Cardiff Life - Issue 173 by MediaClash

Food/Arts/Entertainment/Shopping/Property ISSUE 173 / SEPTEMBER 2017 / Â£3

CELEBRATING THE BEST IN THE CITY, PENARTH & THE VALE

THE REVOLUTION IS COMING...

PURPLE PATCH

PRINCE-INSPIRED GIFTS & GOODIES

JOIN THE P.A.R.A.D.E ISSUE 173 / SEPTEMBER 2017 / ROOM FOR MANOEUVRE

THE FASHION EDIT TAKE IT AS RED

SOFA, SO GOOD AUTUMN INTERIORS: YOUR ROOM-BY-ROOM REBOOT

TO BEGIN AT THE BEGINNING... MILKWOOD IS HERE!

editor’s letter / Issue 173 / SEPTEMBER 2017

HOLDING PATTERN

The latest interior design trends and tips, room-by-room

Stacked! We’ve crammed so much love, energy and good stuff into this issue – yes, even more than usual; go on, just feel the weight – that it’s just brimming with inspirational things. Most of all, there’s our eight-page interiors special, with local experts bringing you the latest design trends and tips in one simple, room-by-room guide. We’re particularly coveting the beautiful Patternistas rugs – turn to page 30 and see what we have for you. It’s also time to start thinking about those – whisper it – Christmas parties. Yes, we know it’s still summer, but that works do really won’t book itself, y’know. Our round-up of festive party venues is on page 84. Also this month, Elisabeth Mahoney talks to the creators of P.A.R.A.D.E (see page 52), an epic spectacle of dance, music and art installation, marking the centenary of the Russian Revolution. Miss it, miss out, as they say. And, as ever, there’s heaps of exciting local stuff – arts, shopping, food, property etc – to catch up on. So, there’s September for you – we hope you enjoy the fruits of our labours. We’re just off for a little sit-down and a nip of something restorative... Have a good month!

Ysgubor lawn! Mae’r rhifyn hwn yn gynnyrch llawer o ofal ac egni ac mae’n orlawn o ddeunydd da – yn fwy felly nag arfer! Teimlwch ei bwysau – mae’n llawn hyd yr ymyl o bethau i’ch ysbrydoli. Yn bennaf oll mae’n cynnwys wyth tudalen sydd wedi’u neilltuo ar gyfer y cartref, lle mae arbenigwyr lleol yn sôn am y ffasiwn ddiweddaraf o ran dylunio ac yn cynnig ambell air o gyngor – mewn canllaw syml sy’n ymdrin â phob ystafell yn ei thro. Rydym wrth ein bodd yn benodol â’r rygiau Patternistas hardd – trowch i dudalen 30 i weld yr arlwy sydd gennym ar eich cyfer. Mae hefyd yn bryd dechrau meddwl am y partïon Nadolig sydd ar y gorwel – ond peidiwch â dweud hynny wrth bawb! Rydym yn sylweddoli nad yw’r haf wedi dod i ben eto, ond mae’n rhaid i rywun fynd ati i drefnu parti’r gwaith. Mae ein crynodeb o leoliadau addas ar gyfer partïon yr wyl i’w weld ar dudalen 84. Y mis hwn hefyd, mae Elisabeth Mahoney yn sgwrsio â’r sawl a greodd P.A.R.A.D.E (ar dudalen 52), sef sioe epig sy’n llawn o ddawnsio, cerddoriaeth a chelf i goffáu canmlwyddiant Chwyldro Rwsia – peidiwch, da chi, â cholli’r cyfle i fynd i’w gweld. Ac yn ôl yr arfer, rydym wedi cynnwys y wybodaeth ddiweddaraf am lwyth o bethau lleol cyffrous – y celfyddydau, siopa, bwyd, eiddo ac ati. Dyna i chi fis Medi, felly – rydym yn gobeithio y gwnewch chi fwynhau ffrwyth ein llafur. Rydym am ei throi hi’n awr i fwrw ein blinder a thorri ein syched... Gobeithio y cewch chi fis da! Velimir Ilic Editor vel.ilic@mediaclash.co.uk Follow us on Twitter: @CardiffLifeMag

CONTENTS / ISSUE 173 / SEPTEMBER 2017

MAIN FEATURE 30 Working The Room The latest interiors edit – our roomby-room guide

84 Christmas Parties We’ll tell Santa if you don’t start planning the work do right now

M EET T H E T EAM Editor Velimir Ilic vel.ilic@mediaclash.co.uk Managing editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash.co.uk Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Graphic design Megan Allison Cover design Trevor Gilham Contributors: Hugo Ball, Andrea Callanan, Vic Dada, Owen Davies, Elisabeth Mahoney, Jamie Rees, Katie Kissoon, Rhys Williams

OPINION

Advertising manager Mark George mark.george@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy ad manager Claire Hawkins claire.hawkins@mediaclash.co.uk Account manager Jonathan Willis jonathan.willis@mediaclash.co.uk Account manager Lorena Cussens lorena.cussens@mediaclash.co.uk Commercial director Steve Hawkins steve.hawkins@mediaclash.co.uk

17 A Man’s World Batten down the hatches – the freshers are coming

THE ARTS 45 Intro Mysterious landscapes and abstracts by Melissa Selmin

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

46 What’s On Your month in culture, sorted

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

52 P.A.R.A.D.E Elisabeth Mahoney previews the epic dance/music spectacle

57 Film Anime, politics and acting royalty on Chapter’s big screen

78 Restaurant

Vic Dada’s Green Man report

“Food from a very happy kitchen...” The verdict on newly-opened Milkwood in Pontcanna

SHOPPING

BUSINESS

64 Editor’s Choice

99 Business Insider

Inspired by His Royal Purpleness, no less; yep, we’re talking Prince

Our regular biz news round-up, including the latest Cardiff Life Awards update

58 Review

68 Fashion

PROPERT Y

FOOD

Katie Kissoon is wowed by a beautiful Georgian home in the Vale of Glamorgan

Cheese Pantry’s Owen Davies on cooking with cheese

9 Spotlight The return of contemporary craft fair Made By Hand, plus Bowie biographer Dylan Jones, and Caerphilly Castle – in Lego

88 Snapped! Pride Cymru, The Philharmonic reopens, and more

114 Cardiff Lives

It’s official – red is this autumn’s key colour

75 Food News

DEPARTMENTS

106 Property Showcase

In-demand graphic designer and illustrator, Matt Needle

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 Another aspirational room by Project One – see our latest interiors edit, from page 30

MICROSUCTION EARWAX REMOVAL CLINIC & INDEPENDENT FAMILY RUN HEARING CENTRE ESTABLISHED SINCE 1988

Scott Wroe Hearing & Ear Care Clinic | 10 Royal Buildings, Penarth CF64 3ED | Telephone 02920 707760 Open: 09:00 - 17:00 Monday to Friday, Saturday 9:30 - 12:30. Visit our website for more information - www.scottwroe-hearingcentre.co.uk

...with 13 fabulous displays

Visit Our HUGE Showroom ...new for 2017! T: 02920 496166 E: info@avantgardedesign.co.uk W: www.avantgardedesign.co.uk

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

CREATIVE

ON THE MAKE Contemporary craft fair Made By Hand returns to Cardiff’s City Hall this November

(Clockwise from left) Paper and wire sculpture by Suzanne Breakwell; potter Tom Gloster; Made By Hand features an array of craft workshops and activities; a quirky etched glass piece by [vinegar & brown paper], aka Andy Poplar; stained glass artist Christian Ryan makes all manner of beautiful collages

Bringing together a hand-picked selection of 135 leading and award-winning makers from across Wales and the UK, all manner of jewellers, potters, furniture-makers, textile artists, glass-makers and more will be selling their fine wares directly to the public. This year’s event will also see the return of the popular ‘Pottery Showdown’, where visitors will be able to challenge (and buy ceramics from) the 2017 finalists of the BBC’s hit TV show, The Great Pottery Throw Down. Visitors of all ages can also try their hand at a wide range of craft activities, and watch demos and masterclasses by some of the UK’s most prestigious makers. “Made By Hand has become synonymous with quality and the unique,” said event founder and organiser, Sarah James. “Meeting the makers behind the work is one of the main reasons why so many people come along. I particularly love our programme of workshops and demonstrations, which really bring craft skills and making to life – an important part of what we do.” Made By Hand takes place from 3-5 November, at City Hall, Cardiff. For tickets and more information, see madebyhand-wales.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 9

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

CHARITY

NEVER FORGET Cardiff charity Forget-me-not Chorus to launch new digital project If you had to choose your favourite song, what would it be, and why? This is something the Forget-me-not Chorus is asking with its exciting new Desert Island Discs-style project, #mysongmystory. The innovative charity offers unique opportunities for those living with dementia – and their loved ones – to share in the joy of singing together. Welsh writer Patrick Jones has helped unearth the songs and stories that have a meaning for the choristers, and these will be shared as part of an online digital campaign. The charity is also asking the public to join in by sharing their favourite songs and stories via Twitter, Facebook or Instagram, using the hashtag #mysongmystory. “We want to challenge people’s perceptions of dementia, and invite conversations about the condition,” said Kate Woolveridge, the charity’s artistic director. “It’s a community chat about raising awareness, the joy of singing and about why song matters. We can then collate the material and just say ‘Wow, look at the power of song. Look at what we are doing and achieving with Forget-me-not Chorus’.” The campaign runs until mid-October, with an official launch set to take place on 23 September at Wales Millennium Centre. For more: forgetmenotchorus.com

PHOTO BY RICHARD YOUNG / REX FEATURES

PHOTO BY DAN GREEN

Up in arms: Members of the Forget-me-not Chorus

SEVEN DEADLY SINS Our occasional mini Q&A with visiting or local performers, speakers and artistes – this month, GQ editor and writer DYLAN JONES, author of David Bowie: A Life, bares his wicked soul LUST: What do you find yourself lusting after today? The new Bowie Berlin boxed set. Alliterative love! GREED: What should you be cutting down on (non-food and drink)? Instagram. I’m an addict, but I can’t quit. GLUTTONY: What single thing could you happily eat or drink until you burst? Goats’ head soup. And sushi. And the food at the River Café in Glasbury, my favourite restaurant in the entire world...

SLOTH: What should you be really putting your back into right now? My next book. WRATH: What or who makes you angry? Whoever is this week’s White House spokesperson. Honestly, this administration is already beyond parody. ENVY: Who are you jealous of? Most of the writers I employ at GQ, because they tend to be better than me. PRIDE: What’s your proudest achievement? This book. I know how high the bar is, and I hope it adds to the conversation. David Bowie: A Life (Preface, £20) is out now. Dylan Jones will be in conversation at Cardiff Book Festival on 22 September. For more: cardiffbookfestival.co.uk

Will you be able to crack the Mystery Of The Star Eaters?

GAMING

THE MOMENT OF SLEUTH An immersive gaming mystery is coming to the streets of Cardiff Transforming Cardiff’s streets into a life-sized game board, Cardiff BID is joining forces with game-makers, Casefile, to create an immersive gaming experience – The Mystery Of The Star Eaters – across the Welsh capital for one day only, on 16 September. Following clues, questioning witnesses and solving puzzles, adventurers will be sent on a journey of discovery around Cardiff’s landmarks and usually off-limits locations. ‘Detectives’ must use their powers of deduction to crack a century-old mystery and save a leading Welsh professor before the day is out. “The game will bring something totally

unique to the capital, giving locals and tourists alike the chance to see the city in a new light,” said Adrian Field, executive director of Cardiff BID. “Not only will it give tourism a boost, it will also encourage people to visit businesses they might not usually think of as they head off the beaten track to solve clues.” “The aim is to replicate the feel of a real

LEISURE

BLOCK VOTE

investigation and the best way to do that was to make the most of real locations,” said graphic designer and game creator, Stephen Blackwell. “Working with businesses throughout the city centre, we’ve been able to create an excitingly immersive and fun experience for our players.” For more: cardiffbid.com/star-eaters

Bricking it: Caerphilly Castle, made from Lego

You can help to immortalise Caerphilly Castle in Lego... Lego enthusiasts around the world could soon hold Wales’s largest castle in the palms of their hands. A specially commissioned Caerphilly Castle replica made out of Lego was entered into Lego Ideas last year by the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, Cadw, and with enough public support, it could be considered for mass production. Lego artist Adeel Zubair, from Little Big Art, is the man behind the model, which was created in the style of the company’s

popular ‘architecture’ range. The structure will need to accrue 10,000 votes by 15 September (vote at ideas.lego.com/ projects/150517 - do it now!) to go through to the Lego Review, where a panel of experts will decide its fate. “Caerphilly Castle is Wales’ largest

castle, and with its backdrop, leaning tower and moats, is recognisable across the country and beyond,” said Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure. “It would be a great privilege to see the mighty fortress sat alongside other Lego models such as The Louvre in Paris and Venice’s Rialto Bridge. If enough people support our bid, we could see the model available in Lego stores all over the world.” For more: ideas.lego.com/projects/150517

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 11

Dreams & Wishes is a wonderful, 100% volunteer based non-profit charity dedicated to helping seriously ill children and their families by making their dreams and wishes come true. Since they began in 2011, they have been working with families across the UK, providing vital support throughout the child’s illness as well as helping to build happy memories by granting lifelong wishes.

