Cardiff Life - Issue 169

Food/Arts/Entertainment/Shopping/Property ISSUE 169 / SUMMER SPECIAL 2017 / £3

CELEBRATING THE BEST IN THE CITY, PENARTH & THE VALE

ISSUE 169 / SUMMER SPECIAL / PENARTH / ARTS PREVIEW / INTERIORS / YELLOW GIFTS / NEW BUILDS

POSITIVELY

PENARTH YOUR GUIDE TO THE BOOMING COASTAL TOWN

MELLOW YELLOW

SUNSHINE-COLOURED GIFTS

INSPIRED IDEAS FOR YOUR HOME BUMPER SUMMER ARTS PREVIEW

NEW BUILDS

WHAT’S SPRINGING UP AROUND CARDIFF

editor’s letter / Issue 169 / SUMMER SPECIAL 2017

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FOR WATER IT’S WORTH...

Yep, we’re back in Penarth

Summer lovin’ This issue, we’re unashamedly heading back to the Vale of Glamorgan for a fresh look at Penarth. The recent recipient of three Food Awards Wales honours (Chef of the Year, plus Restaurant and Café of the Year for the South East), this small Victorian town overlooking the Bristol Channel certainly punches above its weight, gastronomically speaking. Its parks, Esplanade and rugged coastline also provide ample opportunities for sunbathing, strolling or rambling, all accompanied by splendid views out to a (hopefully) sun-kissed sea.

Although the weather has been typically intemperate, we’re still embracing the seasonal ambience with a range of summerwear, ten top tips to get a beach-ready body, plus a hand-picked selection of yellow-themed products to evoke that feelgood summer vibe.

And if rain still forces you indoors, you’ll find plenty in the issue to keep you entertained, with film and car reviews, a Q&A with Anand George, chef/proprietor of Cardiff’s award-winning Indian restaurant, Purple Poppadom, and lots more besides. Enjoy!

Hwyl yr haf Yn y rhifyn hwn, rydym yn dychwelyd i Fro Morgannwg er mwyn ymweld unwaith eto â Phenarth – ond am reswm da. Mae’r dref Fictoraidd fach hon sy’n edrych allan ar Fôr Hafren wedi ennill tair anrhydedd yn ddiweddar gan Wobrau Bwyd Cymru (sef Cogydd y Flwyddyn a Bwyty a Chaffi’r Flwyddyn ar gyfer y De-ddwyrain), ac ym maes gastronomeg mae’r dref yn sicr yn llwyddo i gystadlu â mannau sy’n fwy o lawer na hi. Yn ogystal mae ei pharciau, ei phromenâd a’i harfordir garw’n cynnig digon o gyfleoedd i dorheulo, mynd am dro bach neu fynd i gerdded, gan fwynhau golygfeydd godidog dros fôr sy’n disgleirio (gobeithio) yn yr haul.

Er bod y tywydd wedi bod yn annhymhorol, yn ôl yr arfer, rydym yn parhau i adlewyrchu naws y tymor drwy roi sylw i amrywiaeth o ddillad haf; cynnig deg cyngor ynghylch paratoi eich corff ar gyfer y traeth; a chynnwys detholiad o gynnyrch melyn i wneud i chi deimlo bod yr haf wedi cyrraedd.

Ac os bydd y glaw yn dal i’ch gorfodi i aros dan do, mae digon i’ch difyrru yn y rhifyn hwn – o adolygiadau o geir a ffilmiau i sesiwn holi ac ateb yng nghwmni’r cogydd sy’n berchen ar fwyty Indiaidd arobryn Caerdydd, Purple Poppadom, ymhlith llawer o bethau eraill. Mwynhewch!

Velimir Ilic Editor vel.ilic@mediaclash.co.uk Follow us on Twitter: @CardiffLifeMag

35

CELEBRATING

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FEATURES / ISSUE 169 / SUMMER SPECIAL 2017

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INTERIORS

122

Cardiff Lives

We have the latest, highly covetable interiors goodies for your home – you’ll want to make a bit of space...

Purple Poppadom’s Anand George is in the hot seat

MICROSUCTION EAR WAX CLINIC & INDEPENDENT FAMILY RUN HEARING CENTRE THE HIGHEST LEVELS OF SERVICE AND AFTERCARE.

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CONTENTS / ISSUE 169 / SUMMER SPECIAL 2017 M EET T H E T EAM

MAIN FEATURES 20 Interiors

Editor Velimir Ilic vel.ilic@mediaclash.co.uk

Super-modern kitchen accessories, cool cushions, a Shaker-style table, and more

Managing editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash.co.uk Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Graphic design Megan Allison Cover design Trevor Gilham Contributors: Andrea Byrne, Hugo Ball, Matt Bielby, Ellie Child, Lisa Evans, Jamie Rees, Claire Vaughan, Rhys Williams, Steve Jarratt Advertising manager Mark George mark.george@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy advertising manager Claire Hawkins claire.hawkins@mediaclash.co.uk Account manager Ian Fernando ian.fernando@mediaclash.co.uk Commercial director Steve Hawkins steve.hawkins@mediaclash.co.uk

28 Penarth The Vale’s charming seaside town – the ideal summer antidote to Cardiff’s hustle and bustle

THE ARTS 40 What’s On A selection of entertainment – June and July, sorted

44 Arts Preview Curtain up on Cardiff’s upcoming cultural highlights

51 Film Preview A season of documentary films at Chapter that’s not to be missed

LIFEST YLE 58 Travel Lisa Evans heads to St Ives, Cornwall’s picture-perfect retreat

Production and distribution manager Sarah Kingston sarah.kingston@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy production manager and production designer Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@mediaclash.co.uk

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Chief executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk

FOOD

PROPERT Y

68 Motoring

85 Food News

108 New Builds

Matt Bielby puts Volvo’s stylish new V90 through its paces

Marco Pierre White is coming...

Our pick of the latest luxury new properties on the market

SHOPPING 72 Fashion Summer’s here! You’ll be needing brights and beachwear...

75 Health & Beauty Ten quick tips to get your body beach-ready

OPINION

116 Property Showcase

15 A Man’s World Rhys Williams reflects on a fantastic Champions League final

65 Girl About Town Andrea Byrne’s got green fingers

BUSINESS

An elegant, spacious family home (with pool and outbuildings, natch)

DEPARTMENTS 8 Spotlight Bale is back, Glee for free, and other good news stories

76 Editor’s choice

101 Business Insider

95 Snapped!

Hello, sunshine! There’s a theme developing here...

Adventure Rooms, biz wisdom from Andrea Callanan, and a new loyalty app for Cardiff’s shoppers

More party adventures – were you caught on camera this month?

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116

Cardiff Life, MediaClash, Circus Mews House, Circus Mews, Bath BA1 2PW; 01225 475800, mediaclash.co.uk, @The MediaClash © All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without written permission of MediaClash.

About MediaClash We’re a Bath-based publisher, creative agency and event organiser Magazines Our portfolio of regional magazines celebrate the best of local living: Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter and Salisbury. We also publish foodie mag Crumbs. (crumbsmag.com, @ CrumbsMag) and wedding title Vow (@VowMag).

Agency From the design and build of websites to digital marketing and creating company magazines, we can help.

Events We create, market, promote and operate a wide variety of events both for MediaClash and our clients Contact: info@mediaclash.co.uk

On the cover Penarth Pier, looking resplendent in the evening sun

C A R D I F F: I T S L I F E A N D T I M E S

PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION

Bale swaps his number 11 shirt for for some spikes and casual clobber

HURNED IT Following a generous gift from the man himself, National Museum Wales now has larger holdings of Magnum photographer David Hurn’s work than any other institution

BALE IS BACK The local legend will exchange goalposts for flagsticks in aid of cancer prevention The 2017 Celebrity Cup golf tournament is due to take place on 1-2 July at the stunning Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, which won UK’s Best Hotel at the Meetings & Incentive Travel Awards in March – for the sixth time in the last seven years.

Attendees, indeed all of Cardiff, will be thrilled to learn that footballer Gareth Bale – fresh from spurring on Real Madrid to win the Champions League final on 3 June – has joined the line up.

The reason? Not only is Bale a local legend, but his debut at the Celebrity Cup in 2015 coincided with Wales’ first victory, which Bale has described as “the icing on the cake of a brilliant weekend”.

For the Celebrity Cup, teams representing Wales, England, Scotland and Ireland are comprised of male and female sports and showbiz personalities.

Bale’s new teammates consist of fellow soccer great Craig Bellamy, rugby legends Sir Gareth Edwards and Jonathan Davies, and TV presenter Gethin Jones. The Welsh team will be captained, as ever, by comedy 8 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

favourite Rob Brydon.

The four teams, pursued by thousands of golf fans and celeb spotters, descend on Celtic Manor’s 18-hole golf course for two days filled with equal parts golf and selfies. The focus is on having a good time for a good cause, and the combination of spectator sport with showbiz glamour has proved a recipe for success since the tournament’s inception in 2013. Last year’s Gala Dinner (‘An Evening With The Stars’) raised tens of thousands of pounds for the Caron Keating and Keith Duffy charities.

This year, Bale’s participation will be in aid of the Marie Keating Foundation, a breast cancer awareness charity founded by Boyzone’s Ronan Keating in memory of his mother. Like Bale, Keating is a returning participant in the tournament this year, having previously been on the Ireland team in 2014 and 2015, so spectators can expect some friendly competition on that score.

For the full line up and to book tickets, visit celtic-manor.com

For more: museum.wales Retired Gentleman at the M.G. Car Owner’s Ball – 1967

IMAGE © DAVID HURN/MAGNUM PHOTOS

CELEBRITY GOLF

The museum’s collection comprises 1,500 of Hurn’s own photographs, most of which depict the photographer’s home country: Wales. Hurn also gifted 700 photographs from his private collection – cultivated by ‘swapping’ photographs with his Magnum colleagues and other photographers – a selection of which will be displayed for the first time at National Museum Cardiff from 30 September.

The exhibition Swaps: Photographs from the David Hurn Collection of Photography will launch a new gallery within the museum dedicated exclusively to photography.

Hurn has emphasised his personal connection with the Cardiff museum: “My earliest memories are visiting the museum when I must have been four or five. I remember the naughty statue – Rodin’s The Kiss – and cases full of stuff that people had donated. Now I have the chance to repay, something of mine will be there forever. I feel very privileged.”

C A R D I F F: I T S L I F E A N D T I M E S

Comedian Rob Rouse

FILM FESTIVAL

CARDIFF CANNES? Cardiff Animation Nights (CAN) will premiere a dedicated animation festival in the city next year Cardiff Animation Festival will take place on 20-22 April 2018. The festival is a response to growing audiences at the bi-monthly CAN events, which recently shifted from the 10 Feet Tall venue to Kongs to accommodate larger numbers.

If you can’t wait until 2018, never fear – CAN has devised two special events for Chapter Arts Centre, to give audiences a taste of what will be on offer at the festival.

The first, a celebration of the work of German director Lotte Reiniger, will take place on 24 June. Reiniger pioneered silhouette animation by constructing intricate figures from card and wire, which she animated by hand. The event will include a screening of Reiniger’s The Adventures of Prince Ahmed, one of the oldest animated feature films, with a new live score by musician Chris Davies.

The second event pays homage to animated anthologies and the importance of collaboration in the animation profession. The event is hosted by Late Night Work Club, an independent animation collective, and is scheduled for 22 July.

For tickets: chapter.org; 029 2030 4400

COMEDY

GLEE FOR FREE Comedy club The Glee is handing out 1,000 tickets absolutely free of charge Every Monday at 10am until 10 July, the venue is announcing giveaway locations – local cafés, supermarkets and high street stores – on its website and Twitter. The quickest punters to arrive at the destination will be rewarded with free tickets for an upcoming event.

Marketing director Tom Hunt says that The Glee’s involvement with local businesses aims to “remind people of all the great places on their doorstep”, as well as giving people a chance to see some of

the biggest names in comedy ahead of the iconic Edinburgh Festival in August.

The giveaway was a big hit last year, and this year sees some fantastic events lined up at The Glee. Highlights include BBC New Comedy Award 2014 winner Lost Voice Guy, who will be trying out material in preparation for his new Radio 4 series, and Rob Rouse, who recently starred as Bottom in Ben Elton’s Shakespearean comedy series Upstart Crow.

Stay in the loop: glee.co.uk; #BigGleeGiveaway

MICROBLADING for BROWS Microblading is a form of advanced cosmetic tattooing that replicates the appearance of actual hair growth using natural pigments blended to a bespoke colour to suit you. Effects last up to 18months and pricing starts at £199 with Amy. Come and see us at our beautiful studio at 6 Royal Buildings, Penarth 029 2236 2135 | hello @abrushwithbeauty.co.uk fb: abwbpenarth insta: abwbuk

This procedure can be carried out on ladies of all ages and skin types whether it is to simply add subtle definition or reconstruct a completely new brow design where there is zero natural hair growth.

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A MAN’S WORLD

RHYS WILLIAMS

A SHOW OF CLASS Rhys congratulates Cardiff and the Principality Stadium for hosting a great event

I

’ve previously written about how well Cardiff and Wales host major events.

Whether we look back to the 1999 Rugby World Cup, the 2010 Ryder Cup, the 2005 Ashes or the FA Cup finals, Cardiff always seems to deliver.

But nothing comes close to the Champions League final, and the sheer scale of it. Cardiff, take a bow. It’s the biggest sporting event in 2017 and was the crowning moment for Cardiff as a capital of sport.

I was one of the fortunate few who was able to attend the game. With a heavily pregnant wife, it was a bit of a risk, but my phone was kept close and, fortunately, my expectant baby was being courteous and allowed his or her father to attend the biggest sporting occasion, and tick one off the bucket list.

The whole event was a success, and even the weather seemed kind to our warmer climate guests from Madrid and Turin. On the following Monday, it was as though our dark secret had been finally revealed as the weather turned and the heavens opened – but they will never know!

Cardiff is a very welcoming city, and although we might have heard and read about the number of hotel beds available, the travel infrastructure etc, there’s no doubt that we put on a show.

It’s also important to credit all the services, including the police and security, that worked tirelessly around the clock to ensure that everything was implemented with the highest level of safety.

I, for one, was impressed by the level of police presence, and felt totally at ease in walking into the city centre. We are all aware of the events recently in Manchester and London, and without a doubt we have all thought that the same could happen on our own doorstep.

I’VE NEVER WITNESSED SUCH A LOUD, PASSIONATE, ATMOSPHERE There were a few weeks of disruptions at the Cardiff Blues, but we could visibly see the level of due diligence that went into the event.

No corners were cut and the highest standards were required to deliver the event.

From early Saturday morning, there was a great atmosphere already gathering, and people were out in their colours, supporters arriving in the city and people enjoying the sunshine.

Later that morning, I took Megan for a scoot around Pontcanna Fields and to the park. What

I then saw epitomises why I’m so proud of this city and the way we host visitors.

There were a group of young locals, probably 13 or 14 years old gathering for a knockabout on the fields. I watched how some, what looked like Juventus supporters, joined in with the kids and an impromptu football game ensued.

They must’ve been playing for at least half an hour and it was great to see the local kids getting stuck in with the adult travelling supporters. It was all played in the right spirit, and I’m sure both sets enjoyed the experience.

I did have a chuckle when I looked up and saw this young Cardiff kid, slide tackle one of the supporters from behind and take him clean out. The Juve supporter’s mates all cracked up and everyone patted the young kid’s back!

We all saw what happened at the main event.

World class players demonstrated exactly why they are world class, and as a stadium the Principality proved itself as world class, too. It’s an amazing rugby arena but on this occasion it was a mecca for football.

I’ve never witnessed such a loud, passionate, colourful atmosphere and it was an occasion I will never forget. Hala Cardiff!

Rhys Williams is an ex-Wales and Cardiff Blues rugby star, now commercial director at the club.

For more, see cardiffblues.com

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Modern Masterpieces Local Welsh kitchen manufacturer SIGMA 3 has launched two new spectacular ranges to add to their already impressive collection.

Here, SIGMA 3 Managing Director Gerald Jones discusses new trends in the kitchen and the vision behind the new ranges...

A

t Sigma 3, we are always striving to be at the forefront of style and innovation. We passionately believe that the kitchen is the heart of the home and where the internal décor starts, so we want to create designs that will inspire and cater for individual tastes.

The latest trend in the home is mixing and matching textures, which is why this year we introduced Deco and Madoc. Our new ranges give customers the ability to replicate natural finishes such as concrete, driftwood and timber to their dream kitchen. We want to give our customers high-end quality and style without the high-end price tag, and I believe these ranges give you just that.

“we want to create designs that will inspire” Over the years we have seen our customers opting for the minimalistic look in the kitchen. We’ve developed these ranges to give our customers freedom to choose industrial textures that will compliment any home whilst still maintaining that homely feel.

The combinations are endless but what is constant is the potential for individual design and the creation of spectacular spaces that cater for today’s modern living environments.

Madoc Border Oak with Sutton Dust Grey Madoc in Border Oak works perfectly with the grey tones of our Sutton range. The silky smooth finish of Sutton and the textured finish of Madoc create a room filled with sophistication and style.

Deco Tundra Stone with Lumina White

Deco’s lifelike structures are bold, epitomising modern class and style.

Match this range with a high gloss or a silky smooth finish and there is no doubt your kitchen will have the wow factor.

Madoc Chalkwood and Manhattan

To start your kitchen journey, pop in to one of our Cardiff showrooms or book a design visit at sigma3.co.uk

Our new ranges look fantastic mixed with each other. Madoc Chalkwood mixed with Manhattan will transform your kitchen into a light and airy living space filled with rustic undertones.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 19

INTERIORS

HOME GOALS From super-modern kitchen accessories to traditionally-styled furniture, here’s a sample of the hottest new interior design products available locally

Elica Dolce Copper This wonderfully curvaceous wall-mounted extractor features LED strip lights, illuminated capacitive controls and a price tag of £741.

From classicand modernkitchens.co.uk

Alchemy kitchen This contemporary kitchen mixes standard and handmade elements for true individuality.

Priced around £15K. From chalkhouseinteriors.co.uk

Patternistas for Panaz Patternistas’ collaboration with Panaz has resulted in three new designs, showcased here on the Robin Day 658 chair, designed for the Festival of Britain in 1951.

