Cardiff Life - Issue 208 by MediaClash

Food/Arts/Entertainment/Shopping/Property ISSUE 208 / AUTUMN 2019 / £3

@CardiffLifeMag

CELEBRATING THE BEST IN THE CITY, PENARTH & THE VALE

WONKY TONK WOMAN

ANIMAL MAGIC

ISSUE 208 / AUTUMN 2019 / WINGS OF DESIRE

FUNKY FASHION GOES ASYMMETRICAL

FAUX TAXIDERMY HITS THE BIG TIME

PARTY SEASON WINE FLIGHT

FINE DINING AT THE PILOT IN PENARTH

A KALEIDOSCOPE OF AUTUMN INTERIOR TRENDS

TIME TO MENTION THE C-WORD

PLUS RAKIE AYOLA / HIJINX THEATRE / WMC’S CURIOUS SEASON

EDITOR’S LETTER

With beige and geometrics, this Sigma 3’s kitchen is covering all the autumn trend angles, page 18; BELOW: Storage gets funky on page 56

nybody remember Kathy Burke as cockney Magda, the magazine editor in the absolutely fabulous sitcom Absolutely Fabulous? She was always on an extended champagne lunch, smoking, and to the point. “Brown. I’m seeing brown. Patsy do me a feature on brown.” We don’t do it that way at Cardiff Life. Instead we ask the city’s experts for their considered opinions, which you can see on page 18. (It blew my mind to see brown in the mix – seems Magda was bang on trend!) Also blowing my mind is how early Christmas has snuck up and made its snowy, tinselled presence felt. We’ve barely slipped off the flip-flops, and we’re being asked to think about turkey, tinsel, and those large scale festive get togethers. Turn to page 70 for a little help with that early planning. Turn to page 32 for another type of stuffing. We meet the Broken Hare faux taxidermists who are creating a buzz in interiors with their life-size, life-like clay animals, and on page 39 we take a sneak peek at the Curious Arts Season coming to the Wales Millennium Centre soon. Enjoy and see you in three weeks.

es unrhyw un yn cofio Kathy Burke yn actio Magda, y golygydd cylchgrawn yn y gyfres gomedi anfarwol Absolutely Fabulous? Roedd hi bob amser yn cael cinio hir gyda siampên, yn ysmygu ac yn siarad yn blaen. “Brown. I’m seeing brown. Patsy, do me a feature on brown.” Ond nid felly mae hi yn Cardiff Life. Mae’n well gennym ni ofyn i arbenigwyr y ddinas am eu barn gytbwys, a gallwch weld y farn honno ar dudalen 18. (Cefais fy synnu o weld bod brown yn ei chanol hi – roedd Magda’n gwybod beth oedd beth, mae’n amlwg!) Rwyf wedi cael fy synnu hefyd o weld pa mor gyflym y mae’r Nadolig yn nesáu gyda’i dinsel a’i olygfeydd hardd o eira. Rydym newydd roi ein fflip-fflops i gadw ac mae gofyn yn barod i ni feddwl am dwrci a thinsel a phartïon mawr yr ŵyl. Trowch i dudalen 70 i gael ychydig o help i gynllunio’n gynnar. Trowch i dudalen 32 i weld rhywbeth arall sy’n cael ei stwffio. Rydym yn cwrdd â ffug-dacsidermwyr Broken Hare sy’n creu cyffro ym maes addurno tai gyda’u hanifeiliaid o glai, sydd mor debyg i anifeiliaid go iawn o ran eu maint a’u pryd a’u gwedd. Ac ar dudalen 39 rydym yn bwrw golwg ar dymor y Perfformiadau i’r Chwilfrydig a fydd yn dod i Ganolfan y Mileniwm yn fuan. Mwynhewch ac edrychwn ymlaen at eich gweld ymhen tair wythnos.

SARAH MOOLLA Follow us on Twitter @CardiffLifeMag Instagram @cardifflifemag

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 3

Issue 208/Autumn 2019 COVER We’ e got autumn interiors co ered on page . Co er features Christian acroi ’s Nou eau ondes ariposa Wallpaper a ailable through esigners uild stockists www.soe clusi einteriors.com

FEATURES

18 AUTUMN INTERIORS You’ll be falling for these

beautiful home trends

32 FAUX TAXIDERMY Fake news from Broken Hare

THE ARTS

39 INTRO Curious Arts is back at WMC 40 WHAT’S ON Arts, gigs, shows and comedy, it’s all

going on in Cardiff

46 THE LION KING As new tour tickets go on sale in

Cardiff, disco er why the isney musical is still a mane attraction

SHOPPING

55 INTRO Home interiors steps it up thanks to Lisa

Valentine Home

56 EDITOR’S CHOICE We scour the stores for great

home storage

60 FASHION Amazing asymmetrical looks

FOOD & DRINK 64 RESTAURANT

ur re iewer disco ers The Pilot in Penarth really is going places 70 CHRISTMAS PARTIES on’t wait for the first signs of snow to book your festi e party enue 80 RECIPE Two lamb recipes from Tom Watts- ones and Imran Nathoo, who are both appearing at the berga enny ood esti al 85 FOOD & DRINK NEWS Tasty morsels from Cardiff’s foodie scene

BUSINESS

97 CARDIFFWORKS News, iews and inter iews with

the region’s professionals

111 CARDIFF LIFE AWARDS Catching up with double

ward winners Hi in Theatre

PROPERTY

116 SHOWCASE This si -bed Cyncoed home has got it

all going on

REGULARS

8 SPOTLIGHT Upbeat stories from our upbeat city 51 WYBURN & WAYNE The boys are back in town 88 SCENE Find out who’s been out on the town with our

Cardiff party pages

122 CARDIFF LIVES Spending time with the actor and

producer Rakie Ayola

Editor Sarah Moolla sarah.moolla@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 Deri Robins, Nathan Wyburn, Wayne Courtney, Elsie Chadwick and John Mather Advertising manager Mark George mark.george@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy advertising manager Kate Butterfield kate.butterfield@mediaclash.co.uk Account manager Claire Hawkins claire. hawkins@mediaclash.co.uk Account manager Samantha James samantha.james@mediaclash.co.uk Production/Distribution manager Sarah Kingston sarah.kingston@ mediaclash.co.uk Deputy production manager/production designer Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@ mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Cardiff Life MediaClash, Circus Mews House, Circus Mews, Bath BA1 2PW 01225 475800 www.mediaclash.co.uk @The MediaClash © All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without written permission of MediaClash. We’re a Bath-based publisher, creative agency and event organiser Magazines Our portfolio of regional magazines celebrates the best of local living: Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter. We also publish foodie mag Crumbs (www.crumbsmag.com, @CrumbsMag). 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

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 5

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Everybody’s talking about…

COUNTING TO TEN

Wales’ largest shopping centre celebrates a landmark birthday this month when St David’s/Dewi Sant Shopping Centre, turns 10. The shopping, dining and leisure complex has become a destination shopping venue for tens of millions of visitors since opening its doors in 2009. As well as welcoming hundreds of exclusive brands into the heart of the city, many of which remain firsts for Wales, the centre has hosted some of the biggest shopping events in the UK, including Student Night, the Christmas Toy Appeal and the charity campaign We Loves The ’Diff. The centre has also become renowned for its striking visual installations such as Brŵs, the great white shark recently on display. To mark the occasion there will be a series of celebratory events as the centre’s general manager, James Waugh, explains: “Along with giveaways, activities and treats, we are asking the community and residents to get involved by submitting pictures and stories from the centre and surrounding areas – from images of the site before the centre was built, to any amazing stories of family working and living around St David’s. They can do this via social media and the results will be displayed as a gallery in the centre.” For our interview with Hywel Butcher, St David’s marketing manager, please turn to page 103. For more: www.stdavidscardiff.com

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Organising annual Christmas Toy Appeals has been part of the community-minded spirit of the Centre; Measuring nearly 25 feet, Brws the great white shark was recently on display to help highlight the issues of sustainability; St David’s has attracted many exclusive clothing brands to the city; The Cardiff Central Library was demolished ten years ago for the second phase of St David’s

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

SPOTLIGHT

Campaigns

BEST FOOT FORWARD Men of all ages and backgrounds have signed up for the annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes campaign happening on 20 September. They will show their support to help eradicate violence against women, many by wearing women’s shoes to complete a mile walk around the city centre, although men may wear their own shoes if they wish to. Cabinet member for social care, health and wellbeing, councillor Susan Elsmore, says, “The Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event is part of the work we the council do to raise awareness of the iss e and to highlight the services availa le to those affected by domestic violence. Although we want everyone to enjoy the event, there is, of course, a very serious message here and that is that violence against women is completely unacceptable.” The walk, which is a partnership project organised by ardiff o ncil, adwyn o sing ssociation and the ale of lamorgan o ncil, will start and end at ardiff astle, followed by key note speeches and refreshments. For more: www.walkinhershoes.wales We have high praise for these guys

Rugby

ON THE BALL

ardiff has een chosen as the destination for the final of the world renowned inness final. The game will e held in ardiff ity tadi m, a ven e normally associated with foot all, ne t ne. The former Wales and Lions captain, am War rton, elieves ardiff City Stadium will provide the best atmosphere possible for the tournament, which sees teams from across Wales, reland, taly, cotland and o th frica attle it o t. e says, Being a ardiff oy myself, co ld e iased, t it really is a great city with a great comm nity. s the crow ies, the ardiff ity tadi m is nder a mile from the city centre, so it makes a great location for fans wanting to make a day or a weekend of the event. ’ve seen a co ple of matches in ardiff ity tadi m and the atmosphere can be electric with the right crowd – it’s going to be a great final whichever of the teams make it. For more: www. ro r .or

Jake Smith winner of this year’s Cardiff Met Cardiff 10k

Races

ROAD RUNNERS

Sam Warburton believes Cardiff City Stadium will be a great venue for the 2020 Guinness PRO14 Final

A record number of professional athletes, runners and f ndraisers took to the streets of ardiff on eptem er to take part in this year’s ardiff etropolitan niversity ardiff k and k f n r ns. There were , entrants to the k race, which over the last three years has helped to raise more than £200,000 for the charity organisers Kidney Wales. ro vice chancellor Leigh o inson of ardiff etropolitan niversity says, We were delighted to e the title sponsor of the ardiff k and k f n r ns. ligning with o r health and well eing strategy, the ardiff k is a perfect fit for o r comm nity and o r val es. The first to cross the finish line was ake mith, a st dent from ardiff etropolitan niversity, who ran the city centre course in a time of 29 minutes and 33 seconds. For more: www.cardiff .c mr

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

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

Cardiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s supplier of ss Silent Gli s wave track

DUST FREE FLOOR SANDING

Curtains . Poles & Tracks. Blinds. Wallpaper. Carpets Call us on 02920 614966 or visit us online www.curtain-raisers.co.uk 2 Kelston Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff CF14 2AJ

WWW.FLOORCRAFTCARDIFF.CO.UK 02920 617 333 / 07961391381 info@floorcraftcardiff.co.uk

Curtains Re-upholstery Interior design Electric tracks

2 Glebe Street, Penarth CF64 1EB Tel: 02920 707779 Email: info@jewelscanley.co.uk Keep up to date with our latest projects, ideas and inspiration: www.facebook.com/jewelscanley

MAKE YOUR HOME SMARTER WITH AMAROK SYSTEMS Our Domestic & Commercial Installation Services Digital Aerial & Satellite Installations TV Aerial Installations & Repairs TV Wallmount Installations Home Cinema & Projector Installations Sonos Multiroom Music System Data Network & Wireless Solutions

CCTV & Security Solutions

www.amaroksystems.co.uk

No matter what your budget or requirements may be, MWH Heating & Plumbing are dedicated to providing you with the best quality service.

Contemporary and Traditional wood burning stoves supplied and installed by MWH. Call us today for your free no obligation survey and estimate,

T: 02921 673096 E: info@mwhplumbing.co.uk www.mwhplumbing.co.uk

Au Thèâtre Ce Soir from House of L acroix available through Designers Guild; stockists w w w.soe xclusiveinteriors.com

FALLING FOR A NEW LOOK

From fifty shades of beige to the shape of things to come, explore the newest autumn trends By John Mather

t’s that time of year when ‘all the leaves are brown and the sky is grey’ (as The Mamas And The Papas sang), and off indoors we go to seek solace. However we don’t want to be looking at the same four walls as last autumn/winter season, so we speak to the local experts to learn about the latest key trends, and how we can implement them in our homes.

INTERIORS BACK TO BLACK AND CONCRETE EVIDENCE

“Everyone loves grey but its darker cousin anthracite, or even an off-black, wins hands down for impact,” says Ceri Hill design director of Cardiff ’s Chalkhouse Interiors. “Black mixed with concrete is a real showstopper, and has been very popular in the Scandinavian countries for some time. It comes into its own as a more luxurious version of last year’s industrial trend.” Darren Watts, Wren Kitchens showroom development and design director, agrees: “Typically, white is used for a classic kitchen look but taking risks with contrasts of darker colours is becoming a theme. We can expect to continue seeing dark matte colours being used for cabinetry finishes as well as hardware accents in our kitchens over the next few years. Dark kitchen cabinets represent an elegance and a rich luxurious aesthetic, casting a little drama over the room.” However, black is a colour to be used with caution as Cassie Evans brand manager for Sigma 3 (Kitchens) warns: “An all-black kitchen can look too heavy, but working it with a light wood, and good lighting can create a sophisticated and warm space.” “Inky blacks and concrete grey can be a really sophisticated palette,” says Yasmine Faris, senior interior designer with BoConcept, the Danish-design interior lifestyle brand. “Whether using it on walls, furniture or accessories, it creates urban luxury and adds bold, dramatic effects creating a mood of refinement and elegance to your space.” Justine Bullock, designer and co-creator of The Tap End, is seeing evidence of this trend in the bathroom design business.“Concrete grey is a trend which is fantastic for impact in a bathroom. White sanitaryware looks super crisp and architectural against the dark grey tones.”

Working this dark Sigma 3 kitchen with light wood has real impact

CL ARKE & CL ARKE; STOCKISTS, W W W.CALICOANDCO.COM

DESIGNERS GUILD; STOCKISTS, W W W.SOE XCLUSIVEINTERIORS.COM

“Black mixed with concrete is a real showstopper”

PLANT LIFE

Add botanical interest to your walls and real plants where you can

“While neutrals reign supreme when it comes to bathroom design,” says Justine of the Pontyclun-based bathroom designers, “there has been a rising trend for botanicals in bathrooms for a while now. We love the green hues particularly against whites and woods.” Cardiff-based creative print designer Sian Elin explains why she thinks this look is becoming so popular: “Botanical prints have seen a resurgence via the revival of Arts & Crafts-inspired designs. With consumers increasingly interested in the provenance of their consumer products, the ideals of the Arts & Crafts movement resonate with this outlook as well as the nature-inspired aesthetic. With our desire to feel connected to a clan of other humans, botanical prints denoting designs associated with traditional folk cultures are more popular than ever. Folk art is ‘art of the people’, that has been handed down through generations and its simple craftsmanship is particularly desirable in this busy age.” And Sigma 3’s Cassie suggests, a simple way to bring this look to your home, is to simply add plants:“Open shelving in the kitchen is perfect for displaying succulents, cacti, or to drape some trailing English ivy.”