Grand Launch! Wendy was delighted to be invited to help launch St Athan Library on the 1st April with the Rt Hon Alun Cairns, Secretary of State for Wales, and Lucy Owen, and Phil Carradice, BBC Presenters. On the day, Wendy read “Claudia’s Special Wish” and “The Spell of Pencliff” to the children and young adults and she was thrilled that they enjoyed the magical adventures. The library is now stocking her books and she is pleased to have raised more funds at the event for the wonderful Dreams and Wishes Charity.

Magical

Adventures for all ages!

Wendy Hobbs is a lawyer and a children’s author of The Claudia Quash Series. Her debut novel, Claudia Quash: The Spell of Pencliff, is the first in a series that follows thirteen-year-old Claudia on a magical adventure through time. Wendy was thrilled that the book recently won an award. Wendy was invited by Mr Tony Curtis MBE, Dreams&Wishes, charity to write a book to inspire the children. Wendy wrote ‘Claudia’s Special Wish’ a beautifully illustrated Christmas story and she has donated all of the profits to help grant wishes to seriously ill children and their families. The book was launched, in November 2016, by The Rt Hon Alun Cairns, Secretary of State for Wales and Wendy was honoured to be invited to read the book in the House of Commons on the 14th December 2016 in the presence of The Rt Hon John Bercow MP and Lord Hain. Wendy has been thrilled with the support for the book from many local businesses that have ordered it and donated copies to the local schools in South Wales. Wendy’s wish is to raise as much money as she can for the charity and so far, the book has raised nearly £6,000 to help grant more special memories to the sick children and their families.

“One snowy night Claudia Quash makes a special wish on the biggest star in the sky sky. Later that evening, she is woken by a jingling sound and soon finds herself stepping into a frozen forest forest. Whisked away by an elf in a magical sleigh, she flies through the sky sky, and embarks on an unforgettable adventure...”

AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE NOW! Wendy wrote ‘Claudia’s Special Wish’ a beautifully illustrated Christmas story and she has donated all of the profits to help grant wishes to seriously ill children and their families. Claudia’s Special Wish and The Spell of Pencliff are available on Amazon.

For more information - wendyf.hobbs@btinternet.co.uk | www.wendyhobbs.com | Twitter @WendyfHobbs Or Dreams and Wishes - www.dreamsandwishescharity.org | Twitter @DreamsWishesOrg

SPOTLIGHT

More snapshots of city life from Cardiff’s Instagrammers

@adudefromtheuk Amazing what you see on your morning run – the Weeping Window installation at The Senedd

@avantgardevegan Gaz Oakley’s gazpacho is our go-to summer dish – see his YouTube channel now!

@bighair63 Wow! Mushroom mania on the streets of Cardiff

@designcymru Simple ideas, beautifully executed by illustrator Philip Morgan

@gmabey Ah, Green Man – missing you already. See page 58 for review...

@ilovesthediff Llandaff war memorial by William Goscombe John – lest we forget

@lufkincoffee Local vanilla ice cream + single origin espresso = caramel-fruit-treacle-cream-dream

@marieclareflegg Ballet on the beach in Penarth

@nrbreaksmadrid Cool Cardiff street art

@outpostcardiff Need great vinyl and good coffee? Outpost have got you covered...

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 13

A MAN’S WORLD

RHYS WILLIAMS

GET FRESH Brace yourselves – the freshers are coming. Rhys battens down the hatches...

ardiff is great at this time of year. I sound like a broken record, but it is. For one, Street Food Cardiff (SFC) is back at Sophia Gardens. The morning commute to and from work is quiet, with reduced traffic. The city is busy with events, but has a quieter feel to it. But that is all about to change... It’s like the calm before the storm. The invasion is coming, just like the flying ants at Wimbledon this summer. Yes, Freshers’ Week is almost upon us. Cardiff seems to suddenly kick-start itself into a party frenzy, with a whole ‘fresh-faced’ generation of new students descending on us. Like horses bolting from their stables, the students arrive, free from parental control, Freshers’ Week in Cardiff, says Rhys, is “probably more supercharged than ever”

DESPERATE TO EMBRACE INDEPENDENCE AND FREEDOM, NEW STUDENTS ARE LIKE HORSES BOLTING FROM THEIR STABLES

and desperate to embrace independence and freedom. Years ago, I was but a whippersnapper myself, attending Cardiff School of Medicine to study physiotherapy. I still remember how nerve-racking it was leaving home and moving into the halls of residence at Heath Hospital. Fortunately, I was quite independent and a pretty good cook, so didn’t end up existing purely on baked beans on toast. I was also on a bursary contract with Cardiff RFC, so had to maintain my discipline to progress with rugby. However, that didn’t stop me enjoying Cardiff’s nightlife. Back then, Thursday night at The Philharmonic was an epic medics’ night out, so it’s great to see the iconic bar open again. I haven’t been back yet, but I’ll definitely be getting into my ‘hot tub time machine’ and returning to the old haunt.

Brannigans on a Monday was always a busy night, too, and no matter where you went in Cardiff on a Wednesday, it was generally packed and crazy. The city’s student scene has obviously changed beyond recognition since then. There will be new favourite nights out, and Freshers’ Week, as I remember it, is probably now bigger and more supercharged than ever. Roughly speaking, students make up about 20% of the total population of Cardiff, bringing in an estimated £1.3 billion of investment. We have highly regarded universities and higher education colleges, attracting students from all parts of the world. It’s easy to see what draws them here – Cardiff appeals because of its closeness to the coast and other cities, its culture and heritage, entertainment and events, brilliant food offering and, of course, its friendliness and community spirit. This is something we should be proud of and preserve. For any new students reading this, I’m going to show my bias and say that watching the rugby at Cardiff Arms Park is a great pull. Come down and try it out! And if I could offer one final piece of advice to Cardiff’s freshers, it is simply this – have a blast at Freshers’ Week, but watch out for the inevitable ‘freshers’ flu’ that follows. Make sure you save some of your student loan for Berocca and hot chicken soup. Rhys Williams is an ex-Wales and Cardiff Blues rugby star, now commercial director at the club. For more, see cardiffblues.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 17

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DESIRE

def: DESIRE: a strong feeling of wanting to have something; to set one's heart on; to crave; to aspire to; to feel passion for..."

Beautiful handmade kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and more... 3 Bessemer Close Workshops, Cardiff CF11 8DL telephone: 029 2023 3308 | www.chalkhouseinteriors.co.uk

WORKING the ROOM From concrete to Greenery – Pantone’s colour of the year – and beyond... We’ve consulted Cardiff’s interiors experts to bring you all the latest design trends and tips, in one simple, room-by-room guide By V E L I M I R I L IC

Dramatic wallpapers and fabrics from Harlequin’s new Lucero range, available at various Cardiff stockists

AUTUMN INTERIORS

BEDROOMS ARE A HYBRID OF SECRET DEN, MINDFULNESS RETREAT AND BOUDOIR

eldom in our lives do we have the luxury of tinkering with a whole house from top to bottom. In practice, we’re more likely to update each room at a time, often years apart. So whether you’re due a kitchen revamp, find yourselves with a lounge to decorate, or have realised your bathroom suite is really letting the side down, we’ve surveyed Cardiff’s interiors specialists to pinpoint inspirational ideas that will re-energise your living space and lift your spirits every time you walk through the door...

LIVING ROOM

For many of us, this is the hub of the home. But if you really want to shake things up, forget carpet or wooden floorboards, and embrace the industrial look with concrete. “Polished concrete floors are really catching on,” says Mike Carter from Versatile Restoration. “They can produce a sheen in comparison to marble and reflect the light of the room in a very pleasing manner.” Colour-wise, Forest Green, Plum and Marrs Green (a darker teal, somewhere between blue and green) are set to be very popular this season, according to Gail Jones from Haus Contemporary Furnishings. “And grey is still the number one neutral, but Sooty Grey will be a winner, too,” she says. “But if you feel that grey has had its day, consider Midnight Blue – it teams up nicely with most other colours.” The big pattern trend, reckons Gail, is geometrics. “From floor and wall tiles, to cushions, rugs and home accessories, it’s set to be everywhere. We’re blown away by Harlequin’s latest urban modernist collection of Entity wallpapers and fabrics. We really love their aspirational Lucero range, too – think botanicals, patterns and teals, all adding an irresistible sense of style and glamour.” If you’re on the hunt for a bright, luxurious statement rug, look no further than Penylanbased Patternistas. “Our pure wool rugs for Rug Couture (rugcouture.com) are hand-knotted in India by highly-skilled craftspeople who are protected by GoodWeave certification,” says Chris Carpenter, who runs Patternistas with his wife, Suzanne. “GoodWeave are an award-winning, non-profit organisation who work to end child labour in the rug industry and support education programmes. Bespoke options are available – you can customise colours, materials and sizes.” Another trend doing the rounds across all the furniture shows this year is velvet. “It’s the easiest way to add a luxury feel to your home,” says Nicole Daniels from Momentum. “Reception rooms are the easiest place, as there’s so much opportunity for upholstery. Use a variety of colours – deep jewel and berry colours if you’re really going for a luxe look – and mix with other textures for a bit more depth and interest.” For Michael Gauza from Extravagauza, it’s still very much about the freshness of Greenery, w www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 31

AUTUMN INTERIORS

(Clockwise, from left) Munna’s three-seater Newman sofa, available from Momentum; Hampton H-Line kitchen by Sigma 3; a contemporary kitchen, Project One-style; Chorus Gold rug by Patternistas;

Pantone’s colour of the year for 2017. “Associated with nature, it awakens a sense of security, and attracts attention,” he says. “It’s also a good distinctive colour accent against a calm background – sophisticated and harmonious.” And with the colder months approaching, you might even want to consider investing in an elegant stove. “Contemporary designs in stoves, such as the sleek, Danish-designed Hwam range, are gaining popularity,” says Topstak’s Christian Pedersen. “They look great in a modern living room (or kitchen, for that matter), but can also look good in a period home. “The Hwam stoves are also great for heating open-plan living rooms, as their energy efficiency makes them more economic to run than traditional stoves.”

colours will be key in kitchen design. “From Oxford Blue and Mulberry to the brighter hues of Spring Meadow and Terracotta Sunset, each one tells a story,” he says. “And why stop at two colours when you can have three? Mixing colours is a great way to create zones, and works especially well in open-plan living.” And range cookers are increasingly in demand as the trend for slow cooking grows. Says Christian Pedersen: “Earlier this year, Topstak became AGA’s exclusive distributor for south Wales and we also have all-electric Everhot and Esse cookers, all of which have modern functionality features that make them easy to use. There is also a much wider choice of colours and sizes which means they can fit in with a broad range of properties and styles.”

KITCHEN/DINER

FAMILY BATHROOM

Sick of Shaker style? Streamlined, contemporary and plenty of ‘wow’ factor is the key for autumn. “The kitchen is really evolving,” says Dorian Bowen from Project One. “Think dedicated cooking spaces using teppanyaki, huge walk-in larders, lifestyle spaces with Dolby Atmos cinema and snug areas,” he says. “Consider connecting the kitchen to the garden using natural materials and planting. Concrete is also really cool – don’t be afraid to mix it up with pattern and a hint of colour to really liven up a space.” Interior designer Deborah Drew is seeing a hint of the industrial, too. “Metallics are still the go-to accent and are perfect for the kitchen. The metallic glazed ceramic tiles from British Ceramic Tile – in both gold and silver – are a great addition for an industrial look.” Looking slightly further ahead to 2018, Ammanda Cosh from Sigma 3 reckons accent 32 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

You won’t regret lavishing time and cash on your bathroom. After all, this is a space that greets us at our groggiest and most vulnerable, at the beginning and end of each day, so every pound you can spend on bringing in comfort and joy will be more than worth it. No longer a space where function trumps style, it’s increasingly an expression of your personality – and a mini-spa. “Detail and deconstruction rules, with massive elongated basins, mirror features and French panelling” says Dorian Bowen. “Make a statement with bold artwork, and brass, black or even copper taps.” For Michael Gauza, meanwhile, marble is still king. “After visiting Salone del Mobile Milan this year – the biggest design fair on the planet – it’s obvious that marble has again won the favour of many designers. Refined, regal and dramatic but also incredibly modern, it’s perfect for the w

AUTUMN INTERIORS

CONCRETE IS REALLY COOL – DON’T BE AFRAID TO MIX IT UP WITH A BIT OF COLOUR

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 33

AUTUMN INTERIORS bathroom. Utilised in architecture for centuries, marble is the essence of what is most desirable: luxury and elegance. Used cleverly, it can become a truly artistic element of modern interior design.”