From patternistas.co.uk 20 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

INTERIORS Hero chairs and sofas Ifsofas’ Hero modular range of chairs and sofas are hugely stylish, with corner units and chaises to create bespoke layouts. Prices from £1,015 to £3,320.

From ifsofas.com

Malvern table and Wardley chairs Inspired by Shaker styling, this combo is ideal for a kitchen or dining room. Units are available in oak with a clear Isoguard finish, or painted poplar hardwood. Chairs start at £300, tables at £1,000.

From topstak.co.uk

Jessica Zoob cushions Artist Jessica Zoob has collaborated with furnishing brand Romo to produce these stunning, 100% linen feather-filled cushions. Priced at £63-£100 each.

From haus-cardiff.co.uk

Broadleaf bleached oak flooring One of the ten new oak floorings in the Essentials collection. Contact the Cowbridge showroom and quote CL617 for a discount until 31st July 2017.

From broadleaftimber.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 21

WINNER

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‘IT’S YOUR DECISION BUT OUR REPUTATION’

www.thepenarthmotorco.co.uk Windsor Road, Penarth, CF64 1JG | 029 2070 7090

OUT OF TOWN

PERFECT PENARTH

Should you ever tire of the hustle and bustle of Cardiff, a quick jaunt across the water and you’ll be in Penarth, a wealthy and picturesque seaside town with a charm all of its own…

By ST E V E JA R R AT T

28 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

OUT OF TOWN

PENARTH IS THE PERFECT RETREAT FOR CARDIFF COMMUTERS, LOOKING TO LEAVE THE CLAMOUR OF THE BIG CITY BEHIND FOR QUIET WEEKENDS ON THE COAST

W

ith its leafy lanes, attractive Victorian architecture, bustling indie vibe and seaside location, Penarth is – literally and figuratively – a breath of fresh air for weary city dwellers. So, whether it’s boutique shopping or top-notch cuisine, Penarth has plenty to offer residents and visitors alike.

This affluent seaside town lies in the Vale of Glamorgan, a mere 20-minute drive from the hustle and bustle of central Cardiff. This tiny settlement saw rapid growth in the 19th century when its waterfront location proved an ideal site for the construction of docks, facilitating the shipment of coal around the world. And though

the fossil fuels and industrial dockyards have gone, the town remains, replete with splendid Victorian architecture, tree-lined streets and parks, and boasting lovely views across Cardiff Bay and the Bristol Channel. As such, Penarth is the perfect retreat for Cardiff commuters, looking to leave the clamour of the big city behind for quiet weekends on the coast. No wonder it has been voted one of the best places to live in Wales.

WHERE TO EAT…

Gastronomes will find plenty of places to indulge their appetites in Penarth, with options to suit all tastes. For some of the best cooking in Wales, you should head for Restaurant James Sommerin on the Esplanade, which offers a range of menus, served up with panoramic views of the estuary. It offers a splendid 14-course w www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 29

(Above) Glass art at Glass By Design; (below) designer dishes at restaurant ETC

Sumptuous fare at Michelin-starred Restaurant James Sommerin

Chef’s Table menu at £150 per person, and if you needed any further incentive, its Michelin-starred chef patron was recently named Chef of the Year at the Food Awards Wales.

The same event also honoured Penarth-based restaurant ETC, which was a regional winner of the Best Restaurant of the Year award, barely a year after it opened. Master chef Stephen Gomes is a keen advocate of ‘molecular gastronomy’ with an experimental menu that promises a delight for the senses, all served up in lovely surroundings with a chilled ambience.

Our next port of call is Holm House, a boutique hotel offering luxury accommodation, an elegant spa and relaxing cliff-top garden. But we’re focussing on its fine dining, supplied by a kitchen garden and locally grown produce, and delivering an affordable à la carte, hearty ‘Holm Cooked’ and highly-regarded steak menus – either in the dining room or on the sunny terrace.

For something a little less formal, the awardwinning Spanish tapas restaurant Bar 44, remains a perennial favourite, ideal for an impromptu night out or relaxed weekend meal. And for something spicy with a contemporary twist, you have Mint & Mustard, which has been hailed by such luminaries as the Michelin Guide, Hardens, The Sunday Times, Observer Food Monthly and Tatler, which described their Keralan-inspired dishes as “knock-your-block-off brilliant”.

If pizzas are your thing you’re well catered for with Tony’s Pizza, right on the seafront, which features original Italian recipes with a 30 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

range of antipasto and secondi available to eat in or takeaway. A few minutes’ walk inland and you’ll find Pizza Pronto, whose thin and crispy artisan pizzas have become something of a local institution.

Penarth also boasts more than its fair share of quality cafés and coffee shops. Compass Coffee – another winner in the Food Awards Wales – offers fresh Welsh-roasted coffee and robust meaty breakfasts for omnivores, but also caters for vegetarians and offers gluten-free options.

Newly opened for 2017 is Willmore’s 1938 on Stanwell Road, a reference to the Willmore Brothers who came to Penarth in the 1920s, setting up a cinema and redesigning the Washington Buildings in which the cafe resides.

With its tasty breakfasts and lunches and a warm, friendly atmosphere, it’s fast becoming a local favourite.

Another newcomer is Crazy Café: a café, bakery and wine bar situated in the rebuilt £8 million Beachcliff complex on the Esplanade. Opened in May by the business partner of James Sommerin, the café sells fresh bread and patisseries, coffee and tea.

And while we’re on the subject, Waterloo Tea is a definite destination for aficionados of the hot stuff. Also housed in the art deco Washington Buildings, it offers a selection of organic and FairTrade teas from around the world, along with a selection of healthy food and cakes (vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free), all served in a modern, tranquil setting.

Master chef

Stephen Gomes

is aN advocate of ‘molecular gastronomy’ with a menu that promises a

delight for the senses

OUT OF TOWN PLACES TO SHOP…

(Top) Waterloo Tea, based in Washington Buildings, offers a range of fine teas from around the world – along with a side line in snacks and cakes; (above) Anne Morgan’s dainty jewellery store features the work of more than 30 other designers

DIRECTORY Penarth is full of great shops, places to eat and useful services. Here’s a handy list of the key amenities you should check out when you’re in town A B RUS H W I T H BEAUT Y

Luxury makeup studio and boutique, specializing in bridal beauty abrushwithbeauty.co.uk AN N E M O RGAN

Artisanal jewellery featuring the work of more than 30 renowned designers annemorgan.co.uk B AR 4 4

Highly regarded Spanish tapas restaurant bar44.co.uk C O M PAS S C O F FEE

Fresh Welsh roasted coffee served with hearty breakfasts and lunch options compass-coffee.co.uk C RAZ Y C AF E

Funky cafe, bakery and wine bar situated in the Beachcliff complex

Along with its variety of eateries, the town also offers some great indie shopping, including a number of jewellery stores. Award-winning jeweller Anne Morgan sells her own work alongside more than 30 other designers dealing in a range of materials and mediums. The store features rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets, and also offers a workshop where betrothed couples can make their own wedding rings.

A stone’s throw away sits Northern Star Jewellery, manufacturers of bespoke items specialising in engagement and wedding rings.

Combining state-of-the-art CAD design and 3D printing with traditional benchwork skills, Northern Star can produce photo-quality renders and 3D wax models for client approval before starting work on the finished article.

For shiny things on a larger scale, head to Glass By Design, a glass workshop and gallery featuring the work of more than a dozen Welsh artists. It features an assortment of unique artworks in glass, ceramics, paper, wood and textiles; from clocks and mirrors to sculptures and personalised stained glass, this cute, quirky store has something for everyone.

On the home front, we have Jewels Canley Interiors, offering interior design, upholstery and bespoke furnishings. Its avant-garde approach

blends classical forms with contemporary material and colour schemes to unique and exciting effect. However, for a more modern, minimalist approach, Project One offers a complete architect, design, project management and build service, specialising in kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms. The award-winning company also offers bespoke furniture and art, employing the skills of artist-in-residence Lois Seco, whose vibrant, abstract pieces would bring a dash of colour and texture to any living space.

Having eaten, drunk, and decorated both body and home, it’s finally time for some R&R. You could always spend an afternoon at the aforementioned Holm House Hotel, whose spa offers a hydrotherapy pool, tidal current machine, steam room, gym and relaxation room, not to mention a range of massages, manicures and facials. Alternatively, there’s A Brush With Beauty, a small salon run by makeup artists Amy Westlake. In business since 2004, Amy studied at the London College of Fashion, receiving a distinction, before joining Bobbi Brown cosmetics where she discovered her love for bridal beauty, an area she now specialises in. So if you have a big day coming up – or perhaps just a special small day – Amy and her team are ready to bring out the gorgeous inner you.

DAVID BA K ER & CO.

NORTHERN STAR J EWELLERY

ROMILLY FI NANC I AL

Independent estate agents and chartered surveyors since 1969

Bespoke jewellery, specialising in engagement and wedding rings

Top 250 IFA-rated financial planning advice

davidbaker.co.uk

northernstarjewellery.co.uk

romillyifa.com

E TC

P ENARTH MOTOR COMPANY

S COT T W ROE HEARI NG

Regional Best Restaurant of the Year, with conceptual ‘molecular gastronomy’

Affordable prestige motors, from Audi, BMW, Land Rover and Jaguar

Independent, family-run hearing practice, established in 1988

etc-penarth.com

thepenarthmotorco.co.uk

G LA S S BY DES IGN

P IZZA PRONTO

Glass art, stained glass courses, and works by a selection of Welsh artists

Artisanal thin ’n’ crispy pizzas with some unusual toppings

scottwroe-hearingcentre.co.uk TONY’S P I Z Z A

Traditional Italian dining right on the sea front tonyspizza.co.uk

lovepizzapronto.co.uk

glassbydesign.co.uk

WATERLOO TEA

Kitchen, bathroom and bedroom design and project management

Purveyors of fine teas from around the world – plus snacks and cakes

projectone.design

waterlootea.com

holmhousehotel.com

QUALITY CARPETS

WES TB OU RNE S C HOOL

JEWELS CA NLEY INTERIORS

Specialists in sisal, natural flooring and runners. Free measuring and estimating

One of the top ranking schools in the UK

P ROJ ECT ONE H O LM H O USE

Luxury boutique hotel with spa, Zen-style garden and lovely Cliffside views

Interior design, re-upholstery and makes of bespoke furniture

westbourneschool.com

qualitycarpetsdirect.com

jewelscanley.co.uk

WILLMORE’S 1938

MINT & MUSTARD

RESTAURANT J AMES S OMMERIN

Fine Indian cuisine with a contemporary twist

Multi-award-winning fine dining plus nine-room accommodation

mintandmustard.com

jamessommerinrestaurant.co.uk

Friendly café-deli serving breakfasts and lunches facebook.com/willmores1938/

crazycafe.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 31

Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th June 2017, 10am to 4pm

PENARTH OPEN STUDIO TRAIL Follow a walking trail around penarth to discover the many creative people in our town. Demonstrations in

painting | glass art | felting | Jewellery | knotting Trail maps available from: Glass by design | penarth library | artisans corner For your Downloadable map please

email: sales@glassbydesign.co.uk or tel: 029 2070 5317 supported by

21 artists taking part in 15 artist studios

St John’s College, Cardiff

A leading independent day school for boys & girls aged 3–18 Choir School to Cardiff Metropolitan Cathedral

Top School in Wales in The Sunday Times ‘Parent Power’

Estyn Inspection - ‘Excellent’ including the seldom awarded ‘Excellent’ for Standards of Teaching (2012)

Nursery & Infants

l

Juniors

l

Seniors

l

Sixth Form

Please contact Admissions to arrange a visit:

02920 778936

www.stjohnscollegecardiff.com

Charity No. 701294

Forward Thinking Financial Planning MORTGAGES | PENSIONS | INVESTMENTS SAVINGS | LIFE INSURANCE | TAX PLANNING LENDING | ISA’S | PROTECTION WEALTH BUILDING Authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority number 450550

adve r tisi n g f eat u r e P R O P E R T Y

It’s All About the Orangery Lifestyle Based in the Vale of Glamorgan, Vale Orangeries specialise in designing and building bespoke living spaces, tailor-made to their clients’ specifications

W

e all need our own space – somewhere to relax, enjoy our home comforts and spend quality time with family and friends. Look no further: husband and wife team Dean and Leanne Edmonds are dedicated to providing the space you need.

Their company, Vale Orangeries, based in the Vale of Glamorgan, specialises in designing and building bespoke extensions.

“An orangery is a great way to extend and create a seriously stylish addition to your home," says Leanne. "There are various design packages available including bi-folding doors, recessed lighting options, underfloor heating, home entertainment solutions and an interior design service to help with those allimportant finishing touches."

Dean adds: “If you’re not sure exactly what you want, we can help. We offer a free consultation and design service, and have numerous orangery show-homes throughout South Wales available for inspiration and ideas.

“Having a living space built to your specification is a dream for many – and a reality for our clients. There is no need to concern yourself with architects, planning or building control as this is all part of the package. The only planning we want you to worry about is where to put your sofa – but we can even help with that, too!”

If you're thinking of an extension, but want something different or need inspiration, call Dean or Leanne on 01446 746353 to discuss how a Vale Orangeries orangery can work for the way you live.

Dean & Leanne Edmonds

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 37

16 June – 16 July

Emmerdale’s Bill Ward stars in Not Dead Enough; Strictly Come Dancing’s Kevin and Karen Clifton; Barry Steele delivers a convincing performance as Roy Orbison

Plays/Shows/ Performance U N TI L 1 7 JUNE

NOT DEAD ENOUGH Emmerdale’s Bill Ward stars as DS Roy Grace in this thrilling stage adaptation of Peter James’ bestselling novel Not Dead Enough.

New Theatre; newtheatrecardiff.co.uk

through despair to recovery.

Chapter; chapter.org 2 0 - 2 4 JU N E

THE GRADUATE Stylish new production of the landmark novel and Oscarwinning film, in which a disillusioned college graduate is seduced by an older woman.

New Theatre; newtheatrecardiff.co.uk

Grail. Part of the Cardiff Open-Air Theatre Festival.

Sophia Gardens; cardiffopenairtheatrefestival.co.uk

terrible tragedy over two baking hot days in Manhattan.

Sherman Theatre; shermantheatre.co.uk

27 J UNE-1 J ULY

4 J ULY-8 J U LY

JANE EYRE Bristol Old Vic and the National Theatre join forces for a bold, innovative re-imagining of Charlotte Brontë’s 1847 classic.

Wales Millennium Centre; wmc.org.uk

2 1 JU N E U N TI L 2 4 JUNE

DIE FLEDERMAUS Welsh National Opera present Johann Strauss II’s life-affirming operetta, as opulent as a Viennese chocolate cake.

Wales Millennium Centre; wmc.org.uk

KEVIN AND KAREN DANCE 2017 Strictly sweethearts Kevin and Karen Clifton present their sensational new live show, filled with stunning choreography and sparkly costumes.

St David’s Hall; stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

30 J UNE-1 J ULY

2 2 JU N E- 3 JU LY

3-5 J ULY

LA VOIX Semi-finalist of Britain’s Got Talent and second place in Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK, La Voix is a brilliant variety performer, mixing music and comedy.

Wales Millennium Centre; wmc.org.uk

U N TI L 1 J ULY

MOMENT(O)S A performance installation exploring mental health, which follows the journey of a manic depressive from hospitalisation,

SPAMALOT Monty Python’s uproariously witty spoof of King Arthur and his knights’ quest for the Holy

40 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

STREET SCENE The American opera by Kurt Weill and Elmer Rice is a tale of romance, an illicit affair and

FUNNY GIRL The film that brought global fame to Barbra Streisand 50 years ago is now an exhilarating show boasting the iconic songs People and Don’t Rain On My Parade.

Wales Millennium Centre; wmc.org.uk 13-15 J ULY

THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR Nikolai Gogol’s bitingly funny satire on the corruption in Imperial Russia, as performed by the 18-plus Sherman Players.

Sherman Theatre; shermantheatre.co.uk 15-16 J ULY

HIRAETH: I DIDN’T GET TO BREATHE TODAY A unique evening of sublimely

W H AT ’ S O N

ARTS

choreographed dance and performance, by Frag(mental), a collective of performance artists.

West Wharf Gallery; jacobsmarket.co.uk

Comedy 2 1 -2 2 JUNE

RUSSELL KANE Enfield’s finest on growing up, and why farts will always be funny.

Glee Club; glee.co.uk 2 5 J UNE

THE GATHERING A new, regular Sunday night of stand-up, sketches, festival previews and featured acts, hosted by Mark Olver.

Glee Club; glee.co.uk 4 JULY

CAMBRIDGE FOOTLIGHTS Billed as ‘the most renowned sketch troupe of them all’, the famous student comedy group embarks on another world tour.

Glee Club; glee.co.uk

Black Peaches – the latest project of Rob ‘Grosvenor’ Smoughton – are ably supported by singer/songwriter Jack Ellis

Music

reprises his affectionate and acclaimed tribute to the muchmissed Canadian troubadour and poet.

Wales Millennium Centre; wmc.org.uk

1 6 J UNE

1 8 JU N E

BLACK PEACHES + JACK ELLIS This latest project from Rob Smoughton – long-time member of Hot Chip and Scritti Politti – fuses country boogie, spiritual jazz and funk.

Chapter; chapter.org 1 7 -1 8 JUNE

ARTHUR SMITH SINGS LEONARD COHEN The veteran comic, backed by the glamorous Smithereens,

BBC CARDIFF SINGER OF THE WORLD Grand final of the worldrenowned singing contest, featuring classical singers from around the globe.

St David’s Hall; stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk 2 2 JU N E

THEE MANATEES Upcoming band Thee Manatees launch their new single, described as a ‘dystopian Lynchian blues-

scape’. Sounds interesting.

Gwdihw; gwdihw.co.uk

St David’s Hall; stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

24 J UNE

14 J ULY

THE CINEMATIC ORCHESTRA Our live pick of the month – possessed of an emotional gravitas that transcends genre – TCO’s new single To Believe is typically beautiful and uplifting.

Tramshed; tramshedcardiff.com 24 J UNE

THE ROY ORBISON STORY Barry Steele – widely regarded as one of the world’s leading vocalists playing homage to the legendary Roy Orbison – celebrates ten years of touring with this live musical journey.