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

IN NEUTRAL

It doesn’t seem that long ago we were singing the praises of 50 shades of grey but there’s a new neutral on the scene and it’s making a splash. It’s beige but forget about the whites-not-quite of the 90s. This is a proper browny beige. And interior designer Louise Misell believes she knows why. “There is a real need for all of us to take time out from our digital lives and feel connected to the natural world around us, and timeless nudes such as sands, caramels, and biscuit shades create the perfect way for us to do that.” Cardiff-based artist and prop stylist Melissa Selmin agrees. “Promoting well-being and mindfulness, the focus has now shifted to creating a more considered home. Think soothing colours such as warm natural hues replacing clinical neutrals (black and white), interesting textures, handcrafted/wabi-sabi over perfectly polished and mass produced, not forgetting sustainability and buying less but buying better quality.”

Bo Concept’s Yasmine says, “Neutral colours combine to create a versatile scheme that’s suitable for any style. It’s a classic you can’t get tired of and you can easily incorporate it with any colour or prints as accents whenever you feel like it. This trend highlights textures easily, which is a vital element for creating warm, welcoming and comfortable interiors. It’s a safe palette to work with and never goes away, just evolves. “A great way to introduce neutral tones are with your wall colour. The latest range of Farrow & Ball colours signify the subtle shift in colour trends which have moved away from neutral greys and towards warmer shades such as their neutral paint called Jitney.” Sigma 3’s Cassie echoes the belief these warm neutrals work well with textures, “Small details, such as adding wooden stools to match your wood effect cabinets, is the perfect complement to the warm and neutral finish of your chosen design.”

“Neutral colours combine to create a versatile scheme”

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

The art of Melissa Selmin demonstrates the true beauty of neutrals; TOP RIGHT: Sigma 3 can help with a neutral and warm kitchen design; MIDDLE: keep it simple by adding beige accessories like this vase from Cardiff’s Natuzzi Italia; BOTTOM RIGHT: A recent Chalkhouse Interior’s kitchen design

INTERIORS THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME

Here’s a new angle on interiors, no really, we’re talking angles. Geometrics are around every corner. “Geometric tiles, whilst not new to interiors, have made a name for themselves more recently since the printing technology on tiles has improved, explains The Tap End’s Justine. Yasmine of BoConcept agrees: “This trend has been here since the 70s, but it’s coming back stronger now. Just by adding subtle geometric patterns to space it creates a visual interest without being overbearing, whilst defined shapes can be soothing to the eye as they create a sense of order. Accessories and rugs are always a great way to achieve this style.” Flooring expert Jamie Price of Quality Carpets points out, emand for striking floors is also due to better manufacturing processes which bring the qualities up and the prices down. Many of the 1970s and 80s geometric carpet designs and colours are coming back but with updated cleaner lines and more modern palettes, such as Margo Selby’s Quirky B designs for Alternative Flooring.” Interior designer Louise suggests we give thought to the shape of the geometrics used, and where we use them, “Square and rectangle shapes add balance to a room, whereas triangles give us a feeling of stability and energy. But all geometrics are pleasing to both the eye and the brain, with the mathematical patterns bringing a sense of order to a room scheme.” While Chalkhouse’s Ceri believes this is a trend to be used sparingly: “Less is more when it comes to using geometric patterns successfully, a little goes a long way. Use a strong pattern as a feature on one wall only, leave the rest plain to keep the scheme exciting but not too over-stimulating to the eyes.”

FROM TOP: Small use of geometrics

like the splashback in this Sigma 3 kitchen can have a big impact; Sian Elin incorporates both colour and geometrics in her designs; Jamie Price of Quality Carpets believes manufacturing changes has seen a rise in popularity of patterned flooring; Black and white geometrics look incredible in this design from bathroom designers The Tap End

INTERIORS COLOUR ME GLAD

We saw it in fashion this summer and now it’s all over the place – colour clashing. “Whoever coined the phrase ‘pink and green should never be seen’ got it badly wrong,” says Louise. “The two colours are a classic combination and they really bring out the best in each other. “The key to making them work is to use one tone stronger than the other, such as pale pink with dark green, or pair a pale pastel green with a bright pink pop of colour. These are harmonious, restful colours that are found in nature such as soft pink roses and deep green leaves, and beautiful together. In interiors, mixing in pops of red creates a modern, contemporary scheme.” Could this powerful colour combo hit the floor, we ask Quality Carpets’ Jamie: “The dark, bolder tones of brick red and hunter greens are some of the new colours we are seeing coming through from a few carpet manufacturers. They look great, but the jury is still out on whether lots of customers will go for it – it is a brave choice.”

Farrow & Ball’s use of reds, pinks and greens are on trend BELOW LEFT: Jaipur Rose Collection from Designers Guild BELOW RIGHT: Use Annie Sloane paint to make a splash

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE

Broken Hare’s ostrich looks very much at home

If you want to get ahead, get a head. Instead of just hanging a picture, think 3-D and go for faux taxidermy. Stags’ heads have been a thing for while now in the best dressed homes, with flamingos flocking on to the scene in the last year or so. But we have it straight from the horse’s mouth that unicorns and giraffes are next on the horizon. Turn to page 32 for an insight into the world of faux taxidermy with the Cardiff-based Broken Hare.

THE INSIDERS’ DIRECTORY Sigma 3; www.sigma3.co.uk Melissa Selmin; www.melissaselmin.com Broken Hare; www.brokenhare.bigcartel.com Natuzzi Cardiff; www.cardiff.natuzzi.co.uk Bo Concept; www.boconcept.com Chalkhouse Interiors; www.chalkhouseinteriors.co.uk

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

Quality Carpets; www.qualitycarpetsdirect.com The Tap End; www.thetapend.design Louise Misell Interiors; www.louisemisellinteriors.co.uk Sian Elin; www.sianelin.com Wren Kitchens; www.wrenkitchens.com

Put simply... we love bathrooms!

ZOE CURTIS Designer DANIELLA FANTINI Designer

Here are some examples of our completed projects. All varying in size, shape, brief and budget, all uniquely personal to each client’s specific needs. We love a good before and after reveal. One of the questions that we ask clients is “how long do you want your

LYNDA REES Co-creator

In listening we gain an insight into the client’s priorities, learn how the room is used, how frequently and by whom, establish a wish list of items (such as a freestanding bath, double basins etc) and set the budget. In doing this designing is then made easier and the client should not get any big shocks when it comes to presentation time, both in design and cost.

JUSTINE BULLOCK Co-creator

When designing a bathroom, the most important thing for a designer to do is to listen. This can be difficult for creatives, we like to go in all guns blazing with grandiose ideas fit for a modern art exhibition, but that style is not for everyone, and it certainly doesn’t translate well into timeless designs for real homes.

new bathroom to last?”. Often clients haven’t thought about this and it is very important. If you are expecting to be in a property for around 5 years or under, mid range products will last for this length of time. However, if you want your new bathroom to endure daily use and last 10-15 years you should look at the best brands possible for your budget, and really seek out quality over cost saving. All high end brands have entry level ranges, and these ranges are affordable but often more superior in quality than lesser known budget products. After all this is one of the hardest working rooms in a home, and a room that everyone uses. Achieving your dream bathroom can be a fun, exciting and exhilarating process, naturally we recommend getting a bathroom designer on board. Having a bathroom designers assistance will avoid you making any costly mistakes and give you the very best quality and finish for your budget. Our design service is completely free of charge, for more information visit us in store.

The Tap End, 57 Llantrisant Road, Pontyclun, CF72 9DP • TelEPHONE 01443449056 www.thetapend.design • We are also on; Facebook • Twitter • Instagram • Houzz

Project Two; Family Bathroom, Barry Our Barry based clients wanted a simple scheme, we created a white and anthracite design to compliment their new kitchen, providing consistency throughout the home. Elements such as the offset radiator and mirrored wall add designer elements to the otherwise paired back design.

Project One; Family Bathroom, Llantwit Fardre This bathroom was around 20 years old and our clients were modernising their self-build after two decades in their home. They wanted a statement family bathroom, with a bath only. The matt finish faux marble tiles contrast perfectly with the anthracite paint, creating a cost-effective statement bathroom.

Project Three; Family Bathroom, Cardiff This Victorian home was in need of a whole new bathroom, the wallpapered ceiling was dated and the room felt dark and uninviting. By reconfiguring the space we were able to put in a separate bath and shower, and the light grey large format porcelain worked wonders in brightening up the space. Needless to say, the client was thrilled and so are we with the results!

The Tap End, 57 Llantrisant Road, Pontyclun, CF72 9DP • TelEPHONE 01443449056 www.thetapend.design • We are also on; Facebook • Twitter • Instagram • Houzz

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Dream kitchens

Real life customers share their stories of how the team at KUTCHENHAUS CARDIFF helped them plan and design their dream kitchens

hatever stage you’re at of planning your kitchen, a member of the team will be more than happy to help you achieve your vision. Whether you’re starting your own renovation, self-build, simple refit, or just beginning to look for inspiration, our multi award-winning team has over 37 combined years of design and fitting experience, we are always on hand to advise how to make the best of your space and budget. Our aim is to provide affordable luxury, regardless of project size. 28 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

MAIR REED Mair came to us 2018 whilst in the planning stages of her new home. Her dream was to have a large open plan space for cooking and dining. We worked together to create a light and modern kitchen, with a touch of cosy elegance. After spending some time trying out a few different colour options, we paired ivory and aqua super-matt doors with a light Sanremo Oak reproduction. This harmonised with a subtly flecked glossy white quartz worktop to create her dream kitchen which Mair is thrilled with.

“Shahab and Catrin in the Cardiff store have been brilliant,“ says Mair. “They spent time going through all the options for us to end up with a kitchen which fits our lifestyle. If we decided to alter something it was never a problem. Our order was held until we were ready. We have ended up with a kitchen we are delighted with, a quality kitchen within our budget. I will definitely recommend them to our friends.”

ADVERTISING FEATURE

DAN JONES Dan came to us in the middle of a total renovation project. Whilst he had family live locally to our Cardiff showroom, his new apartment was 155 miles away in London. This was no problem for our team, who set about creating his new dream home. The goal was to create a masculine and modern space that made use of the Victorian architecture, which was a breeze thanks to our custom sized units. Despite the long distance, and a few building changes along the way, the end result is definitely one worth the travel. Dan says, “I have the dream kitchen! Literally cannot praise Shahab and his team enough from the moment I walked in, to after the kitchen being installed. The most helpful, patient and knowledgeable staff. The price was very competitive compared to other brands too. I would definitely go back if I ever need another kitchen in the future.” ■

Visit www.kutchenhaus.co.uk to ﬁnd out more about our award-winning German kitchens, download a copy of our brochure or to book a complimentary, no-obligation design appointment. Kutchenhaus Cardiff, Lower level Queens Arcade, Cardiff, CF10 2BY Contact us: 029 2023 5562 showroom@cardiff.kutchenhaus.co.uk

GRAND DESIGNS LIVE This year we will once again be showcasing our favourite kitchen features at Grand Designs Live in Birmingham, which is a great place to start gathering ideas for your own project. From colour combinations and style advice to clever storage solutions, there will be something for everyone to jumpstart their design journey. Grand Designs Live returns from 9–13 October at Birmingham’s NEC. Tickets are available online now.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 29

INTERIORS

AHEAD OF THE PACK This is a good kind of fake news. We learn about the increasingly popular world of fau ta idermy with the Cardiff-based Broken Hare By Sarah Moolla

till using animal prints to li en up your interiors How ery last year. ou need to think big, you need to think zoo, and you need to think - . But don’t think for a minute we’re talking those horrid, glassy-eyed, hunting trophies. This is fau ta idermy. Playful, striking, and coming to a wall near you soon. Broken Hare, who are based in Cardiff and were set up by designer-makers on and Katherine rundon, with co-owner ohn rundon nr, are seeing a huge demand for their life-sized clay animal sculptures. We started Broken Hare because we en oyed sculpting animals rather than thinking let’s make fau ta idermy’, but luckily for us it was at the same time as the fau ta idermy trend, e plains on. on met his wife and work partner Katherine, who was pre iously in ondon making puppets for stop motion films like Fantastic Mr Fox and Frankenweenie, when she came to Cardiff to create the new daleks for the att mith series of Doctor Who. on was a freelance prop maker working in tele ision, theatre, and e hibitions. We met behind the scenes, in white boiler suits, chemical masks and goggles ery romantic laughs on. The first animal they made together was a zebra fter a trip to Paris anti ue markets in , Katherine and had the idea of making an animal friendly ersion of a trophy ta idermy, so we got the clay out, sculpted a zebra, moulded and cast him.” But it wasn’t until the pair launched Broken Hare. The initial receptions and reactions were aried, says on. ostly the feedback was great, but there was a handful of negati e comments ranging from the shocking why do you need fau animals when you can shoot and stuff real ones ’ and to those who said they didn’t like the idea of dead’ animals on their wall, e en if they are fau .

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

In the last few years, the company has gone from strength to strength. “Our main clients are home owners and interior designers. We have made an adult giraffe, a unicorn, a zebra and a wolf for the designer ngel doree, who appears on Channel ’s Escape to the Chateau. We recently made a wild boar and a grand stag for a home in ondon, and also a ery famous couple commissioned us for a piece but unfortunately ’m not at liberty to di ulge their names We’ e also had a polar bear appear on BBC ’s Sherlock Holmes.” f you decide you’d like a Broken Hare original for your home, be prepared to wait for something so e traordinary. epending on the size of the animal, it takes about four months to sculpt and mould. “The process involves many visits to Folly Farm in Pembrokeshire and Bristol oo to see the animals in situ, take pictures, using on-line images for further reference, and then we sculpt the animals out of clay. When we are happy we take a rubber mould and cast it. Then we add the hairs and hand paint it. The materials we use include water-based clay, plaster, wo en matting, nylon hair, eco-resin, and acrylic paints. The price depends on what you want, but on a erage it can be between to , . nd what has on yet to make, but is itching to get his hands on rhino, elephant, or a triceratops, says on. lo e the skin te tures on these animals. nd what predictions do the Broken Hare team ha e for the ne t trends in animal sculptures on says, The stags ha e been ery popular for a long time, but then flamingos had a big summer last year. The re uests for unicorns are on the rise but, if asked to pick the ne t fau fashion, we think the giraffe is going to be big in .