MASTER BEDROOM

In 2017, bedrooms are not just bedrooms – they’re more a hybrid of secret den, mindfulness retreat and boudoir, in which we watch Netflix, eat Cheerios, take selfies in our party dress, catch up on emails and read the papers on a Saturday afternoon. And sleep, of course. Says Gail Jones: “Textures and finishes are big news, but make it natural. Cosy, chunky woollen knits in cable for rugs, pouffes and cushions, and cable knitted throws for the bed. Rattan is also making a comeback and is great for an occasional chair, bed frames and lightshades. And use natural linen bedding – to give that ‘unmade bed’ look – which can be bought in the most amazing colours. Be brave and mix them up for a bit of drama.” “Cobalt and ultramarine are great tones to brighten up your bedroom, and will bring a vibrancy and energy to the beginning of your day,” adds Deborah Drew. “Combine with a pure white backdrop to frame the true beauty of these colours and accent with lemon and turquoise.” 3 EASY INTERIORS HACKS Be mega-cool with minimal effort… M I N I S UC C UL E NT S

Fall prey to the houseplant fad that’s been around in the hippest circles for a while, and has now gone fully mainstream. Pot your tiny cacti or aloe vera in vintage teacups, tins or sugar bowls, or group on a big gold platter on the windowsill

Brass and marble in perfect harmony, in Extravagauza’s luxurious bathroom

D I F F E RE N T- C O LO UR ED PILLO WS

As seen at this year’s Maison et Objet show; combine half a dozen vibrant, mismatched pillowcases for attitude that says, “My bedroom’s all about fun.” N AV Y AN D G O L D

An ‘It’ colour combo at the moment, lending opulence and class to any room. Try a goldedged mirror against a navy feature wall, or splash out on navy cushions and a quirky gold table lamp

More must-have Harlequin wallpaper and fabric – these are from their Entity range

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

Blue bed linen from the Biella range by Designer’s Guild, available from various Cardiff stockists

DIRECTORY

Add these local interior designers, suppliers and stockists to your contacts book The Baked Tile Company/Taylors Etc The Design Quarter, 143 Colchester Avenue, Penylan; Tel: 02920 358400 taylorsetc.co.uk

Deborah Drew 18 Penlline Road, Whitchurch; Tel: 02920 520828 dddesigns.co.uk

Home By Kirsty 16 Castle Arcade; Tel: 02920 373429 homebykirsty.com Interiors etc 4 Sovereign Quay, Havannah Street, Cardiff Bay; Tel: 02920 448080 interiors-etc.co.uk

Beti Biggs 1 Romilly Crescent & 90 Albany Road; Tel: 02920 372111 betibiggs.com

Extravagauza The Maltings, East Tyndall Street, Cardiff; Tel: 02921 660210 extravagauza3d visualisation.co.uk

Chalkhouse Interiors 3 Bessemer Close, Cardiff; Tel: 02920 233308 chalkhouseinteriors.co.uk

Floored Genius The Innovation Quarter, The Waterfront, Barry; Tel: 01446 746555 flooredgenius.com

Chameleon Interiors 73 Pontcanna Street, Pontcanna; Tel: 02920 371277 chameleoninteriors.co.uk

Hannah Biscombe biscombe.com

Jewels Canley 2 Glebe Street, Penarth; Tel: 02920 692255 jewelscanley.co.uk

Haus Contemporary Furnishings 6c Heol-y-Deri, Rhiwbina; Tel: 02920 611372 haus-cardiff.co.uk

Momentum 31 Charles Street, Cardiff; Tel: 02920 236266 momentumcardiff.com

Curtain Raisers 2 Kelston Road, Whitchurch; Tel: 02920 614966 curtain-raisers.co.uk

Jacob’s Market West Canal Wharf, Cardiff; Tel: 02920 390939 jacobsmarket.co.uk

Natuzzi Havannah Street, Cardiff Bay Tel: 02920 488698 natuzzigroup.co.uk Patternistas 103 Kimberley Road, Cardiff; Tel: 07970 820337 patternistas.co.uk Peastyle (online) Tel: 07796 443273 peastyle.co.uk Project One Tel: 02921 406283 projectone.design Sigma 3 The Design Quarter, 4 Colchester Avenue Cardiff; Tel: 02920 485888 sigma3.co.uk

Space Fitting The Design Quarter, 4 Colchester Avenue, Cardiff; Tel: 02920 455778 spacefittingfurniture. co.uk Topstak Vale Business Park, Cowbridge; Tel: 01446 771567 topstak.co.uk Versatile Restoration 8 St Martin’s Road, Caerphilly; Tel: 02921 323837 versatile-restoration. co.uk Wood/Grey woodgrey.com Your Space Living 3A Commercial Street, Llantwit Major, CF61 1RB; Tel: 01446 796731 yourspaceliving.com w

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 35

AUTUMN INTERIORS

SHOCK OF THE NEW Check out Ty Oriel, a striking residential build in Cardiff, designed by a pair of local architects

private detached house designed and projectmanaged by Downs Merrifield architects Nic Downs and Carolyn Merrifield for their own use, Ty Oriel in Cardiff is a flexible, lowenergy, contemporary abode, designed around the pair’s family and future needs, incorporating open-plan living, an office, art studio and a family kitchen/dining 38 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

area which opens directly on to the garden. A limited palette of materials – natural slate, lime render, zinc and timber – was chosen to blend in with the surroundings, the attention to detail and carpentry throughout is second-to-none, and south-facing living spaces let in plenty of natural light. Embracing both traditional craftsmanship and modern design, it’s about as aspirational – and inspirational – as residential builds get. For more: downsmerrifield.com

(Clockwise, from main pic) Ty Oriel’s stunning facade; the bright, open-plan kitchen/dining space allows light to flood in; the bathroom feels like you’re in a high-end boutique hotel; plenty of space to call your own; another view of that contemporary architectural design – very 21st century

AUTUMN INTERIORS

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 39

Music/theatre/film/more

PRINT CONDITION Need a statement piece of art for your lounge? Then you’ll want to pop along to an exciting new solo exhibition at KIN+ILK in Pontcanna, featuring the work of South Wales-based designer/artist Melissa Selmin. On until 2 October, the exhibition showcases Selmin’s unique style. Specialising in art prints for interiors, and drawing inspiration from nature and her dual Chinese-Italian heritage, we particularly love her Serenity collection – the main focus of the exhibition – with its mysterious landscapes, exploring the interplay between light and dark, and her Motion range, minimal abstract pieces inspired by Chinese ink painting. Most definitely one to watch. For more: melissaselmin.com

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

8 September – 8 October

Welsh National Opera’s Khovanshchina; Jon ‘8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown’ Richardson; Clod Ensemble’s haunting theatre piece, Under Glass

Plays/Shows/ Performance

the UK today. Sherman Theatre; shermantheatre.co.uk 2 2 SE PTE MBE R

QUIET HANDS After their previous sold-out Chapter visit, Winterlight’s new play follows a young autistic man confronting the dangerous rise of ‘mate crime’. Chapter; chapter.org

THE GOLDEN DRAGON Set in a Chinese restaurant, this compelling, funny and shocking fable/opera of modern life begins with the discovery of a decayed tooth in a bowl of soup... Sherman Theatre; shermantheatre.co.uk

12 -1 6 S E PTE M B E R

2 3 SE PTE MBE R-14 O C TO BER

12 -1 6 S E PTE M B E R

THE WIPERS TIMES Ian Hislop and Nick Newman’s stage play, the extraordinary story of a satirical newspaper published on the front lines during World War I. New Theatre; newtheatrecardiff.co.uk 19 -2 3 S E PTE M B E R

HEROINE Patriotism, nativism and modern Britain collide head-on in Nessah Muthy’s devastating snapshot of

WELSH NATIONAL OPERA WNO return with Khovanshchina (23 Sept-7 Oct), Mussorgsky’s epic opera of politics, madness and death; Tchaikovsky’s poignant Eugene Onegin (29 Sept-13 Oct); Janácek’s compelling From The House of The Dead (8-12 Oct), set in a Siberian prison; and Johann Strauss II’s irresistible operetta, Die Fledermaus (14 Oct). Wales Millennium Centre; wmc.org.uk

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

28-30 SEP TEMBER

LADIES & GENTLEMEN The Cholmondeleys’ contemporary dance/theatre stage show, a typically witty, eccentric and absorbing music hall-inspired visual spectacle. Chapter; chapter.org 29 SEP TEMBER

TWIST Radical reimagining of Dickens’ Oliver Twist by Chino Odimba and Theatre Centre, pioneers of new writing for young audiences. Sherman Theatre; shermantheatre.co.uk 30 SEP TEMBER

ALL THE THINGS I LIED ABOUT Fringe First Award winner Katie Bonna’s fearlessly honest, comic exploration of her past mistakes and inevitable future disasters – and how everyday lies can lead to a world of Trump and Brexit. Sherman Theatre; shermantheatre.co.uk

Comedy 14-21 SEP T EM B ER

FAULTY TOWERS: THE DINING EXPERIENCE Immersive, wonderfully chaotic experience, based on John Cleese’s classic sitcom (the spelling of ‘Faulty’ is intentional). Don’t order the duck... Wales Millennium Centre; wmc.org.uk 16 SEP TEM B ER

JOHN HEGLEY Expect riffs on Keats, Daleks, osmosis and more from the quirky performance poet. Sherman Theatre; shermantheatre.co.uk 28 SEP TEM B ER & 1 O CT O B ER

JON RICHARDSON The 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown star embarks on a nationwide tour to complain about the state of the world. St David’s Hall; stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

W H AT ’ S O N

ARTS

Music 1 1 S E PTE M B E R

TEXAS The return of Sharleen Spiteri and chums. St David’s Hall; stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk 1 6 -1 7 S E P T E M B E R

THE CHRISTIANS Forgotten Town, Ideal World, Born Again, Harvest For The World – need we say more? Acapela; acapela.co.uk 2 0 S E PTE M B E R

GAVIN OSBORN Life-affirming, funny, personal and political songs from the folky troubadour and Green Man regular. Chapter; chapter.org 2 1 S E PTE M B E R

DANNY & THE CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD Soulful folk/rock septet – check out ace new album, Brilliant Light. The Globe; globecardiffmusic.com

Acclaimed desert-punk/blues outfit, Songhoy Blues, play Cardiff’s Tramshed 6 OCTOBE R

THE PRETENDERS Enduring rock/pop legends, led by Chrissie Hynde. St David’s Hall; stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

2 2 S E PTE M B E R

CATTLE & CANE Soaring folk-pop anthems. Snails Deli; @snailsdeli

7 OCTOBE R

SONGHOY BLUES Joyous desert-punk/blues – Damon Albarn’s a big fan. Tramshed; tramshedcardiff.com

OFF // KILTER Swn’s exciting new experiental music event, featuring Welsh electronic duo Cotton Wolf, the raw, skewed folk of Richard Dawson, and more. Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama; swnfest.com

2 8 S E PTE M B E R

7 OCTOBE R

2 4 S E PTE M B E R

BICEP Belfast-born duo, providing mesmeric excursions into IDM, techno, electronica, jungle and everything in-between. Tramshed; tramshedcardiff.com 2 9 S E PTE M B E R

PALOMINO PARTY Electrifying art-rockers. Wales Millennium Centre; wmc.org.uk 3 0 S E PTE M B E R

HUSH Silent disco brought to you by the good folk at Swn, featuring some of Cardiff’s most exciting DJs, including Bump and Grind, Disco Motel, GRL TLK, Mikey Snooze and more. National Museum Cardiff; museumwales.ac.uk

SINFONIA CYMRU Cardiff’s ever-innovative chamber orchestra presents #BowDown, an eclectic programme of music – with film projections – by John Adams, Gavin Bryars, Arvo Pärt and Vivaldi. Tramshed Tech; sinfoniacymru.co.uk

Art U N TI L 1 2 SE PTEMBER

TREADING THE BOARDS Movie-inspired art on recycled skateboard decks. The SHO; thesho.co.uk U N TI L 2 4 SE PTEMBER

POPPIES: WEEPING WINDOW Dramatic cascade/installation comprising several thousand

handmade ceramic poppies, commemorating the centenary of World War I. The Senedd; 1418now.org.uk UNTIL 7 O C TO BER

EVELYN WILLIAMS Paintings and drawings by the Welsh figurative artist, from the 1950s up to her death in 2012. Martin Tinney Gallery; artwales.com

UNTIL 3 1 J ANUARY 2 0 1 8

BACON TO DOIG: MODERN MASTERPIECES FROM A PRIVATE COLLECTION The work of prominent 20thcentury British artists and sculptors, including Francis Bacon, David Hockney, Grayson Perry and others. National Museum Cardiff; museumwales.ac.uk 30 SEP T EM B ER- 1 1 M ARCH

UNTIL 15 O C TO BER

FORGE Contemporary, innovative forged metalwork, showcasing a new wave of metal artists from around the world. Craft In The Bay; makersguildinwales.org.uk UNTIL 5 NO VEMBER

EARTH, FIRE & SALT Showcasing the work of leading UK wood-fired pottery-maker, Micki Schloessingk. Craft In The Bay; makersguildinwales.org.uk UNTIL 24 NO VEMBER

MEGAN COPE & HELEN JOHNSON Joint exhibition of large-scale paintings and video work, exploring the complex colonial and cultural relationship between Australia and Britain, via notions of identity, power and social history. Chapter; chapter.org

SWAPS Photographs by leading 20th and 21st century photographers Henri Cartier-Bresson, Eve Arnold, Bill Brandt and more, from the private collection of documentary photographer, David Hurn. National Museum Cardiff; museumwales.ac.uk

Book Now 10 O C T O B ER

TOM ROBINSON Acclaimed singer/musician and BBC Radio 6 Music presenter. The Globe; globecardiffmusic.com 22-25 N O V EM B ER

UNDER GLASS Haunting piece by theatre company Clod Ensemble, fusing visual imagery, choreography and an original score. Wales Millennium Centre; wmc.org.uk w

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

W H AT ’ S O N

ARTS

Music 1 1 S E PTE M B E R

TEXAS The return of Sharleen Spiteri and chums. St David’s Hall; stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk 1 6 -1 7 S E P T E M B E R

THE CHRISTIANS Forgotten Town, Ideal World, Born Again, Harvest For The World – need we say more? Acapela; acapela.co.uk 2 0 S E PTE M B E R

GAVIN OSBORN Life-affirming, funny, personal and political songs from the folky troubadour and Green Man regular. Chapter; chapter.org 2 1 S E PTE M B E R

