about customer service is not worth knowing.

Why did you choose to take over Cariad?

We love food! We love to cook and of course eat. We both have a big passion for discovering food and cooking. Khlodia comes from two heritages that are known for their food. She’s half Spanish and

half Chinese and both those countries are known for the flavours of their food.

She grew up learning how to cook from her grandparents, from both sides, and her dad also cooks amazing food. She has gathered all of these recipes and is excited to bring them to Cariad.

It was always our dream to own a restaurant, and when we heard that Cariad was for sale, once we saw it, we absolutely fell in love with it. We knew we had to just grab the opportunity and make our dreams become reality.

How long has Cariad Café Bar been open?

Cariad Café Bar had been open for years already and already had an excellent reputation, so it was a no-brainer for us to take it on.

What do you offer your customers?

We plan to keep some of Cariad’s old menu because “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. Cariad’s famous “cook your own steak” 40

will always be on the menu. There will be tapas and Khlodia’s special ribs/pork belly which has been with her family for generations. Her deep-fried chicken wings are out of this world. They are nothing like the normal typical wings but something not many people will have ever tasted before. We also have a vegan/ vegetarian and pescatarian menu.

Customers can also pop in for tea/ coffee and cake. We also welcome well behaved pooches.

What about food intolerances?

We are new to this and we still have to learn along the way. For now, we are focusing on our vegan/vegetarian and pescatarian menu. Going forward, we will be introducing gluten-free, soy based and dairy-free options.

What is the ethos of your chef?

Our chef Kim has always had a passion

towards food since she was a child and always helped her mum at home. She started training to become a chef at 16 in a local country pub and gained a wide knowledge and uses that to develop her skill to further her career in many sectors of the industry. At the end of the day, good food is her passion, and making sure people enjoy the food she makes, makes her very happy.

Do you have special nights?

We support local talent by giving them paid gigs, and we plan to have someone performing every fortnight.

These are very popular with our customers as they add something special to the occasion.

What has been the feedback so far from customers?

Since opening on March 1st, the feedback for our Sunday roast was amazing. Customers are raving about our lamb shank braised in Malbec for 24hrs. We are delighted and grateful for the fantastic support from everyone.

What do you think makes Cariad Café Bar stand out from the crowd?

We believe that it’s that we treat our customers as if they are part of our family.

We are in an amazing location in the west end of Barry. The Knap is a very attractive part of the town and we are lucky that we are situated across the road from a lovely park which overlooks the bay.

What are your opening hours and what will you be serving at those times?

Wednesday until Saturday 10:30am to 11pm and Sunday 10:30am to 5pm.

CARIAD

What Customers say...

A lovely cafe. We had a fabulous Sunday lunch today which was delish. Lovely friendly staff. You are doing a great job. We will be back and highly recommend the Sunday lunch. Compliments to the chef.

Roma Uzzell Really enjoyed the tapas and cook your own steak. My steak was prime quality and tasty, the tapas were to die for. Atmosphere, service was very good, and I loved the ukulele artist.

Definitely recommend this place.

Matthew Biggs 41

Cariad Café Bar 1 The Parade , Barry CF62 6SD 01446 737276 For bookings please call: 07934 240161 www.cariadcafebar.com

SOCIAL LIFE CARDIFF

Pencoed House Estate Gives Back

Pencoed House Estate welcomed 100 VIP couples to its awardwinning venue for an evening reception with a difference. The venue took the opportunity to say thank you in a totally unique way to the lucky couples who married there in 2019.

Each of the invited guests had the opportunity to win the cost of their wedding back that evening. Welsh Rugby Union and Lions stars Josh Navidi and Gareth Anscombe were there as VIP guests, as well as Emily Murphy, attending as the representative of the chosen charity for the evening, Velindre Hospital.

The evening started with canapes from Duncan Gray at Cresta Caterers but also in attendance were Spiro Borg from Spiros Fine Dining Caterers and Emma Jenkins from E J Catering, Dorian The Magician, with Audiojaxx providing acoustic entertainment.

With a heart-warming and humorous introduction, Jamie Williams chatted to Emily before she spoke about the charity and what it means to Cancer patients in south Wales. He then hosted a Q&A with the Welsh internationals.

Between them Gareth Anscombe and Josh Navidi, picked the winning invite from the multiple envelopes.

Pictured above are the lucky couple Mr & Mrs Evans.

Photos: Simon Gough Photography www.pencoedhouseestate.co.uk 42

CYNTAF YN Y DU

am Ffasiwn a Thecstilau (Tabl Cynghrair y Guardian 2020)

Chwiliwch am

Patrwm Arwyneb a Thecstilau yn www.uwtsd.ac.uk a gwnewch gais nawr!

FIRST IN THE UK

for Fashion & Textiles (Guardian League Table 2020)

Search

Surface Pattern & Textiles at www.uwtsd.ac.uk and apply now!

Neu ewch i galon y cyffro: Or get straight to the action: @surfacepatterndesignswansea

Es K O ge

ka P c S g Pa E B din ed W

Everyone has been to a wedding; but not everyone has been to a tailor made Pencoed House Estate wedding.

Offering an idyllic and serene setting in the heart of the South Wales countryside, Pencoed House Estate provides the perfect fairytale wedding venue for the most important occasion of your lives. Yours exclusively for the day, the Estate and its 36 acres of peaceful yet captivating grounds afford wonderful photographic opportunities to capture every memorable moment.

It’s your day – and every couple wishes for a unique and memorable experience that they and their families treasure forever.

- 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