BOWIE EXPERIENCE This authentic tribute celebrates the music of the world’s greatest pop icon. An unforgettable trip through Bowie’s golden years.

St David’s Hall; stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

Art UNTIL 1 7 J U NE

25TH ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION Showcase of 20th century and contemporary Welsh art.

Martin Tinney Gallery; artwales.com w

Home Made Cakes, Cup Cakes, Muffins, Ice Cold Frappe

Independent Coffee House at Cardiff Bay

EspressoLabUK EspressoLabUK 20 James St, Cardiff CF10 5EX 029 2047 3636

ARTS

W H AT ’ S O N

Chris Prout’s striking Sun After Rain – see more of his work at The Albany Gallery U N TI L 1 9 JUNE

BLOOM Annual, nature-based affordable art showcase.

Cardiff MADE; @CardiffMADE UNTI L 1 J ULY

CHRIS PROUT Welsh-born Chris’s bold, emotive paintings of the North Pembrokeshire countryside verge on the abstract.

The Albany Gallery; albanygallery.com UNTI L 9 J ULY

VOICES FROM THE EDGE: MURMURATIONS Showcasing five visual artists who have spent two years working with care home residents across Wales.

Craft In The Bay; makersguildinwales.org.uk UNTI L 3 S E PTE MBE R

GILLIAN AYRES One of the leading abstract artists of her generation, no less.

National Museum Cardiff; museumwales.ac.uk

Family 1 8 JU N E

PPODD Contemporary market with jewellery, designer-makers, home accessories, vintage clothes, top tunes, craft beer etc.

The Paget Rooms, Penarth; ppodd.com 2 4 - 2 5 JU N E

PENARTH OPEN STUDIO TRAIL Follow a walking trail around Penarth to discover the town’s creative occupants. Features demonstrations in painting, glass art, jewellery and felting. Trail maps available from Glass By Design; glassbydesign.co.uk 7 - 8 JU LY

DO I HAVE TO WAKE UP? This interactive production for children features music, dance, flying, dreams, a magical world where socks turn into breakfast… and lots of fun!

Wales Millennium Centre; wmc.org.uk

UNTI L 3 1 JANUARY 2 0 1 8

BACON TO DOIG: MODERN MASTERPIECES FROM A PRIVATE COLLECTION Featuring work by prominent 20th-century British artists and sculptors, including Francis Bacon, Lucian Freud, Barbara Hepworth, David Hockney, Grayson Perry, Frank Auerbach, Peter Doig and lots more.

National Museum Cardiff; museumwales.ac.uk

9 JU LY

MILKSHAKE! LIVE – THE MAGIC STORY BOOK Bob the Builder, Little Princess, Noddy, Wissper, Fireman Sam, Pip from Pip Ahoy!, Winnie and Wilbur and loads more cartoon characters star in this musical journey through the world’s favourite fairy tales.

Wales Millennium Centre; wmc.org.uk

42 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

WANT MORE? Sign up now for the Cardiff Life newsletter As editor of this fine mag, there’s nothing I love more than drawing your attention to this great city’s choicest events, places and people.

To keep readers fully updated about what’s happening in Cardiff, we send out a free Friday email newsletter, packed with news, tips and special offers. (Please note: no way will we share your data with any third parties – we’re just not like that!)

So if you’d like a friendly hello from us in your inbox as the weekend beckons, please sign up today: mediaclash.co.uk/cln

ARTS

PREVIEW

CURTAIN UP! What are you looking forward to? Here’s our pick of upcoming cultural highlights in Cardiff

A

By E L L I E C H I L D

s far as live arts go, we’re absolutely spoiled for choice in the coming months. Cardiff venues have gathered performers from across the UK and beyond, while arts organisations have been drawing inspiration from as far away as Russia, and as long ago as 1812. Not to mention the Welsh Proms Cymru, celebrating its 32nd anniversary.

Feast your eyes on this lot…

RUSSIA 17

Until 23 November No fewer than 15 Welsh arts organisations have come together to commemorate the centenary of the Russian Revolution, and the historic ties between revolutionary Russia and radicalism in the South Wales Valleys. The result is a varied programme which features the Welsh National Opera, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, the St Petersburg Symphony Orchestra and the Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra.

We’re particularly excited about the WNO’s production of Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin (below), a tale of unrequited love in high society, which promises to be a visual feast.

Non-musical highlights include a reworking of Chekov’s comedy The Cherry Orchard set in Thatcher’s Britain and P.A.R.A.D.E, an immersive production by the National Dance Company Wales. R17 aims to imbue Wales with the spirit of cultural awakening that once seized Russia… So what are you waiting for? Join the Revolution! r17.wales

THE WELSH PROMS 22-29 July

Wishing a very happy 75th birthday to conductor Owain Arwel Hughes, this year’s Welsh Proms Cymru is set to be extra special.

As well as the entirely new A Night at the Movies, a new work by Paul Mealor (of Military Wives and Royal Wedding fame) will be premiered at the Last Night of the Proms. There’s also a Folk Prom, with duo Josienne Clark and Ben Walker accompanied by the Mavron Quartet, and stalwart favourites return in the form of the Classical Extravaganza! (culminating in Tchaikovsky’s The Year 1812 – yes, the one with cannons), Brass & Voices and this year’s Family Prom on 23 July – The Dance-Off! (above) featuring Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra and guest Connie Fisher, presenting pieces from your favourite films and musicals.

St David’s Hall; welshproms.com 44 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

HORACE ANDY 31 August

Best known in the UK for his work with trip hop duo Massive Attack, Horace ‘Sleepy’ Andy (below) has long resided in Jamaica’s reggae hall of fame.

Since the 1972 release of his breakthrough single Skylarking, which reached out to disaffected Jamaican youth, Andy has continued to tackle themes of race and social justice. Frequent collaborations with Massive Attack after 1990 meant that a new generation of listeners fell in love with Andy’s eerie, soulful vocal style, and it is certainly one that continues to amaze.

Tramshed; tramshedcardiff.com

THE WIPERS TIMES 12-16 September

Inspired by an extraordinary Punch-style newspaper produced by British soldiers during the First World War, writers Ian Hislop and Nick Newman blur reality and fantasy in their exploration of the resilience of the human spirit. Adapted for stage from the award-winning BBC Two film, The Wipers Times’ emphasis on the uplifting power of subversive comedy in dark times is now more prescient than ever.

Director Caroline Leslie intersperses the play’s gallows humour (brought to life via music hall numbers and comic adverts) with impressive scenes of military bombardment. The show comes direct to Cardiff from the West End, and the Tuesday evening performance boasts a post-show talk with the writers.

New Theatre; newtheatrecardiff.co.uk

RHOD GILBERT AND FRIENDS 1 September

Since announcing his decision to quit stand-up comedy in 2013, Rhod Gilbert has become a staple of British television and radio with shows like Work Experience and UK’s Best Part-Time Band. His return to the stage, for one night only, will see Gilbert joined by several of the best names in stand-up comedy in aid of Velindre Cancer Centre. Gilbert is a Velindre patron, and all proceeds from the gig will go towards his next fundraising trek – to the fabled lost Inca city of Machu Picchu. Join him and friends for an evening of laughter, and “Hoof Cancer Right Where it Hurts”.

Donald Gordon Theatre; wmc.org.uk

w www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 45

PREVIEW

ARTS

NICK HELM 12 October

Nick Helm’s new show There Is Nothing You Can Do To Me That I Haven’t Already Done To Myself promises to deliver some home truths including “how not to be a dick”, so think carefully about who you invite!

Helm has been on the rise since debuting his hysterical fusion of one-liners, storytelling, and lyrics in 2007. Helm’s hit BBC Three series Uncle, about a layabout musician reconnecting with his wimpy nephew, filmed its third series last year.

Billed as “a call to arms to anyone that feels hard done by and shortchanged by this ugly new world”, Helm’s first national tour is sure to be a sell-out success.

The Glee Club; glee.co.uk

EMELI SANDÉ 21 October

Emeli Sandé’s 2016 album Long Live The Angels is a bold, gritty follow-up to her debut album of five years ago. Power ballads return in full force, but here the tearjerkers – big single Hurts, and Highs and Lows – are rendered in more ragged-sounding vocals than we’re used to. What’s more, the ballads are interspersed with experimental tracks featuring rapper Jay Electronica, poet Áine Zion, and Sandé’s own father. By turns buoyant and vulnerable, the album captures the star’s personal and professional growth since Our Version of Events.

Sandé needs no introduction as a live performer, having wowed crowds at both the opening and closing ceremonies of the London 2012 Olympics. Without a doubt, this one will be a night to remember.

Motorpoint Arena; motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk

THE WORLD’S WIFE 15 October

Tom Green (above, right) has transformed Carol Ann Duffy’s (above, left) controversial 1999 poetry collection into a chamber opera for the Mavron String Quartet and solo soprano Amanda Forbes.

A pivotal text for the ‘herstory’ movement, The World’s Wife imagines famous men’s wives’ perspectives on historic and mythic events. For example, Mrs Darwin: “7 April 1852/Went to the Zoo./I said to Him–/Something about that Chimpanzee over there reminds me of you.” By using loop pedals to enable Forbes to embody several ‘wives’ at once, director Adele Thomas has built upon Duffy’s belief that ours is still a man’s world.

Weston Studio; wmc.org.uk

w www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 47

ARTS

PREVIEW

THE DIVINE COMEDY 25 November

Long hailed as one of the UK’s most original songwriters, and a distinguished showman, Neil Hannon revived brainchild The Divine Comedy for an 11th studio album which was released late last year to glowing reviews.

After a six-year hiatus, critics weren’t sure what to expect from Foreverland, but The Divine Comedy’s baroque pop style has proved a forever favourite. Hannon is typically dismissive of his penchant for what he calls ‘catchy tunes’ but, Father Ted’s Eurosong entry aside, Hannon’s silliness belies real substance. Foreverland includes tracks dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte and Catherine the Great that offer up musings on masculinity and women in power, and it’s not difficult to guess the inspiration for title track’s utopian sensibility: “I know that the crew are dying of hunger/But I’m sure it can’t take much longer/Till we can/See foreverland.”

Students’ Union; cardiffstudents.com

DAVID BADDIEL 27 April 2018

David Baddiel is bringing his Olivier-nominated one-man show to Cardiff following two critically acclaimed West End runs. Baddiel is a pioneering comedy mind: he performed with Rob Newman in the UK’s first ever arena comedy show, and recorded one of the first hit podcasts with Frank Skinner – Baddiel and Skinner’s World Cup Podcasts. Pioneering, too, is Baddiel’s new show My Family: Not the Sitcom, which centres on his dysfunctional relatives, but covers everything from moral policing on social media to homosexual cats.

Equal parts affectionate and scathing, the comedian’s homage to life in the Baddiel household leaves no stone unturned. Ultimately a celebration of individuality, My Family is bound to be a treat for anyone who’s ever been compelled to remind themselves that you can’t choose your family. Which, let’s face it, is all of us.

St David’s Hall; stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

48 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

FILM

ARTS

AN INTIMATE PORTRAIT OF WORKERS WHO SPEND 12-HOUR SHIFTS EARNING $3 A DAY

(Clockwise, from left) Machines, Risk and Summer in the Forest

KEEPING IT REAL This month, Chapter celebrates the art of documentary filmmaking with a season of the best works of non-fiction

By JA M I E R E E S

I F I L M O F T H E MO NT H

WHITNEY: CAN I BE ME Using archival concert footage and backstage access, this documentary attempts to explain the downfall of a megastar No surprise that this month’s top film is also a documentary.

Four years after her death, filmmaker Nick Broomfield goes in search of the forces that made and then destroyed the singer Whitney Houston, who has been described as having one of the greatest voices of the last 50 years. Showing at Chapter from 28 July to 3 August, certificate 15.

n 2001, a measly four documentary films were released in the UK. Recent data shows that figure has risen steadily over the last decade, and in 2016 documentaries accounted for over 20% of feature films made in the UK. Chapter has always been a champion of this genre and July sees its documentary film season, Real To Reel, feature a packed programme of films for nonfiction fans to enjoy. Here are some of the highlights.

Dispossession: The Great Social Housing Swindle (18) is a feature-length documentary that screens on 8 July, exploring the failures and deception behind the social housing crisis in Britain. Directed by Paul Sng, maker of the acclaimed cinema release Sleaford Mods – Invisible Britain (2015), the film tells the stories of individuals and families who have been uprooted from their homes and communities and looks at the alternatives to estate demolition and ‘regeneration’. There will also be a post-film Q&A, hosted by Michael Sheen, with the director.

Summer in the Forest (PG), screening on 12 and 13 July, is another new UK-made documentary. In the 1960s, Jean Vanier opened L’Arche commune as an alternative to the violent asylums that existed to house people with learning disabilities. Now in his 80s, the film takes a look at the community Vanier created on the edge of a beautiful forest near Paris, where a quiet revolution was born, and challenges its audiences to abandon the rat race and forge new friendships.

A third brand new UK documentary, Queerama (15), screens for one night only on 19 July. The music of John Grant and Goldfrapp takes us on a journey through the British Film Institute’s archive of gay film discovering the relationships, desires and fears of the LGBTQ community in the 20th century.

Audiences are invited to join director Daisy Asquith and producer Catryn Ramasut after the film for an informal Q&A session.

Risk (Cert TBC) from 21 to 27 July is a 2017 German-made documentary. Filmed over six years, this character study of Julian Assange collides with a high-stakes election year and its controversial aftermath. Capturing the story, director Laura Poitras finds herself caught between the motives and contradictions of Assange and his inner circle in what is an incisive new film about the WikiLeaks founder and his team.

From India, Machines (12A) is a powerful film that moves through the bowels of the disorientating structure of a textile mill in Sachin. The camera takes audiences on a journey to a place of dehumanising physical labour, offering a rare insight of the guarded world of sweatshops. Machines is an intimate portrait of daily life for workers who spend 12-hour shifts earning the equivalent of $3 a day in shameful working conditions.

For more: chapter.org

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 51

ANTIQUES – INTERIORS

HOBBIES - COLLECTABLES

THE

PUMPING STATION A N T I Q U E S

&

I N T E R I O R S

Penarth Road, Cardiff CF11 8TT | Open 7 Days a Week 9.30am – 5.30pm | Including Bank Holidays | Free car parking

TEL: 02920 221085 | WWW.THEPUMPINGSTATION-CARDIFF.CO.UK

S h o p p i n g a d v e r t i s i n g f e at u r e

54 I cARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

ad v ertising feature S h o p p i n g

More than just a shoe shop…

Chris MacNamara, a mutli award winning retailer and MD of The Brogue Trader, explains why his shoe stores are a cut above...

T

he Brogue Trader is more than just a shoe shop. We bring our clients together to celebrate the shop, enjoy each others’ company and raise lots of money for charity. We’ve created a gentlemen’s community where they pop in to get their shoes polished, and can have a chat and a coffee. Some customers come in to have their lunch – they’ll get their shoes polished and enjoy the environment while they eat. We’re also a mutli award winning retailer, having just won the IOD award for Family Business Director of the year and previous winner of Cardiff Life Awards, Independent Retailer of the year for the Footwear Industry and Retail Entrepreneur of the Welsh Entrepreneur awards.

Why did you become a shoe retailer?

Because I was bored with my previous role.

Although it was a high-level, well-paid job, I didn’t own the business and I really wanted my own, family business. I looked at different business models, and I kept coming back to a shoe shop.

The idea was based around the brand name I’d come up with, The Brogue Trader. After visiting London on many occasions to buy good-quality English-made shoes, which aren’t sold in many other places in the UK – mainly London – I kept coming back with the same thought: ‘I bet people in Cardiff, my peers, my colleagues, those of a similar age as me or in similar environments, would really love these types of shoes’.

What makes The Brogue Trader different?

As a retailer, what sets you apart?

We only stock certain brands that no one else stocks. When you come into one of our stores, they are wall-to-wall clad in solid oak or mahogany, Axminster carpets and Chesterfield furniture – it’s a real gentlemen’s club. My staff look snazzy with bow ties and braces, and we make sure we get the right fit for you. We do half sizes and different width fittings, which is really important if you have a wider foot. People who don’t normally like shopping, really like coming to our stores.

What do you love most about what you do?

I love it when people enjoy the experience and want to come back time and time again. It’s really satisfying when you get to the point of the sale and you’ve provided someone who can’t usually find shoes to fit their feet with the right size shoes.

They might be a size 13, and they can’t find any on the High Street, and need them for a special day like a wedding or a christening. Then they

discover us and are so delighted that we’ve got shoes in their size in stock and choices for them.

That’s a really satisfying part of my day.

What are your best-selling shoes/boots right now?

As we are coming into spring, suede is popular.

We’ve also got a very large selection of Chelsea boots, chuck boots and in particular loafers.

We’ve got some really cool colours: olive green and navy. It’s not just the younger men who are going for the loafer with no socks and slim trousers look. The older chaps are, too.

How’s business at the moment?

Business is really good. We’re just about to open our sixth store in Canterbury, so we’re expanding.

We’re three and a half years into our business model, and I’m pleased to say we’ve had yearon-year growth in all of our stores. It seems that, in year one, people find us and in year two they come back and tell their friends.

Do you have a particular type of clientele?

We sell shoes to all types of people, but our most popular customer is male, north side of 35, very often middle/senior management and aspirational people.

You also do lots of charity work – tell us a bit about that, and why it’s so important to you…

I think everyone in life has a window of opportunity, and I feel my window is right now.

Our shop in Cardiff is still current, as are our new stores. People are still saying: ‘Have you been to the new Brogue Trader shop?’

We’ve been the sponsor of both the national Welsh rugby and football squads, so are very fortunate to have a lot of famous sporting people in our stores on a regular basis. It’s completely normal to get people like Joe Allen, Joe Ledley, Sam Warbuton, George North and Dan Biggar coming in to buy shoes. And because we have made friends with some of these people, we can capitalise on that and use it to do some good.

I’ve raised over £120k for charities in the last 24 months, and it’s a good feeling to bring some joy to other people that need some help. I put on events that people seem to enjoy attending.