DANNY & THE CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD Soulful folk/rock septet – check out ace new album, Brilliant Light. The Globe; globecardiffmusic.com

Acclaimed desert-punk/blues outfit, Songhoy Blues, play Cardiff’s Tramshed 6 OCTOBE R

THE PRETENDERS Enduring rock/pop legends, led by Chrissie Hynde. St David’s Hall; stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

2 2 S E PTE M B E R

CATTLE & CANE Soaring folk-pop anthems. Snails Deli; @snailsdeli

7 OCTOBE R

SONGHOY BLUES Joyous desert-punk/blues – Damon Albarn’s a big fan. Tramshed; tramshedcardiff.com

OFF // KILTER Swn’s exciting new experimental music event, featuring Welsh electronic duo Cotton Wolf, the raw, skewed folk of Richard Dawson, and more. Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama; swnfest.com

2 8 S E PTE M B E R

7 OCTOBE R

2 4 S E PTE M B E R

BICEP Belfast-born duo, providing mesmeric excursions into IDM, techno, electronica, jungle and everything in-between. Tramshed; tramshedcardiff.com 2 9 S E PTE M B E R

PALOMINO PARTY Electrifying art-rockers. Wales Millennium Centre; wmc.org.uk 3 0 S E PTE M B E R

Art U N TI L 1 2 SE PTEMBER

TREADING THE BOARDS Movie-inspired art on recycled skateboard decks. The SHO; thesho.co.uk U N TI L 2 4 SE PTEMBER

POPPIES: WEEPING WINDOW Dramatic cascade/installation comprising several thousand

handmade ceramic poppies, commemorating the centenary of World War I. The Senedd; 1418now.org.uk UNTIL 7 O C TO BER

EVELYN WILLIAMS Paintings and drawings by the Welsh figurative artist, from the 1950s up to her death in 2012. Martin Tinney Gallery; artwales.com

UNTIL 3 1 J ANUARY 2 0 1 8

UNTIL 15 O C TO BER

FORGE Contemporary, innovative forged metalwork, showcasing a new wave of metal artists from around the world. Craft In The Bay; makersguildinwales.org.uk UNTIL 5 NO VEMBER

EARTH, FIRE & SALT Showcasing the work of leading UK wood-fired pottery-maker, Micki Schloessingk. Craft In The Bay; makersguildinwales.org.uk UNTIL 24 NO VEMBER

Book Now 10 O C T O B ER

TOM ROBINSON Acclaimed singer/musician and BBC Radio 6 Music presenter. The Globe; globecardiffmusic.com 22-25 N O V EM B ER

UNDER GLASS Haunting piece by theatre company Clod Ensemble, fusing visual imagery, choreography and an original score. Wales Millennium Centre; wmc.org.uk w

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

ARTS

W H AT ’ S O N

Welsh figurative artist Evelyn Williams is showcased at Martin Tinney Gallery

Sport S AT URDAY 1 6 S E PTE MBE R

CARDIFF BLUES v GLASGOW WARRIORS Guinness Pro14, kick-off 7.35pm. BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park; cardiffblues.com S AT URDAY 1 6 S E PTE MBE R

CARDIFF CITY v SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY Sky Bet Championship, kick-off 3pm. Cardiff City Stadium; cardiffcityfc.co.uk S UN DAY 1 7 S E PTE MBE R

CARDIFF DEVILS v NOTTINGHAM PANTHERS League, face-off 6pm. Ice Arena Wales; cardiffdevils.com TUE S DAY 1 9 S E PTE MBE R

GLAMORGAN v GLOUCESTERSHIRE Specsavers County Championship, 10.30am. SSE Swalec; glamorgancricket.com

TU E SDAY 2 6 SEP TEMBER

CARDIFF CITY v LEEDS UTD Sky Bet Championship, kick-off 7.45pm. Cardiff City Stadium; cardiffcityfc.co.uk SATU RDAY 3 0 SEP TEMBER

CARDIFF CITY v DERBY COUNTY Sky Bet Championship, kick-off 3pm. Cardiff City Stadium; cardiffcityfc.co.uk

SATU RDAY 3 0 SEP TEMBER

CARDIFF DEVILS v BRAEHEAD CLAN League, face-off 7pm. Ice Arena Wales; cardiffdevils.com TU E SDAY 3 OC TO BER

CARDIFF DEVILS v VAXJO LAKERS Champions League, face-off 7pm. Ice Arena Wales; cardiffdevils.com FRI DAY 6 OC TO BER

CARDIFF BLUES v DRAGONS Guinness Pro14, kick-off 7.35pm. BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park; cardiffblues.com

S UN DAY 2 4 S E PTE MBE R

CARDIFF DEVILS v MANCHESTER STORM League, face-off 6pm. Ice Arena Wales; cardiffdevils.com

SATU RDAY 7 O C TO BER

CARDIFF DEVILS v BELFAST GIANTS League, face-off 7pm. Ice Arena Wales; cardiffdevils.com

48 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 best events and happenings. To keep readers fully updated about what’s going on in Cardiff, we send out a free Friday email newsletter, packed with news, tips and special offers. (By the way, we don’t, won’t, and could never bring ourselves to share your data with any third parties – that’s just not our style.) So if you’d like a friendly hello from us in your inbox as the weekend beckons, then sign up today: mediaclash.co.uk/cln

ARTS

DANCE

TALKIN’ ’BOUT A REVOLUTION A collaboration between National Dance Company Wales, artist Marc Rees and others, P.A.R.A.D.E – a reworking of the revolutionary 1917 Paris original – promises an epic spectacle of dance, music, performance and art

By E L I SA BE T H M A HON E Y

52 42 II CARDIFF CLIFTON LIFE LIFE II www.mediaclash.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk

DANCE

ARTS

hundred years ago, as Russia slipped into revolution and Europe was in the grip of a devastating war in the still-young new century, an extraordinary thing happened at the ballet in Paris. Parade, a collaboration between composer Erik Satie, John Cocteau (text), Picasso (costumes and sets), Ballets Russes, under the director of Russian impresario Sergei Diaghilev (and choreographed by his lover, Léonide Massine), caused a riot on its opening night in May 1917. Members of the audience pelted the orchestra with oranges, as they were busy playing a score that included sounds of foghorns, milk bottles clinking, a mop and bucket, gunshots and music that drew heavily on the music hall tradition, a world away from the elitist ballet tradition – and Satie was even slapped in the face by one unhappy ticket-holder. Nobody knew what to make of Picasso’s cardboard costumes which meant ballet dancers could barely move, or the inclusion of American silent films. Poet Guillaume Apollinaire described the production as “a sort of surrealism” in his programme note – the first use of the term. Other more familiar terms were used in the polarised response to Parade. Satie later called a negative reviewer a “cretin” and an “arse, an arse without music”, and was sued. Cocteau was arrested for repeatedly shouting “arse!” (yes, I am putting Cocteau and Father Ted’s Father Jack in the same thought, which is definitely a first for me) during the trial, and Satie got an eight-day prison sentence for libel.

WE’RE HARNESSING THE

PIONEERING SPIRIT OF THE ORIGINAL, AND PRESENTING IT IN A SURREAL, DYSTOPIAN BACKDROP, WITH A WELSH TWIST

Plié forward to next month, and as part of Wales’ ‘Russia 17’ commemorations (a season of arts events and performances, capturing the social and cultural explosion of the Russian Revolution), an ambitious reworking – called P.A.R.A.D.E – is coming to Cardiff. Rather than a faithful production of the iconic original, this is a new project that aims to capture its spirit, while making it relevant for now. Just like the original, though, it’s a collaboration, between National Dance Company Wales, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Rubicon Dance, Dawns i Bawb, choreographer Marcos Morau, graffiti artist Pure Evil, and other creative talents gathered together by Welsh dancer/ choreographer-turned-curator of epic multimedia and site-specific cultural events, Marc Rees. “It’s definitely not just a nostalgic museum piece,” Rees explains. “I’ve been asked to commemorate creative revolution, and my job is to create something that is challenging and questioning – as the original was – within the world we are living with at the moment. w www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 53

ARTS

DANCE

THE DYNAMIC PRELUDE FEATURES A RENEGADE

AERIAL ROBOT

Shaping up: Choreographer Marcos Morau’s striking contemporary dance piece, Tundra, will be performed as part of P.A.R.A.D.E

“I’m harnessing the pioneering spirit of the original but presenting it in a surreal dystopian backdrop with a Welsh twist. Our location at Wales Millennium Centre means we are right by the Senedd, and also have all the connections to Doctor Who and Torchwood, so we are combining politics and sci-fi with iconic moments in cinema.” Some details are closely-guarded secrets, to preserve that sense of surprise and shock during the performances, which centre around two main dance pieces and Satie’s original music. A dynamic prelude, featuring a renegade aerial robot, will echo the original themes of mechanisation threatening workers’ livelihoods. It may stem from a ballet that’s a century old, but the production’s concerns feel very current. “Automation is a key theme because, due to robotics, the traditional workforce will become redundant,” says Rees, “but we also have to remember that creativity is still extraordinarily important.” One of the main pieces is choreographed by Caroline Finn, artistic director of National Dance Company Wales. Her reworking of Parade retains and updates that intense revolutionary kernel; an homage in dance to a modernist classic, but with a topical set of concerns that should play especially well to local audiences. “In my reimagining of the piece,” she says, “we see workers physically and emotionally constricted by their situation, taking the decision to revolt against expectations. “I think it will be particularly relevant for audiences in Wales because it draws on the idea of a workforce – hard-working people with real ideas, potential and creativity; a community not afraid to stand up for what it believes in, and make a change.” 54 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

P.A.R.A.D.E co-conspirators Caroline Finn and Marc Rees

P.A.R.A.D.E is at Wales Millennium Centre from 24-25 October. Outdoor parts of the event are free to attend, but the two main dance performances in the auditorium are ticketed. For more info, see wmc.org.uk or r17.wales

T H E A L B A N Y G A L L E RY

MARTIN LLEWELLYN 14th September - 7th October View the exhibition on our website www.albanygallery.co.uk

74b Albany Road, Cardiff, CF24 3RS | T: 029 2048 7158 | E: info@albanygallery.com Gallery open: Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sundays and Bank Holidays 11am-4pm

H S A CL HE T F O

CORPORATES

eam building, training and Corporate Social Responsibility activity that packs a punch can be stressful and time-consuming to organise. Luckily, there’s a kick-ass challenge from The Wallich, a Welsh homelessness charity, that ticks those boxes.

Clash of the Corporates is a POW-worthy fundraising competition that’s challenging businesses to raise money to help prevent homelessness in Wales. In an Apprenticestyle task, corporate SuperTeams need to pull together, be resourceful, creative and organised to return as much profit from a £50 investment in just 50 days. Kicking off on 12 September, the SuperTeams will aim to raise £2,000 and zap the competition to win awards for “Most Money Raised”, “Most Creative Idea” and “Best Teamwork”, which will be presented at a good, old-fashioned award celebration. The Wallich encourages participants to develop new or existing SuperSkills, such as leadership and communication, in this fast-paced race to the finish. Organisations such as Nationwide Building Society, Minuteman Press, and JLT Premier Pensions are already poised to take on the challenge. The Wallich is a charity that is in the business of getting people off the streets, keeping people off the streets and creating opportunities for people and funds raised from Clash of the Corporates will be invested into these three principles.

Sign up now for Clash of the Corporates 2017. www.thewallich.com/cotc17 ☎ 029 20574 772 ✉ corporate@thewallich.net a @TheWallich

FILM

ARTS

(Clockwise, from left) Victoria & Abdul, Dennis Skinner: Nature Of The Beast and The Night Is Short, Walk On Girl

THE REEL THING Anime, politics and acting royalty – a real mix on Chapter’s big screen this month By JA M I E R E E S

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

DETROIT Oscar-winning director Kathryn Bigelow’s harrowing dramatisation of 1967’s Detroit riots Amidst the chaos of the racially-charged Detroit riots in 1967 – one of the biggest in the history of the United States – three African-American men are murdered at the Algiers Motel, in this devastating thriller with disturbing echoes of modern-day America. Starring John Boyega, Will Poulter and Algee Smith. Showing at Chapter until 21 September – see chapter.org for more details

irst launched back in November 2010, Cardiff’s first Kotatsu Japanese Anime Festival has gone from strength to strength, with Chapter having screened over 100 of the best Japanese film animations to thousands of people since it started. Due to the increased popularity of anime – it’s typically aimed at adults as well as children – this year’s festival is taking place over three days (29 Sept-1 Oct), offering even more quality films and a Japanese ‘marketplace’, showcasing Japanesethemed goods and traditional bento boxes. Films this year include The Night Is Short, Walk On Girl (cert TBC, 29 September) about a girl who loves to walk the streets of Kyoto at night, and the powerful animation, A Silent Voice (12A, 1 October), about a student with impaired hearing who is bullied by her classmates. There are 13 films to choose from in all, and there’s even a manga drawing workshop (30 September & 1 October), if you want to get properly involved. We have acting royalty, too, with Judi Dench reprising her role as Queen Victoria in Victoria and Abdul (PG, 29 September-12 October), the extraordinary true story of an unexpected friendship in the later years of her remarkable

reign. When a young clerk, Abdul Karim (Ali Fazal), travels from India to participate in the Queen’s golden jubilee, he is surprised to find favour with Victoria herself. As she questions the constrictions of her long-held position, the two forge an unlikely and devoted alliance, displaying a loyalty to one another that her household and inner circle all attempt to destroy. And as the friendship deepens, Victoria begins to see a changing world through new eyes and joyfully reclaims her humanity. And adding to the long list of actors, politicians and political actors who have appeared at Chapter over the years – Eddie Izzard, Michael Sheen and Peter O’Toole, to name but a few – comes Dennis Skinner. Fearsome, principled, uncompromising and thrillingly authentic, the Bolsover MP and Labour politician (nicknamed the ‘Beast of Bolsover’) is well-known for his ultra-sharp wit and unyielding style – this is the man, lest we forget, who called David Cameron ‘Dodgy Dave’. He’ll be at Chapter for a Q&A session on 22 October, following the screening of Dennis Skinner: Nature of the Beast (PG, also showing 8-14 September), a documentary about Skinner himself and the story of progressive politics in Britain over the last half-century. Don’t miss it! For more: chapter.org