“We think e iraffe i i e i i

re r e are r e are

d r La e i er ide Cardiff e

birdie; Jon adding faux magic; giraffes are going up in the world; bring your petting zoo indoors; faux is fab, and that’s straight from the horse’s mouth; add a little unicorn magic to your home

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Onwards and upwards Ten years for MULBERRY WEALTH MANAGEMENT has seen the team, the reputation, the number of clients, and the success rate grow for the Cardiff-based advisers

ulberry Wealth Management Ltd, which based in Cyncoed recently celebrated its 10th anniversary The company can trace its origins back to 1997 when managing director Philip Payne first set up a financial services company in Mount Stuart Square. Co-director Richard Bevington started his practice in 2003 but it wasn’t until 2009 the two amalgamated their businesses whilst simultaneously purchasing

Morris Brown Ltd that had been based at the Cyncoed Road address for a number of years. From a staff of eight in 2009 Mulberry Wealth Management Ltd has grown organically to a team of 25 including 12 advisers. The Cyncoed offices have been completed refurbished and extended to create a purpose designed contemporary office space. Mulberry’s reputation has grown prominently over the years establishing them as one of the leading Independent Financial Advisers (IFAs) in South Wales. Not only is a testament that many of the clients have been retained by the firm for over 20 years but they now boast three chartered financial planners and six pension specialists. The firm remains directly authorised by The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and has recently been afforded the Gold Standard award for pension transfer advice by The Personal Finance Society. Mulberry advisers not only possess an array of diverse technical experience in financial services but it is their ability to consider the importance of holistic advice. The ability to deliberate a client’s circumstances and then proactively advise

and recommend solutions and financial products gives clients confidence they are getting true and independent advice. Mulberry is predominantly based in South Wales but has recently expanded its horizons across the bridge to Bath and Bristol and is looking at a number of initiatives that will hopefully lead to a second office being opened to serve the South West region and beyond. ■

Whether you are a private individual, business owner, existing client or a new enquiry, we are very happy to hear from you. tel: 029 2002 3333 www.mulberrywealth.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 37

THE ARTS S N A P S H O T S O F C A R D I F F ’ S C U LT U R A L L I F E

CURIOUS AND CURIOUSER More than 30 productions featuring new writing, circus, comedy, dance, spoken word, scratch performances, drag and burlesque will feature in the Curious Season starting 17 October at Wales Millennium Centre. Highlights include Drudwen, pictured, a powerful mix of physical theatre, spoken word and music; I Wish I Was a Mountain is a philosophical show aimed at older children there’s a screening of the controversial film adaptation of scar Wilde’s Salomé; plus Krishna Istha’s stand-up comedy Beast, exploring the lighter side of being a trans person of colour. For more: www.wmc.org.uk

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

WHAT’S 14 September – 18 October

Visit the Glee Club on 9 October for a camp comedy special hosted by Bob the Drag Queen – it’s smoking

PLAYS / SHOWS / PERFORMANCES

training as chefs and waiters as part of their sentence. Sherman Theatre; www.shermantheatre.co.uk

WELSH NATIONAL OPERA NEW SEASON Featuring an incredible season of opera from Carmen to The Cunning Little Vixen. Donald Gordon Theatre; www.wmc.org.uk

BEAR RIDGE In a lost and near silent village, blurred by redrawn borders, is Bear idge tores. wners ohn Daniel and Noni, played by Rhys Ifans and akie yola, are not leaving. They are defiantly drinking the remaining whiskey and remembering the good times, when everyone was on the same side and the old language shone. T rn to page for o r ardiff Lives with akie. Sherman Theatre; www.shermantheatre.co.uk

Until February 2020

15 / 18 / 22 & 25 September

A NIGHT IN THE CLINK This unique production, created and directed by Papertrail’s artistic director Bridget Keehan, is staged at The link esta rant, ardiff. Audiences will enjoy a tapas-style menu prepared by the in-house culinary team while listening to stories inspired by prisoners currently

20 September – 5 October

24 September

IT WILL COME LATER Developed y si renowned

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

contemporary dance artists across five co ntries, It Will Come Later is a microcosm of collaboration and negotiation in these divisive times. Chapter; www.chapter.org

26 – 28 September

MEET FRED ardiff ased i in , who won a ardiff i e Award earlier this year t rn to page for more on this is celebrating the homecoming of their critically acclaimed production Meet Fred. red is a two foot tall cloth puppet who just wants to be part of the real world: get a job, meet a girl and settle down. B t when threatened with losing his L ppetry Living llowance , Fred’s life begins to spiral out of his control. Sherman Theatre; www.shermantheatre.co.uk

14 October – 22 December

CURIOUS SEASON The biennial season champions e perimental, contemporary new work and gives audiences an afforda le t e hilarating glimpse of some of the latest developments in performance from Wales in both the Welsh and nglish lang age. T rn to page for more. Wales Millennium Centre; www.wmc.org.uk

15 October

OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL c rated collection of short films delving into all aspects of the world’s oceans, from marine life to intrepid seafaring adventures, including e treme wave riding, nderwater cinematography and footage of rarely e plored corners of the world. St avid s a www.stdavids a cardiff.co.

WHAT’S ON COMEDY

19 September

COMEDY AT THE CASTLE After a successful spring series, Comedy at the Castle returns to the 15th century undercroft this autumn. Presented by Little Wander, creators of the Machynlleth Comedy Festival, this month features Phil Nichol, Michael J Dolan, Gráinne Maguire, and Lou Conran. ardiff ast e www.cardiffcast e.com

23 – 24 September

ABOVE:

Comedian Adam Rowe brings it smack down style to the Glee Club on 6 October LEFT: Meet Fred comes to the Sherman Theatre BELOW: Francisco Centofanti’s work is on display at the Kooywood Gallery until 12 October

RUSSELL HOWARD Hot on the heels of his criticallyacclaimed hit Sky One show e sse oward o r, and his glo al smash et i special eca i rate, Russell is back on stage where he belongs, making sense of a world that’s spinning out of control. otor oi t re a ardiff www.motor oi tare acardiff.co.

6 October

ADAM ROWE Brutally honest, opinionated, no holds barred stand-up from DAVE’s Best Joke Of The Edinburgh Fringe Winner, Liverpool Comedian Of The Year Winner, and English Comedian Of The Year Finalist. ee www. ee.co.

9 October

BOB’S COMEDY FUNHOUSE A camp comedy special show hosted by and with performances from Bob The Drag Queen, American comedy legend Jackie Beat, the hilarious Australian Karen from Finance and Liverpool drag legend The Vivienne. ee www. ee.co.

MUSIC

24 September

FETTY WAP American rap star Fetty Wap, who

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 41

WHAT’S ON rose to prominence after his debut single Trap Queen reached number two in the U.S charts three years ago, is about to embark on his UK and European tour this autumn. rams ed www.trams edcardiff.com

ART, PHOTOGRAPHY & EXHIBITIONS

27 September

MARY LLOYD JONES Mary Lloyd Jones is one of Wales’ most popular and established artists. She was born in Devil’s Bridge in , and trained at ardiff ollege of Art. She is inspired by the Welsh countryside, and in particular, the man-made marks on that landscape, and her bold expressionist paintings are noted for their use of vibrant and rich colour. Martin Tinney a er www.artwa es.com

1 October

RED RUM CLUB The Liverpool sextet have been described as ‘bridging the gap between colloquial indie rock and cinematic soundscape… fresh, frenetic.’ w or ac www.c w . et

3 October

GARY NUMAN This, the (R)Evolution UK tour, will encompass the British electro pioneer, singer, songwriter, and record producer's monumental career which has included such classics as Are Friends Electric and Cars. Tramshed; www.trams edcardiff.com

Until 30 September

CHUCK ELLIOTT Chuck Elliott’s bold and beautiful work which is entirely computer generated, is a id investigation of colour, movement and light. ac water a er www. ac water a er .co.

Until 12 October

TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB The three piece Two Door Cinema Club who hail from Northern Ireland, have found a legion of fans worldwide with their unique brand of electro pop rock. otor oi t re a ardiff www.motor oi tare acardiff.co.

LUMIERE BY FRANCISCO CENTOFANTI Florence Academy of Art graduate Francisco Centofanti has been creating the Lumiere series over the past year. Inspired largely by Welsh landscape and seascapes, he's been exploring new techniques in oil, using cold wax and egg tempera, creating his own paint mixed with plaster. oo wood a er www. oo wood a er .com

4 October

Until 26 January 2020

3 October

DAVID FORD Award-winning singer songwriter and multi-instrumentalist David Ford, who will bring his trademark oneman and show to ardiff. Acapela t dio www. ace oo .com aca e ast dio

4 October

BANDICOOT An alternative indie four-piece from South Wales play an eclectic mix of genres in their hard hitting set. w or ac www.c w . et

12 October

ALICE COOPER The greatest ringmaster in rock conducts some of best musicians on the planet, from Chuck Garric’s blistering bass, to the triple guitar attack of Nita Strauss, Ryan Roxie and Tommy Henriksen, added to the thundering Glen Sobel, consistently voted the world’s best rock drummer. otor oi t re a ardiff www.motor oi tare acardiff.co.

ABOVE: ‘It’s cold outside’ says Gary Numan who can be seen at the Tramshed on 3 October LEFT: David Ford performs at Acapela on 4 October BELOW: Rhys Ifans and Rakie Ayola star in Bear Ridge from 20 September

GARTH EVANS t a ds ave es is a solo exhibition featuring six decades of sculpture. Alongside works produced in the UK in the 1960s and 70s, Garth Evans will also present a body of work that he has produced in the United States since his move there in 1981. a ter www.c a ter.or

Until May 2020

THE FOSSIL SWAMP Look back to 300 million years ago, when a vast tropical swamp, with monster plants, giant insects, th nderstorms and oods, covered what is now Wales. atio a se m ardiff www.m se m.wa es

28 September – 10 November

WOOL WORKS An exhibition of makers from Wales and Finland responding to the theme of wool. Sally Moss is opening the show, and is curator of

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

THE NIGHT CAFÉ A Liverpool indie and poppy fourpiece who have been described as having ‘the chops to go the distance. Brooding, but still dazzlingly catchy’. rams ed www.trams edcardiff.com

Until 26 September

SEVEN DEADLY SINS RHIANNE-LOUISE MCCAULSKY

Starting 28 September is a Craft in the Bay exhibition celebrating all things wool

the National Wool Museum. There will also be drop in workshops and demonstrations including stitching Welsh and Finnish motifs, Italian quilting, botanical prints, experimental sculptural forms in felt, as well as meet the maker sessions during the opening and closing weekends. Craft in the Bay; www.makersguildinwales.org.uk

MIDDLESBROUGH ky Bet hampionship, kick off pm. ardiff it www.cardiffcit c.co.

SPORT

OTHER

CARDIFF CITY V MIDDLESBROUGH ky Bet hampionship, kick off pm ardiff it www.cardiffcit c.co.

PROFESSOR BRIAN COX UNIVERSAL Whether an avid science reader or a total novice, Professor Cox makes challenging ideas accessible to all, e ploring the vast, possi ly infinite universe and our place within it from earth to the edges of the cosmos. otor oi t re a ardiff www.motor oi tare acardiff.co.

21 September

2019 ADRIAN FLUX BRITISH FIM SPEEDWAY GRAND PRIX Fans will be hoping for a repeat of the drama that unfolded during the 2018 version where crowd favourite Tai Wo nden had to settle for the runners-up spot after Polish star Bartos mar lik lit ed the field with breath-taking speed and skill. ri ci a it tadi m www. ri ci a it stadi m.wa es

28 September

CARDIFF DEVILS V COVENTRY BLAZE hallenge p, face off pm io a re a ardiff ter atio a orts i a e www.cardiffdevi s.com

2 October

CARDIFF CITY V

5 October

CARDIFF DEVILS V MANCHESTER STORM Leag e, face off pm io a re a ardiff ter atio a i a e www.cardiffdevi s.com

orts

18 September

28 September

A DAY IN THE LIFE Mark Waugh, a multi-award winning street photographer, is inviting the people of ardiff to oin him in a unique social experiment to capture the lives and times of the city in exactly 24 hours. The images will then be printed out and transformed into a piece of art by ardiff i e columnist and artist Nathan Wyburn, which will represent a famo s ardiff icon creating a permanent testimony of this day in history. o ta e art si at bit.ly/2Mlzy4r ■

Rhianne-Louise is currently playing Rizzo in Grease, coming to the Wales Millennium Centre on 15 October until 19 October, directed by Nikolai Foster and choreographed by Arlene Phillips. Rhianne-Louise’s previous theatre credits include the West End productions of Bat out of Hell and The Book of Mormon. LUST: Who or what do you find yourself lusting after ?

I am completely lusting after new perfume today, as always! I think I have a problem. I am addicted to perfumes. I have one for every kind of occasion – an ‘out out’ smell, my ‘Rizzo’ smell, my everyday smell. My favourite ever perfume is called Molecule One.

I should really be putting my back into seeing more theatre, reading more plays and watching more films. Years ago I found a list of the top 50 films that should be watched by an actor and tried to work my way through them but life got in the way. I really want to learn more about my craft so that’s one thing I want to push myself in.

GREED: What should you be cutting down on?

WRATH: What/who makes you angry?

I really want to try and cut down on my dairy intake. I am a pescatarian and am slowly trying to cut out cheese in my diet but I am a sucker for halloumi. I just can’t seem to part ways. I really want to do my bit for the planet and I think one day I will definitely commit to cutting all dairy and fish out completely.

GLUTTONY: What one thing could you happily eat or drink until you burst?

I could quite happily eat crisps until I burst. Just give me those Thai sweet chilli Sensations! Martha Kirby, who plays Sandy in the show, and I are just as bad as each other. We live together so we love a chat over some crisps after a show.

SLOTH: What should you be really putting your back into right now?

Ignorance drives me insane. I have zero tolerance for racism, sexism or homophobia. It’s harder to hate than to love.

ENVY: Who, or what, are you jealous of ?

I recently came back from Sorrento and I was notified that the Kardashians were also in the same area. Now, I’m not jealous of the Kardashians at ALL but as they were sailing their families through Italy on big yachts, I couldn’t help but want to be in that position where I can treat my family any chance I get.

PRIDE: What’s your proudest achievement?

I think my proudest achievement has to be getting this role, and the chance to work with the most amazing creative team and cast.

For more: www.wmc.or .