They are very well-attended and we’re obviously raising a lot of money.

one of us will place the order and order all the replacement stock, so shoes are always on the shelf and sizes are always ready. With having five stores and three more opening this year, I’m doing a lot of travelling at the moment. I get to Edinburgh once every two weeks for three days, Bath once a week, Chester once every two weeks and Leeds once every three weeks. I’m doing about 1,500 miles a week. This is because I’m trying to maintain that high level of standards and customer service that we’ve become used to, making sure the place looks right and we’re delivering day in, day out.

We employ 39 people at the moment, and in the three and a half years that we’ve been trading we’ve only lost one person. That was a 19-year-old chap, who has gone on to bigger and better things – so I’m really pleased with our retention and recruitment process, and the personal training that I give every employee.

The backbone of the business is our people.

There’s only one of me, my two sons and my daughter – each and every one of my employees, I believe, are fantastic people and they deliver day in, day out.

Since opening your Cardiff store, you’ve expanded into five more stores across the UK – what are your plans for the future?

How do you see the business evolving over the next few years?

You’re going to see the business increase to 10 stores by November 2018. We opened the first store in November 2013, and I wanted 10 stores in five years, and we’re on target for it. We are opening in Canterbury in early July, Oxford will be opening on 20 October and I’m in negotiation with a store in Glasgow, so there’s lots going on at the moment. It’s very exciting. I’m also looking at two more stores for next year. Once we get to 10, I want to take a view, I think I’ll take a month off – take a long holiday and review from there.

What’s a typical work day like for you?

In the store, I vacuum the carpet, clean the shoes and make sure everything’s priced for the day. Then my son and I will check emails, www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 55

As I was going to St Ives Panoramic sea views, blustery walks aplenty and Michelin-standard cuisine add up to the perfect Cornwall beach retreat

By Lisa Evans

No4 St Ives bed and breakfast was the ideal spot to stay, offering far-reaching views and a central location

80 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

G R E AT ESCAPES

I A peek of our view from the window of our room at No4 St Ives bed and breakfast

s there anything more irritating than coming home from holiday and everyone telling you just how perfect the weather was at home while you experienced downpours on your travels? Well, that’s what happened to me last weekend. Okay, it’s not as if I was in Barbados expecting to slather myself in factor 30 poolside; I was three hours down the road in Cornwall, but still.

Even though it was gusty enough to give me a semi-permanent facelift, I thoroughly relished the fresh seaside. I strode determinedly against the biting wind across the dramatic cliff-top coastal path while holding my woolly hat firmly on my head as my hair brutally whipped my eyeballs – but not so much to ruin my wonderful view.

And nothing could dampen my spirits as I stood on the vertiginously high pier (a photographer and his fearless, edge-nearing Airedale terrier, Minnie, my only potential savours if I took a tumble).

I watched a lone cormorant bob in and out of the boisterous water while icy needles from the crashing Atlantic waves below jumped up several storeys to spritz and sting me. I suddenly felt as if I could relate to athletes who cross the Arctic, or to the brave souls who challenge Everest. I was the fearless adventurer of St Ives, and nature’s riotous elements weren’t going to stop me.

Spotting a red-for-danger sign which read ‘Do not approach or feed the seals’ just spurred me on further. “I will and I will!”

I thought to myself as I narrowed my eyes across the ocean to spot a furry sea dog, with a plan to indeed approach it on discovery with my newfound courageousness (I would have obeyed the sign if you’re reading this, Cornwall tourist board).

Unfortunately, I wasn’t lucky enough to get a chance to break the rules on this occasion, but next time I’ll hop on the boat trip to Seal Island – home to a colony of grey seals and a century-old shipwreck – which is a few miles west. And in the water on a clear day, there’s a chance to spot dolphins, porpoises, minke whales and basking sharks, too, and every couple of years or so there’s a sighting of a humpback whale.

As respite from all of this excitement – the capillaries in my cheeks now crimson, and my hair candyfloss-like with frizz – I wandered through the maze of narrow cobbled streets, passing fisherman’s cottages, and visited the masses of independent shops, quirky cafes and great pubs.

To make things better, there were hardly any tourists around. “They’ll descend on us in around a month,” said the shopkeeper at Sweetlime, an eclectic interiors, accessories and artwork boutique.

“St Ives becomes a much different place when they do. The great thing is, it’s fantastic when they’re

here and fantastic when they’re not.” As I stand and listen, shivering in my wet woollies, she demands that I come back in the summer when, although it’ll be a little more difficult to navigate the pavements, the area will resemble a subtropical paradise of palm trees, turquoise water and golden sands. And if I come back in May, I’ll experience one of the key annual events on the area’s cultural calendar – the St Ives Food and Drink Festival, where Michelinstarred Cornish chef Nathan Outlaw will be among the big names to showcase their talents.

For now, though, it’s fabulous just to absorb a sense of how the locals live in this picturesque fishing harbour and seaside town, and there’s no one better to look to than the cheery owners of the bed and breakfast I’m staying at.

Sue and Mike Crofts own No4 St Ives, a grand, three-storey Victorian house perched on a hill that overlooks Godrevy Lighthouse – an inspiration for Virginia Woolf’s To the Lighthouse – and is within a five minute walk of the town.

It’s great to stay in a place where you actually get to know the owners; in large hotels you’ll tend to keep yourself to yourself, but the couple would greet me good morning, make me a delicious breakfast (a fry up, because I’m on holiday), and offer tips on what to do and where to go.

I must, they said, try a Cornish pasty, and not just any old one, but The Cornish Bakery’s, where I should also stay for cream tea. They weren’t wrong. And they advised that it’s essential to visit their all-time favourite restaurant, The Alba, a stunning five-star, fine dining eatery looking out over the harbour.

On the menu at this former lifeboat house, you’ll find the likes of line-caught fish, beef fillet and boat-fresh crab served with a French influence

by Michelin-standard chef Grant Nethercott.

Downstairs, there’s a cosmopolitan cocktail bar, and throughout there’s a captivating array of famous art on the walls.

St Ives is, after all, the art mecca of the South West, and there’s an abundance of unique galleries where you’re able to watch the artists themselves working away on their newest creations. What I didn’t have the chance to see, sadly, was the Tate St Ives, one of only four Tate galleries in the world, although it will have re-opened by the time you read this.

With so much more to see, including five beaches, a Blue Flag-rated surfing spot, rugged moorland heaths where vivid wildflowers sway in the breeze, a still lake, an old china clay works and the ruins of an old mine, I’m already planning my mini-moon there. I must remember to pack my binoculars next time, though, as my main aim is to catch a glimpse of one of those elusive humpbacks.

But as long as I can feed a seal, I’ll be happy.

ON A CLEAR DAY, THERE’S A CHANCE TO SPOT DOLPHINS, PORPOISES AND MINKE WHALES

TRAVEL DETAILS To book a stay at No4 St Ives, where rooms start from £90 a night, visit no4stives.com, and to plan your itinerary, go to stives-cornwall.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 59

Tony’s Taste of Italy Unit 3, Washington Buildings Herbert Terrace Penarth, CF64 2AH

Tel. 02920 702147 www.tonyspizza.co.uk Facebook: Tonys Taste of Italy Twitter: @TonysTasteItaly

Join us for lunch or dinner, Monday to Saturdays OPENING HOURS Lunch - 12:00 - 14:30 Dinner Monday - 18:00 - 21:00 Tuesday - 18:00 - 22:00 Wednesday - 18:00 - 22:00 Thursday - 18:00 - 22:00 Friday - 18:00 - 22:30 Saturday - 18:00 - 22:30 Sunday - Closed For over 30 years Tony introduced Penarth to pizza, pasta and many other traditional Italian dishes that he grew up with on Penarth seafront as “Tony’s Seashore Grill”.

Tony’s now offers fresh bronze drawn pasta made on the premises, tender grass fed steaks and delicious seafood and a constantly updated specials board including seasonal as well as regional dishes of Italy followed by our mouth watering gelato and freshly made desserts, as well as the old favourites and of course PIZZA! Tony’s vision lives on today at the new location in Herbert Terrace, Penarth sharing the same commitment and loyalty to quality ingredients continuing to offer a family atmosphere and a true “Taste of Italy.”

L E I S U R E adverti s ing feat u re

Mansion House Cardiff A Country House Retreat in the Heart of the City

W

alking through the formal gardens and approaching the Victorian splendour of the Mansion House, you would be forgiven for thinking you had arrived at a country house retreat. But you are within a stone’s throw of the bustling city centre of Cardiff.

Nestled in its own private grounds, this resplendent Grade II-listed building was originally built in the mid-1890s for James Howell, founder of the famous city centre department store. A successful Cardiff businessman, James Howell opened his first shop in 1865. In 1890 he made arrangements to build a property on land leased from Lord Tredegar.

62 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

The plans were for a large family home, which became known as ‘The Grove’, to house his 11 children. The house was bought by the Cardiff Corporation in 1913 and was used as the home of the Lord Mayor of Cardiff until 1971. The building had a major overhaul in 1998, is still in use for civic ceremonies and plays host to important VIP guests to the city.

The one unusual aspect of the Grade II-listed house is that it has two front doors, because James Howell wanted to ensure that the house could be divided in two in the future if needed.

In the cellar, a wall was constructed which could have been extended upwards to divide the house in two.

The interior has retained many of its original features. The Mansion House’s grand, lavishly appointed rooms are a revelation, from the generously-proportioned Drawing Room complete with grand piano, to the Dining Room with chandeliers, an impressive collection of civic silver and a magnificent table setting. The imposing staircase in the main hallway provides a dramatic entrance, lit by a large north-facing window decorated with hand-chased glass.

On the first floor is a private apartment and en-suite guest bedrooms, which have hosted distinguished visitors including former prime ministers David Lloyd George and Winston Churchill, opera singer Adelina Patti, and even King George V. Hollywood couple Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones also enjoyed a short stay at Mansion House and members of

the Royal family are regular visitors.

Today, Mansion House can be hired for weddings, lunches, meetings and events.

Exclusive use of the house is part of the package, taking entertaining to a whole new level with a dedicated team on hand to offer the highest level of service and support for individual requirements. The picturesque, private gated gardens also offer a chance to relax and reflect in this unique city centre retreat.

Particularly popular are the Afternoon Teas held in the opulent, well-appointed rooms of Mansion House. A pot of loose leaf tea from a choice selection, finger sandwiches, dainty cakes and fancies, and scones with fresh clotted cream and preserves are included in the price, along with a guided tour of this fascinating house. Gift vouchers for Afternoon Teas are also available to purchase as a unique treat for friends and family.

The elegant Mansion House continues to play an important part in Cardiff’s civic life, and that of its people who are able to enjoy the benefits of this prestigious city centre retreat.

Mansion House Richmond Road, Cardiff, CF24 3UN 029 2087 1736 www.mansionhousecardiff.com

GIRL ABOUT TOWN

ANDREA BYRNE News a nchor

COMING UP ROSES

IT’S HANGING BASKETS WHERE YOU’LL FIND THE REAL THRILL OF

COMPETITION

Andrea has a confession: she’s getting seriously into gardening...

I

t’s June. Allegedly, summer is here and that means time for the annual garden overhaul; clean off the furniture, pressure-wash the patio, sweep the decking and spend hours weeding those neglected flower beds. General maintenance I can handle, but gardening proper is all a whole new world to me. I remember, as a little girl, being given a small flower bed to plant and nurture with the help of my mum, but since then my green-fingered exploits have been limited to a brief period killing tomatoes in 2007 and unsuccessful spells with various orchids!

In the last couple of years, all that has started to change. It must be, I think, the kind of hobby that largely develops when you are thirty-something - no longer listening to ‘cool’ radio stations and ‘accidentally’ dipping into Definitely not dead: Andrea’s roses

Hard at work for ITV Wales at the Champions League Final

Gardeners’ World instead. But, I’m astounded to say that my guilty secret appears to be paying off. The acers are out, the roses are blooming and my friend and I have now started a competition we are dubbing ‘Basket-Off’. Forget Bake-Off – it’s hanging baskets not Chelsea buns where you’ll find the real thrill of competition!

Well… maybe not.

But there was a genuinely thrilling competition elsewhere in the capital this month, of course. The Champions League Final rolled into Cardiff and, with it, 170,000 people all set to enjoy a massive celebration of sport. And, away from the geraniums and begonias at home, all attention at work turned to ITV Wales’ special coverage of the event. Ruth Wignall and I were in the thick of it in the Bay on the eve of the big game.

Thousands descended on the Festival of

Football to watch a host of big stars playing a unique legends game on a floating pitch!

Never mind Real Madrid and Juventus, we had the likes of Ryan Giggs, Ian Rush, Roberto Carlos and Luis Figo within touching distance. With fans from all over the world cheering them on, the night was certainly one to remember!

The following day the big trophy, of course, went to Real Madrid and our very own Gareth Bale, making his own memories by winning it, not only for the third time, but also on home turf.

Meanwhile, on my home turf, I’m not sure a win in the ‘Basket-Off ‘ final will prove quite so exhilarating. But – it’s all relative – I’ll take what I can get!

Follow Andrea on Twitter: @andreabyrnetv, or at andreabyrne.tv

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MOTORING

CAR REVIEW

SCANDI MODERN The new V90 isn’t quite the load hauler that Volvos once were, but it’s still amongst the classiest of estate cars. Best of all, perhaps, it’s not German – and not as high as a Transit van

By M AT T BI E L BY

V

olvo is very much on a roll at the moment, and the new V90 is a stylish and likeable car that appeals to both head and heart: head, as it’s spacious, economical, well-made, well-priced and heaves with safety kit; and heart, in that its sleek, minimalist cabin is a masterclass in Scandinavian chic. Long before huge SUVs stole the hearts of well-heeled middle England, Volvo estates – often in mustard, usually with a golden retriever in the back – were the sensible family workhorse of choice, and the V90 makes a great case for swapping the now-standard 4x4 for something a little more traditional.

Back in the day, big Volvos were styled along the lines of a shoebox – basically, a big, yellow rectangle – but the first thing you notice about the V90 is that this is a much sleeker beast, with a surprisingly low roofline and a sharply raked rear screen. It makes 68 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk 56 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

this car much sexier than Lovejoy’s old wardrobe-carrier, though it simultaneously robs it of the ultimate load hauling kudos that used to be Volvo’s birthright. Equivalent offerings from Audi, BMW and (especially) Mercedes actually beat it for volume, though they don’t necessarily have the Volvo’s low boot lip, usefully rectangular load space and touch-of-a-button folding rear seats: all actually more useful day-to-day than a few extra cubic litres. Still, that the V90 cedes supremacy here is a shame.

Beyond this, though, the big Volvo barely puts a wheel wrong.

SWEDE DREAMS

For a start there are the engines. Time was, such a big car would almost certainly have had a 3.0 litre V6 or similar, but Volvo has a commitment to much smaller 2.0 turbocharged four-cylinder options, which are surprisingly punchy as well as economical,

CAR REVIEW

Cool ‘Thor’s hammer’ headlights, sleek lines and a clean Scandi interior make this big Volvo most pleasing inside and out

with especially refined diesel variants (by far the most popular options). Indeed, only the smooth, but occasionally dithery, eight-speed automatic gearbox lets things down a little.

Though handling isn’t quite as engaging as you’d get with the likes of BMW, the Volvo is never less than relaxed and pleasant to drive, and comes so crammed with useful features and smart thinking that it seems on a constant low-key mission to impress. This is a supremely quiet cruiser, but with power when you need it: you get a composed ride most of the time, and there’s no wind noise (and little road noise either).

Inside, seats and leg space are excellent for four – even if the guys in front have their seats pushed back – and still pretty good with five, while visibility is top-notch everywhere except to the direct rear (don’t worry, reversing sensors are standard). An almost tablet-sized portrait infotainment screen makes controlling the car’s many functions reasonably intuitive, while the 560 litre boot is – like we say – big but not classleading, growing to 1,526 with the 60/40 split rear seats folded seamlessly flat. The airy interior is all soft curves, brilliant materials and just-so design: it’s like being inside a quality Scandinavian box set, but without all that messy killing.

Where the car makes an undeniable case for itself is in its generous equipment, great

build quality, and sense of restrained style, not to mention its endless safety features, from a standard emergency braking system designed to recognise large animals (plus people, cyclists, whatever you got) to a function that automatically steers you back into your motorway lane should you wander. Using it all, you initially get alarming moments where the car’s bells and whistles kick off over something close but non-threatening on crowded city streets, but after a few hours with it we could already feel the car turning us into safer, more careful drivers.

The last Volvo we tried – the excellent XC90 SUV, more expensive than the V90 but a genuine rival – shares many underpinnings with this car (as, of course, does the less iconic S90 saloon), and the fact that there’s a mildly jacked up 4x4 Cross Country version of the V90 also blurs the lines between the company’s various offerings.

This, though, might just be our everyday choice: good to drive, great to be in, handsome but understated, and quietly very clever indeed.

It’s not so much the automotive equivalent of that overplayed term ‘hygge’ – though it did leave us with warm and cosy feelings – so much as its newer, cooler cousin, ‘lagom’. That’s the Swedish term for ‘just right’.

More info: fordthornemotorpark.co.uk

IT’S ALL SOFT CURVES, BRILLIANT MATERIALS AND JUST-SO DESIGN

AT A GLANCE Volvo V90 Prices: From £35,865 on the road, rising to well over £50k for the most expensive models loaded with options. Under the bonnet: Three (surprisingly small) 2.0-litre, four-cylinder options: the entry level two-wheel-drive D4 diesel (187bhp), the more potent four-wheel-drive D5 diesel (232bhp), and a rarer 320bhp T6 petrol for the Cross Country Pro models. All come with an 8-speed auto. Equipment specs: Entry level Momentum spec is pretty generous (you still get heated leather seats and an electric tailgate, for instance), but posher trim levels include the sporty R-Design and the luxury Inscription spec, both loaded with kit. Performance: Even the slowest version will do 140mph, and though the popular D5 doesn’t improve on that much, it will get to 60mph in a nippy 6.9 seconds. Theoretically, the D4 manages an impressive combined fuel economy figure of 62.8mpg (think more like 50mpg in real life usage). In a nutshell: A handsome, classy and well-priced alternative to premium German estate cars or the ubiquitous 4x4 SUV, and packed with original thinking and cool features. Dealer: Fordthorne Motor Park, 281 Penarth Rd, Cardiff CF11 8YZ; 02920 600132; fordthornemotorpark.co.uk

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SHOPPING

FA S H I O N

LIFE’S a BEACH Seek comfort, bold colour and wild prints this summer

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ith holiday season fully under way, the pressure is on to find the perfect summer outfits. Whether you’re wandering through the cool streets of Barcelona, or hitting the beaches of Santorini, here’s a hand-picked selection of this season’s freshest pieces.