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 57

(Clockwise, from top left) Michael Kiwanuka, Future Islandsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Samuel T. Herring, the Green Man himself, Julian Cope and PJ Harvey

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

REVIEW

ARTS

GREEN DAYS Celebrating its 15th year, GREEN MAN showcases arguably its most engaging line-up to date

By V IC DA DA

ust when you think you’ve got Green Man sussed, it still has the ability to throw up a few surprises. This year, celebrating its 15th anniversary, is arguably the festival’s strongest line-up yet (yes, I do always say that, but it honestly is), more of which in a sec. The beauty of GM, of course, is its location and accessibility. A staple of the summer festival calendar, I never tire of gazing up at that beautiful Brecon Beacons/Black Mountains backdrop, come rain or shine (usually the former – this is Green Man, after all). As ever, there are various stages and areas to explore, but GM is small enough to bump into a load of your Cardiff chums – and we do, frequently. It feels like half the city has decamped here for the weekend. Friday belongs to headliners Future Islands, playing Wales for the first time, and they duly rip it up with a barrage of tumultuous, hook-laden synth-pop, the perfect foil for frontman Samuel T. Herring’s supercharged rasp of a voice and some rather nifty cossack dance moves. Truly, a bucket-list moment. Saturday’s got it all going on – even the sun makes an appearance. We stumble across a handful of thrilling new discoveries, including Doomsquad, a trio of siblings from Toronto: think cosmic psychfunk that comes on a bit like Talking Heads jamming with The xx – a real find; the atmospheric folk of New Zealand singer-songwriter Aldous Harding; and Warhaus, an engaging crooner with something of the Leonard Cohen and Serge Gainsbourg about him. There’s even time for a lovely massage treatment at the Nature

Nurture, GM’s quiet haven of health and holistic rejuvenation, which sets me up a treat for Saturday night. And a big, hearty shout-out must go to the Welsh beer tent in the courtyard – our base and meeting point for the entire weekend – with a fantastic selection of ales, of which we supped a fair few. Pint in hand, we catch a bit of golden alt-soul, courtesy of Michael Kiwanuka – ably living up to his Marvin Gaye/Curtis Mayfield/ Van Morrison tag. Then, frantic garage rockers Oh Sees, before everyone piles in for Jon Hopkins’ after-dark DJ set, a maelstrom of head-nodding, intelligent dance music at its most euphoric. But the impromptu Saturday night disco party at the tiny Rough Trade tent is one of the weekend’s real highlights, with everyone pogoing around like idiots, wreathed in smiles, to a cheesy hits playlist that goes from Abba to Pulp, and Madness to The Lighthouse Family. Sunday brings more gems, despite the evening downpour – archdrood Julian Cope’s ‘drinking songs’; engaging doom-folksters, Timber Timbre; an intimate, majestic acoustic session from London post-punk outfit, H. Grimace, back at the Rough Trade tent; and to round things off, we flit between Sleaford Mods’ spittle-flecked, beat-driven punk-hop, and headliner PJ Harvey, dressed like a Victorian heroine in a purple dress and huge feather head-piece, as captivating as ever… and so much more besides. The best line-up yet? Unquestionably. Good on yer, Green Man – it’s been a blast. Here’s to another 15 years!

For more: greenman.net

KING OF THE ROAD Forget tents – what better way to enjoy the delights of Green Man than inside the very latest, top-end VW California campervan Hired from Sun-Kissed Campers in Bath – people make pilgrimages here from all over Wales and the UK to rent the VW California vans, purely because they’re the very latest, sought-after models – our camper for the weekend, in sleek, ‘look-at-me’ red, is a real beauty in every which way. Dispel any fearful thoughts of labouring in the slow lane at 50mph – super-fuelefficient, the T6 California Ocean is a dream to drive. Behind the wheel, it’s as responsive and comfortable as a top-end saloon – the gearbox is smooth and easy and, when you need to, you can genuinely get your foot down. This luxurious beauty will get you where you’re going – via mountain passes,

Take it as red: the new VW California campervan is a dream to drive

circuitous back lanes and the rest – with time and fuel to spare. Being the newest California model, it gets lots of attention from camper enthusiasts eager to have a nose once we’re parked up on-site. Just get a load of all those home comforts, including running water,

thermostat-controlled heating, a 42-litre fridge, twin-burner gas hob, masses of storage space, bluetooth digital stereo, a programmable heater and more. The overall comfort and no-expensespared attention to detail translates beautifully into the mobile camping experience, too. The living area is well thought-out, and can be extended considerably by the easily-accessed awning and natty foldaway chairs. It’s easily roomy enough for a family of four (or two hulking blokes) – the pop-up roof doubles as a spacious bedroom, while the main cab is easily transformed into a cosy living and sleeping space. Best night’s kip I’ve had for ages. Seriously, we loved it – even as a staunch anti-camper, I could definitely get used to this. Who knew? For more info and prices, see sunkissedvwcampervanhire.co.uk

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

CJCH – AN ADVISORY SERVICE WITH YOUR BEST INTERESTS AT HEART

(Above, from left) CJCH's Nick Wooton, Jacqui Seal, Tim Hartland and Stephen Clarke

With our eyes on the world but our hearts planted firmly here in Wales, CJCH SOLICITORS is a firm of progressive and pro-active locals focused on delivering personalised legal services to you

JCH Solicitors, as you have come to know it, has grown into the premier Welsh law firm it is today by bringing smaller, specialist firms together to offer a single point of contact for the legal advisory needs of our clients. Engaging with lawyers can be daunting, so we take a personalised approach and aim to keep you informed throughout the process. We believe an informed client is a happy client! CJCH Solicitors formed when Colin Jones Solicitors of Barry (run by Jacqui Seal and Nick Wootton) merged with Cardiff's Clarke and Hartland Solicitors (run by Stephen Clarke and Tim Hartland) in 2013, both firms bringing decades of specialist experience.

Wales, including extensive experience in Court of Protection and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.

“WE BELIEVE AN INFORMED CLIENT IS A HAPPY CLIENT”

On the corporate side, CJCH is focused on helping businesses grow and prosper while protecting their interests. Our team of solicitors have experience in advising businesses from start-ups right through to medium ownermanaged businesses and large commercial organisations.

Joining forces, these four entrepreneurs have built a law firm of over 120 people, all focused on your success and satisfaction in both personal and commercial matters. The CJCH Personal Law unit boasts the largest Mental Health Law department in 62 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

The Personal Law unit includes:

• Residential Conveyancing & Property Law • Private Client matters • Wills and Probate • Employment Law • Family, Matrimonial and Children Law • Dispute Resolution • Employment Law • Criminal Law Our Criminal Law department is also one of the largest in South Wales with accredited police station representatives and a 24-hour emergency contact line.

The services we offer include:

• Corporate Law support and advisory • Contract Management • Mergers & Acquisitions

• Dispute Resolution & Mediation • Commercial Property Law • Employment & HR Services • Intellectual Property and Anti-Piracy Our international work for software companies in anti-piracy and compliance has gained such a trusted reputation that the firm has since established a separate entity, CJCH Consulting, to tackle cyber security and software anti-piracy, with backing from the Welsh Government to develop local jobs and skills in this field. CJCH Solicitors is your first choice for a trusted and proficient law firm with a focus on client value.

www.cjchsolicitors.co.uk Tel: 0333 231 6405 Email: admin@cjch.co.uk Offices: Cardiff, Barry, Bridgend, Blackwood, Bristol, London

St Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College, Cardiff

A leading independent day school for boys & girls aged 3â&#x20AC;&#x201C;18 Choir School to Cardiff Metropolitan Cathedral

Top performing secondary school in UK for A* - B attainment

Outstanding A Level results 2017: A*/A - 83%, A*/A - 98%, 100% pass rate

Nursery & Infants

Juniors

Seniors

Sixth Form

Please contact Admissions to arrange a visit:

02920 778936

www.stjohnscollegecardiff.com

Charity No. 701294

The COLOUR PURPLE PRINCE’S SIGNATURE HUE, AFTER PANTONE RECENTLY HONOURED THE HIGH PRIEST OF POP WITH A NEW PURPLE COLOUR: LOVE SYMBOL #2

1. ROGERS AND OUT

2. BARE NECESSITY

3. CREME DE LA CREME

4. SHOULDERING ON

5. PLUM’S THE WORD

The Most Beautiful: My Life With Prince, £18.99 Vivid and candid memoir from Prince’s ex-wife, Mayte Garcia – well, we had to include His Purpleness, right? From Waterstones, 2A The Hayes, Cardiff; waterstones.com

Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie lip gloss, £17 Full-impact, satin-smooth lips in a flash From Central Pharmacy, 63-67 Wellfield Road, Roath; escentual.com

Ole Henriksen ‘Nurture Me’ hydrating creme, £41 Another Ole H essential for your handbag – calms, protects and hydrates sensitive and dry skin From Central Pharmacy, 63-67 Wellfield Road, Roath; escentual.com

Sandqvist Stig mini canvas backpack, £79 Love those utilitarianstyle straps – available in different colours, too From John Lewis, St David’s Dewi Sant, Cardiff; johnlewis.com

Allie suede and Saffiano leather sneaker, £140 Sports-luxe, effortless chic From Michael Kors, 19 The Hayes, Cardiff; michaelkors.co.uk

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

ED’S CHOICE

SHOPPING

10 9

6. CUSHTY!

7. DREAM TICKET

8. AHEAD OF THE CURVE

9. LEAF IT OUT

10. TIME ON YOUR SIDE

Dreamweavers pebble cushion, £39.99 Perfect for cosying up with as the nights draw in From Shore, The Esplanade, Penarth; shorecoastal.co.uk

Cocteau Twins Heaven Or Las Vegas CD, £7.99 Released in 1990, the trailblazing Scottish combo’s ethereal, bewitching album – a leftfield classic From Spillers Records, 27 Morgan Arcade, Cardiff; spillersrecords.co.uk

Double ring vase, £360 Made from hand-blown purple glass. And you’ll need a big, colourful bouquet of flowers to do it justice, naturally... From Natuzzi, Havannah Street, Cardiff Bay; cardiff.natuzzi.co.uk

Two-button Krall shirt, £210 Typically dramatic exuberance from Dame Viv From Vivienne Westwood, 55 The Hayes, Cardiff; viviennewestwood.com

Bradshaw plum-tone smartwatch, £279 With animated display faces, fitness tracking, text and email alerts – tech and fashion in happy harmony From Michael Kors, 19 The Hayes, Cardiff; michaelkors.co.uk

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SHOPPING

FA S H I O N

RED ALERT It’s official: red is the colour of autumn 2017, after the fiery hue dominated the AW17 catwalks. Whatever your chosen shade, from cherry to crimson and beyond, you’ll find something this season to suit

ed, in all its rich variants and tones, is undoubtedly the ultimate autumnal hue. And with so many new ways to rock this season’s essential colour, it’s hard to know where to start. But whether you’re being bold or going a little softer, there are plenty of fantastic pieces to choose from. With cooler temperatures looming, investing in a statement coat is an absolute must. When it comes to this year’s outerwear, we’re coveting the delectable ruffled coat from Coast (see opposite) – a surefire way to stand out from the crowd. For a softer, more understated take on the primary colour, opt for the cool copper dress from All Saints. Or if you’re feeling particularly brave, try rocking a pattern instead, such as the Vivienne Westwood mini skirt, or the bordering-on-psychedelic Ruth shirt from Reiss. And the best thing of all? Red is a colour that suits every skin tone, so however you choose to wear it, you’ll look great.

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, Twitter (@StDavidsCardiff) or at stdavidscardiff.com 68 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Carla trousers, £150, and Ruth shirt, £140, both Reiss

FA S H I O N 1

SHOPPING

2 4 3

1. Sheath printed dress (printed crepe), £380, Hugo Boss 2. W. W. Red Old Roses miniskirt, £755, Vivienne Westwood 3. Zehn dress, £195, Reiss 4. New Fond Dress, £410, Vivienne Westwood 5. Macey ruffle coat, £199, Coast 6. Claudia jumper, £188, All Saints 7. Jil shoes, £160, Reiss 8. Copper sleeveless dress, £168, All Saints 9. Dathy quilted cross-body bag, £60, Dune 10. Irving lace-up trainers, £125, MICHAEL Michael Kors www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 69

WE MAY LOOK FUR COAT, BUT WE BELIEVE THAT THE UNDERGARMENT IS JUST AS IMPORTANT

Book now: 02920221608 www.belletoujours.co.uk

SALON. BARBER. BEAUTY

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!