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 43

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

CLAIRE BEATTIE, ANNA PERLIN, JENNY WHEATLEY NEAC 19 September - 12 October View the exhibition on our website: www.albanygallery.com 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

Uprights. Acrylic on canvas. Andrew McCutcheon

Facing the Fell . Oil on canvas Sheryl Roberts

Window shopping. Acrylic on Board Geoff Brown

Sblaih Ymwybyddiaeth. Oil on canvas Tony Barrs

SIZZLING SUMMER SHOW STILL ON! 10% DISCOUNT ON PRODUCTION OF THIS ADVERT Extended throughout September

The Old Probate Registry, Cardiff Rd, Llandaff, Cardiff CF5 2DQ. T: 029 20554469 E: art@galleryoffthewall.com. Open Mondayâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Friday 9.30-5.00 Sat 10.00-4.00 www.galleryoffthewall.com

Reach the best in the west Aﬄuent, active and inﬂuential and just a call away

Cardiff Life team 01225 475800

the mane attraction Oh yes, it’s a lion: Disney’s leonine blockbuster is padding stealthily towards Cardiff . . .

ome dubbed it ‘Bambi on the Serengeti’; others, ‘Hamlet with lions’. Whatever the similarities to any literary and movie predecessors, the fact remains that Disney’s The Lion King, with its admittedly uncuddly-sounding plot about a lion cub trying to reclaim his murdered father’s land (that’ll be the Hamlet bit, then), became one of the best-loved tales of all time. It all started with the 1994 animated movie – one of the big successes of Disney’s ‘comeback’ era, along with The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and Beauty and the Beast. The film began in jaw-dropping style, with that opening sequence: an epic, overhead procession of animals, set to a mesmerising Zulu chant that (as we subsequently learned) translates, as ‘Here comes a lion, father; oh yes, it’s a lion’ (and repeat). More recently, we’ve had Disney’s ‘live action’ remake, with the CGI beasties voiced by Beyoncé, Donald Glover and Chiwetel Ejiofor. The stage version’s been going for the last two decades. Brace yourself, stats fans: there have been 25 global productions, seen by over 100 million people in over 100 cities in 19 countries, earning it the highest worldwide gross of any entertainment title in box office history. Tickets are now on sale for the latest tour, which promises to be next year’s big hitter for the Wales Millennium Centre. We met three key figures behind the show, and asked them what they felt was the secret of The Lion King’s phenomenal appeal.

“GREAT CREATIVITY”

Lebohang Morake, also known as Lebo M, has worked on both the film and stage versions as a composer, singer, and performer, and has recorded four songs for the soundtrack of the remake. The director of the original Broadway show, Julie Taymor, said she was inspired by the music of Lebo in her stage adaptation, which resulted in the inclusion of many South African influences. “People can relate to aspects of most of the characters,” says Lebo. “In every family there’s a Scar, a Timon and Pumbaa; a mother or father of authority. And everyone can relate to death. I’m still amazed how much that touches people. There’s great creativity in the staging of the show, and a great universality in the story. “The Lion King introduced a new audience to animation, a new audience to theatre, long before we even go to the obvious new opportunities for South African music and South African talent. It’s opened doors in many ways. It’s a very proud legacy.”

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

ARTS THE LION KING IN NUMBERS • Since its Broadway première on 13 November 1997, 25 global productions have been seen by more than 100 million people • The Lion King has been performed in nine different languages: English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch,

Spanish, Mandarin and Portuguese • Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions, under the direction of Thomas Schumacher, The Lion King has made theatrical history with six productions worldwide running 15 or more years

• Having played over 100 cities in 20 countries on every continent except Antarctica, The Lion King’s worldwide gross exceeds that of any film, Broadway show or other entertainment title in box office history • There are six indigenous African languages spoken in

the show: Congolese Swahili, Tswana Zulu, Xhosa, and Sotho • There are 232 puppets in the show, some of which were inspired by Japanese Bunraku puppetry. They include rod, shadow, and fullsized puppets.

“A UNIVERSAL STORY”

President and producer of Disney’s Theatrical Productions, Thomas Schumacher, was a producer on the original 1994 The Lion King movie, and is an executive producer on the new film version. “The Lion King was the first movie to be translated into 32 different languages,” says Thomas. “It was even translated into Zulu. Whether you were a kid in Israel, a grandma in South Africa, a college student in Finland, you all saw the same story – because it’s about all of us. It’s about family and community and responsibility and growing up: I think that’s just so universal.”

“EXTRAORDINARY MUSIC”

Richard Oriel is general manager of production for the Disney Theatrical Group, and has worked on many big name musicals including Miss Saigon, Sunset Boulevard, Oliver! and Cats. “There are many elements that make The Lion King a huge success,” says Richard. “The storytelling is set against extraordinary music from such diverse talents as Elton John, Hans Zimmer and Lebo M, accompanied by Garth Fagan’s choreography, all sewn together by Julie Taymor’s exquisite vision. It’s the fusion of these different creative influences that combine to make something so unique and ground-breaking. “Disney also manage to keep the show fresh. Each show gets crafted round the individual company. There will always be some parts of it that couldn’t change, but essentially, it’s given a fresh creative look every time the show is performed, wherever that is in the world.”

®DISNEY

Tickets are on sale now for Disney’s The Lion King which performs at Wales Millennium Centre 9 July – 29 August 2020; www.wmc.org.uk

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

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Where girls learn without limits At HOWELL’S SCHOOL, LLANDAFF GDST we have been teaching girls to learn without limits since 1860.

t Howell’s School this summer, 73 per cent of all GCSE grades were A*-A, and at A-level, 52 per cent of all grades were A*-A and 80 per cent of all grades were A* - B. We are passionate about the futures of our girls, and we are the experts in helping them to fulfil their promise. We understand that every girl is an individual, and that talent and potential lie within each one of us. The girls’ academic achievements are always celebrated, and they go hand-in-hand with co-curricular activities that inspire and challenge them, a community that supports them, and the opportunities to pursue their passions and learn from their failures. From playing chess to performing in a rock band, debating current affairs to playing cricket, we believe that education doesn’t stop when the bell rings at the end of the school day. Our girls thrive in a single-sex environment. Girls mature into young adults in a culture free from gender bias or social pressure from boys, encouraging them to believe that nothing is beyond their reach or consideration.

Howell’s School, Llandaff GDST provides the motivation, self-belief and resilience for our girls to feel confident about their abilities; and we delight in watching them grow to become more assertive and willing to take risks, to ask questions and make mistakes. Our five acre site has an incredible feeling of space for a city centre school, with significant green space, a swimming pool and sports complex with modern pavilion and floodlight, allweather pitches. Our fleet of school mini buses brings in students from Cowbridge, Penarth, Newport and across Cardiff. ■

To discover what makes Howell’s so special, book your place at one of our open days by visiting www.howells-cardiff.gdst.net www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 49

Stockists of: Anine Bing Ragdoll LA Levete Room Madeleine Thompson Stardust Bailey and Beutow Nunoo Bags Nookie American Vintage Mercy Delta Charlotte Simone SVP Rings Mayla Veja Onjenu Air & Grace TrafďŹ c People Primrose Park Wyse London Hod DONNA IDA Fabienne Chapot Rockins PYRUS Essentiel AG Jeans Beck Sodergaard 360 Cashmere Ba&sh Toolally Baum and Pferdgart Lily & Lionel

Would you like to work in Media Sales? We are always looking to hear from talented individuals who would like to work for MediaClash, presenting advertising opportunities and marketing solutions across our portfolio of fantastic magazines and events. We are a growing business and anticipate there being various opportunities over the next few months. If you would like to join our continuing success story please email your CV to steve.hawkins@mediaclash.co.uk or give us a call anytime on 01225 475827 for a chat about the company, our magazines and available positions.

Unit 1, Pontcanna Mews, 200 Kings Road, Cardiff CF11 9DF Tel: 02920 225 522 | kiticymru.com | info@kiticymru.com Facebook- Kiti | Instagram- Kiticymru | Twitter- kiticymru

www.mediaclash.co.uk

WYBURN & WAYNE Move over Ant & Dec. Make way Edina & Patsy. Stand aside Batman & Robin. Our dynamic duo are in town and they’re here to give us the low down on the Cardiff high life

ride o

an you believe it’s September already? Scary Hallowe’en is looming around the corner, and also we’re sure we can smell that mistletoe and wine. You know that old adage that it gets earlier every year, well it’s true – everything gets earlier. Feels like the Easter Eggs have only just been discounted and the mince pies are coming out. Anyways, what a brilliant few weeks of entertainment ardiff has had the pleasure of hosting. Theatre-wise, the New Theatre invited us along to see the ballet, and against all our expectations, we really enjoyed it. It was Swan Lake by the English Youth Ballet. Not only was it wonderful and moving, we especially loved that they used local children in the production. They all put in incredible performances and then we were further blown away to learn they only had several days to rehearse everything!

Dining at the Heathcock with chef Rhodri Davies, third from left, and good friend Stifyn Parri

ace

The Wales Millennium Centre hosted two back-to-back outstanding sell out shows. First, featuring former Factor winner Joe McElderry, was the stompingly feel-good and properly funny ro ica a. It was right up our 80s street, with big bad hair, huge shoulder pads, and even bigger mobile phones. Then came ie e sica . Being big kids ourselves, how could we not love it?! It was a colourful and spirited riot, and we also had the pleasure of telling Craig Revel-Horwood how much we loved him playing mean, villainous Miss Hannigan. Now to food. We recently e perienced two very different venues but both utterly delicious dining experiences. First, top notch st ff at The eathcock in Llandaff. erving p delicio s seasonal and locally sourced food, with a unique daily changing menu. We had Kentucky fried rabbit and a steak and ale pie that

The guys at Pride Cymru with the glorious Martha D’Arthur

“How proud we were to witness and be part of Pride Cymru 2019” was the size of a house. There’s a huge range of meats and seafood on the menu, from pigeon to scallops, but vegetarians are catered for too. We love the fusion of Welsh food with other cultures’ cuisine, most notably French, all in a welcoming and atmospheric pub. We asked for a mini tour of their back garden, which boasts a very impressive array of homegrown vegetable and herb delights. The staff co ldn’t have been more attentive, enthusiastic and informative about their produce and menus. Also we made our way down to the Red Dragon Centre to check out the awesome Balloon Fiesta, before it went up on bank holiday weekend. We had a great chat with creator Dr Bob – who is incredible, and then we got to enjoy a meal at Five Guys. For the price you get so much food, the burgers were massive, and if you like something a little different, you can have bacon bits in your milkshakes. Yes, you can. But no, we didn’t! Last but not least, there was Pride Cymru. And just how proud we were to witness and be part of

Pride 2019. The city seemed to explode with joyous celebrations, releasing a torrent of rainbows, colours, and sequins. We had a really busy week leading up to the weekend, including hosting a Pride-themed karaoke at The Golden Cross, and then when the weekend came, it was bonkers. We went from hosting and singing on the main stage on the Friday, with amazing tributes to the likes of Lady Gaga and Dolly Parton, and drag queens such as the always lovely Martha D’Arthur, to Saturday morning’s Pride Cymru parade. We were on The Golden ross oat, all dripping in gold alongside staff mem ers and drag acts. The sunshine also turned up for Pride which was wonderful but meant we all melted in our lamé glam o tfits and tro sers. There was also a performance in Café Jazz and we hosted a party at The Golden Cross on Saturday evening. We are still recovering – see you all in three weeks! To keep up to date with the Radio ardiff s o ow t em o Face oo Twitter @WyburnWayne and Instagram @wyburnandwayne

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

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Well, that settles it!

The experts at BERRY SMITH LAWYERS offer advice on all aspects of employment law, including settlement agreements

nder a settlement agreement, a current or former employee agrees to waive employment related claims against the employer, usually in return for a payment. Let’s have a look at some of the most frequently asked questions concerning settlement agreements:–

the agreement, because they will not want to risk you bringing a claim against them. If you are not happy with certain aspects of the agreement, your solicitor can provide you with the necessary advice and may be able to negotiate some of the terms with your employer. How long do I have to decide if I want to sign the settlement agreement? Your employer should not insist that you sign the agreement straight away, as you need to obtain independent legal advice. The ACAS guidance states that employers should give employees a minimum of 10 days to consider a settlement agreement.

Sarah Alford

Do I need to receive legal advice? Yes, for a settlement agreement to be legally binding you must receive independent legal advice. An employment law solicitor will advise you on the terms of the settlement agreement and what it means in practice. It is common for employers to pay a contribution to your legal fees, usually between £300 – £500, however this is not a legal requirement.

Do I have to accept the settlement agreement? No, however it is very unlikely that an employer will pay you any settlement monies unless you sign

Can I tell anyone about the agreement? Most settlement agreements include a standard confidentiality clause which prohibits you from discussing the agreement and the circumstances surrounding the termination of your employment with anyone, apart from a few exceptions. Usually

the exceptions are immediate family members, professional advisors, the police regarding a criminal investigation, HMRC for tax or national insurance purposes and the court or tribunal if complying with an order. ■

If you would like any further information or have been given a settlement agreement please feel free to contact our team on 029 2034 5511 or employment@berrysmith.com.

SHOPPING LIVE WELL, BUY BETTER

ONE STEP AT A TIME This freestanding and versatile ladder shelf provides valuable extra space in any room – cookbooks in the kitchen, plants in the hall, ornaments in the living room, and towels in the bathroom. The soft colouring with hints of brown and grey means it complements many décor colours throughout the home. The Aldworth rustic spruce wooden ladder shelves costs £165 from Lisa Valentine Home; www.lisavalentinehome.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 55

PET TREATS CONTAINER, £10 ust because it s for the cat doesn’t mean it can’t be aesthetically pleasing From The Sho Gallery and Shop, The Castle Emporium, Womanby Street, Cardiff. www.thesho.co.uk

WHAT’S IN STORE Storage accessories for the home – there’s tidy

ZIP TRAVEL CASE, £79 This compartmented uilted leather ewellery case is great for both at home and on the move From Laings, St David's, 27 The Hayes, Cardiff. tel: 02920 660 890; www.laingsuk.com

NATURAL CONICAL BASKETS, FROM £18 hese beautiful natural bas ets from ouse octor can be hung in any room ideal for ee ing small items to hand From Home by Kirsty, 64a Glenroy St, Roath; www.homebykirsty.com

HAMPTON COFFEE TABLE IN MULBERRY, £699 The Living Collection coffee table with drawers comes with configuration o tions and a choice of colours From Sigma 3 Kitchens, 485 Cowbridge Road West, Cardiff; www.sigma3.co.uk

MAGAZINE RACK, £200 Made of regenerated leather, the swing magazine holder is roomy, practical, elegant, and can hold a whole lot of copies of Cardiff Life From Natuzzi Italia Cardiff Bay, Havannah St, Cardiff. tel: 029 2048 8698; www.natuzzi.co.uk

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

ED’S CHOICE ED EXTENDING CLOTHES DRYER, £145 Perfect for drying and airing clothes in smaller spaces From Lisa Valentine Home; www.lisavalentinehome.co.uk

SET OF THREE STORAGE BOXES, £29.99 Bring the distinctive Orla Kiely design to your tidying up From am to s e art d ow a e e art . te : 5391; www.hamptonspenarth.co.uk

STORAGE BASKET, £18 Made in Madagascar, these recycled, o r bag storage baskets are made from weaved grass From Bodlon Shop & offee o ar oad itc rc ardiff. tel: 02920 650 564; www. od o .com

THREE-TIER BATHROOM CADDY, £40 Crafted from bamboo wood, finished with a white metal frame, and ideal for neat bathroom storage From ee es ow rid e oad a ot ree o t c . e: 4120; www.leekes.co.uk STORAGE COMBINATION WITH BOXES, £60 Sturdy frames and removable boxes with this Trofast combo means kids’ toys can be magicked away in mere seconds From ea ardiff Ferr oad ardiff. tel: 020 3645 0000; www.ikea.com

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

JD Gyms Cardiff, just off Queen Street, is located above Superdrug and DW Sports, in the building that has the huge digital screen on, opposite the Principality Building Society. This incredible £2m gym is a low cost gym with a difference

SIMPLY PUT, WE DON’T DO BASIC, WE DON’T CUT CORNERS AND WE DON’T TIE YOU IN #FitnessJustGotSerious l Huge gym with hundreds of pieces of equipment l Massive f ree weights and strength areas l Over 300 classes a month, all LIVE and all included in your membership l Bootcamp, boxing and functional areas l Prowler track, sprint track and rig l Relaxing saunas in our luxury changing rooms

EXPLORE THE GREAT OUTDOORS Our nurseries have outdoor classrooms, large gardens and forest school sessions with qualiﬁed nursery forest school leaders. Our children always explore the great outdoors at Acorns Nurseries and Acorns Action Park whatever the weather.

www.acornsnurseries.co.uk | www.action-pak.co.uk

T. 02920 382 009 // 02920 394 334

CUTTING CORNERS Move from summer to autumn with a tailored look that couples with asymmetrical detailing for contemporary style 2019 has been the year of bringing back 1950s and 1960s era couture and this summer, we’ve seen gowns reworked as shorter, more casual and of course, wonky. The trend, which will continue well into the autumn and beyond, features balloon sleeves, bubble skirts, luxurious textures, asymmetrical hems and off the shoulder.