Summer is officially the season of bold colour confidence. From fiery reds and flamingo pinks to zesty yellows and Persian blues, if you’re feeling daring, bright colours are for you.

If you prefer a wild print, we love this eye-catching, tropical maxi from Reiss.

Alternatively, pair this pure white bell sleeve top and striped trousers, both from Coast, for a bold, monochromatic look.

When time is tight, throw on this airy, offthe-shoulder, blue linen dress from Whistles so you can be out of the door in a flash. We’re swooning over these embellished Kurt Geiger espadrilles too, which can give that extra edge to any outfit.

Gone are the days where wearing a bathing suit meant you were sun-averse, or a serious swimmer. The one-piece is definitely back and we can see why!

Keep it nautical, with this ruched number from John Lewis for a super flattering look.

Or, opt for this monochrome swimsuit from Whistles at John Lewis with its fashionable Bardot neckline.

For all your beachy needs, add a pop of colour with this gorgeous, orange bag from John Lewis. Slip on this fun, floppy hat, also from John Lewis, and don’t forget to pop on some oversized gold sunnies from Marks & Spencer (and some suncream!) to make sure you’re fully beach-ready.

All items available at St David’s Dewi Sant in Cardiff at the time of writing. To keep up to date with the latest trends, news and offers, see St David’s on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter (@StDavidsCardiff), or at stdavidscardiff.com 72 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Maribel palm-print maxi dress, £295, Reiss

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SHOPPING

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1. Bon Voyage packable floppy sun hat, £30, John Lewis 2. Lila tie linen Bardot dress in blue, £129, Whistles 3. Clara stripe trousers in white/black, £63.20, Coast 4. Ipanema Bardot swimsuit, £75, Whistles 5. Straw large grab bag in orange, £30, John Lewis 6. Bay bell sleeve top, £71.20, Coast 7. Twist front stripe control swimsuit, £59, John Lewis 8. Arielana print shorts, £130, Reiss 9. Collection oversized gold sunglasses, £17.50, Marks & Spencer 10. Paris Two espadrilles in red, £150, Kurt Geiger www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 73

H E A LT H A N D BEAUTY

Exercising in company is more fun than alone

10 TOP TIPS TO GET YOU BEACH BODYREADY THIS SUMMER As the Vale Resort unveils its new £400,000 refurbed gym, health and fitness supervisor Rhys Fulthorpe, 24, shares his top fitness tips about how to look your best on the beach this summer

1

BE PREPARED

If you’re kicking off your new regime on Monday morning, make sure your trainers and kit are ready the night before and you’ve prepared your meals for the day.

That way, you’re ready to go – no excuses.

2

SET CLEAR TARGETS

It’s great to have something to work towards, so don’t be afraid to set yourself specific goals – whether it’s weight or fat loss, muscle gain, or tightening up on your measurements. But be realistic about what you can achieve within your time frame.

3

KEEP A RECORD

Take pictures of yourself and record key body measurements before you start your new routine, again mid-way through it, and when you reach your goal. You may

FORGET CELEBRITY, INSTAGRAM DIETS, OR MAGIC PILLS

not always see the progress you’re making simply by looking in the mirror or jumping on the scale.

4

EXERCISE SMART

Think about the exercises you’re doing and what muscle groups you’re targeting.

Try to target larger muscle group exercises rather than isometric exercises – for example, choose a deadlift over a bicep curl.

If in doubt, ask a professional.

5

AVOID FAD DIETS

Forget celebrity Instagram diets, or magic pills that promise the world and deliver nothing. Instead, develop a solid nutrition plan that’s built around you and your lifestyle. Plan your meals around a good protein source, as this will help keep you fuller for longer and help with your muscle recovery.

6

KEEP HYDRATED

Drink water throughout the day and be careful what you order when you’re out. We all know alcohol is calorific, and if you’re heading out for coffee, opt for an Americano or a skinny latte, rather than a syrup-laden, cream-topped concoction. This is a good way of saving your calories for the treats that you really can’t live without.

Ask for advice on how to target specific muscle groups

7

REST AND RECOVERY

8

KEEP AT IT

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GET OUT

Don’t over-do it straight away. Sleep is important for recovery, muscle growth and to ensure you’re fresh for the next session.

We all have bad days. You may not lose as much weight as you want to one week, or your training session may not go to plan, but the key is to keep focused on what you’ve achieved, and your end goal. Stay positive and keep pushing.

It’s not all about the gym. Increasing your general activity, perhaps with a walk after work while the evenings are light, is a great way to eat into your calorie expenditure.

10

KEEP IT SOCIAL

It’s always easier to stick to a fitness regime when you’re in company. Join a fitness class, find a running buddy, or enlist the help of a personal trainer. Exercising in company is more fun, and you’re less likely to drop out of a planned session if you’ve made a commitment to someone else. CL

To find out more about the Vale Resort’s new gym, visit vale-hotel.com

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MELLOW YELLOW BRING THE SUNSHINE INDOORS WITH THESE LEMON, AMBER AND MUSTARD GOODIES

4 3

1. BAGSY THIS

2. HANG ’EM, HI!

3. COTTONED ON

4. ALL UP IN YOUR GRILL

5. HIGH FIVE

Mercer leather crossbody bag, £225 This pebbled leather handbag can be carried by its elegant top handles or as a hands-free crossbody From Michael Kors, St Davids Dewi Sant, Cardiff; michaelkors.co.uk

Hello coat rack, £40 Inspired by handwritten neon signs, this rack is designed to welcome you home, and offer a place to hang your coat, keys, camera… whatever From Home By Kirsty, 16 Castle Arcade, Cardiff; homebykirsty.com

Vivienne Westwood classic cardigan, £230 Crafted from lightweight, pure cotton, Westwood’s timeless cardigan returns in a vivid yellow, with fine ribbing on neckline, cuffs and waistband From Vivienne Westwood, 55 The Hayes, Cardiff; viviennewestwood.com

LotusGrill XL portable barbecue, £199.95 The LotusGrill’s patented design forces air over the charcoal, creating rapid high heat and speeding up the whole barbecue cooking process From Kitchens, High Street Cardiff; steamer.co.uk

Curiousa & Curiousa Acid Cluster lamp, £4,620 Five teardrops of free-blown canary yellow glass make up this striking chandelier. The lighting stack can be made to a specified height and the shades are blown to order From Pad Deco, 35 Castle Arcade, Cardiff; paddeco.com

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5 ED’S CHOICE

SHOPPING

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6. BOLD AS BRASS

7. SUNSHINE IN A BOTTLE

8. SMELL YOU LATER

9. YELLOW PAGES

10. GLOBAL WARMING

Broadwick jacket, £240 This sumptuous soft suede jacket features a slim, figure-hugging cut, with twin chest pockets and burnished, banded buttons. Bold, classy and oh-so retro chic From Pretty Green, 22 Morgan Arcade, Cardiff; prettygreen.com

Eau de Lacoste, £29.75£56.95 This men’s eau de toilette has fresh citrus tones of grapefruit with juicy apples over a base of cypress wood for a refreshing, uplifting twist From Central Pharmacy, 63-67 Wellfield Road, Roath; escentual.com

Acqua Di Parma large cube candle, £70 Excite the senses with Acqua Di Parma’s iconic Colonia fragrance, a mixture of Sicilian citrus, Bulgarian rose, jasmine and amber From Central Pharmacy, 63-67 Wellfield Road, Roath; escentual.com

The Garden Visitor’s Handbook 2017, £12.99 Known as The Yellow Book, this guide has 4,000 sites including sensory gardens, as well as places offering accommodation and afternoon treats From Waterstones, 2A The Hayes Cardiff; waterstones.com

Wild & Wolf light-up 10-inch globe, £90 Light up your world with this snazzy illuminated globe. Its LED bulb uses up to 90% less energy than traditional bulbs, to help save the planet From John Lewis, St David’s Dewi Sant Cardiff; johnlewis.com

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E AT I N G O U T A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E

DINING in CARDIFF Cardiff Life’s selection of the best places to eat out in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan AMERICAN GOT BEEF 83 Whitchurch Rd, Cardiff CF14 3JP; 029 2061 7534; www.gotbeef.co.uk Burgers made from the best Welsh Black beef – try the full-on 'Hangover', with bacon, American cheese and bloody mary ketchup.

HANG FIRE SOUTHERN KITCHEN The Pumphouse, Hood Road, Barry CF62 5BE; www.hangfiresouthernkitchen.com No-one does American Deep South-style barbaecue food – cooked 'slow and low' – like HF's Shauna Guinn and Sam Evans.

SEAFOOD SHACK 5A High Street, Cardiff CF10 1AW; 07900 424644; @SeafoodShackCDF Themed restaurant based on American surf shacks, serving fresh seafood dishes in an open theatre kitchen, with over 100 wines to choose from, plus cocktails, craft beer and more.

THE SMOKE HOUSE 77 Pontcanna Street, Cardiff CF11 9HS; 029 2034 4628; @SmokeHausWales Authentic, family-friendly American barbecue restaurant in Pontcanna, with amazing dishes made from local ingredients.

ASIAN CEN @ CELTIC MANOR Coldra Woods, Usk Valley NP18 1HQ; 01633 410262; www.celtic-manor.com/cen Fresh, exciting and inspired contemporary Asian cuisine, created by 2013 MasterChef finalist Larkin Cen.

BRITISH/EUROPEAN ARBENNIG 6-10 Romilly Crescent, Pontcanna, CF11 9NR; 029 2034 1264; www.arbennig.co.uk Family-owned restaurant in Pontcanna – fine dining for people who love real food.

ARBOREAL 68 Eastgate, Cowbridge CF71 7AB; 01446 775093; www.arboreal.uk.com Award-winning boutique café/kitchen/bar, serving seasonal, honest and tasty food.

82 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

BARLEY & RYE 2 Greyfriars Rd, Cardiff CF10 3AD; 029 2034 5051; www.barleyandrye.co.uk Huge beer and whisky selection, served alongside inventive European dishes.

BILL’S 27-39, Wyndham Arcade, Mill Lane, Cardiff CF10 1FH, 029 2023 1524; Pilotage Building, Stuart Street, Cardiff Bay CF10 5BW, 02920 499 957; www.bills-website.co.uk Contemporary European chain, dishing up crowd-pleasing food from breakfast to bedtime.

EPICURE BY RICHARD DAVIES Celtic Manor Resort, Coldra Woods, Usk Valley NP18 1HQ; 01633 413 000; www.celtic-manor.com/epicure Exquisite, modern fine dining experience created by award-winning chef, Richard Davies.

CHAPEL 1877 Churchill Way, Cardiff CF10 2WF; 029 2022 2020; chapel1877.com Swish restaurant and bar/bistro, located in a restored, exuberantly-decorated and ornate former chapel.

THE CLASSROOM Dumballs Road, Cardiff CF10 5FE; 029 2025 0377; www.theclassroom.wales Cardiff and Vale College's unique restaurant, serving modern European food, with a focus on regional Welsh produce. Great city views, too.

THE CLINK HMP Cardiff, Knox Road, Cardiff CF24 0UG; 029 2092 3130; theclinkcharity.org Stylish, award-winning fine dining restaurant run by prison inmates, championing fresh, organic local produce.

FISH AT 85 85 Pontcanna Street, Pontcanna; 029 2023 5666; www.fishat85.co.uk British-caught fish, expertly cooked to your liking in a bright, modern space. There's an extensive on-site fish counter, too.

FFRESH Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay CF10 5AL; 029 2063 6465; www.wmc.org.uk Quality cooking and seasonal menus showcasing the best Welsh produce, with stunning views of Cardiff Bay.

LAGUNA KITCHEN & BAR Park Plaza, Greyfriars Road, Cardiff CF10 3AL; 029 2011 1103; www.lagunakitchenandbar.com Sleek, modern restaurant serving Welsh/ international cuisine, plus bar with terrace.

LOCKE AND REMEDY 18-19 Trinity Street, Cardiff CF10 1BH; 029 2167 6982; lockeandremedy.com Bar/restaurant, serving wood-fired pizzas, burgers, adventurous cocktails and craft beers.

THE MARKET PLACE 66 High Street, Cowbridge CF71 7AH 01446 774800; the-marketplace.co.uk Cosy and welcoming, this upmarket restaurant serves beautifully presented, cheffy dishes.

Popular for Sunday lunches.

THE POTTED PIG 27 High Street, Cardiff CF10 1PU; 029 2022 4817; www.thepottedpig.com Located in a former bank vault underground, expect modern British food, ever-changing seasonal menus, and wonderful gins. The whole suckling pig is amazing.

FINE DINING JAMES SOMMERIN The Esplanade, Penarth CF64 3AU; 029 2070 6559; www.jamessommerinrestaurant.co.uk Michelin-starred destination restaurant, serving highly innovative food. The tasting menu offers a bespoke menu created for each and every table.

FRENCH BULLY’S 5 Romilly Crescent, Cardiff CF11 9NP; 029 2022 1905; bullysrestaurant.co.uk Using seasonal and local produce, with a unique French wine list sourced from small, passionate growers.

CHEZ FRANCIS 185 Cowbridge Rd East, Cardiff CF11 9AJ; 029 2022 4959; 21 Glebe Street, Penarth CF64 1E; 029 2070 2429; www.chez-francis.co.uk Cosy French restaurant, serving rich, bistro-style seasonal cuisine.

A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E E AT I N G O U T

ITALIAN CALABRISELLA 154 Cowbridge Rd East, Cardiff CF11 9ND; 029 2022 5839; www.calabrisellacardiff.com Authentic Italian café and restaurant, serving hearty, home-cooked food.

CASANOVA 13 Quay Street, Cardiff CF10 1EA; 029 2034 4044; www.casanovacardiff.co.uk Modern techniques applied to regional Italian cooking in this discreet two-floor restaurant.

ELGANO 58 Cathedral Road, Cardiff CF11 9LL; 029 2025 5853; elgano.co.uk/restaurant Fresh, authentic Italian cuisine – cooked with love, eat with passion, as they say.

PORRO 22 High Street, Llandaff CF5 2DZ, 029 2056 5502; 57 Wellfield Road, Roath CF24 3PA, 029 2240 2200; www.porrocardiff.com Modern British fare inspired by Italian cooking and eating, embracing the Italian philosphy of simple, quality ingredients.

SPANISH ASADOR 44 14-15 Quay Street, Cardiff CF10 1EA; 029 2002 0039; www.asador44.co.uk The finest charcoal-grilled chuleton steaks, fish and veg, from the heart of northern Spain.

BAR 44 15-23 Westgate Street, Cardiff CF10 1DD; 0333 344 4049; www.bar44.co.uk Award-winning tapas – a true taste of modern Spain. They recently won an award for best patatas bravas in the UK. Branches also in Penarth and Cowbridge.

THE DISCOVERY Celyn Avenue, Lakeside CF23 6FH; 029 2075 5015 knifeandforkfood.co.uk/venue/the-discovery Laid-back dining and drinking, as per The Conway (above).

THE GRANGE 134 Penarth Road, Grangetown CF11 6NJ; 029 2025 0669; @PubGrange Independent free house with frequently changing menu of pub grub, including Welsh flat iron steaks, burgers, pies, curries with 'half and half', beer-battered fish and chips, and more.

HARE & HOUNDS Aberthin, Cowbridge CF71 7LG; 01446 774892; hareandhoundsaberthin.com Thriving ale and food house, with a small, dailychanging seasonal menu, served in relaxed and informal surroundings.

KINGS ARMS Church Road, Pentyrch CF15 9QF; 029 2089 0202; kingsarmspentyrch.com Cask ales and modern British food with a twist at this snug longhouse inn.

THE LANSDOWNE 71 Lansdowne Road, Canton CF5 1LX; 029 2022 1312; thelansdownecardiff.co.uk Popular free house, serving real ales, good cider and proper pub food. Big on atmosphere, their Sunday roasts are legendary.

LONGHOUSE The Tumble, St Nicholas, Cardiff CF5 6SA 029 2115 7754; www.longhousewales.com Cosy, award-winning 17th century watering hole. Chef/patron Andy Aston's feasting food is prepared with heartfelt soul, imagination and flair.

THE OLD SWAN INN Church Street, Llantwit Major CF61 1SB; 01446 792 230; knifeandforkfood.co.uk/venue/ the-old-swan-inn Traditional pub bar with roaring fire and oak beams, plus recently revamped dining area.

LA CUINA 11 King's Road, Cardiff CF11 9BZ; 029 2019 0265; lacuina.co.uk Authentic, traditional and contemporary Catalan food, featuring recipes from different regions.

THE PILOT 67 Queen's Road, Penarth CF64 1DJ; 029 2071 0615; knifeandforkfood.co.uk/venue/the-pilot Located high on the hill, with spectacular views overlooking Cardiff Bay, expect pub classics with a twist and frequently changing guest ales.

GASTROPUBS

INDIAN

THE CONWAY 58 Conway Road, Pontcanna CF11 9NW; 029 2022 4373; knifeandforkfood.co.uk/venue/the-conway A daily blackboard menu offers modern Welsh/ European food, plus great real ales.

CHAI STREET 153 Cowbridge Road East, Canton CF11 9AH, 029 2022 8888; 15 High Street, Cardiff CF10 1AX, 02920 399 399; chaistreet.com Indian street food kitchen, offering a casual and authentic taste experience.

MINT AND MUSTARD 134 Whitchurch Road, Cardiff CF14 3LZ, 029 2062 0333; 33-34 Windsor Terrace, Penarth CF64 1AB, 029 2070 0500; www.mintandmustard.com Pioneering Indian cuisine, inspired by the Keralan philosophy of fresh, light and healthy food.

MOKSH Bute Crescent, Cardiff CF10 5AN; 029 2049 8120; www.moksh.co.uk Modern Indian restaurant serving Goan-inspired dishes made with a nouvelle flair.