TURN UP THE HEAT

OWEN DAVIES, from Cardiff’s award-winning Cheese Pantry, on cooking with cheese – and the best British varieties to use Nothing gives me greater pleasure than to eat cheese on its own; that’s the beauty of cheese – it tastes so good without doing anything to it. But – and it’s a big but – cheese offers so much more. So versatile, so delicious, and so good when we turn up the heat and cook with it. Cooking with cheese also means there is no waste. All those end bits can be grated up into a gratin or melted for the ultimate fondue – pass me the kirsch! With more and more of us choosing to eat less meat, cheese is becoming a great alternative – not only does it deliver on nutrition, but it also provides us with a huge variety of textures, colours and flavours. We often get asked at Cheese Pantry to suggest cheeses that work well in recipes, and for British equivalents – recipes for cheese-based dishes are often from other parts of Europe, where cheese is more a part of daily life. See opposite for some of our favourites... Cheese Pantry is located at Cardiff Central Market. For more: @cheesepantry

OGLESHIELD Made by legendary cheddar-maker, Jamie Montgomery, this is a seriously good melting cheese to use in place of raclette. Perfect for cheese on toast. ROLLRIGHT The classic French tartiflette, a rich, potato-based gratin with garlic and lardons, uses a whole Reblochon cheese. Try making it with Rollright, a wonderfully pungent British alternative. KERN Use instead of Gruyère to top cheesy bakes. It has nutty, caramel notes and bags and bags of flavour. MRS BELL’S BLUE Forget the roquefort, and add this into

Try pungent Rollright cheese in a tartiflette, says Owen

your savoury tarts or salads. Even non-blue cheese eaters find this award-winning Yorkshire-made variety irresistible. BERKSWELL A ewe’s milk cheese from the West Midlands with the powdery texture of aged parmesan. Good length of flavour, too – grate over a wild mushroom risotto.

(This pic) Moksh chef/founder Stephen Gomes, and (right) his typically flamboyant ‘Treasures Of The Sea’ dish

EASY AS 1,2,3 Award-winning chef and Moksh main man, Stephen Gomes, is opening three new restaurants in Cardiff Bay The three new eateries, celebrating Indian fine dining, molecular gastronomy and Mumbai street food, are set to open in the Bay before Christmas. As part of chef Stephen Gomes’ expansion plans – marking the ten-year anniversary of his flagship restaurant, Moksh – the prestigious Indian dining

venue will move to unit 15 in Mermaid Quay, while new venue 101, focusing on molecular gastronomy, will open in its place. Gomes’ team will also be opening Gourmet Guru in the former Pizza Pronto location, offering traditional Mumbai cuisine on the go. “We are all incredibly excited for what’s to

come,” said Stephen. “We’ve been wanting to make the expansion for a long time, and the tenth anniversary of Moksh felt like the right time to do it. I’ve spent a lot of time in India and Mumbai recently, and I really wanted to bring all the amazing food I was able to experience back with me to Wales.” For more: moksh.co.uk

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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

WINE & DANDY

Dean Euden from the wine & spirit education trust (WSET) introduces you to the delights of English sparkling wines

en years ago, how many people would have happily chosen a sparkling wine from the UK over champagne? Not many. Today, it’s a very different story, with Brit bubbly now readily available and our top estates regularly beating champagne at international competitions. It would be true to say that the vast majority of high quality sparkling wines in the UK are from England. Some of the better-known names like Nyetimber, Gusbourne and Chapel Down are based in south east England, around Sussex and Kent, mainly because the climate is marginally better than many other UK regions, but also because the soil in those areas has a Recommendations Ancre Hills Blanc de Blanc (average price, £29.99) From a vineyard near Monmouth. This award-winning sparkling wine (100% Chardonnay) offers true quality, with notes of toasted brioche and citrus. A reminder that not all quality UK bubbly comes from the south east of England!

high chalk content, making it very similar to the Champagne region of France. Here’s the rub: these bubblies are around the same price as quality champagne, so why go UK when you can just go champagne? Firstly, don’t buy just to support UK producers – you should always buy for the quality, not a misdirected sense of national pride. Luckily, it’s not an issue as sparkling wine from our own shores can be exceptional. Just to stick a pin in the quality argument, one of Champagne’s most prestigious houses, Taittinger, now owns vineyards in Kent. So what is it that makes our own bubbly so worthy of the price tag and the accolades? For a start, it’s made using the same

grape varieties as champagne: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. As the vines are grown in similar soils to those in Champagne, and made using the same method, it’s no surprise they share similar characteristics and quality levels. There can be subtle differences in flavour, with English wines tending to lean more to fresher, applier notes, but these are understated differences and, when tasting blind, it's very difficult to pick the French from the Brit (believe me, I know!). So next time you have something to celebrate, don’t automatically reach for the champagne – you could be missing something a lot closer to home.

Nyetimber Rosé (average price, £36) One of the best rosés I’ve ever tasted – a lovely fresh red fruit and spice on the nose, with a creamy finish. Gusbourne Brut Reserve (average price, £34) A classic champagne blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. Candied lemon peel and mandarin on the nose, with hints of brioche.

For more information, go to: www.wsetglobal.com

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R E S TA U R A N T

FOOD

Milkwood

A name that nods to Welsh literary genius, and former Potted Pig/Porro chefs in the kitchen. Naturally, our expectation levels are through the roof... By V E L I M I R I L IC Photo s by OW E N M AT H I A S

ilkwood. Such a brilliant and obvious name for a Welsh restaurant – a reference to iconic Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, of course – that I’m surprised no-one has already used it. Even before setting foot over the threshold of this small, new independent neighbourhood bistro in Pontcanna (previously the site of Italian restaurant, Cibo), expectation levels are already pretty high. So, to begin at the beginning… Many of you will know chefs Tom Furlong and Gwyn Myring as the driving force behind established Cardiff restaurants The Potted Pig and Porro. But having sold their interest in those venues (they still own local boozers, The Lansdowne and The Grange) this is the first restaurant venture fully under their own steam. Serendipitously, having first met and become firm friends while working in the kitchen at Cibo back in 2004, the chefs have now come full circle. Living locally with young families (Tom’s wife, Cerys, is also a co-owner), Milkwood was evidently far too good an opportunity for them to turn down. Inside, it feels homely, the staff smiley and welcoming. The decor is minimal but stylish – white walls, wooden floorboards, leather banquettes – but your eye is immediately drawn to some seriously covetable pieces of contemporary art on the walls by the likes of Andy Fung and James Charlton. And there are plans to open a private dining room upstairs, and, eventually, the garden out back for lunch and pre-dinner drinks. As ever, fuelled by a passion for and genuine love of good food, Tom and Gwyn’s philosophy is simple, with a constantly changing menu showcasing excellent Welsh produce and their deceptively simple cooking. The menu is purposefully small, but everything screams ‘eat me’. Served in dainty teacups, an amuse bouche of silky gazpacho, nicely garlicky with a bit of poke, slips down a treat, as does a subtle, uncomplicated smoked eel salad, delicately infused with gentle smoke, mirin, nasturtium and

THIS UNERRINGLY GOOD FOOD, MADE WITH LOVE, FEELS LIKE IT COMES FROM A VERY HAPPY KITCHEN

horseradish. And a charred bavette steak, with truffle, oyster and leaves, is surprisingly light, a sensual pleasure that almost dissolves on the tongue. All four of the mains sound enticing, and it feels like a real wrench to eschew heritage carrots, organic ricotta, orange and cumin; and spring lamb cutlets, rolled belly, salsa and aubergine – maybe next time. Instead, we end up with a super-fresh piece of brill, served with buttery leeks, brown shrimps and samphire – aromas and flavours that transport you instantly to the seaside. Even the tangle of cucumber – usually such a bland veg – that comes with it packs a decent wallop of flavour. The Creedy Carver duck breast, meanwhile – the king of duck breasts, favoured by serious chefs – is sensational. Everything just works – blushingly tender duck, with chicory, hazelnuts, duck tortellini, and a whole orange carrot. Soft and crunchy, intense and delicate, with bags of flavour, beautifully assembled and presented, it’s genuine artistry and expertise, in perfect harmony on a plate. O-man takes a mouthful of duck, and shoots me a look I’ve come to know well. No words needed. And I could’ve happily tucked into a plateful of the Wye Valley bobby beans – nicely al dente, allowing simple produce to shine – on their own. Puds sound so good that we have all three. The ‘chocolate, cherry’ – that brief description that doesn’t do it justice – offers beautiful colours and flavours: an exceptional salted chocolate ganache, milk sorbet, dehydrated milk wafer, cherries poached in red wine and cherry gel. And rhubarb, buttermilk junket and fennel granita is a glorious combo – sweet and indulgently creamy with a tiny hint of savoury. We sample a good bit of cheese, too – Colston Bassett blue stilton and Montgomery cheddar, with pickled walnut puree (think savoury Nutella – so good) and crackers. A Sauternes dessert wine, Chateau Filhot 2eme Grand Cru, deliciously honeyed and peachy, floral and heady on the nose, is just the thing to have with it – our new favourite tipple. Afforded the freedom to express themselves like never before, Tom and Gwyn have truly come up trumps. This unerringly good food, made with love, feels like it comes from a very happy kitchen. Afterwards, I desperately want to give them the biggest bear hug ever. Just like Bar 44/Asador 44’s Morgan brothers across town, they keep raising the bar – real food heroes, doing their bit to put Cardiff on the map. “Sometimes, things are meant to be,” it says on Milkwood’s website, “and we hope to serve the community well, like Cibo did for so many years.” Well, amen to that.

DINING DETAILS Milkwood, Pontcanna Street, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9HS; Tel: 02920 232226, milkwoodcardiff.com Opening hours Tuesday 6-10pm, Wednesday to Saturday noon-3pm & 6-10pm, closed Sundays and Mondays Prices Starters from £7, mains from £16, puds from £8 Vegetarian choice A couple of good options Wine list Nice mix of predominantly European wines, and an interesting selection of spirits Service/atmosphere Spot-on – friendly, engaging, knowledgeable and speedy; timing of dishes is impeccable, and everything runs like clockwork. Buzzy midweek atmos – the word is out. Great muzak playlist, too

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Think a few people might be calling in sick tomorrow morning…

YOU BETTER WATCH OUT… … you better not cry. Christmas party season starts in three months and you really do need to start thinking about it By H UG O BA L L

CHRISTMAS PA R T I E S NOW BOOKING GLEE CLUB Who doesn’t love a good chuckle? The Glee’s Christmas comedy shows are a real treat – stand-up picks this year include Ed Gamble, Jen Brister and, rather appropriately, Jarred Christmas. There’s also a Christmas meal, and resident after-show DJ to keep the party going late into the night. christmas.glee.co.uk CHAPEL 1877 Whether you’re looking to book an intimate family gathering or big office party, Cardiff’s beautifully restored gothic chapel-cum-restaurant can accommodate, with stylishly presented fish and seafood dishes amongst the more traditional Yuletide fare. chapel1877.com CELTIC MANOR Even Yuletide refuseniks will find themselves getting into the spirit of things at one of the five-star resort’s glitzy themed party shindigs. See you on the dancefloor at the ‘So 80s’ night... celtic-manor.com ANGELA GRAY’S COOKERY SCHOOL Located at Llanerch Vineyard, they’ve definitely got Christmas covered, with a panoply of festive courses, pop-ups and evening events. The Weber Winter Warmer course (17 December) will show you how to create warming dishes and roasts on the barbecue – yep, even your Christmas turkey. angelagray.co.uk DIRTY MARTINI Glamorous interiors, bespoke Martinis and cocktails – Dirty Grinch, anyone? – festive food/sharing platters and a guaranteed buzz, whether you’re starting or ending your big work night out. dirtymartini.uk.com GWDIHW With diverse and eclectic live music – from funk and afrobeat to jazz, electronica and hip-hop – and cutting edge DJs, Gwdihw can happily accommodate parties of 15 to 100+, with a hog roast, mulled cider and more. Dare to be different! gwdihw.co.uk/christmas BAR 44 Confit chicken and romesco; chorizo poached in rioja; garlicinfused roasties… Mmm. For a top-end Spanish tapas blowout, look no further. bar44.co.uk

VALE RESORT As ever, a staggering array of Christmas events on offer, ready for you to sing, dance and let your hair down, from soul and big band swing to the prestigious Masquerade Ball at Hensol Castle. vale-hotel.com BURLESQUE Fancy something a little bit different? Inspired by the famous Folies Bergère, this extravagant knees-up at Sophia Gardens promises exotic Parisian nightlife and cabaret, four-course meal, casino, and even dodgems. bestpartiesever.com PARK PLAZA The usual merry riches here, with various gala party nights and packages at the hotel’s Laguna kitchen and bar, and after-dark Kuku Club. Christmas with added sparkle, as they say. lagunakitchenandbar.com

e know, we know. And we’re sorry. You’re still waiting for summer to properly kick in, and planning an Indian summer of barbecues and beach trips – and here’s a lifestyle magazine nagging you that it’s time to start thinking about the work Christmas party, of all things. In fact, we hate to break it to you, but some people were on this back in June… Among them, our finest and friendliest local, independent restaurants, hotels and pubs,

who’ve been perfecting their festive menus for weeks now in order to ensure you and your team have something delicious, original and fun all booked up and ready to look forward to as you plunge into the second half of the year. So, whether you’re after a sedate lunch for five or a boisterous, city-centre knees-up for a small army, look to your left to find a sure-fire hit with everyone from Alan in accounts to your hipster apprentice, Orlando. All you then have to do is start researching AW17 party gear and making sure there’s some aspirin in the work first aid box…

CHAPTER Chapter’s WinterFest weekend (1-3 December) is the perfect way to ease yourself into the festive period, with cultural and culinary treats (including a two-course Christmas menu) and a food and drink festival with seasonal beers and ales, amongst other things. chapter.org PORRO Branches in Llandaff and Roath, serving modern British food with Italian influences, and celebrating simple, quality ingredients. As well as the main restaurant, it also has a private dining room upstairs, seating up to 20. Fritto misto with aioli, followed by crispy, pan-fried veal escalopes with parma ham? Don’t mind if we do... porrocardiff.com

Chin, chin!