Turn it up

Want to dive into a head to toe look? Opt for this court dress (6) that absolutely screams wonky couture. Inspired by the flamboyant style of the 17th century, the dress boasts puffed short sleeves and an asymmetrical hemline. or, why not get yourself this new leaf print dress (3), featuring a self-tie waistline and a lovely summery pattern. If you want to keep it casual, this feather shirt dress (1) is shaped to a flattering slim fit that you can pair up with a simple pair of trainers.

All sorts

For the less loud, the look can be nailed with a bit of mix-n-match. Wear this gorgeous tie dye skirt (5), that wraps around your body with tie detail at the side. Pair it with this colourful animal camisole (8), featuring a loose fit with slim shoulder straps and a drawstring that will accentuate your shape. If you love wearing skirts, this Vivienne Westwood midi infinity ecru skirt (2) boasts a classic-Viv asymmetrical but sophisticated hemline. Alternatively, step out in a style reminiscent of the 1980s rara skirt (4) look with this mini violet skirt tailored and with enough weight for extra swish.

Texture message

Luxurious textures such as suede and leather help complete your wonky couture look, like this coral suede tassel front clutch (9). These bejewelled and pearl cloud and raindrop charm earrings (7) help elevate the couture look. Finally, you can never go wrong with a pair of white trainers with gold detail (10), which can be paired with any of the dresses or skirts above to make the outfits work for the everyday. All items available at St David’s/Dewi Sant in Cardiff or online at the time of writing. To keep up to date with the latest trends, news and offers, see St David’s on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @StDavidsCardiff or by visiting www.stdavidscardiff.com

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

Floral print jacquard cami, £35, and button side short £49.50, both from Oliver Bonas

FASHION

2 3

SHOPPING LIST 7

1. Fay feather shirt dress, £128, AllSaints 2. Midi infinity ecru skirt, £360, Vivienne Westwood 3. Dara new leaf print dress, £165, Reiss 4. Mini violet skirt shrimp, £395, Vivienne Westwood 5. Riyo tie dye skirt, £58, AllSaints 6. Court dress, £408, Vivienne Westwood 7. Cloud and raindrop charm earrings, £14, Oliver Bonas 8. Gesture animal cami, £38, Oliver Bonas 9. Veda tassel front clutch, £58, Oliver Bonas 10. Irving flat trainers, £125, Michael Kors

9 www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 61

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Dental implants and how they can help you Dr Mike Page of THE PARADE SPECIALIST DENTAL CENTRE talks about dental implants and how they can have a positive impact on your quality of life, as well as your smile

s a busy restorative dentist and implant surgeon, I carry out some form of implant related dentistry every day and I never fail to be impressed by how much dental implants can improve a person’s general wellbeing. It has never been more important to have a nice smile and feel confident when you are out socialising and meeting people than it is today. Being toothless is now no longer seen as socially acceptable. To that end I am seeing an increasing number of people who want to improve or get rid of their existing dentures (false teeth). Our patients main complaints being that their dentures feel loose, they are fed up of applying fixatives and they are unable to eat and talk properly. Fortunately, dental implants have the ability to help with these problems, from helping to hold an existing denture in place to replacing dentures with fixed permanent teeth. Here at The Parade we have been placing dental implants for over 30 years and have a vast wealth of experience in restoring the mouth using dental implants. I was one of the first dentists to qualify with a master’s degree in dental implantology from Cardiff University back in 2012. Since then I have completed over 500 cases with a success rate of 98.5 per cent. One of the problems I see is a lower denture which constantly moves around and falls out, which can make eating and drinking very embarrassing. Fortunately, one of the more straight forward treatments is to use two dental implants to help hold a denture in place in the lower jaw. This treatment has become so successful that it is regarded within the profession as the gold standard for treatment for a person without their own teeth in the lower jaw. Once the dental implants have been placed in the lower jaw, gold coloured locators are fitted to the implants and retaining caps fitted into the denture. These work in a similar fashion to a press stud, clipping the denture down onto the lower jaw. The result is a lower denture that doesn’t move around and allows you to eat and function more normally. People often tell me of their joy at being able to eat a meal like they

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

used to, without the stress and worry of losing their false teeth. For those people who want to get rid of their false teeth forever, then we can accommodate that too. We offer full mouth fixed teeth using dental implants and bridgework. This will provide you with a set of teeth like you had originally. We are also able to replace individual or multiple teeth without damaging any neighbouring teeth, so you can get rid of that partial denture too. We have a CT scanner at the practice, which allows us to accurately assess where and how much bone is available. This allows myself to determine which treatment option would the most appropriate for a patient well before we actually carry out any treatment. We also now have the new iTERO dental scanner which allows us to digitally scan the mouth, plan restorations and take dental impressions without the use of bulky moulds and paste, which many people don’t like. Here at The Parade we also carry all other

aspects of clinical dentistry, from cosmetic procedures, smile designs using braces, tooth whitening, veneers and crowns to full mouth rehabilitation. ■

23 The Parade, Roath, Cardiff CF24 3AB; tel: 029 2048 1486; www.oasisdentalcare.co.uk www.instagram.com/cardiffhygienist

THE PILOT

Sarah Moolla disco ers the once run-down Penarth boozer is flying high, serving up properly decent and delightful food

f I said The Pilot reminded me of Wayne Rooney when he played for Manchester United, or maybe the young wizard Neville Longbottom from Harry Potter, you’d probably think I’d imbibed too much in the Penarth gastro pub, and was writing this while weaving my way home. But it’s all to do with appearances being deceptive – I’ll try and explain. Basically, the Penarth doesn’t look all that from the outside. It’s a slightly nicotine-stained in colour, two-storey, end of terrace, with weather-worn wooden garden pub benches on the only outdoor space – a front concrete patio. The Queen’s Road does indeed have ‘spectacular views o erlooking Cardiff Bay’ as the website states, but to en oy them from The Pilot is a bit of a stretch. Quite literally. We have to crane up through one high, narrow window for a glimpse of the vista. Howe er we’re here to en oy the food, and not to paint

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

a landscape picture. And this is where, like no-oil-painting Rooney, The Pilot scores time and time again. First to the décor, with William Morris-style wallpaper feature walls, artfully-filled bookshel es, terracotta s uare tiled floors, wood panels painted in soft lime, and o erhead industrial lighting. There’s even a kids’ toy area, proving the adage it’s what’s on the inside that counts. The staff are welcoming, and fizz with efficient energy. The huge blackboards, and no paper menus, serve to emphasise the ever-changing fresh food selection, with the starter options including spicy pork scotch egg with apricot purée; grilled erk chicken skewers with lime yoghurt dressing and lime marmalade and gin-glazed goats cheese served with celery, walnut and grape salad – all sound so mouth-wateringly tempting, we consider eating tapas style. However, I’m glad we didn’t opt for sharesies in the end because I would have refused to part with a smidgeon of mine. I fall head over heels, and hard, in love with the

RESTAURANT

Welsh cockles and leek fondue on toast – small, heartsha ed shells each containing a delicate morsel of fishy esh coated in a creamy oniony sauce and adorned with an edible orange nasturtium. I’d never had cockles before, but now find cannot li e without them ut this is not to dismiss the lo eliness of my dining com anion s inea le cris y s uid ust the right amount of bite and not chew and wor s beautifully with ing of shar inea le and when dredged through the sweet almost caramelised black garlic aioli. rom the s ecials for my main choose the cod he white of the ba ed cod has that firm uicy almost meaty a our good cod should ha e the crust of the fried crumb chori o adds a satisfying and contrasting oily smo y crunch while the wa y and earthy new otatoes bring the carb hit so much needed in dishes like this. Providing a crunch of fresh veg are the sauerkraut fritters. y dining com anion has chosen from the classics which are more of the straightforward hearty ariety for e am le fish ie and chi s burger and chi s in fact e erything and chi s er rib eye stea des ite its thic ness cuts li e butter and is rich dee with a dense tang he e ercorn sauce ser ed se arately is unchy and lu urious here s lots of it in the ug which is handy for li ening u the only disa ointing art of the dinner the chi s hey loo the business long fat and golden but they taste nothingy eems a shame when chi s are such a focal culinary oint of he ilot owe er then the uddings come along and shout oyously o er any whis ers of negati ity he chocolate and coconut brownie is a fudgy not too sweet slab of gorgeousness where you can still sa our the moist bite of the shredded coconut t all wor s a treat alongside the accom anying el ety anilla ice cream whorls of mini meringues and shards of honeycomb he stic y toffee with amoretti ice cream comes with e actly the right ratios of s ringy syru y s onge gooey toffee sauce and boo y almondy ice cream ut what s all this got to do with e ille ongbottom the aw ward tubby and scared wi ard with udding basin hair and an unbecoming o erbite you cry ell not only did he mor h into the bra est of wi ards ha e you seen what the actor atthew ewis who lays him loo s li e now e redict the beautiful inside ilot is set to soar ■

“The crust of the fried crumb chorizo adds a satisfying and contrasting oily, smoky, crunch” DINING DETAILS Pilot Pub, 67 Queens Road, Penarth CF64 1DJ tel: 029 2071 0615; www.knifeandforkfood.co.uk Chef Stefan Nilson Type of food served Welsh / British /Mediterranean Covers: 80 Specialities Pork soft Scotch egg and chilli dressing; thinly sliced rare piccanah steak, fondant sweet potato, confit courgette and chimichurri Prices Starters £5.50-£8, mains £12-£16, desserts £6.50-£7.50 Disability access Yes Atmosphere Relaxed, fresh, and funky

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 65

m o r f d n e k e Every we l i r p a o t t s u aug

Home game fixtures and match night tickets can be purchased online at:

www.cardiffdevils.com or call: 0800 0842 666 Adult tickets are prices from ÂŁ16 and child tickets from ÂŁ8. We look forward to welcoming you to Viola Arena, the home of the Cardiff Devils.

The back-to-back Elite League Playoff Champions, The Cardiff Devils are in action at the Viola Arena in Cardiff Bay every week till April. The Devils offer a family-friendly match day environment, where you can enjoy the fast and hard-hitting sport that is ice hockey, as well as period break activities where you can win prizes including the shirt off a players back. After the game there is autograph signings with one of the players and a free after match skate. With an even mix of male and female fans of all ages, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a special atmosphere inside the Viola Arena when the Devils hit the ice. Enjoy a beer in your seat or a burger from the Grazing shed at the rink while watching the COOLEST game in town. For the third year in a row, The Devils are in the Champions Hockey League competing against some of the best teams in Europe including the Champions of the competition â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Frolunda Indians, who are coming to Cardiff on October 15th.

“The mood is right, the spirit’s up. We’re here tonight and that’s enough”

EAT, DRINK, AND BE MERRY CHRISTMAS The nice, not naughty, Elsie Chadwick is drawing up a list of venues for those festive fun dos

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

CHRISTMAS PARTIES

ust because you’ve not heard Noddy Holder yell “It’s Christmas” on the radio yet, doesn’t mean Yuletide isn’t about to come hurtling around the corner. And if you want to ensure you have a very merry time with pals, colleagues or family, you’d best get your ice-skates on, and start looking for, and booking up, a nutcracker of a venue.

ANGEL HOTEL CARDIFF, Castle Street, Cardiff. tel: 029 2064 9200; www.thecairncollection.co.uk We ask Kim Pedlar director of sales, what’s the jingle sell?: “We can cater for any number between two and 250. Prices start at £250 for venue hire and menu prices £19.99 per person. There’s also buffet options in our Castle Arms tavern to a festive three-course lunch or party night packages, which offer a plated festi e option or a gourmet-style buffet with a twist. Keep the party going with our drinks-inclusive package, or add on an extra drink to your celebration from just £3 per person. Have a drink on me if deposits are received by the end of September, as a little Christmas treat.”

Enjoy a festive feast at voco St David’s Cardiff; BELOW LEFT: Angel Hotel can provide a beautiful setting for your Xmas celebrations; BELOW RIGHT: take your Christmas cocktail drinks to the rooftop bar at Marco Pierre White Steakhouse

VOCO ST DAVID’S CARDIFF, Havannah Street, Cardiff Bay. tel: 029 2045 4045; www.stdavids.vocohotels.com Director of revenue and sales Nicola Edmunds tell us about the Christmas cheer at oco t a id’s Cardiff pt for a night you think suits your crowd – we have the music of Mamma Mia, Welsh singers, or tunes from the 80s and 90s to choose from. We’ll be welcoming you with a festive cocktail or mocktail to get you in the party mood. Foodwise, along with the traditional roast main, such as bacon-wrapped turkey escalope and apricot stuffing, egan options include spinach, chestnut and mushroom bake. We also have midnight snacks such as sausage roll, or vegan sausage roll, with tomato and chilli sauce. Menu prices start at £32 per person, but early ordering of party drinks sees a discount of per cent off.