PURPLE POPPADOM 185A Cowbridge Rd East, Canton CF11 9AJ; 029 2022 0026; purplepoppadom.com More imaginative, nouvelle Indian food, courtesy of the one and only Anand George.

MEXICAN WAHACA 51-53 The Hayes, St David's Dewi Sant, Cardiff CF10 1GA; 029 2167 0414; www.wahaca.co.uk Tasty tacos, burritos, quesadillas and more – moreish Mexican-style market food.

PIZZA DUSTY KNUCKLE The Printhaus, 70A Llandaff Road, Cardiff CF11 9NL; 07943 826701; @dusty_knuckle Incredible wood-fired pizza. 'Nuff said.

PORTUGUESE MADEIRA 2 Guildford Crescent, Cardiff CF10 2HJ; 029 2066 7705; www.madeirarestaurante.co.uk Portuguese restaurant and fish specialist in a cosy, colourful setting.

THAI THE THAI HOUSE 3-5 Guildford Crescent, Churchill Way, Cardiff CF10 2HJ; 029 2038 7404; thaihouse.biz Long-established restaurant, serving authentic, colourful Thai food.

VEGETARIAN MILGI 213 City Road, Cardiff CF24 3JD 029 2047 3150; milgicardiff.com Cool vegetarian/vegan eatery, offering 'plantbased' dining, natural cocktails and craft beer. www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 83

FOOD & DRINK W H AT ’ S M A K I N G T H E G O U R M E T N E W S I N C A R D I F F

CHEESE, PLEASE!

CHEESY DOES IT OWEN DAVIES, from Cardiff’s award-winning Cheese Pantry, provides some tips for pairing curds and ale Recently, I’ve seen experiments with all sorts of pairings for cheese; from gin to tea!

Beer, however, is a pairing that stems back to tradition; beer produced locally served with cheese made on the farm.

Ultimately, it’s all down to flavour; local independent brewers experimenting with complex and diverse flavours. Similarly there’s a new breed of British cheesemaker trialling styles of cheese often associated with our neighbouring European friends.

So, how do we pair cheese with beer? A quick way to narrow this down is to think

about the intensity of flavour; a strong beer commands a strong cheese, and a fresh cheese pairs well with lighter styles of beer. Once this has been narrowed down then you’re hunting for beer flavours that complement or contrast. Some cheeses show their best qualities when the beer is completely different; others when paired with beers that have similar flavours – this is when the fun begins, and where unlikely combinations often work together!

TOP MARCO

Cheese Pantry is located at Cardiff Central Market. Twitter: @cheesepantry

A new hotel in central Cardiff will be bringing some tasty rooftop dining

WANT TO MAKE IT EASIER?...

FRESH, LIGHT CHEESE Clean, light citrussy beers complement light, delicate flavours in fresh cheese.

The carbonation in a pilsner, for example, can also marry with the soft, mousse-like textures of some fresh cheese. Fruit beers also work well here… a cherry beer with goat’s cheese, say.

NUTTY, AGED CHEESE Here the category for beer widens, as we think about the varying styles and age profiles of cheese.

Our traditional Cheddars, aged for 12+ months, often deliver earthy

Enfant terrible of the UK restaurant scene, Marco Pierre White

characteristics – this is where we see IPAs with hoppy characteristic blend with the earthiness to complement. In contrast, we see sweeter aged Gouda (24+ months) command rich, malty beers that work alongside caramel notes in the cheese.

WASHED ‘FUNKY’ CHEESE Often these cheeses are tricky to match because of their bold ‘funky’ flavours. Traditional pale ales work here – these are not as hoppy as IPA, and balance against the often intense flavours. Also, the

delicate carbonation of pale ale enhances the soft creaminess of the cheese.

BLUE CHEESE You have plenty of options here! I think the saltiness in blue cheese often allows for a greater diversity of pairings: from fresh, citrussy sour beers that challenge against the salt, to sweeter porter beers that complement. Time to move over, port!

Fancy experimenting with us?

Monthly Cheese & Beer Club starting soon; email: hello@cheesepantry.wales

100l % food

hala

OPENING TAKEAWAY OFFER

Half Piri piri chicken with rice, salad and naan bread £7.95 The Home of fresh flame grilled chicken

Open 12-11pm | 68 Albany Road, Cardiff

Visitors to Cardiff will soon be able to enjoy a new, unique hotel experience as Hotel Indigo Cardiff gets ready to open its doors in the coming months.

This luxury boutique hotel not only brings 122 additional rooms to the already burgeoning Cardiff tourism industry, but also boasts one of Marco Pierre White’s famous Steakhouse Bar & Grills. Located on the roof it will deliver classic British dishes using locally sourced ingredients, paired with a wide range of cocktails.

The acclaimed chef commented, “Cardiff is such a vibrant city and the location is perfect for my Steakhouse Bar & Grill. I’m really looking forward to getting the doors open and welcoming our first guests. It’s going to be a big hit with both diners and drinkers who are out for a good time and wanting to enjoy food and drink in a stunning setting.”

As well as top-notch food, guests at the hotel will also benefit from free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and room decor that reflects aspects of Wales’ rich industrial and musical heritage.

More: ihg.com

F O O D & D R I N K A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E

A hidden gem serving up hearty British cuisine using the finest Welsh produce

M

iskin Manor is a family-owned, Grade II-listed, AA four star hotel, set in 25 acres of award-winning grounds and gardens. Surrounded by glorious Welsh countryside, Miskin Manor is peacefully located, yet minutes away from the M4. Remaining popular for weddings and conferences, Miskin Manor is a perfect venue for any type of occasion or celebration. Residents and nonresidents can enjoy afternoon tea in our open fire lounge, and lunch or dinner in our award winning Meisgyn Restaurant, serving locally sourced Welsh produce, combining modern British and rustic cuisine.

We spoke to head chef David Owen about his background, his love of cooking and why we should eat at Miskin Manor Hotel:

SUNDAY LUNCH MENU SERVED 12-5PM

Tell us about your culinary background?

I began my culinary adventure when I was quite young; I was a kitchen porter for some time, and observed from my station the comings and goings of the chefs and all the effort and passion they put into cooking.

After some time of allowing my interest in cooking to grow, and with the support of the owners, I found myself walking up the career ladder and after much time, effort and lessons learned, I am now a head chef!

What first inspired your love of cooking?

I have always had a passion for food; the taste, the preparation, the appearance and so on. I knew that one day I wanted to be able to prepare an edible masterpiece and call it my own, and to give the general public an opportunity to try something new and tasty that they perhaps had not tried before.

What’s your favourite dish on the menu?

There are a few items on the menu that I enjoy cooking, but I think my favourite dish would have to be the pan fried scallops with butternut squash two ways – it’s a simple but mouthwatering dish.

How would you describe your cooking style?

I think the main focus of my style of cooking would be on the classic British dishes. I do enjoy delving into other styles here and there, but nothing beats a hearty, delicious dish of food to share with good friends and to remind you of home.

So why should we eat at Miskin Manor?

Miskin Manor is so unique – it is a hidden gem in south wales. It has so much character and elegance, and that’s amplified by the quality of good, locally sourced welsh produce used by our fantastic team in the kitchen.

Next step in your career?

To be honest, I have reached the goal I set for my career. I am a head chef – I wanted this position for such a long time when training in the kitchen, and now I can smile happy, knowing that I achieved my goal. But the beauty of working in a kitchen means you never stop learning and developing your skills.

2 courses £16 | 3 course £20 Where possible we source our Sunday lunch produce locally. Our beef is from Cefn Mawr farm in the Usk Valley, our lamb is from Blaengwawr Farm in Aberdare & our pork is from Raglan.

Longhouse, The Tumble, St Nicholas, Cardiff CF5 6SA Reserve A Table: 02921 157754

www.longhousewales.com

ad v er t i s i n g feat u re F O O D & D R I N K

Meet the Chef If you’ve eaten out in Cardiff and the surrounding area lately, chances are one of this lot prepared your dinner. We asked these local kitchen wizards: why, and what, do you love cooking?

RYan Mitchell

Mark Freeman

Montserrat Prat

Robert Evans

Favorite dish on the menu?

It has to be the roast rump of lamb served with chard gem lettuce and fine beans – so many flavours on one plate that complement each other. At Chapel 1877, all our products for our dishes are locally sourced. Being an independent brand working with other independent brands is important to us. The quality speaks for itself.

So, tell us about your culinary background?

With 32 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, I’ve worked in many different types of establishments from large, corporate city centre hotels to small, privately owned country house hotels, and Michelin and other award-winning restaurants.

What first inspired the start of your business?

I was born into a humble farming family where the production of primary foods was a way of life, and inventiveness was the key to turning simple ingredients into a delicious meal. After over 20 years of pursuing a very different career in education, I re-discovered my early passion for food. My friends Joaquin and Leticia, chefs at the former Patagonia restaurant, saw how much I loved food and encouraged me to follow in their footsteps, and La Cuina was born

Tell us about your culinary background?

Having worked in many 5* hotels across the UK, and multiple Rosette restaurants, I have been lucky enough to learn from many talented chefs.

Chapel 1877 029 2022 2020 www.chapel1877.com

What inspired you to become a chef?

I’m all about family and when I was younger, cooking brought everyone together, as it does now. I can remember watching my grandmother in the kitchen and her teaching me all her secrets. Growing up, my Dad always believed in cooking from fresh and I’ve taken that role on now.

Why eat at Chapel 1877?

Of course, the food. The seasonal menus, the speciality dishes, events and galas.

Putting the food aside, Chapel 1877’s architecture and design is completely breathtaking.

Wherever you sit, you will have something to gaze at. Chapel 1877 literally has something for everyone.

Grey at Hilton Cardiff 029 2064 6400 www.greyrestaurant.co.uk

What first inspired your love of cooking?

I first found an interest in cooking in my early teens, enjoying spending time in the kitchen with my mother who was a keen home cook.

This led me on to being only one of two male pupils in the school year that decided to take home economics as an exam qualification. That ignited my passion for food.

What’s your favourite dish on the menu?

Being responsible for writing the menus at Grey, it’s hard not to add dishes that are my personal favourites: Welsh lamb shank and bubble ’n’ squeak is just hearty and warming comfort food. Cefn Mawr Farm steaks cooked on Himalayan salt stones, that add so much more flavour to an already quality product.

La Cuina 029 2019 0265 www.lacuina.co.uk

How would you describe your cooking style?

I believe in letting good produce speak for itself. It’s a simple philosophy adopted by even the most famous contemporary Catalan chefs. Get back to basics, rediscover our traditions, source food ethically from committed micro producers.

Finally, what’s the next step in your career?

Giving way to young talent, to people who have similar values.

My sous chef Samir is already stepping into my shoes, and doing an amazing job.

Manor Parc Hotel 029 2069 3723 www.manorparc.com

What inspired your love of cooking?

The creativity. The freedom.

To be able to make something from scratch. Finding great produce, using foods at their peak harvest season, discovering new ingredients.

Favourite dish on the menu?

The specials: this week’s is Creedy Carver duck breast with duck fat turnips, medjool date puree, soy and honey glaze, and cashew nuts.

How would you describe your cooking style?

Creative, technical, big emphasis on flavours, seasonal.

So, why should we eat at Manor Parc?

Amazing food offerings, full of flavours and texture combinations. Lunch menu, A La Carte and Afternoon Tea are excellent value. Family-run with great customer service.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 87

F O O D & D R I N K ad v er t i s i n g feat u re

Adam Whittle Newbridge on Usk,

by Celtic Manor 01633 410262 www.celtic-manor.com/ newbridge-on-usk

What first inspired your love of cooking?

I have always loved food – I have a very good appetite, which may be why! We were always encouraged to help with preparing meals, Sunday lunch, mince pies at Christmas etc. It was something that could bring so much pleasure and people together. I suppose this feeling has never left me.

What’s your favourite dish on the menu?

Grilled, slow-cooked octopus, burnt aubergine, apple and coriander. Also adaptable and perfect for a BBQ with an ice-cold beer!

Why should we eat at Newbridge on Usk? At this time of year, the Newbridge area is coming into its peak, an idyllic location on the riverside, tranquil and relaxing. Put this together with friendly, attentive, professional staff and a menu offering great seasonal cooking, and you’ve got the perfect recipe.

What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?

Just last week, from my six-year-old daughter, Ruby.

Together, we had made a selection of meat skewers for dinner. As we sat down to eat, Ruby was silent, which is very rare. All of a sudden: “OMG, you’re actually the best cook ever, these are amazing!” Who knew a wooden skewer was the answer all along?

nick collins

Cleverchefs Ltd & The Pickled Radish Restaurants 07468 591743 www.cleverchefs.co.uk

What first inspired your love of cooking?

I worked as a pot wash in a local pub, and I had to jump in and give the chef a hand one day, and from that first moment I knew that cooking in a commercial environment was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

Why should we eat with Cleverchefs or the Pickled Radish?

I think we are always thinking outside the box and are flexible in our approach to anything. We also take great pride in sourcing the very best organic or local produce, which you can really taste in the food. Ingredients are the most important thing to a dish.

What’s your favourite dish on the menu?

My favourite dish at the moment is my dark chocolate marquise, homemade Welsh fudge, salted caramel macaroon, pistachio, raspberry sorbet and candy floss, as it never fails to bring a smile and relight people’s childhood memories when they see the candy floss.

Finally, what’s the next step with your companies?

I see the Pickled Radish opening up in more locations, and working with more exclusive venues across the south of the UK for weddings and events.

We feel there is a real shortage of high-end catering for large events so we want to fill that gap.

88 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Nikki Taylor Miskin Manor 01443 224204 www.miskin-manor.co.uk

So, tell us about your culinary background?

I started cooking when I was 16 years old. I then began my training as a commis chef based in Saint David’s Hall, where we served meals in places like Cardiff Castle, which, as you can imagine, as a young chef in training, was something amazing. I am now classically trained, which I find that these days is something not that common.

What’s your favourite dish on the menu?

I don’t think I really have a favourite dish on the menu.

What I do love, however, are the dishes that use our home-grown ingredients from our gardens. Nothing beats fresh ingredients – they make a dish all the more special.

How would you describe your cooking style?

I am an individual when it comes to creating edible masterpieces. I do enjoy all styles of cooking, but nothing beats making something your own. I am inspired by other cooking styles, but it’s the thrill of creating something individual and unique that drives me.

Why should we eat at Miskin Manor?

It is a fantastic place to eat.

There are not many places left in Wales that are solely run by families and that is what makes Miskin Manor a gem in a field of rocks. It oozes culture, elegance, and is a charismatic part of the local community.

Joseph Procak

Laguna Kitchen & Bar Park Plaza Cardiff 029 2011 1103 lagunakitchenandbar.com What first inspired your love of cooking?

I grew up in a very Italian household in the UK. My mother was an outstanding cook and I have endearing memories of the smell of coffee and tomato sauce cooking all day. My mother used to do her own gnocchi, pasta, bread – she sundried her own tomatoes in the backyard. My aunties and uncles in Italy also had restaurants which I worked in during the summer, so I was always involved with food in one form or another.

How would you describe your cooking style?

Currently it’s Modern British Cuisine. I have a varied skill set, some of it is Italian, some of it British, some Asian. At the end of the day, food is food, it doesn’t matter where it comes from as long as it’s cooked well, presented well and enjoyed. Ultimately my goal is to conjure up happy, childhood memories for the people who eat my food. If you can reproduce that for people, I think it’s job done from a chef’s point of view.

What’s your favourite dish on the menu?

I love the Roasted Rump of Lamb with Olive and Balsamic Jus. It’s a simple recipe with big results. The Jus keeps the lamb perfectly moist and juicy.

It’s the perfect summer dish, served it with Pesto Mashed Potato, Confit Cherry Tomato and Garlic Fritters.

ad v er t i s i n g feat u re F O O D & D R I N K

Lewis Dwyer

The Longhouse 029 2115 7754 www.longhousewales.com

So, tell us about your culinary background?

I started off at a small tapas bar, followed by a two Rosette hotel, the Copthorne. Shortly after that, I did some time at The Bunch of Grapes. I landed my first head chef position at the King’s Arms, Pentyrch, followed by the Heathcock, before taking over at the Longhouse.

What first inspired your love of cooking?

To be honest, cooking was something I fell into. After working behind bars and washing dishes for most of my teens, I picked up a few shifts prepping in the kitchen. The more I learned, the more I wanted to know, to the point of it becoming an obsession. That attitude still drives me to this day.

How would you describe your cooking style?

I am a big fan of simple classic cooking, but love weird and obscure flavour combinations. If I had to sum it up, I’d say ‘Grandma’s cooking with a hipster twist’...

Why should we eat at The Longhouse?

It’s just honest, decent cooking.

We serve simple pub classics like burgers and fish and chips, but you can also get something a bit fancier if you’re feeling more adventurous.

What’s the best compliment you¹ve ever received?

I once had a customer tell me my Bara Brith puts his nan’s to shame!

justin llewellyn

Michael Hudson

So, tell us about your culinary background?

I have had a passion for cooking from a very young age. My parents were excellent cooks. I trained at Colchester Avenue Catering College in Cardiff and started as a commis chef, working in two and three Rosette and Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants. I worked my way up, and at the age of 28, I was Resort head chef at the Vale Resort.

Tell us about your culinary background?

I started my apprenticeship in a five star business and conference hotel in Southampton, then went onto working in a variety of restaurants to gain experience.

I worked for two years in a one Rosette boutique hotel and restaurant in Carmarthenshire, before two years in the Cotswolds. I then went on to the Lake District, where I was working as the head chef of a restaurant which also owned its own cookery school, where I used to teach on a regular basis. That was before settling in Wales three years ago.

The Vale Resort 01443 667800 www.vale-hotel.com

What’s your favourite dish on the menu?

Celebration of Welsh Brecon lamb. It is the essences of Wales on a plate, very seasonal – it’s the best lamb I have ever eaten.

So why should we eat at the Vale Grill?

Our menu offers a mix of the finest and freshest ingredients from our own Welsh suppliers, alongside a few carefully selected imports to create a fusion of flavours to suit every palate. We serve food that we’d love to eat when we go out – big flavours, generous portions, lovingly prepared by my award-winning chefs and served in contemporary surroundings over looking the Welsh hills.

What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?