DEPOT Fancy an alternative staff social? Depot’s bingo and Christmas-themed Jingle Balls and Saturday Night Live nights – held throughout December, with festive street food, singalongs, circus acts, live music, DJs and more – will see you right. depotcardiff.com NATIONAL MUSEUM CARDIFF If arranging the office do feels like herding cats, let the prestigious Museum – who knew? – take care of all the essential arrangements, from welcome drinks and silver service to decorations and a late night DJ. museum.wales

Peepo! Top-notch Spanish food, wines and sherries at Bar 44

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

The Hollywood Bowl is guaranteed fun for that staff day out

Go Vegas at the Grosvenor Casino

Festive food

Blockbusting, big screen movies at the Odeon

CHRISTMAS AT CARDIFF BAY When it comes to family gatherings, Christmas parties, or simply somewhere to escape the Welsh winter (let’s face it, it’s never pretty!), look no further than THE RED DRAGON CENTRE in Cardiff Bay

the ultimate night out – the perfect choice for those after-dark party revellers. Hungry? You’re at the right place! The Centre is home to many a restaurant, so whether you fancy a full-on, sit-down Christmas meal with all the trimmings, or a quick bite before or after all the festivities, you’ll find plenty to tempt you.

Here’s what you can look forward to...

“AN ABUNDANCE OF RESTAURANTS, BRIMMING WITH FESTIVE ATMOSPHERE”

his gem of a destination has been a firm favourite in Cardiff Bay for 20 years now, and boasts all you need to eat, drink and play all under one roof, along with free customer parking on its doorstep. If you’re looking for an office Christmas party that ticks all the boxes, you’ll find it here, with great entertainment choices alongside an abundance of restaurants brimming with festive atmosphere. You can literally do it all in one place, without even having to step foot outside armed with a brolly!

For festive fun with a competitive streak, the Centre’s 26-lane Hollywood Bowl is a guaranteed office winner. Their strikingly good Christmas party packages include bowling, food and drink all thrown in (get in early for a 10% discount), as well as options to upgrade to VIP lanes or add in champagne or prosecco. Well, it is Christmas, after all! Or perhaps you fancy something a bit more Vegas? The Centre’s got that covered, too, with a 24-hour Grosvenor Casino boasting 86 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Be sure to check out Bella Italia, Grill & Shake, Spice Route, Oriental Garden and Cardiff Bay Tavern for tempting Christmas party offerings and menus. Or for something a little less formal, you can’t beat Five Guys and Chicken House for a fresh and tasty quick feast with colleagues. And there’s also Cadwaladers, serving up tasty treats to complement any festive celebration at the Centre. Look out for their Christmas hot drinks,

festive paninis, sandwiches, cakes and even festive ice cream sundaes. And no talk of Christmas is complete without mentioning some of the biggest movies of the year hitting the big screen. The Centre is gearing up to celebrate many a release this autumn/winter at its Odeon cinema, including Thor: Ragnarok, Justice League and Star Wars: The Last Jedi, to name just a few. And without a doubt, the Odeon is the daddy of all cinema experiences, boasting the only IMAX screen in South Wales and a luxury gallery VIP area. So round up the troops and bring them down for a viewing like no other!

Want to find out more? Go to: www.thereddragoncentre.co.uk

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

More adventures in party-going

That’s one way to use up surplus wallpaper

SNAPPED!

The eyes have it

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

PRIDE ON TIME Celebrating Cardiff’s LGBT community, more than 200,000 people gathered in Cardiff city centre for Pride Cymru’s recent Big Weekend, three days of pure party atmosphere and entertainment, featuring performances by Fun Lovin’ Criminals, Charlotte Church, Bright Light, Bright Light and others. See if you can spot yourself in any of these pics... For more: pridecymru.co.uk Hello, mum! Charlotte Church rocks out

Even Orbital were there...

Say cheese!

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

SOCIETY

Look on the bride side

This little flag-bearer got into the party spirit

No-one’ll notice if I take a quick selfie

Nathan Wyburn and Wayne Courtney Huey Morgan (Fun Lovin’ Criminals)

Yoohoo, it’s me!

True blue

SOCIETY

THE PHILLY IS BACK!

Felicity Waters, Julia McWatt, Liz Rawlings, Sian Dafydd and Iolo ap Dafydd

Nine years after it closed its doors, and after months of extensive building work and a £750,000 renovation, much-loved Cardiff pub The Philharmonic has reopened, following a VIP launch night for invited guests. Check out its ‘Ginventory’, offering 37 different types – count ’em! – of gin. For more: thephilharmoniccardiff.co.uk Emma George, Kylie Underhill, Esyllt Martin and Jodie Butler

Jeremy Reed and Connie Fisher

Nick Newman (manager of The Philharmonic), Simon Little and Craig Davies (directors of Croeso Pubs, owners of The Philharmonic)

Mervyn and Rob Britton

For more information visit our website www.hammethouse.co.uk Hammet House, Llechryd, Cardigan, SA43 2QA

ENQUIRE ABOUT OUR SPECIAL AUTUMN PACKAGE. Two nights + one complimentary night, including a tasting menu for two and an a la carte meal for two in our relaunched restaurant - The Art Room at Castell Malgwyn Call 01239 682382 to find out more, or email us at mail@hammethouse.co.uk

SOCIETY

BAND AID

Angela Rees, Glyn Rees, Sean Brill and Claire Brill

South Wales-based construction business Jehu Group held a charity band night at Tramshed in Cardiff, to help raise money for its charity of the year, CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably), dedicated to preventing male suicide. Live music included performances by local talent State of Mind, Special Brew and American Mustard. For more: jehu.co.uk

State of Mind: hear, hear

Marc Jehu and Simon Jehu Laura Marles, Michael Edwards and Amy Richards

Throwing shapes

Chris Jones and Simon Jehu

Andy Baker-Edwards and Andrea Gardner

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 93

SOCIETY

THE LAW, THE MERRIER Solicitors firm Sinclairslaw held its summer party and open day at its new offices in central Cardiff. For more: sinclairslaw.co.uk

Harry Gough, Dean Jones (Communicorp UK), Mike Charles (Sinclairslaw) and Michael Clark (Blake Morgan)

Stuart Munro (JLL Real Estate) and Ian Morris (Chandler KBS)

Rachel Debono (Tilney), Gavin Budd (JM Finn) and Lisa Davies (Sinclairslaw)

Martyn Thomas (WECTU) and Greg Evans (Sinclairslaw) You hum it, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll play it Gwyneth Steddy, Matthew Steddy (both Steddy Limited) and Marie Fanning (RM Financial Advice)

Carole Duble and Emma Cooksey (both Sinclairslaw)

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

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

WHAT’S IT ALL FOR? WHY FINANCIAL PLAN AT ALL? A new book, THE WEALTH SECRET, sets out a series of principles to achieving long-term wealth creation

ne of the most important aspects of any wealth creation plan is the link between actions and goals. In many other areas of life, a goal is put in place to act as an incentive towards a set aim. “I will lose a stone by Christmas” is the type of goal people might employ to apply a focus to a particular aim or target. In financial planning, a goal embraces a far wider tract, applying objectives that translate financial plans into a life plan. We explain in the book how money is a means to an end rather than an end in itself. An old definition of money is as 'a medium of exchange'. Your goals are therefore your lifestyle aims; they outline how you see your life evolving through its different stages. They should be both short- and long-term, encompassing your most passionate desires. If you want to retire early, then you need to be able to explain what you mean by this. Some people might consider this to be age 55, some age 65. Some may want to fully retire at their desired age, others may want to retire more gradually, winding

down over a number of years. You may also want to have a second property overseas at some point, learn to fly or become a Samaritan. The more you can define goals which express your wishes, the more likely it is that a financial plan can be built to deliver the outcome you want. Life is about far more than the acquisition of wealth – the purpose of wealth creation is about offering you the opportunity to meet your life’s desires. To successfully meet your goals you have to begin by stipulating them. If you have never done this, try it and then question whether you are confident your financial plans will deliver. This is where the skill comes in, because a trained financial planner will be able to help you connect the actions and the exact steps to meet your future objectives. They will do this via a financial plan, which will test what monies you need and when, cross-checking against your current income and future projected income. If this shows shortfalls, it will enable you to understand what you need to do differently to change the outcomes. It may demonstrate that

you need to save more (or spend less), or it could imply you have to invest differently to aim for a higher longer-term return. It could even mean in some circumstances that you are well-set in your current plans and you should invest less aggressively. A properly constructed financial plan is entirely based on examining your goals, both short- and long-term, plotting ‘what if’ scenarios (if you lose your job or have to go into a care home, for example), running long-term income/expenditure forecasts and stress-testing the lot against one another. This exercise is always illuminating and instructive. You cannot have a robust financial plan unless it is intrinsically linked to your goals – life goals for you and your family.

The Wealth Secret is available on Amazon. For a complimentary copy, email Penguin Wealth on ask@penguinwealth.com or call us on 02920 450143

Shake-ups/launches/successes/promotions

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

Cardiff BID street ambassadors

THE BIG STORY

CLEAN LIVING More Cardiff Business Improvement District (BID) news, as they join forces with Cardiff Council for an immediate deep clean of the Welsh capital The six-month deep-cleaning programme started recently on Queen Street, and as part of the wash-up, businesses will be able to suggest any areas to be cleaned via Cardiff BID’s team of street ambassadors – suggestions will be used to inform a weekly programme of work for the cleaning team. The initiative is being rolled

out following feedback gathered by street ambassadors that parts of Cardiff are beginning to look unkempt, so the cleaning team will be sprucing up the city’s streets, painting kerbside furniture, scraping off old posters or stickers, removing grease and taking away waste. “Appearance and cleanliness is so important to businesses as it’s what

Perk life: the 200 Degrees coffee shop on Cardiff’s Queen Street

brings their trade through the door,” said Adrian Field, executive director of Cardiff BID. “We’re delighted to be able to offer this additional service, making sure Cardiff is as clean as possible and helping out businesses in the BID area. “We’re starting with Queen Street but will move to other areas across the city, based on where the street ambassadors are getting the most requests. If the project is a success, we will extend the programme for a number of years.” “The new deep-cleaning initiative from Cardiff BID is fantastic,” said Tom Vincent from local coffee shop, 200 Degrees. “It’s a really great opportunity for businesses like us to play a part in making sure Cardiff looks clean and welcoming for tourists and shoppers. We’re based on Queen Street, so will witness the project in action first. We’re really looking forward to seeing the results, not just outside our doors but across the city.” For more: cardiffbid.com

QUOTE OF THE ISSUE

“IT CELEBRATES INDIVIDUALITY, AND CAN BE USED BY EVERYONE...” Sounds good! But what is it? Find out over the page...

1,000 THE BIG NUMBER

That’s how many new apprenticeship opportunities are currently available across Wales. See page 101 for more...

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

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 99

BUSINESS INSIDER

BIZ WISDOM TAKE THE LEAD The best way to attract new business? Get on the case with those sales leads, says ANDREA CALLANAN, voice expert and founder of inspireMe

Project One, winners of the Interiors category – for the third time! – at the 2017 Cardiff Life Awards

BE THE BEST!