PRINCIPALITY STADIUM EXPERIENCE, Principality Stadium, Westgate Street, Cardiff. tel: 029 2082 2106; www.principalitystadium.wales Marc Lee, sales manager of the Principality Stadium, talks turkey to us: “We will be serving up a number of options but our turkey main is Pembrokeshire turkey breast, sage and cranberry, slow cooked thigh, pigs in blankets with roast potatoes, buttered root vegetables and roasted parsnips, followed by warm clementine steamed sponge, vanilla custard. Welsh produce is used for all of our menu, and our décor, which is traditional, sophisticated with a sporting feel, is also sourced from local

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 71

CHRISTMAS PARTIES businesses. The capacity of the stadium, which is celebrating 20 years this year, is 100-300 guests, with prices starting at £500 for venue hire, and £28 per person.”

MARCO PIERRE WHITE STEAKHOUSE BAR & GRILL AT HOTEL INDIGO CARDIFF, Dominions Arcade, Queen Street, Cardiff. tel: 029 2010 2711; www.mpwrestaurants.co.uk Zahra Reardon Smith, director of sales, reveals why wise men and women might choose here We offer elegant but affordable glamour with a roof top terrace, with views o er the Cardiff skyline to en oy a special festi e cocktail, which will be a ailable throughout ecember. ur fine dining restaurant can take bookings for between two and 55, with prices for the festive lunch starting at £27 for three courses and £37 for dinner. And if you overindulge or don’t want to get the last sleigh home, book yourself a room at Hotel Indigo, available from £79.”

Insole Court is a picturesque setting to any party, any time of year; ABOVE: cheers to the Temple of Peace; BELOW: The Vale will be holding a Gin’gle Ball

TEMPLE OF PEACE, King Edward VII Avenue, Cathays Park. tel: 029 2082 1052; www.templeofpeace.wales All the venue manager Emily Williams is saying is give the Temple of Peace a chance: “Our Bollywood-themed Christmas party nights can be arranged for £18-£46 per head. There is a capacity of 140, with a peace garden with benches for relaxing. Welcome drinks include mango margarita or iced chai cocktail. ur three course sit-down dinner is authentic Asian halal food by Eastern Cuisine and includes chicken tikka, eg samosas, chicken curry. Upstairs, the Chai café, which will also be screening Bollywood films, will be ser ing warm and cold sian snacks and sweets. or entertainment there will be dhol drummers, bhangra dancing lessons, a roaming magician, a photo booth with Asian-themed dressing up clothes, and Cardiff’s famous s onna ee and Ra will be pumping out dance tunes mixed with Bollywood beats.”

INSOLE COURT, Fairwater Road, Llandaff, Cardiff. tel: 029 2116 7920; www.insolecourt.org mily arside, marketing officer, e plains why there is plenty of festive fun to be had at the Insole Court: “Our 19th century Gothic mansion was built for Christmas. rom the wood-panelled walls of the dining room to the vibe of the reading room, each room is like something out of A Christmas Carol, with a cosy and traditional feel. Our biggest room can hold 90 and our smallest 15, so there’s space for everyone. Alternatively, you could hire the whole mansion. or functions we start at per hour, and we work with the wonderful EJ Catering for hot catering, from around £40 per person.”

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 73

CHRISTMAS PARTIES

VALE RESORT, Hensol Park, Hensol, Vale of Glamorgan. tel: 01443 665803; www.valeresort.com Marketing manager Stephanie Metson talks about having ourselves a very merry Christmas at The Vale: “We have a capacity of up to 330, and menu prices start at £43 per person. We have lots of traditional Christmas favourites and a special gin-themed menu. Our ‘Gin’gle Bell Ball will include a Hensol Castle gin from the new Hensol Castle Distillery which opens this winter. Our Absolute Party night includes many extras, plus the booker goes free with any party over 20.”

TWENTY NINE PARK PLACE, 29 Park Place, Cardiff. tel: 029 2115 7605; www.knifeandforkfood.co.uk General manager David Tregoning tells us about the mistletoe and Cointreau wine: “The crowd pleaser this year is a starter of deep-fried brie, dried cranberry, walnut and onion chutney and port gel. The slow braised venison ballotine is the little bit of luxury you deserve this party season and is served with orange-roasted carrots and truffle pomme pur e. inish with a dessert from our super talented pastry chef Amy – mince pie crumble tart with clotted cream ice cream churned in-house . or winter warmth drinks there’s home-made mulled wine and cider, wine with Cointreau and spiced rum cider. We take parties up to about 60, and prices start at £27.50 for a three course meal.”

HOLM HOUSE HOTEL, Marine Parade, Cardiff, Penarth. 029 2070 6029; www.holmhousehotel.com General manager Daniel Jones talks about the winter wonderland at Holm House Hotel: We’re running three different menus o er the Christmas period. Our festive set lunch, dinner and afternoon tea are all inspired by the classic, much-loved homely food. But we’ve added contemporary twists including passion fruit posset with coconut meringue and spicy mango salsa can follow a classic like turkey escalope with cranberry and onion stuffing. There’ll be fire places, Christmas trees, and an après ski lodge, and we have the capacity for up to 100 guests. Prices start at £2,000 for venue hire and the menu from £19.50.”

THE DISCOVERY INN, Celyn Avenue, Cardiff. tel: 029 2075 5015; www.knifeandforkfood.co.uk Ryan Lewis, general manager, suggests reasons why The isco ery nn will offer you a ery merry time: “The function room has no hire charge, however it would need to be for a minimum of 25 persons and food must be selected from our buffet menu. We have the capacity for approximately 120 people. Menu choices include turkey Kiev, leek ganoush and za’atar; beetroot wellington, mushroom, leek, roasted sweet potatoes with spinach and dill elout and red el et cheesecake with morello cherry, sorbet and meringue. A threecourse meal starts at £25.” ■

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

Discover the incredible puddings at The Discovery; ABOVE: Twenty Nine place will be serving up traditional dishes with a twist, like this beetroot Wellington

Tom Watts and Imran Nathoo, who will both be appearing on the Festivalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Welsh Chefs Stage, share their favourite lamb recipes

his year the berga enny ood festi al e tember has artnered with amb eef ales to deli er a new all elsh demo stage to he esti al armyard ome of the best chefs from ales including om atts ones of the are and ounds in berthin and mran athoo the chef and food blogger from itchen lonc will be showcasing their culinary talents ere they share two lamb reci es

LAMB SWEETBREADS, BACON, BROAD BEAN, PEA & MINT Serves 2 belie e strongly in nose to tail coo ing using e ery art of the animal weetbreads is my fa ourite art of the lamb to coo and this is one of my fa ourite dishes to eat.â&#x20AC;? Ingredients 300g lamb sweetbreads 100g smoked bacon lardons 150ml lamb stock 50g cold butter Glug of rapeseed oil Splash of white wine vinegar Splash of red wine vinegar Pea shoots Sprig of fresh mint dible owers o tional Method lanch sweetbreads in rolling water with a splash of white wine vinegar. fter minutes drain the coo ed sweetbreads and peel off the membranes. eat the ra eseed oil in a frying an on a medium heat add the sweetbreads and fry until coloured on one side li the sweetbreads and add in the bacon. nce the bacon is cris y de gla e with red wine vinegar; add in the lamb stock and butter. educe slightly and add in the broad beans er e in a bowl with fresh mint ea shoots and edible owers to garnish For more: www.hareandhoundsaberthin.com | www.abergavennyfoodfestival.com 80 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

RECIPES

LAMB, DAAL & RED CABBAGE

Serves 4

f this lamb dish, mran says, onâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be put off by the list of ingredients and method, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s actually ery straightforward to make and is perfect for a dinner party as a lot of it can be pre-prepared. The fla our combination is banging.

Ingredients P Welsh lamb neck fillets trimmed of any sinew, tapered end remo ed and reser ed to use in another dish tsp black mustard seeds, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, coriander seeds cinnamon stick tsp dried red chilli flakes tbsp rapeseed oil fresh curry lea es if using dried lea es use tsp tamarind paste tsp garlic and ginger paste tsp of fine sea salt ml of fresh stock lamb ideally, but beef or egetable are fine ml of passata For the daal g of red split lentils tbsp of rapeseed oil cardamom pods cinnamon stick black peppercorns clo es green chillies curry lea es if using dried lea es use tsp of garlic and ginger paste tsp of ground turmeric tsp of fine sea salt uice from a lemon

n a large, o en-proof casserole dish heat tbsp oil, add the ground spices and curry lea es, and gently heat. dd the garlic and ginger paste. Pour in li uid elements stock and passata . dd the tamarind paste and salt, then stir through. Put the lamb neck fillets into this mi ture and co er. dd a dash of water to co er the lamb entirely if re uired. Transfer to the o en and cook at C for at least fi e hours. Remo e from the o en and allow to cool fully in the li uid. nce cooled carefully, remo e the lamb from the li uid and set aside. train the cooking li uid into another saucepan and bring to a simmer, skim anything that comes to the surface and reduce until the sauce is thick. Taste and ad ust seasoning with salt. dd the lamb back to this sauce and warm through before ser ing.

n a frying pan, heat the oil, whole spices including the chillies and curry lea es, and add the garlic and ginger paste. dd the remaining ground spices, and cook until the chillies start to sizzle and pop. Now pour all of this into the lentils. immer until li uid has reduced to a thick but pourable consistency, skimming as you go. ish out the whole spices and chillies. dd salt and lemon uice to taste.

For the daal Wash the lentils in water. dd ml water to co er the lentils and bring to boil no salt needed. immer until the lentils cooked through. Blitz the cooked lentils in the saucepan with hand stick blender.

To serve Place a ladleful of the daal into a centre of the plate the lamb goes on top of this and scatter the red cabbage to ser e. dd coriander to finish.

For the pickle or the pickling li uid, add all the ingredients to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Then reduce to a simmer for - mins. Place the diced cabbage into a heat-proof container that has a lid. Pour o er the hot pickling li uid and allow to cool then co er and transfer to the fridge. ea e to pickle for as long as possible. rain and place on an all-purpose cloth before ser ing.

For more: Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @KitchenClonc

For the pickled red cabbage Half a red cabbage, finely diced ml white wine inegar ml water g caster sugar g fine sea salt star anise clo es cinnamon stick peppercorns tsp coriander seeds tsp cumin seeds Method For the lamb n a frying pan, seal all lamb neck fillets in tbsp of oil on a high heat and set aside. ry toast all the spices in another pan, including the red chilli flakes and cinnamon stick, then grind to a powder in a pestle and mortar or a spice grinder.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 81

FOOD & DRINK SNAPSHOTS OF CARDIFF’S FOOD SCENE

SOME LIKE IT HOT!

Wine guy DEAN EUDEN drinks to an Indian summer his year s summer may ha e been a little more sketchy than last year s blistering scorcher, but we hear ndian summers in beautiful ales are all the rage, so let s ee drin ing to summer with a few bright and bree y wine choices Rosé is a wine that deser es to be ta en a bit more seriously, so a oid the sweet alifornian infandel and try a bottle of Alan Scott Pinot Noir Rose ine ines irect – his is for the most art a dry wine that hints at sweetness on the finish the nose is all strawberries and cream and that follows through on the alate with a hint of stone fruit right and fresh this is a erfect match for charcuterie and a sunny garden arty ic oul is a gra e that comes from the assin de hau in the anguedoc the gra es are grown a stone s throw away from some of the largest shellfish beds in rance so it should come as no sur rise that ic oul offers the best of late summertime drin ing ic oul de inet is what you will see on the label and this relates to the appellation in the anguedoc where the ic oul gra es are grown Les Canots Picpoul de Pinet aitrose – is a solid e am le citrusy with great balanced acidity it shines with sim le seafood as will you when you ta e your first si For sparkling wines, Prosecco still seems to rule the shel es but if you cra e something a bit more com le a bit more well interesting then loo no further than cr mant asically a s ar ling wine made using the same method as ham agne but without the hefty rice tag, crémant can be found in all the wine roducing regions of rance and is made using the local gra e arieties of that articular region ne ee on returning to is Chateau de l’Aulee erys – t s from the oire alley and is made from er cent henin lanc ich and refined, the nose is ba ed a les brioche oral notes with a hint of walnuts hateau de l ulee sits on to of more e ensi e ham agnes until they beat the ground and scream surrender Dean is a business development manager for the Wine & Spirit Educational Trust (WSET); www.wsetglobal.com

PLAYING DIRTY TV celebrity chef, powerhouse entrepreneur, and ultra-athlete Matt Pritchard has teamed up with Cardiff City Football Club and catering partners Levy UK, to deliver a plant-based menu at Cardiff City Stadium throughout the 2019/20 season. Cardiff City owner Tan Sri Vincent Tan, who met with Matt earlier in the summer, says, “More and more people are becoming vegan or vegetarian. I think there’s an understanding that a vegan diet is not only beneficial to the environment, but also to our health. “I’m really pleased that this initiative has been undertaken and look forward to sampling some of the delicious vegan menu.” Matt’s Dirty V menu was available at the first game of the season against Luton, and is a catering first for Levy UK. The menu will subsequently be rolled out across their other UK venues and will feature seitan kebabs, dirty fries, and a range of special vegan burgers throughout the season. For more: www.cardiffblues.com Tan Sri Vincent Tan and Matt Pritchard

CURRY POWER owgli treet ood has recently o ened its first elsh site on hurch treet in ardiff s city centre ales re resents a bra e and new frontier for our little homegrown itchen says isha atona a chef and founder of the healthy ndian street food restaurant ardiff nows what she wants from her dining landsca e and feel that the city could not be a better fit for e erything that owgli is he is a uir y bohemian eatery and ardiff has such a hi and honest foodie scene ho e Mowgli and my ancestral family dishes do the high elsh e ectations ustice For more: Chef Nisha Katona the founder www.mowglistreetfood.com of Mowgli Street Food

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 85

SCENE

AC ROSS C A R D I FF, O N E SH I N D I G AT A T I M E

Max Evans

Jenni Falconer Jenny Gibney

The Welsh team: Phil Glenister, Gethin Jones, Sir Gareth Edwards, Scott Quinnell, Tom Shanklin and Jonathan Davies celebrate with the trophy

TEE TIME

The two-day golf tournament, Celebrity Cup trophy at Celtic Manor on 13-14 July, saw stars from the world of sport and showbiz, including Mike Tindall, James Nesbitt, Brian McFadden, Jenni Falconer, Peter Jones, Sir Gareth Edwards and the cast of Mrs Brownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Boys, swap paparazzi for putters to raise funds for The Bubble Foundation. Competition and camaraderie were rife amongst the celebrities as they battled it out to win the highly coveted Celebrity Cup trophy, with the title currently held by the home side, Wales. Photos by Steve Pope

James Nesbitt, Derek Redmond and Keith Duffy

www.fotowales.com

Brian McFadden

Kelvin Fletcher and Peter Jones

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

Wes Brown

Sir Matthew Bourne OBE is interviewed by Asha-Jane Seren Williams, Ben Brown and Millie Johns