I once had Robbie Williams in my kitchen. I cooked him lobster thermidor. He said it was ‘rocking’!

Ilenia Fara

Llanerch Vineyard 01443 222716 www.llanerch-vineyard.co.uk

What first inspired your love of cooking?

Working part time whilst at school as a chef assistant really made me want to pursue a career as a chef. And since the first day of my apprenticeship, I have never looked back.

What’s your favourite dish on the menu?

Cod loin with a prawn velouté, cockles, lava bread and pancetta.

How would you describe your cooking style?

Modern British.

So, why should we eat at Llanerch Vineyard?

We strive to provide a great food experience using fresh local ingredients, and always try to go that extra mile for our customers.

Giovanni Park Place 029 2022 6299 www.giovanniscardiff.co.uk Tell us about your culinary background?

I started working in a restaurant called La Locanda under a famous chef called Vernon Fulks from Austria when I was 17 years old. I had studied at the institute of catering in Cardiff and my passion has always been cooking. Then I went to one of the best cruise liners and travelled round The West Indies in South America.

What first inspired your love of cooking?

Cooking alongside my mother Antonia inspired me to cook mainly Italian food and fish. Also cooking alongside my father Domenico in his award winning fish and chip shop in Grangetown Cardiff.

Considering that I was born in Reggio Calabria Italy, my heart has always been in Wales.

What’s your favourite dish on the menu?

My favourite dish is scallops in lemon and butter wine sauce, served with linguine in a squid ink sauce. It’s to live for!

So, why should we eat at Giovanni’s?

The food you can expect in Giovanni’s on the Hays or Park Place is as authentic as you can get, just like my mamma makes! All of our dishes have a beautiful presence and are wonderfully delicate, with that true italian taste. Buon appetito!

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a d v e r t i s i n g f e at u r e f o o d & d r i n k

SUMMER WINEs

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Put that boring Pinot Grigio down and let Dean Euden of the WSET (wine & spirit education trust) introduce you to some superior summer tipples

t's summer in Wales, so there’s a good chance we may get three or four days' sunshine… possibly. So, given our summers can be a little sketchy, we should all make sure that when the sun appears fleetingly from behind the clouds, the first drink we grab as we scramble and claw to open the patio door, is a good one.

I’m not going to trot out the standards – Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, anyone? They’re more predictable than a Prince Philip faux pas at a cultural event. Here are two better recommendations for you, that may just elevate that drink in the sun from ‘nice’ to ‘lush’...

Fino Sherry

I’m not talking cream sherry, I’m talking bone dry crisp sherry. Made from the Palamino grape, Fino is a specific type of sherry aged in oak barrels under a layer of yeast called ‘Flor’ that stops any oxygen interacting with the sherry underneath. The resulting wine is light, crisp with green apple notes etc, and a refreshing finish. You can also look for ‘Manzanilla’, which is a type of Fino that differs

because it’s aged in the seaside city of Sanlúcar de Barrameda and this affects the Flor layer in the barrels. The style is slightly lighter than Fino, with more of a salty tang. Serve Fino and Manzanilla well chilled with a bowl of salted almonds. For something more substantial, barbequed mackerel is a wonderful match, with that crisp wine cutting through the smoky, oily fish.

Pinot Noir

To be more precise, a German Pinot Noir or ‘Spatburgunder’ as our German friends like to call it. The safe bet is white on a summer’s day, but if you’re not a fan of white wine and want to stick to red, then a Pinot Noir is going to be far more favourable to sweating through your usual heavy Malbec. Germany produces fantastic expressions of this elegant but fickle grape that are low in tannin, show very little oak generally and burst with crunchy red fruits like cranberry and strawberry. Pinot Noir works best when grown in cooler climates like Germany, and that’s the reason they plant more Pinot Noir than New Zealand and

Australia combined. The lightest German Pinot Noir can be served slightly chilled, though not to the same extent as white wines as you will lose the delicate fruit character. They match well with pork and duck and can stand up to a bit of BBQ grub.

So, to wrap this up... DON’T go safe this summer – go different. If we have four days of hot, sunny weather this year, and you sat around drinking £5.99 watery Pinot Grigio, then don’t come crying to me. I’ll be out the back supping on a glass of crisp Fino sherry and ignoring the doorbell.

Salud!

For more information please visit www.wsetglobal.com

SPONSORED BY:

More adventures in party-going

SNAPPED! AC ROS S CA R D I FF, O N E S H I N D I G AT A T I M E

DOING THE BIZ Fourteen business leaders from across Wales were recognised at IoD Wales’ Director of the Year Awards 2017 at SSE SWALEC, including Celtic Manor owner Sir Terry Matthews, Debra Barber, managing director at Cardiff Airport, and Miriam Warner, MD of Miracle Workers Agency.

For more: iod.com

Catrin Jones, Mike Unsworth and Lisa Jenkins (from Tidal Lagoon, sponsors of Young Director of the Year) with Chris Kelsey (from Media Wales)

Laura Nicholas (Acorn Executive Search), Claire Humphries, Gavin Taylor and Connah O’Toole (RMS)

Non and James Smith, (DevOpsGuys) Emma Waddingham and Liam Giles (Spindogs)

Helen Ward, Lydia Whitfield, Robert Lloyd Griffiths (IoD) and Rhys Gregory (Effective Communication)

Kris Agland (Cardiff Devils), Rosanna Hood (MediaClash) and Helen Cook

Sian Rees (Cardiff Metropolitan University) and Phil Davies (Hospital Innovations)

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 95

SPONSORED BY:

SOCIETY

GOOOA AL! KIN+ILK, in partnership with Bay Tree Wines, hosted an exclusive ‘Wine of Champions’ tasting evening at its café bar in Pontcanna to celebrate the Champions League Final. The football-themed night included wines from Italy and Spain, with red and yellow referee cards used to vote for the best wine of the night.

Sian Davies, Pete Reilly, Hayley Rees and Owen Phillips

For more: kinandilk.com

Vickie Woodsford and Sioned Ward

Andrew Jackson and Amanda Kynaston

Amy Bolton and Katie Heffernan

Carolyn Admason, Steve Sulley and Zoe Westerman Rob Pryce and Jonathan Hollons

Peter Howe and Ellen Law

96 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

E C O - P R O P E R T Y A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E

“AN IMPRESSIVE SCHEME OF ECO HOMES WHICH ARE BESPOKE ARCHITECT DESIGNED, A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE, GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH, BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, AND THEY WILL SAVE YOU MONEY.” 98 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E E C O - P R O P E R T Y

TIME TO SWITCH TO AN ECO-FRIENDLY HOME? Sustainability is key for Cardiff property developers Liv-Eco

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s World Environment Day recently took place on June 5th, many of us will be thinking about our own impact on the planet.

Many will be looking to save water, save energy, reduce the fossil fuels we use, cut our carbon footprint, and save money at the same time.

An important way we can do that is by considering buying an eco-friendly home. There are now luxury eco home options available right here on our doorsteps in Cardiff.

A new home property developer in Cardiff, Liv-Eco, has an impressive scheme of eco homes which are bespoke architect designed, a great place to live, good for your health, better for the environment – and they will save you money.

The luxury eco homes in St Fagans are conveniently located for access to the road links at Culverhouse Cross, giving easy access to the city centre, Cardiff Bay and the M4.

If you’re thinking that road links are a bad thing for the environment, Liv-Eco has thought of that.

There are facilities on site for charging an electric car, and Nissan is offering buyers here a fantastic discount on the Nissan Leaf electric car

WHAT MAKES THIS SUCH A BRILLIANT PLACE TO LIVE?

• Lower fuel bills – thanks to efficient heating systems and appliances • Health and wellbeing – thanks to an air filter system giving warm and fresh air • Community – thanks to communal gardens and private outside space • Home design – a better internal space design and higher ceilings • Secure by design principles – helping you feel safe and secure at home • Lifetime homes principles – this is a home can which adapt with you over time

• Electric car charging – make it cleaner and cheaper to travel. Wessex Garages and Nissan are offering a great deal on a new electric car, so you can change your home and car and live a greener, cleaner lifestyle Existing residents tell us they love living in this wonderful place. We would highly recommend you visit to discover this unique development.

ABOUT THE ECO DEVELOPMENT

This is the second phase of the awardwinning residential scheme in St Fagans, designed by conservation architects Gillard Associates and opened by the Welsh Government. You can see a unit from the first phase to get an idea of how superb the finish will be like on your new place.

There are 10 eco apartments in all, four one-bed and six two-bed homes. The views are extensive, showing woodland and the big, open sky to the south.

Bespoke design and sustainability are central to the Liv-Eco concept and buying will open up a full range of eco features.

They include the super-insulated building with high performance windows and doors, underfloor heating throughout, green sedum roof, heat pumps, and electric car charging.

This unique scheme on the edge of Cardiff has won many awards, but most important of all is the fact that people just love living here and don’t want to leave – come round to take a look!

HOW YOU CAN ARRANGE A VIEWING

Book your viewing by calling our South Wales New Homes Office today on 02920 228135 or 02920 555198. The apartments are selling quickly, so we advise booking today.

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Shake-ups/launches/successes/promotions

CA R D I FF G E T S S ER I O US

QUOTE OF THE ISSUE

“RESEARCH SHOWS THAT OVER 40 PER CENT OF CONSUMERS WANT TO TRY CRAFT BEER OVER ANY OTHER VARIETY”

Keiran Brooks swaps handcuffs for manacles in his successful franchise

THE BIG STORY

BREAKING OUT Adventure Rooms’ ex-detective constable celebrates a year of locking up innocent people and making them pay…

The popular ‘escape room’ franchise, which is the first of its kind in Britain, is run by Keiran Brooks, a former detective constable with the Gwent Police.

After serving 14 years in the force, Keiran decided to hang up his handcuffs and begin his own business venture with his wife, Michelle, in the shape of Adventure Rooms, Cardiff. “It’s rather ironic that I’ve gone from handcuffing criminals to handcuffing people for fun, but the feedback we’ve received since opening has been amazing,” he said.

Created by Swiss physicist Gabriel Palacios, Adventure Rooms is an interactive adventure in which teams of friends have to work cooperatively on a mission to escape from the room in which they’ve been incarcerated. Each group has just 60 minutes to solve a series of puzzles and secure their freedom.

You’re a picky bunch!

Find out more on page 102...

Now a global franchise with more than 30 sites around the world, the concept first came to Keiran’s attention while holidaying in Spain; the whole family loved it and so Keiran and his wife decided to take the plunge and buy a franchise.

The team at Adventure Rooms believe that it’s their unique duel format that makes them a popular choice for office outings and team building events.

“Escape games usually host up to six or seven people at a time,” explains Keiran, “but the duel format allows teams of up to 14 players to go head to head with one another to see who can escape the fastest. It’s a fresh approach to the escape world, and it’s really bringing in some new crowds, which we love.”

For more: adventureroomscardiff.co.uk

21K THE BIG NUMBER

The number of travelling fans that passed through Cardiff Airport for the Champions League final For more: cardiff-airport.com

Got a business news story for us? Email vel.ilic@mediaclash.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 101

BREAKING NEWS

TRIPLE WHAMMY

Our pick of the most exciting, intriguing and important local business stories happening right now…

CANNED BRAINS Craft beer lovers are now able to pick up their favourite regional brewery tipple at Asda’s Cardiff superstore, which is stocking varieties of Brains craft beers.

The brewery, which has been making beer in Cardiff for the past 135 years, is celebrating after national supermarket chain Asda began stocking cans of Gin Lane and Black Mountain at 16 stores across Wales including Asda Cardiff. The move coincides with the fifth anniversary of the beers’ production.

It follows the recent announcement

by Asda that in response to the evergrowing trend, it’s extending its craft beer offering and adding locally sourced products to its supermarket shelves.

The brewery, founded in 1882 by

Samuel Arthur Brain and Joseph Benjamin Brain on St Mary’s Street, is widely considered Wales’ biggest hospitality company and the country’s national brewer. It launched its craft brewery in 2012, and has produced over 100 different craft beers, which have won it a strong following in Wales.

Hywel Evans, Asda ale and craft beer buyer, said: “Recent Mintel research shows that over 40 per cent of consumers want to try craft beer over any other variety, so we want to build the most credible range out of the major retailers through adding over 100 new lines including regional beers.”

Fans of craft beers can now grab a can or two from Asda’s Cardiff superstore

For more: asda.com

2

Memberoo is the new loyalty app for Cardiff shoppers

A QUESTION OF LOYALTY Cardiff shoppers can now benefit from the city’s newest loyalty app, which has been launched with an event run in partnership with a leading local business.

The event, entitled #somethingbetterishere saw independent store, Science Cream, offer free ice cream to all customers downloading the Memberoo app.

It’s one of the first 14 city centre venues that will partner with the reward app, with more set to be announced throughout the year.

Memberoo does away with traditional, paper-based loyalty cards, enabling customers of participating shops, cafés and restaurants to register their

1

shopping trips via an app on their mobile phone. Cardiff will be the second city in the UK to have access to this new kind of reward scheme, following the success that Memberoo has already enjoyed just along the M4 in Bath.

Emma Smith, CEO of the company, said: “We’re really excited to see Memberoo out there, bringing the magic of online referrals to the high street and helping people in Cardiff and further afield to reap the rewards while supporting a host of amazing businesses offering all kinds of goods and services locally too.”

For more: memberoo.net

102 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

MEET AND GREET Education charity Techniquest has launched new conference and event facilities at the Science Discovery Centre in Cardiff Bay, following refurbishment.

The centre is now available to hire for an array of events and functions from business meetings and team building days to Christmas parties, and can cater for up to 400 people.

The new waterfront meeting and conference facilities have been created by Interserve, after the construction and facilities management company donated products and its staff’s time for free in support of the charity.

Home to 120 hands-on exhibits, a science theatre, and a planetarium, Techniquest will provide a fun, scientific and unique backdrop for both personal and business events.

Lesley Kirkpatrick, CEO of Techniquest, said: “With such an iconic building in the heart of Cardiff Bay, offering our space to hire for events seemed like a natural step. We have already hosted our own 30th anniversary party here, so know it’s a great facility for corporate events.”

For more: techniquest.org, interserve.com Lesley Kirkpatrick, Techniquest CEO

3

BUSINESS INSIDER

MOVERS, SHAKERS, ETC

BIZ WISDOM HEALTH, WEALTH AND HAPPINESS What’s the stuff that people don’t tell you about starting your own business? ANDREA CALLANAN, voice expert and founder of inspireMe, reveals all…

Not everyone is built to be self-employed or run a business, and it’s crucial to know why you’re taking the leap. If you’re monetising a passion and purpose, throw in a mix of talent, competency and experience and you’re on a good footing. Your ‘why’ will keep you going as your journey unfolds.

Business start-up years can be exhilarating but tough. Here are my top tips for keeping your physical, mental and relationship health in check.

It’s easy to become addicted to this new exciting adventure you’ve embarked on. Make time for your friends, even if it’s just once a month. Your relationships are the most important things in your life and if you have a partner or family, they should be a bigger priority than your business. You’ll need your support network as your business ebbs and flows, so make sure you take care of them along the way.

It’s also vital to make sure your body is supported in your new venture. It takes the stress hormone cortisol to run your own business, and lots of it, especially in the start-up phase, and you’ll often be working late and surviving on adrenaline. While you’re busy travelling, networking and doing deals, it’s easy to forget the body taking you to these places.

The non-sexy side of running an empire is that you’ll need sleep, the right nutrition and sufficient downtime to be effective.

I’ve learnt from previous experience that being a burn-out queen holds you back. Check out Arianna Huffington’s book Thrive for advice on how to start up and run businesses holistically.

Finally, time is your most precious commodity so use it wisely.

Take your lunch breaks and holidays. Your physical and mental health will thank you for it and you’ll be more efficient, happier, better at what you do and probably more successful. I love being the captain of my own ship. But it’s taken me nearly two decades to realise that if you’re healthy, your business will be too. inspireMe is a Cardiff-based engagement and selfdevelopment company that offers UK-wide team-building and training. For more information call them on 02920 450046 or visit their site at: andinspireme.com

Fused Glass Stained Glass Design & Making Service Other Welsh Makers featuring metal, ceramics, wood, slate, paper & felt Visit us at: 1 Station Approach, Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan CF64 3EE Telephone: 02920 705317 www.glassbydesign.co.uk Email: sales@glassbydesign.co.uk

Anna Shearer (left) with new head of marketing, Paula Morris

PARTNERS IN LAW

FAMILY AFFAIRS

Experienced marketing professional Paula Morris has joined leading Cardiff commercial law firm Darwin Gray as their head of marketing, forming a team with marketing manager Anna Shearer. Former head of marketing at Cardiff Airport and current board member at Cardiff Business Club, Paula was also director of marketing and communications at Capital Law until she left the firm in 2013. darwingray.com

Law firm Slater and Gordon is continuing its Cardiff expansion with the appointment of family specialist Ben Evans. A senior associate with extensive experience in the field of family law, Evans, originally from North Wales, will head up a brand new team handling matters such as divorce, children disputes, financial settlements on separation and prenuptial agreements. slatergordon.co.uk

FOUR BOARDS An increased workload – due to the recent introduction of the apprenticeship levy – has seen the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW) strengthen its board with four new appointments. The new board members are: Grant Santos, managing director of Educ8; Ruth Collinge, contracts manager for North Wales Training; Alan Mackey, regional director of Skills Wales at PeoplePlus UK and Gareth Matthews, a director of Itec Skills and Employment. ntfw.org

PURPLE PATCH Hotelier Tom Gaskell has been appointed to lead the team at the brand new Hotel Indigo Cardiff, which is due to open this summer. Gaskell – who has worked in the hospitality industry for almost 17 years – will be tasked with overseeing the launch of the hotel, as well as ensuring its ongoing success. The boutique hotel, situated in the heart of the capital, will feature 122 bedrooms as well as a rooftop Steakhouse Bar & Grill by acclaimed chef Marco Pierre White. ihg.com

Bespoke Glass Art for all your Interior Design needs...