CARDIFF LIFE AWARDS: NEW EVENT, KEY DATES Busy times for the Cardiff Life Awards, with a new shoulder event and sponsor added, and key dates for next March’s über-glam event revealed The new sponsor is Cardiff bar and restaurant, Chapel 1877, who are sponsoring the hotlycontested Event category. Along with headline sponsor, Cardiff Airport, our initial roster of category sponsors also currently includes Cardiff BID, WSET and Genero. The all-important Awards nominations open on 13 November, and companies are encouraged to start marshalling their cases – have a look at the Top Tips on the Awards website, to give yourself the best possible chance of impressing our independent Awards judges. Ticket sales also open on 13 November, and hopeful attendees should act swiftly after last year’s flurry of sales, which led to the Awards quickly reaching record attendance. Finalists will be revealed on 30 January, which has built into a major time of celebration, with the Awards trending in Cardiff on 2017’s equivalent Grand Reveal Day. New this time is a special ‘How to win a Cardiff Life Award’ seminar (27 November, venue TBC). “It’s a brand new event this year, free to all businesses who are thinking of 100 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

CARDIFF LIFE AWARDS: KEY DATES 13 NOV 2017: Nominations and ticket sales open 27 NOV 2017: ‘How to win’ seminar and winter party 30 JAN 2018:

Finalists announced 21 FEB 2018: Exclusive reception for finalists and sponsors 15 MARCH 2018: Cardiff Life Awards – the big night! APRIL 2018 (EXACT DATE TBC):

Winners’ dinner

entering the Cardiff Life Awards,” said events manager, Steph Dodd. “The seminar will give information on how to craft a winning nomination, and impart knowledge on what our panel of independent judges will be looking for.” The seminar will be followed that evening by Cardiff Life’s winter party. For those wanting to look their best at the Awards, Goji Hair are now official beauty partners and will be offering special rates prior to the big night on 15 March next year. Opportunities for sponsorship are still available. To align your brand with Cardiff’s most prestigious Awards and to benefit from our targeted marketing campaign, peaking in March, please contact Mark George (mark. george@mediaclash.co.uk). We are also keen to hear from companies and organisations who have services or products to showcase via the Awards – please contact Steph Dodd (stephanie.dodd@ mediaclash.co.uk). For more: cardifflifeawards.co.uk, @cardifflifeawds

I’m always asked how we get new business. For us, the main source is our network, with the strongest leads coming from referrals and existing customers. We network at industry-specific events and also virtually, using digital marketing. As a self-employed voice coach, I nearly always had a waiting list because of three main factors: I was providing a service that was popular, I was good, and individual consumers were my customers. Easy! As soon as I turned my focus to B2B services, it was a different ball-game. For the first few years of what was then Sing & Inspire, we relied on press and reputation to bring in business. Our overheads were tiny, we had a unique offering and a great local reputation, so businesses approached us. Weren’t we lucky? But almost a decade later, sales and marketing is now the most important wheel in the business. If you’re a tech, product or manufacturing start-up, sales is the first thing you should look at. If I had the knowledge back then that I have now, I’d have been on that new business train as soon as I’d started the business. B2B businesses generally take longer to convert their sales. You need to feed your pipeline generously and regularly with enough leads so that some will filter through and convert into paid work. In turn, the pipeline feeds your business and keeps all the cogs turning. Make sure your leads are qualified – customers who are aligned with your values, culture and approach are winners. Don’t be tempted to just get in any sales as this will cost you more in the long run. Be innovative and in tune with your ideal customers. Get out there physically and virtually, and feed that pipeline. Getting this right is the key to a long and prosperous experience in business – good luck! inspireMe are a Cardiff-based engagement and self-development company that offer UK-wide teambuilding and training. For more, see andinspireme.com

BUSINESS INSIDER

BEAUTY

LIP SERVICE

Rising star: beauty and make-up entrepreneur, Jessica Blackler

Young Welsh make-up artist launches unisex make-up range, aimed at the LGBTQ community Jessica Blackler, 21, from Llandaff, a qualified make-up artist who honed her craft at the prestigious Delamar Academy in London, has been supported by the Welsh Government’s Big Ideas Wales programme, which helps young people to develop entrepreneurial skills and start a business. She is currently in the process of launching her first-ever make-up product (part of her new make-up brand, Jecca Cosmetics), designed specifically for transgender customers. The colour corrector and concealer palette is a unisex product, uniquely formulated to offer fuller coverage in order to tackle issues such as beard shadow, and will be available to purchase later this year. “Jecca Cosmetics is inspired by my clients, who want to stand out and be themselves,” said Jessica. “It celebrates individuality and can be used by everyone. The products will be really bold and colourful, but ultimately, it’s about supporting diversity and encouraging everyone to have confidence in themselves.” For more: jeccacosmetics.com, bigideas.wales

Apprenticeship ambassador Alana Spencer, winner of The Apprentice in 2016

CAREERS

YEARN TO LEARN 1,000 new apprenticeship opportunities available across Wales, for people of all ages The apprenticeship vacancies, posted on the Apprenticeship Matching Service on the Careers Wales website, offer apprenticeship opportunities with qualifications to match, giving young people and adults the chance to secure an exciting career in a wide range of disciplines including ICT, creative industries, construction and STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths), where skill shortages are particularly prevalent. Alana Spencer, winner of BBC One series, The Apprentice, in 2016, is a supporter of the apprenticeship programme, funded by the Welsh Government (them again!), with support from the European Social Fund. “When I left school at 16, I would’ve been grateful for the opportunity to get some advice and

practical, hands-on experience before venturing out alone. “These days, apprenticeships are the perfect answer when it comes to launching a career in a field you’re passionate about, while obtaining all the tools you need to succeed. They are a win-win for everyone.” “Apprenticeships are a key investment for employers, who can train their workforce in the specialist skills they need,” said Julie James, Minister for Skills and Science. “They also play an important role in increasing the nation’s overall skill set and driving economic growth, making sure that Wales remains competitive on the world stage.” For more, see @apprenticewales on Twitter

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waterstonehomes.com 01656 644440

HOME

PROPERTY

SHOWCASE

PORTHKERRY 106 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

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HOUSE

PROPERTY

A beautiful Georgian home in the Vale of Glamorgan, with glorious views over the Bristol Channel By K AT I E K I SSOON Photos by SOUTH WALES PROPERTY PHOTOGRAPHY

www.mediaclash.co.uk II CLIFTON CARDIFF LIFE LIFE II 107 www.mediaclash.co.uk 113

PROPERTY

SHOWCASE

ver dreamt of escaping to the sticks? Well, now you can, with this bucolic beauty – subject to the small matter of handing over £1.35 million, of course. Set within extensive grounds, a electric-gated entrance opens onto a driveway – running through a wooded valley – that leads solely to Porthkerry House. Out front, you’re greeted by a south-facing paved terrace. Framed by a stone balustrade, it’s a tremendous vantage point from which to appreciate the property’s unrivalled setting – the endless gardens and grounds, totalling around 18 acres in all, have been beautifully kept – and its glorious views across the Bristol Channel. The grounds themselves are comprised of woodland and more formal gardens and paddocks, and there’s an enclosed swimming pool adjacent to the front terrace, enjoying the same wonderful southerly views across the coast. There’s also a large courtyard out back, with detached garaging and stores. The interior is no less grand. A pillared entrance porch leads to a grand reception hall, with a wide staircase to the first floor and gallery. On the ground floor are four good reception rooms: a family room, lounge, an elegant dining room and an adjoining drawing room, with a bay window and French doors that open out to the front terrace. The kitchen/ breakfast room, meanwhile, is fitted with a range of storage units and boasts its own walk-in pantry. 108 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

So much space to call your own; and just drink in those majestic views...

HOUSE NUMBERS Porthkerry House, Porthkerry, Vale of Glamorgan

double bedrooms

reception rooms

kitchen/breakfast room

extensive garden

£1,350,000 guide price

Upstairs, the first floor is arranged around a galleried landing, and there are five double bedrooms – one of which is currently being utilised as a dressing room – with fitted wardrobes and storage shelving. The bedrooms have either coastal or garden views, and share the use of two contemporary bath/shower rooms. A snip at £1.35 million? With this amount of space and those views, absolutely. But the ultimate decision is yours... For more info, contact Watts & Morgan, 55 High Street, Cowbridge, Vale Of Glamorgan, CF71 7AE; Tel: 01446 773500, wattsandmorgan.co.uk

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PROPERTY

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

Mill Road, Lisvane A substantial modern detached double fronted family house, particularly spacious and providing versatile living space, well positioned just off Mill Road, Lisvane, a highly sought after residential location. This stylish and well-designed family home enjoys a select position, fronting a private close comprising of just three substantial detached homes, built circa 1985, externally finished in facing brick, all beneath a pitched roof covering. Offering generous and well-proportioned rooms throughout, this unique home benefits gas heating with panel radiators and a modern wall mounted Worcester gas boiler, an intruder alarm, cavity wall insulation, coved ceilings and white panelled doors together with both bow and splayed bay windows. Benefiting from a level private walled rear garden with additional side garden and a substantial large integral double garage this truly spacious family home comprises an open fronted porch, a generous entrance reception hall (18’3 x 9’8) with a returning spindle balustrade staircase, a snug, a 19 FT lounge, a formal dining room with patio doors, a 17 FT kitchen, a utility room and a downstairs cloakroom. The first floor comprises a spacious landing, four double sized bedrooms, a fifth first floor box room/study, and two bathrooms one ensuite. The master bedroom is equipped with a spacious ensuite bathroom complete with both panel bath, wash hand basin, W.C. and double size corner shower cubicle whilst a further family bathroom suite located off the main landing also includes a panel bath, a pedestal wash hand basin, a W.C., a bidet and a separate shower cubicle.

For sale with PA Black Llanishen Branch 02920 618552 £699,950

Millrace Close, Lisvane A well-designed gable fronted modern detached four bedroom family house, occupying a prime position fronting a small select quiet close, well away from busy passing traffic. Millrace Close can be found off Mill Road, within the highly sought after residential suburb of Lisvane, with extensive local amenities including two railway stations both within walking distance, together with Llanishen Village and Lisvane Village with its local shops and stores. This substantial modern family home was built circa 1976, and in recent years has been both modernised and extended by the current owners, including white PVC double glazed replacement windows and outer doors, gas heating with panel radiators and a modern combination boiler (circa 2012) annually serviced. The accommodation comprises an open fronted entrance porch, a central entrance hall, a downstairs cloakroom with a stylish modern white suite, a well fitted kitchen and breakfast room (16’ 2” x 8’ 6”) with integrated appliances, a formal dining room, a PVC double glazed sun lounge conservatory with French doors that open onto the private enclosed rear gardens and a large lounge (21’ 4” x 12’). The first floor comprises four bedrooms and two bathrooms, an ensuite Roca shower room was replaced circa 2010 whilst the family bathroom which is in modern white was replaced circa 2011. This delightful modern four bedroom home enjoys a quiet and idyllic location with the benefits of a private front drive, an attached garage and a lovely secluded enclosed level rear garden. Must be seen.

For sale with PA Black Llanishen Branch 02920 6185527

£475,000

CARDIFF LIVES

Q&A

aving created striking designs for a host of films, book covers and music projects, amongst other things, graphic designer Matt Needle has worked with a seriously impressive roll call of clients and collaborators, including Sony Pictures, 20th Century Fox, Warner Bros, Disney, Marvel, Pixar and many more. We find out what makes him tick... Where’s home? I was born in Oxfordshire, but for the past decade I’ve been based in and around Cardiff. I currently live in Cardiff Bay. As a graphic designer, how would you describe your style? Retro, minimalist, ideas-driven.

MATT NEEDLE

Visually or creatively, who/what are your main influences? Film posters, skateboards and record sleeves. My biggest influences are Saul Bass, Andy Warhol, Paul Rand, Tom Eckersley, Bill Gold and Hans Hillmann, amongst many, many others.

When did you last cry? A few weeks ago, when I saw how much of my mortgage I still had to pay off.

What are you working on at the moment? I’ve just completed work on two Snowdogs for the upcoming Snowdogs Art Trail [in aid of paediatric palliative care charity, Ty Hafan]. I’ve also done promotional stuff for Sony Pictures’ recent fantasy/sci-fi film, The Dark Tower. Dream graphic design job? I’ve been lucky enough to work on some massive projects, but I’d love to work on more book covers for big publishers like Penguin, and with more bands to create more album artwork. If you could get up on your soapbox about a particular issue, what would it be? Probably animal cruelty, and mistreatment of dogs. I volunteer for a couple of dog charities and also foster/rescue dogs. Most famous person you follow on Twitter? Donald Trump. I love to read the ramblings of a utter fool who inexplicably has the keys to the kingdom. How do you relax? Walking dogs, painting, hiking, watching films, exploring new places and travelling. Proudest moment so far? The first time my work was published, and the first time I worked for Marvel on Guardians Of The Galaxy. My print was given away to 75,000+ people at San Diego Comic Con a few years ago. 114 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

The in-demand graphic designer and illustrator on creative inspiration, prestigious clients and dodgy haircuts

Dream dinner party guests? Audrey Hepburn, Saul Bass, David Lynch, Robert DeNiro, Andy Warhol, Cary Grant, Alfred Hitchcock, Stanley Kubrick. If push came to shove, what would be your final meal of choice? Christmas turkey, with all the trimmings. If your nearest and dearest had to describe you, what would they say? Loud, opinionated, generous, annoying, kind. Who would play you in a film about your life? Robert De Niro, even though he’s about 50 years older than me and looks nothing like me. Most important lesson life has taught you? Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in. Which piece of music always sends a shiver down your spine? The Great Gig In The Sky by Pink Floyd. Karaoke choice? Bowie’s Life On Mars. What’s on your bookshelf at the moment? [Crime novel] The Axeman’s Jazz by Ray Celestin, on the recommendation of my girlfriend. It’s pretty great so far.

Must-watch television programme(s)? Ozark, Fargo, The Handmaid’s Tale and American Gods. My all-time favourites would be The Twilight Zone, The Sopranos, Breaking Bad, The Prisoner and The Wire. If you had a superpower, what would it be? Flying. It would save me from cramming my 6ft 6in body into a plane. Best thing about Cardiff? It’s creative and exciting. There’s always something going on – great theatre, live music, pop-up street food and pop-up cinema. Favourite shops in Cardiff? Spillers Records. I’m a big music-lover and vinyl collector and it’s one of the best record shops in the UK, right on my doorstep. Locally, where do you like to eat and drink? Falafel Kitchen on Crwys Road. I’m also partial to the odd treat from Portuguese bakery, Nata & Co. Drinks-wise, I love The Bootlegger, Tiny Rebel and The Dead Canary. Secret or favourite Cardiff spot? I love Jacobs Antiques, and also the Cardiff Bay Barrage walk that leads to Penarth. Finally, surprise us with a little-known fact about yourself… Back in 2006, I had a cheap haircut that was essentially a late 80s mullet. For more: mattneedle.co.uk, Twitter: @needledesign

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