Babs Thomas, Sir Matthew Bourne and Debbie Chapman

Nigel Morris, Diana Morris, Penny Davies and Ryan Jenkins

Alexandra Mackenzie, Dan Jackson and Fiona Bonds

STEP IN THE DANCE

The Wales Millennium Centre hosted an exclusive event for more than 100 of their members and supporters to celebrate the opening night of Sir Matthew Bourneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Romeo and Juliet on 18 June. Prior to the performance Radio Platfform intern sha- ane conducted a with ir atthew Bourne B , and the night ended with an after-show party with the cast. Photographs by Michael Hall www.michaelhallphotography.co.uk

Asha Vijendran, Dr Michael Levi, Paul Rothwell, Penny Levi, and Debbie Levi

Imogen Kinchin, Andy Monaghan and Rebecca Ryell Elizabeth Burris, Graeme Farrow and Janine Bates

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 89

Mean Upadsyaya and Saba Humayun

Marilyn Darney and Julie Thomas

Kayleigh Meek, Meghan Roseblade, Katrina Tzannis, Helen Witham and Ruth Thomas

Cerys, Tess, Tom and Wren Furlong

Carolyn Fear, Helene Usherwood and Nicki Pritchard

Dawn Wilson and the supporters of Know Your Lemons

LEADING LADIES

Andrea Garvey and Peter Whitelock

Chwarae Teg, Walesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; leading gender equality charity, hosted the Womenspire 2019 ceremony at St Fagans National Museum of History on 4 July. The event showcases the achievements of extraordinary women through a range of categories, from women working in STEM or thriving in sport, to those making a difference in their communities or a rising star of the future. Photos by Memorable Creative Journalism www.memorablecreativejournalism.co.uk

Courtney Naish, Stephanie Wood, and Amy Thompson

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

Xxxx

Rui Edwards-Behi, Manon Eyton, Sian Price, Helen Di-Girolamo, and Adhering Notley

SOCIETY

Kate Wellock and Liam Giles

Tom Davies

Chantelle Sobey

YOU SPIN ME

Rhiannon Headlom and Emma Williams

Spindogs recently hosted their annual client party at the Tramshed. Around 95 guests enjoyed facepainting, a limbo competition and fwrness pizza, followed by a band and dancing later in the evening. Photos by Leila Buffery www.spindogs.co.uk

Adrian Coles

Lesley Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Shea and Jane Sullivan

NO PLACE LIKE HOLM

Penarth Boutique Hotel, Holm House, recently hosted a summer garden party to celebrate the launch of their outdoor bar. Guests were treated to canap s, fizz and entertainment by the musician Sarah Brown World, and the magician Adam Reeves. Photos by Aaron Arnold Photography

Amanda and Stephen Himbury David Owens, Nicky Owens, Shani Owens and Karen Grapes

Roger Adams and Natalie Adams Sarah Brown, Dan Jones and Shakira Obaid

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 91

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Pinnacle Complete ffice olutions celebrates its th anni ersary With 26 years at the company and five at the helm since an MBO in 2015, CLIVE HAMILTON, GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR shares some of his thoughts and insights on life, business and everything in between.

Clive, Group Managing Director and Sharn, HR & Facilities Director at Pinnacle

n 1993 when Clive joined as a new business account executive, Pinnacle were five people strong and selling only photocopiers. Clive’s first experience of Pinnacle nearly only lasted 12 weeks, as he broke his leg in the first game of the rugby season at Bryncethin RFC. Thankfully though, Ian Ryley, the founder and managing director at the time, saw promise in Clive and kept him on the books. Roll forward 22 years, Clive was sales director and embarking on 2015, a year of pivotal change. Ian was looking to retire and not wanting to be acquired by the competition, Clive developed a plan for a management buyout.

MANAGEMENT BUY OUT AND EXPANSION An MBO gave Clive and Pinnacle an opportunity to re-energise the proposition. Aligning the right team for the MBO was essential. Clive sought financial support from Gambit and Development Banc of Wales whilst working to build the leadership team. Since the MBO, Pinnacle have been pushing the pace of change. In the last three years, Pinnacle have acquired three businesses. More are on the horizon with the team targeting companies that will boost existing capacity in key areas of the business including mail fulfilment,

outsourced print and document digitisation. Clive has focused on developing the team and moving away from the traditional sales focus. Bringing on a combination of analysts, trained auditors and assessors have changed the proposition providing a more holistic approach. Bringing in people from outside the industry means they ask more thought provoking questions as to why companies work the way they do. This fresh approach means they are more inclined to look at their processes, rather than just paper and machines. Customers are less concerned about what the machines look like, but want to see how the technology is used. This year is our sixth annual solutions seminar where we cover relevant industry topics. We will be focussing on the digital office, cyber security, device as a service, service as a service and technology inspired desk solutions.

only fun for those taking part, but generated much needed awareness and support.

Ian and Clive

WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE TO YOU? Growing the business, creating more jobs and developing a sustainable future for the business for years to come. ■

CHARITY One constant since Pinnacle began, but has been more prevalent since the MBO, is their dedication to charity work – in the region of £500,000 in the last 10 years. Being able to give a little bit back is not only the right thing to do but it’s a good thing to do. After retiring from rugby some eight years ago, Clive missed the changing room camaraderie and made it his mission to generate charity events that were not

If you would like to receive any further information concerning our business or charity events, please contact us at events@pinnacle-group.co.uk or call 02920 365 222. Alternatively please visit www.pinnaclecos.co.uk for further information on our products and services. www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 93

ADVERTISING FEATURE

The value of revaluation Jon Ely, partner at KNIGHT FRANK, explains why businesses need to be aware, and prepared right now, for the revaluation of their rates due in 2021

he next business rates revaluation is fast approaching, due in April 2021, with a valuation date of April 2019, so what can we expect? Business rates are a tax on the right to occupy commercial property and typically equate to approximately 50 per cent of annual rent. As such they represent one of the largest overheads for many businesses and can substantially impact on profitability. Commercial properties are valued by the Valuation Office Agency (an executive agency of HMRC) at each revaluation based on market rental levels at the Valuation date. The Rateable Value (RV) is then used by local authorities to collect business rates by applying an annual multiplier (currently 52.6p for 2019/20 for Wales)

“REVALUATIONS ALWAYS RESULT IN WINNERS AND LOSERS” increased annually by inflation. Business rates in Wales have been fully devolved since 2015, are collected by local authorities, fed into a national pool, and are then redistributed benefiting poorer local authorities with a smaller tax base. There are over 113,000 non domestic properties in Wales providing annual business rates income in Wales of over £1 billion, about 10-15 per cent of annual local government income. The 2017 revaluation had a valuation date of April 2015 and saw total RV in Wales decrease by 3.1 per cent. To ensure the level of business rates income remained static between lists the multiplier was increased to compensate. Revaluations always create winners and losers as different sectors experience changing fortunes between lists. Whilst Cardiff city centre offices have seen growth over this period, the overall view for the office sector in Wales as a whole suggests a small reduction. Our research suggests overall RV in Wales could reduce by circa 1.5 per cent to 2 per cent and we can

expect this to be reflected in an increase in multiplier for 2021/22. In practice a Cardiff city centre office currently assessed at RV £100,000 (estimated rates payable 2020/21 of £53,900) could see a 10 per cent increase in 2021 RV to £110,000, however due to the overall decrease in national RV rates payable could increase by 12 per cent to £60,390. Businesses need to be aware of the upcoming 2021 Revaluation and the impact it could have on their rates payable from April 2021. A professional advisor with a detailed knowledge of the rental market and the Welsh business rates system can assist businesses in planning and budgeting for the potential impact of the 2021 revaluation on their business. ■

Knight Frank, 3 Assembly Square, Britannia Quay, Cardiff, CF10 4PL T: 029 2044 0951 jon.ely@knightfrank.com www.knightfrank.com www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 95

It’s the city’s business

CARDIFFWORKS 2020 Vision

Councillor Huw Thomas at the Cardiff MIPIM launch

Cardiff plans to let global industries know it’s open for business at the world’s leading real estate exhibition

ore than 100 businesses from across the region gathered at Cardiff Castle on uly for Cardiff’s MIPIM 2020 partnership launch. P is the world’s leading property event, held in France every year, and offers cities the opportunity to showcase their appeal and to develop new trade and investment propositions with investors from across the world. Councillor Huw Thomas, leader of Cardiff Council said at the Cardiff P , ur offer is amongst the best in the UK and MIPIM is the number one e ent to showcase the city and if we’re not there we’re not competing. t’s not local go ernment attending with businesses, it is one delegation representing Cardiff and the cityregion together. t’s our businesses, their skills e pertise and knowledge that sell us and we look forward to working with e erybody in shaping our offering, which we will present at MIPIM in 2020.” Cllr Peter o , ice chairman of the Cardiff Capital Region Cabinet, said at the same e ent, By going to MIPIM again this year, and in future years, we are telling the world that the Cardiff Capital Region and its Capital City is totally open for business.” Delegates from the private and public sector were given the information on the opportunities available to attend the annual property conference held in Cannes, which runs arch, as part of the region’s delegation, as well as covering plans and aspirations for P and the sponsorship packages a ailable. r

Cardiff will be showcased at MIPIM to attract investors

ardiffa i i

For advice on every leading brand and model, from a leading independent family practice. Scott Wroe and Jonathan Beeks oﬀer appointments and consultations throughout the week so you have peace of mind knowing that if any problems arise we are here to help; we have the time and expertise to ensure you get the very best results from your hearing aid.

If you would like more information or would like to arrange an appointment, please contact us on:

02920 707760 or call into 10 Royal Buildings, Stanwell Road, Penarth, CF64 3ED. www.scottwroe-hearingcentre.co.uk

FULLY EQUIPPED MICROSUCTION EARWAX REMOVAL CLINIC

INDEPENDENT

HEARING AID CENTRE & EARWAX REMOVAL CLINIC We provide a truly personal service and aftercare, all of which come with a competitive pricing structure and comprehensive aftercare service.

CLASS ACTS

Stuart McDowell joins Laings

The Cathedral School in Llandaff continues its track record for outstanding results at A level, with its Year 13 students achieving 46 per cent of all grades at A*-A and 73 per cent at A*-B, securing places at the most competitive universities. Dariyan Khan secured the highest possible results with 4 A* in Computing, Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Physics and will read Mathematics at Imperial College. Dariyan, also a former Brazilian Jiujitsu European Champion sil er medal winner says am so ha y with my results t was definitely worth all of the hard work and hours of revision.” For more: www.cathedral-school.co.uk

Top of the class for these Cathedral School students

HOUSE CALL eal estate firm a ills ardiff has a ointed aroline ones as an associate director. Caroline has more than 20 years’ experience as a surveyor in the residential development market in South Wales, and joins Savills from Bruton Knowles, where she worked in the social housing and development team. She says, “My interest in residential development extends as far back as I can remember, and since graduating with a BSc in Estate Management Surveying from the University of Glamorgan in 1998, I haven’t looked back. Now is a particularly critical time for housebuilding in Wales. The drive to deliver many more homes is a key agenda point for Welsh Government and the new housing minister is prioritising a collaborative approach to meet the need for affordable provision.” For more: www.savills.co.uk

SHINING BRIGHT Caroline Jones has joined Savills Cardiff

Stuart McDowell, who has over 20 years’ experience in the high end retail industry, is the newly appointed retail director of the luxury jewellers Laings, which has a branch in The Hayes. Stuart, who has previously worked for Patek Philippe, says, “It is the ethos of the company and the family history that makes Laings such a special place. Everything we do is for a memorable occasion. Our purchases are a moment of celebration and the members of the Laings team are honoured to share these experiences with our customers. We aim to create a special memory for everyone that comes into our stores, welcoming them with the warm family-feel that Laings has.” For more: www.laingsuk.com

CARDIFFWORKS

DEAR SIR The Welsh ational pera artistic director David o ntney is to receive a knighthood for services to opera. David, who has also worked with cottish pera, nglish ational pera, and the Bregen estival, says, am delighted that the genre of opera sho ld, thro gh me, receive the recognition that this hono r estows. am very gratef l to the many companies aro nd the world who gave me a platform to e press my skills in this field. B t most partic larly, am gratef l to all the wonderf l singers, orchestral players, ackstage staff, composers and li rettists who have helped me to practice my craft at an international level, and to the a diences to whom hope we have ro ght the oy and emotion that m sic and theatre have to offer. For more: www.w o.or .

The soon to be Sir David Pountney

These schoolchildren really applied themselves

APP-Y DAYS ardiff school children have worked with ardiff etropolitan niversity st dents to help design an app to improve children’s well eing. The i al e Well eing pp, which enco rages children away from their screens and into the great o tdoors, was created y p pils from Blaenycwm, aes yr a l, alon y ymoedd and Deighton primary schools, nder the g idance of ardiff etropolitan’s ear primary ed cation st dents.

ne of the app’s main advocates, who also contri ted to its creation, is former Wales and international r g y player ichard arks, who says, s a dad, the well eing of o r children is the most important thing to me. sing technology to etter s pport o r mental well eing is an e citing way for yo ng people, and also for all of s, to etter look after o r mental health. For more: www.cardiffmet.ac.

voco St David’s Cardiff won’t be having plastic to stay

Russell Durnell

PLASTIC NOT FANTASTIC ive star hotel voco t David’s ardiff has recently anno nced its intention to oin the fight against single se plastic y implementing fo r ig, s staina le commitments. These incl de edding made from per cent recycled materials, iodegrada le straws, removing plastic ottles from rooms, and aerated showerheads. ssell D rnell, the hotel’s general manager, says, s a voco hotel we’re committed to

creating a positive social and environmental impact in the comm nity. We’re doing o r part to significantly red ce waste witho t compromising o r g ests’ e perience. There is always more we can do to minimise waste, t the work we’re doing to red ce single se plastic alone is a powerf l e ample of how we can come together with g ests, owners, and colleag es to drive positive change. For more: www.voco ote s.com

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

CARDIFFWORKS

ENGINEERS ASSEMBLE More than 260 people attended an Engineering pen o se Day held at ardiff’s Techni est on ly. The e hi ition space was filled with stalls run by local engineering companies, and STEM representatives including Newport Wafer Fabrication; Swansea College of Engineering; Institute of Civil Engineering; IQE; and Welsh Water.