2-3 Station Approach, Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan CF64 3EE 029 20 702 622 www.davidbaker.co.uk info@davidbaker.co.uk

9 Park Tower, Penarth ÂŁ1,100,000 An opportunity to purchase arguably one of the best penthouse apartments in South Wales situated in a development where properties very rarely come to the market. The spacious penthouse has spectacular views across the Bristol Channel with a fantastic south facing roof top garden spanning 1,000 sq. ft. as well as a separate balcony. There are three bedrooms, three bathrooms and two reception rooms, and the property further benefits from having two allocated undercroft parking spaces and communal grounds. Viewing of this penthouse is highly recommended to appreciate its uniqueness, size and location.

No Chain. Tenure: Share of Freehold. Energy Efficiency Rating: C. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter at /DavidBakerandCo

PROPERTY

NEW BUILDS

DESIGNS for LIFE Old Victorian abodes are all well and good, but if you’re looking to move house in Cardiff, these luxury new-build homes offer plenty of advantages

T

By H UG O BA L L

hese days, for many, the allure of buying a characterful old property has faded, with more and more house buyers opting for brand new homes. There are various advantages to buying new, of course – energyefficiency, no onward chain, no major repairs or redecoration, etc etc – and in Cardiff, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to new, high-end developments. Here is just a snapshot of some of the aspirational new-builds currently on the market…

CHURCHILLS

Llandaff Price: From £970,000 Details: Boutique property company Portabella’s landmark scheme, on the site of the former Churchills Hotel in Llandaff, is now nearing completion. The development has seen the Grade II-listed former hotel restored to the two Regency houses from which it was formed, together with the construction of seven luxury houses in the grounds. The majority of these properties have been sold off-plan, but the final two houses are nearing completion, with Plot 3 now available to view. Each of the remaining houses offers a large, luxurious living space with five or six bedrooms and four bathrooms. For all enquiries, call Jeff Hopkins on 02920 343499.

PARC PLYMOUTH

Plasdwr Price: From £344,995 Details: Just three miles from Cardiff city centre, Plasdwr is located in the village of Radyr. This brand-new development offers a range of aspirational three and four bedroom homes, and, as always with Redrow, design is key – every home is built to an individual specification, from stunning brick detailing to ornate finials and appliances from leading brands such as Siemens, Smeg and AEG.

OFFERS DISTINCTIVE,

MODERN DESIGN IN A DYNAMIC WATERSIDE LOCATION

Cardiff Marina Price: Call 02920 368940 for info Details: Located on the banks of the River Ely, Bayscape is a dynamic, new, mixed-use development of one, two and three bedroom apartments, combining elegant and contemporary living spaces, with intelligent, distinctive and modern design in a dynamic waterside location. Built in two separate pavilions, the development offers all the perks you’d expect of stylish, modern living. And positioned right on the Bay Edge walkway, a scenic six-mile long footpath and cycle route, it also provides easy access to Cardiff and surrounds. To register your interest, contact Savills on 02920 368940 108 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

For more: bayscape.co.uk

BAYSCAPE

For more: portabella.co.uk, jeffhopkins.co.uk

BAYSCAPE

or email cardiffnewhomes@savills.co.uk.

For more: redrow.co.uk

LIV ECO

St Fagans Price: Call 02920 555198 for info Details: Designed and built to high environmental standards, the second phase of this award-winning, intelligently designed, luxury eco housing scheme in St Fagans – four one-bedroom and six two bedroom apartments – offers a wealth of features, including energy-saving devices (leading to lower fuel bills), a private air filtration system, communal landscaped gardens, a private terrace or balcony, electric car charging and a whole lot more.

For more: hern-crabtree.co.uk, liv-eco.com

PENARTH HEIGHTS

The Horizon, Trem Elai, Penarth Price: From £465,000 Details: Looking over Cardiff Bay, these new homes in Penarth are a new focal point for the region, with a mix of high-spec one and two-bedroom apartments, and three and four-bedroom houses, promising luxurious living and uninterrupted views. We’re particularly enamoured with four-bedroom abode The Ocean (£750,000, plot 270), an impressive family home that offers flexible living over three levels, with 33-foot lounge, 24-foot kitchen/diner and integral double garage, amongst other things.

For more: crestnicholson.com

Xxxxxx

(Clockwise from top left) Bayscape in Cardiff Marina; Portabella’s Churchills development; Penarth Heights; LivEco at St Fagans; and Parc Plymouth at Plasdwr

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 109

advertising feat u re P R O P E R T Y

Secure your dream home... ...at Crest Nicholson’s Penarth Heights, with its stunning views over Cardiff Bay

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f you dream of a home by the sea, then Crest Nicholson’s stunning development at Penarth Heights, with breathtaking views of Cardiff Bay, is the development for you. Penarth Heights offers a mix of contemporary, art deco-inspired fourbedroom houses just a short walk from Penarth town centre.

Recently released at Penarth Heights is the elegant four-bedroom Eden, part of Crest Nicholson’s premier collection and ideal for those looking for a unique luxury home in the Cardiff area.

Spread over three floors, the ground floor of this home features an open plan kitchen and dining room, with double French doors allowing natural light to flood in. Also on this floor is a utility room and spacious bedroom, perfect to use as a guest room for visiting family and friends.

On the first floor is an expansive living room that’s perfect for entertaining, with exquisite interior features including French doors leading onto a terrace overlooking Cardiff Bay. This luxurious home also boasts three further

bedrooms, including two en-suites, spread over the first and second floors. Boasting large feature windows, residents can enjoy stunning views every morning and evening from the comfort of their bed.

Why not use Crest Nicholson’s VIP Part Exchange scheme to secure your new home? Crest Nicholson could become your chain-free cash buyer, taking the stress out of moving. Guiding you every step of the way, with regular updates and professional guidance throughout, Crest Nicholson will even pay your agent’s fees, plus cover the cost of your removals.

The picturesque town of Penarth was recently voted as one of the ‘Best places to live in Wales’ by The Sunday Times, with leisure facilities and an array of excellent schools all nearby. The town also boasts charming boutiques and idyllic walks in one of the region’s wildlife havens, Cosmeston Country Park. If you’re the exploring type, then the Welsh capital’s sporting events, bars, restaurants and shops are all right on the doorstep.

Prices for a four-bedroom Eden home start from £465,000.

Why not visit our Sales and Marketing Suite, open daily between 10am and 5pm, to discuss your options with one of our sales advisors? For more info, please call 02920 020247, email penarthheights@crestnicholson.com or visit www.crestnicholson.com/penarthheights.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 113

The Maltings, Pontprennau £179,950

Bishops Road, Whitchurch Offers in Excess of £675,000

St. Isan Road, Heath £435,000

Perfect for investors or first time buyers.

This delightful semi detached two bedroom house is a great opportunity to acquire a home in the popular location of Pontprennau.

A beautifully presented immaculate four bedroom semi detached period property offered for sale in the popular location of Bishops Road in Whitchurch.

Absolutely stunning....Contemporary property offered for sale in the heart of Heath, Cardiff.

Situated near local amenities and transport links, this must be viewed to be appreciated. Please call now for your viewing.

Please visit our website to use our quick, free and easy online valuation tool and see what the true value of your property really is at the click of a button...

Close to all amenities and schools, this is a wonderful opportunity to acquire a spacious family home in the heart of Whitchurch village.

This beautiful four bedroom semi detached home is offered for sale and has to be seen to be appreciated.

FREE INSTANT ONLINE VALUATION

We offer instant online valuations, just enter your post code.

You can also get a lettings valuation to see what rental you can achieve for your rental property.

FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATIONS

Contact our Sales Team today

35 Merthyr Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff CF14 1DB T: 029 20522106 F: 029 20522660 E: info@chambersestateagents.co.uk www.chambersestateagents.co.uk

PROPERTY

SHOWCASE

BROADWAY FARM

116 112 II CARDIFF CLIFTON LIFE LIFE II www.mediaclash.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk

SHOWCASE

PROPERTY

An elegant and spacious family home with pool and outbuildings, set in semi-rural Bridgend

By C L A I R E VAUGH A N

www.mediaclash.co.uk II CLIFTON CARDIFF LIFE LIFE II 117 www.mediaclash.co.uk 113

PROPERTY

SHOWCASE

B

roadway Farm is set in a beautiful and secluded semi-rural position in the historical village of Laleston in Bridgend.

This handsome house stands in three acres of beautifully maintained south- and west-facing gardens that provide complete privacy. To the front of the property, the gated entrance welcomes you to the hedge-lined driveway and an area, surrounded by mature trees and borders, that includes the garage and plenty of space for parking.

The original farmhouse at the heart of this property was built in c1820. It has had several significant additions over the years, creating what is now a comfortable wellproportioned family home with six reception rooms on the ground floor. The expansive and stylish open-plan dining/sitting room/kitchen, with French windows opening onto the garden, offers wonderful potential for entertaining guests. You can also access the outdoors from the games room and garden room. The cosy snug off the kitchen would make an ideal breakfast room or children’s play area.

Elsewhere, downstairs there’s an elegant drawing room with striking bay windows and a wood-burning stove, a large study featuring an open fireplace and decorative arches, a cloakroom and a utility room with access to the rear courtyard garden.

Bringing a real touch of luxury, the heated indoor swimming pool, which comes with two shower/changing rooms, has French windows opening out onto the terraces – and more scope for entertaining guests.

A staircase leads up from the hallway to the first floor, where there is a large landing with a curved balcony though French windows. On this floor are five bedrooms including a spacious master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and fitted wardrobes. Two more bedrooms have en suite facilities, while the others share a family 118 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Elegant Broadway Farm has space for entertaining all ages both inside and out

HOUSE NUMBERS Broadway Farm, Laleston, Bridgend

5

bedrooms

6

reception rooms

4

bathrooms

1

bathroom. The attic can be accessed via a pull-down ladder in the fifth bedroom. Fully boarded and carpeted, and with phone points, dormer windows and lighting, it would make a perfect office space.

The plot includes well-tended mature gardens, lawns, pond area and terraces. One of the lawns currently features a children’s play area and pretty summer house, and there are two handy garden stores as well. For horselovers, there are fenced paddocks, a manège, ten stables, hay store, tack room and office. With its large chicken shed, duck house and enclosed kitchen garden too, Broadway Farm really does cater to every taste.

indoor swimming pool

£1.295M guide price

For more info, contact Savills, 12 Windsor Place, Cardiff CF14 1DJ; Tel: 02920 368930, savills.co.uk

SHOWCASE

PROPERTY

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Castlebrook Cowbridge A large and distinctive detached modern five bedroom double fronted individually designed family residence, occupying a prominent position within a large surrounding garden plot with picturesque open views across rolling green fields and countryside. Built in 1976 for a well-known local property developer Tudor Thomas, this spacious home would prove ideal for a growing family and boasts considerable potential to extend further with gardens that surround the property. Castlebrook is approached by a main entrance drive with wide gates leading into a private turning area and providing access to both a double garage and a single garage. The property benefits mains gas, electricity, water and drainage, and there is a gas heating system (Boiler replaced in 2015), with panel radiators, and many of the ground floor rooms boast parquet block floors. The property does require modernisation but would prove to be a perfect family home within a truly delightful and idyllic setting, with level gardens and views that are magnificent. The property comprises an open fronted entrance porch leading into an L shaped entrance reception hall (18’2 x 12’4 max), a downstairs cloak room, a capacious lounge with a deep circular bay window and an open fire (27’4 x 13’11), an aluminium conservatory, a formal dining room, a separate sitting room, a kitchen and breakfast room (14’9 x 12’11) which allows to be extended into the utility room (12’6 x 7’8) providing a great contemporary social space. The first floor is approached by a spindle balustrade staircase and features an open gallery landing space that could be converted into another first floor room, ideal as a first floor study or potential to be added to the master ensuite bathroom creating a luxurious bathroom space! There are five double size bedrooms, the master bedroom being a generous (15’1 x 13’8), leading into a private first floor balcony with wonderful views across open fields, an ensuite dressing area with fitted wardrobe and ensuite white bathroom. There is also a further white family bathroom off the landing equipped with both a panel bath and a separate shower cubicle. The outside gardens are totally level, laid chiefly to lawn and enclosed. Approaching the property from the country lane is a level building plot which has planning for a detached four bedroom house. This plot is also for sale at a price of £200,000. The plot would incorporate a driveway that would lead to Castlebrook and its gardens enjoy a screen of garden trees which would allow Castlebrook to continue to enjoy its privacy aspect.

The vendors are happy to consider an offer which would purchase both the building plot and the house with its gardens and garages. Castlebrook is available with no chain!

For sale with PA Black Cowbridge Branch 01446 772857 £599,950

Mill Road Lisvane A truly charming and distinctive detached double fronted five bedroom residence of character, built in the 1930’s and occupying a large and private garden plot, screened along four sides to afford maximum privacy and approached from Mill Road by a private entrance drive leading to a wide turning area with ample space for a double garage if required! This capacious family home has been modernised in recent years by the current owners including oak double glazed replacement windows, gas heating with pane radiators and a combi boiler (circa 2006), a sophisticated intruder alarm, modern wiring (circa 2005) and a quality fully fitted open plan kitchen and dining room (30’2 x 16’1 max). This wonderful social space is the heart of the home and it also includes a further breakfast room which is equipped with double doors leading into a bay fronted sitting room (15’5 x 14’1), and French doors which open onto a private sun terrace. Charming period features include wood block floors, an entrance reception hall inset with a wide returning spindle balustrade staircase and coved ceilings. The accommodation also comprises a downstairs cloak room with a modern white suite, a versatile study (12’11 x 10’10), and a 20 FT lounge inset with an open fireplace and equipped with French door which leads into an open fronted veranda which overlooks the frontage gardens. Off the hall is both a useful large built in cloak hanging cupboard and an under stair cupboard. The first floor gallery landing is a spacious size inset with two windows and leads to the five bedrooms, two ensuite and a large family bathroom (16’3 x 6’6) currently awaiting a suite but equipped with drainage fittings etc. Outside the surrounding gardens are special features, large and private, ideal for a family! This substantial and traditional residence is externally finished in pastel coloured roughcast render, all beneath a deep slate pitched roof, and equipped with a large open roof space void ideal for a loft conversion, subject to the necessary planning applications and building regulation approvals.

For sale with PA Black Llanishen Branch 02920 618552

£995,000

CARDIFF LIVES

Q&A

B

efore settling in Cardiff in 2007, Anand George worked in many prestigious restaurants in India and London. Having seen the food in the capital beautifully presented but lacking in ‘Indianness’, he decided to branch out on his own, retaining the food’s presentation without compromising its flavour.

His mission to redefine Indian food has resulted in several restaurants, a mobile kitchen, a new cookery book and a string of awards.

Where’s home in Cardiff and what makes it special?

My apartment in Cardiff Bay – it’s easy living, I love the views, the Bay has a buzz which I love, and there are lots of places to eat!

You’re the chef patron of Purple Poppadom – can you describe a typical working day?

It’s difficult as no two days are the same. I always like to start the day with a good full breakfast in one of Cardiff’s great places to eat – often it’s my first meeting of the day. Before the restaurant opens, I have mid-morning meetings to plan my many projects from street food festivals for my Tukka Tuk mobile kitchen, to my new Kerala Chef Tours holiday company and, of course, Purple Poppadom.

If we’re not too busy at lunch, I step into the office and catch up with emails from people all around the world that I’m talking with. Particularly after a busy food festival, I pop home for a rest before returning to the kitchen for evening service. Otherwise, it’s more meetings or working on new dish concepts. I often finish late so it’s back home for a few hours before it’s time for breakfast out!

What is it that makes your restaurant so special, do you think?

It’s always been about the food, that is what we are measured by. I think people like that we are always evolving and innovating in our food with new twists and influences. We started by redefining Indian cuisine in Cardiff, but moved forward to a higher level with our nouvelle Indian cuisine at Purple Poppadom and our guests moved with us.

What are you plans for the rest of the year?

Any special events or surprises for your customers?

We have just launched our new menu at PP, which is exciting. I’m giving a public talk at PP on the secrets of Kerala cuisine on 24 July which I am looking forward to. Beyond that, customers can see me demonstrating at food festivals as well as cooking in my Tukka Tuk mobile kitchen at many events this year. Then later on in November I’m leading a Kerala Chef Tours trip out to Kerala.

122 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

ANAND GEORGE From Kerala to Cardiff, the multi award-winning chef patron of Purple Poppadom talks about his life, loves and, of course, food After the pressures of the restaurant, how do you relax?

I like discovering new places to eat, going to the gym and watching movies. You have to take a break from your usual environment and these things help me to recharge.

What’s been your proudest moment so far?

In terms of work, it has been the success of Purple Poppadom and Tukka Tuk, the publication of my first cookery book and this year reaching my tenth anniversary of cooking in Cardiff.

Who would be your dream dinner party guests?

Without sounding too sentimental, I would just say my mum and family.

If push came to shove, what would be your final meal of choice?

Again, my mom’s food. Anything she cooks takes me straight back to my early years. I would choose her mackerel curry and rice.

Who would you like to play you in a film about your life?

I would honoured if the great actor Aamir Khan played me.

What’s on your bookshelf at the moment?

Lots and lots of cookbooks from around the world. I think it helps to be obsessed with food as a chef, and I love reading other people’s recipes. I like to share ideas with fellow chefs and cookbooks are a great inspiration.

Which piece of music always sends a shiver down your spine?

The melodies of K. J. Yesudas, the legendary Malayalam singer.

Any must-watch TV programmes?

I don’t watch TV, just films – mainly adventure and action films. I like the new Ben-Hur and also the film Burnt, starring Bradley Cooper; it was fantastic in its portrayal of life in the kitchen.

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

To clone myself so there would be more of me for all the projects. That’s not being big-headed, it would just be very handy to have me helping me out!

What’s the best thing about Cardiff?

I find it homely, the people are so friendly and supportive – and the variety of food choice we now have. It’s a beautiful place.

Locally, where do you like to eat and drink?

Yakitori in Cardiff Bay and Cocorico in Heath for breakfast.

What’s your secret or favourite Cardiff spot?

I like Canton, Pontcanna and Roath Park, a beautiful feature of Cardiff. If I had to choose one, I would say Cardiff Bay. Give us a little-known fact about yourself…

I’m a keen cricketer and was a fast bowler for my university side in Kerala. purplepoppadom.com; keralacheftours.co.uk

www.icebodysculpting.co.uk - info@icebodysculpting.co.uk 02921 202 190. 122 Cowbridge Road West, Cardiff, CF5 5BT