IET Head of Education David Lakin says, We are pleased to say the fifth year of Engineering Open House Day is one of our biggest and most engaging to date. Thanks to the support of 64 companies, we hope more children have had a priceless insight into the world of STEM careers.” For more: www.e i eer a etter wor d.or

Wine, dine and maybe win

Learning to ‘Lego’ of any misconceptions about engineering

WINNERS’ CIRCLES

ROYAL OPENING Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall recently opened a new Maggie’s cancer support centre in the grounds of Velindre Cancer entre, ardiff. Accompanying her was Vaughan ething the ealth inister for Wales, who said at the event, “I am very pleased to see a second Maggie’s centre open its door in Wales. Maggie’s does great work in providing those with cancer, and their families and friends, with emotional and wellbeing support that complements their NHS treatment. I know that this centre is going to assist a very great many people in ardiff and o th ast Wales who are living with cancer.” Along with cancer support drop-in sessions, the centre also offers art therapy workshops, tai-chi classes, and restorative yoga. For more: www.ma iesce tres.or

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

Camilla digs it

The ardiff i e Awards are back following the record-breaking success of this year’s celebrations, with the organisers planning an even stronger event for 2020. This year saw the biggest and best ardiff i e Awards yet with a sold-out attendance of more than 460, with many on the waiting list. The celebratory event, which will be held on 19 March 2020 at City Hall, with nominations beginning in November, is already attracting a high-level of sponsorship including Platinum Sponsors Jelf and Category Sponsors, which incl des ardiff, enero, awkins Thomas, Hotel Indigo, Regus and Savills. MediaClash’s event director Steph Dodd says, “One of the many magic moments of 2019’s Awards was Wales top goal scorer areth Bale presenting an Award via video to Steve Williams of Whitchurch High School.” For sponsorship enquiries, please contact ark eorge mark.george mediaclash.co.uk and for information on how to win a ardiff i e Award, check out the website below.

For more: www.cardi i eawards.co.

CARDIFFWORKS

campaigns, including We o es The ’ iff, where we sold o er , city focused prints, with all proceeds going to homelessness charities across the city. Any ideas that the team have had that haven’t quite worked, and if so, why not? nce, but that was because of other Nature We had to cancel our t a id’s ay plans last year due to the Beast from the ast.

“ST DAVID’S CENTRE HAS NOT ONLY BROUGHT JOBS, BUT ALSO MILLIONS OF VISITORS” Any advice to someone who would like to do similar? Primarily, and most importantly, it would be to get lots of great work e perience under your belt, to sit alongside any degree or diploma.

Hywel Butcher Hywel, St David’s/Dewi Sant Shopping Centre head of marketing, has been with the complex since it opened in 2009. Here he talks about the early days of planning to helping put Cardiff on the map as one of the best cities for shopping in the UK Tell us a little about your background, and your career path? was born in Cardiff, and grew up with my family in Bargoed in the Rhymney alley. y first e er ob was a customer ser ice assistant in Tesco. did a work e perience placement at Red ragon during si th form, which really sparked my interest in working in the ad ertising, marketing and media field. o after graduated pestered them for a ob any ob And did it work? es snapped up a role in the reception team, and worked my way up, ending up as an account manager. When did you join St David’s Shopping Centre? uring my time at the radio station, one of my clients was t a id’s. n early , before the rede elopment, noticed an ad for a marketing position with them and got the ob.

You were there in the early days of the build – what was that like? or months, we were pri y to understanding what the centre would look like, the C images, and seeing it de elop behind the scenes. round the buildings was a huge hoarding, and so many people would stop to try and get a peek. thought seeing the centre being built from the ground up would mean would understand the sense of scale, but seeing it completed was really aw-dropping.

How might you describe your marketing role now, compared to how it was at the beginning? The role has completely e ol ed. great e ample of this was when we first launched, we were one of the first centres in the K to ha e a acebook page. Now, of course, social media is fundamental to marketing strategy. lso, e periential is more important than e er, and we organise more acti ities and isual installations than e er before.

Any standout memories on the day it opened? We’d li ed and breathed the empty building for o er months, so it was actually a really emotional and odd sensation to hand o er the building for the people of Cardiff to en oy. t was an incredible, once-ina-lifetime day. Being part of a landmark de elopment that will continue to be a pi otal part of the capital city for years to come isn’t something you get to do e ery day.

Can you talk us through some of the campaigns have you helped implement? tudent shopping night in ctober was one. t came about after spotting a need to coordinate student discounts or in-store e ents at the same time. That first year we welcomed , students now that figure is nearer to , , and other centres up and down the country are doing similar. ’m also ery proud of our fundraising

What do you think St David’s has brought to the city in term of community? t a id’s is physically a community within itself. There are o er , people working across the centre. t’s not only brought obs, but also millions of isitors, and transformed the city centre to create a springboard for e citing new de elopments throughout Cardiff. lso, community and charity is always at the heart of what we do from our annual Toy ppeal which saw o er , toy donations in , to our long-standing relationships with charities. Where do you like to eat, drink and socialise in Cardiff? To eat, Bar is my absolute fa ourite en oy a drink at the aguna Bar, Park Plaza and to socialise, it’s the olden Cross with my friends. What are the immediate and long-term plans for St David’s? e i’s is about to open its first standalone full line store in Wales, and The y Cardiff is coming to The Hayes. ooking forward, we want to continue to integrate t a id’s into the fabric of Cardiff, and remain a shopping centre the city can be proud of. r

da id ardiff

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 103

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Meet the recruiter

These guys make it their job to match the right jobs with the right people, and in doing so, help Cardiff’s businesses grow and succeed

RACHEL PHILLIPS

KAREN JONES

How long have you worked in recruitment? For over 8 years I have been at the forefront of the legal recruitment marketplace in Cardiff and the South Wales Regions. What are the misconceptions about recruitment? There are several misconceptions about recruitment, the biggest one for me is that we don’t care about building long term relationships and that we’re just looking to make a quick fee. Those of us that are in recruitment are passionate about what we do and the industry we are in. We thrive off building relationships, whether that’s with clients or the candidates, and care that the service we’re providing is good enough for those clients or candidates to have trust in coming back to us. If you could give a bit of advice to a customer what would it be? Whether to a candidate or client, have transparency from the outset, that way there are no surprises and we are able to manage expectations from both sides.

What sets you apart from other recruitment companies? At TSR Legal Recruitment we listen, we care and we get results. We never push, we always advise, and candidates often come to us as a sounding board when they have difficult decisions to make and are not getting impartial and practical advice from other agencies. I’m lucky to have some of the best legal consultants as part of our close team, all with strong recruitment backgrounds and knowledge of the Cardiff market. What are the most rewarding aspects of the job? Placing candidates with the right clients and in the right roles and watching their careers develop. What advice would you give to an employer? Find an honest recruiter who will give you constructive feedback and get to know your business so that you can recruit the best talent.

LEGAL RECRUITMENT MANAGER TSR LEGAL RECRUITMENT 029 2038 8100 www.tsrlegal.co.uk

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

DIRECTOR AND SENIOR HIRES MANAGER TSR LEGAL RECRUITMENT 02920 388100 www.tsrlegal.co.uk

Rachel Phillips

Karen Jones

ADVERTISING FEATURE SALLY HALL

SARAH LEARNEY

How long have you been established for? St David Recruitment has been established since 2002. Having previously worked for national agencies, we wanted to establish an independent agency that offered a professional yet personal service, tailored to the individual needs of our clients. What sets you apart from other agencies? We have an established team of consultants, the majority of whom have been with us in excess of 10 years! Clients appreciate that when they need recruitment assistance, they can work with the same consultant; one who knows their business and the type of candidate that will complement their team. We prefer to meet all candidates before submitting their CV’s, conducting an interview to assess their skills, experience and personality, ensuring that we deliver a reputable service to both parties. How big is your team? We are a team of 12. We have 5 consultants dedicated to permanent recruitment and 4 consultants focussed on fulfilling temporary assignments. Our in-house finance manager is responsible for payroll and accounts, and our branch administrator provides a warm welcome to clients and candidates alike, as well as providing administrative support to the consultants. And then there’s me! I like to oversee the day to day running of the office and keep on top of everything! What areas of recruitment do you specialise in? We specialise in providing permanent and temporary staff within the commercial and industrial sectors at all levels. Within the commercial field we recruit administration staff, customer service, secretarial, marketing, finance and IT. Within the industrial sector we recruit production operatives, cleaners, warehouse and labouring staff. We have also achieved superb success within executive recruitment and are keen to enhance our presence within this area. Over the years our business has changed and evolved; we are adapting our service to meet the requirements of an ever changing workplace and always relish a new challenge.

How long have you worked in recruitment? I have worked in recruitment for almost 10 years, over 7 of which have been at St David Recruitment Services. What are the most rewarding aspects of the job? Making that connection between employer and employee, finding absolutely the right fit on both sides. It is hugely rewarding to support our candidates in securing their next role, but also incredibly exciting to see our clients’ businesses grow with just the right personality and skill set. As a team, our success in permanent recruitment is growing day by day; I could not be more proud of the teams’ achievement. Between myself, Julie, Katie, Chelsea and Jo, we have a strong dynamic which our clients and candidates are keen to replicate. What individual project have you most enjoyed? I thoroughly enjoyed coordinating the office move. After 17 years we had thoroughly outgrown our office space on the outskirts of Cardiff. We have now moved to spacious and modern offices in Cardiff Gate and it was a pleasure to project manage that transition; from sourcing new IT suppliers to arranging the logistics of the move. Our new offices have really injected life into the team and renewed our sense of pride in the business. If you could give one bit of advice to a candidate, what would it be? Pick up the phone! We receive hundreds of CVs every day, most of which clearly demonstrate skills and experience. However, those pieces of paper don’t show the person behind the CV, their individuality or their ambitions. I would encourage any candidate to make a telephone call to follow up on their CV and introduce themselves. It shows confidence, tenacity, and drive and will make their application stand out. As a team, we are always enthusiastic to work with candidates who are committed and passionate about their next career move.

DIRECTOR, ST DAVID RECRUITMENT SERVICES 02920 797920; www.stdavid-recruitment.co.uk

LISA PENNY

RECRUITMENT MANAGER, TEMPORARY DIVISION ST DAVID RECRUITMENT SERVICES 029 2079 7920; www.stdavid-recruitment.co.uk

RECRUITMENT MANAGER, PERMANENT DIVISION ST DAVID RECRUITMENT SERVICES 02920 797920; www.stdavid-recruitment.co.uk

Sally Hall

Sarah Learney

How long have you worked in recruitment? I have worked in recruitment for nearly 15 years, all of which have been at St David Recruitment. Starting off as branch administrator, I have worked my way up through the ranks and am now manager of the temporary division. Prior to becoming a permanent employee here, I was actually the first temporary worker sent out on behalf of the business, working as a part-time receptionist for an accountancy firm. What areas do you specialise in? There isn’t one particular sector of recruitment we specialise in; we are proud to have diversified a lot over the years. We run a very busy desk here, sourcing candidates for business support roles (secretarial, administration reception etc.) as well as production, warehouse or labouring staff for the industrial sector. Working in partnership with public and private organisations, SME’s and larger conglomerates, we pride ourselves in finding temporary staff who complement the existing culture, providing a personal as well as a professional fit to the businesses we

support. How big is your team? I manage the temporary desk with the help of an excellent recruitment assistant, Millie, who has been with the business for 3 years and is an invaluable member of the team. My colleague Amy also returns from maternity leave in September, joining the temporary team on a part-time basis. We also benefit from administrative support; Chantelle is currently employed by us on a temporary basis before she returns to New Zealand later this year. What sets you apart from other recruitment companies? We pride ourselves on building excellent relationships with clients and candidates alike. I take great pleasure meeting with my candidates and can therefore ensure we have a suitable match when recruiting for our clients.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 105

CARDIFFWORKS

“FROM A YOUNG AGE, I HAD A KEEN ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT” that you do not give up in the face of a challenge; there is always something you can learn from being tested.

Peter Leckie

What are the changes you’ve seen in the industry? Being a technology-led industry, the constant changes, upgrades and new products available keep the engineering behind events fresh and fun, especially over the 20 years of Genero’s existence. The growth of social media has had a h ge effect on events, mainly allowing clients and agencies alike more access to trends of event production.

The Cardiff-born and bred managing director of Genero Group, Peter, talks about his role with the event services company and the work they do with the Cardiff Life Awards

Are you Cardiff region born and bred? Penarth has always been my home, as a child I attended Victoria primary school and later Stanwell High School. What has been your career path? From a young age I had a keen entrepreneurial spirit. My love for music production inspired me to open my own record shop in ardiff during my early twenties, along with promoting of dance music events, helping me learn more about the industry. I then started working at the local branch of a national audio-visual company, where I began as a technician and progressed to senior management. From there, about twenty years ago, I saw the opportunity to start an event production agency and Genero was born. Describe Genero to us Genero Group is an exciting and innovative event services company that specialises in taking brands and translating them into live events. We are one stop shop offering services, exhibition production and design, set and stage production and design, event management and media services.

And what is your role? s managing director am the primary decision maker and oversee all aspects of the business. What type of events does Genero do? We work at such a varied range of events, one day we could be in arn oro gh irshow fitting a s are metres chalet fit o t and the next we could be in the mountains of Courchevel installing a conference for 200 surgeons. Are there particularly busy times of the year? The industry is very seasonal; we are going into a conference and exhibition season having just completed a period of awards and dinners, along with summer outdoor events. We produce a vast spectr m of events it is di c lt to pinpoint a specific event which illustrates our work. You work with our Cardiff Life Awards don’t you? The ardiff i e wards is one of o r favourite events to produce because of the creative team behind the scenes; we can really have fun with design. We have loved producing the wards for the past three years it is a social highlight of our year – and

for the whole business community in ardiff. The services we se to produce the awards demonstrate our capabilities in generating successful awards ceremonies. In partnership with ardiff i e, we design, build and install the set and stage, provide the audio-visual elements, lighting, sound, screens and event management. What are the highs in this line of work? One of the best things to experience is producing an event in aid of charity. There is something rewarding in being part of raising money for a good cause. Genero sponsors ardiff Bl es and own Genero Executive Club at Football ssociation Wales, along with having close a liations with grass root teams. What advice would you give to other people who are thinking about taking the plunge into starting their own business? I would advise a beginning entrepreneur to have a solid base of supporters, even if it’s just family and friends. The support that the people around you will offer is essential when teething problems occur. I would also insist

How have the physical changes in Cardiff’s landscape impacted on the business? The building/regenerating of new venues creates a positive change. The recent establishment of the International Conference Centre Wales is a change for the events industry, nationally and internationally, as it offers one of the largest event spaces in the UK. side from traditional ven es, we have seen development of trendy/boutique event spaces, such as Tobacco Dock. The ‘soft’ event product is becoming more important, like delegate experience. Trendy new ven es offer a different guest journey and so have become popular, especially across social media platforms. How do you manage to switch off from work? Work is often busy, so starting my day at the gym helps begin my day in a positive way. I’m also a keen golfer, which helps me switch off, especially on golfing holidays. I have always taken a keen interest in sport, particularly rugby and football. My two children keep me busy, they are both active so you will often find me eing their cha ffe r to football and gymnastics.

For more: e ero ro it riorit ter rise ar er o d stria state arr . te : www. e ero rod ctio s.co.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 107

CARDIFFWORKS

CARDIFF LIFE AWARDS 2019

Hijinx

Hijinx’s business development director Ness Morse and marketing communications manager Vanessa Davies talk about the not-for-profit professional theatre company which casts learning disabled and autistic actors in world-touring performances ARTS WINNER You won! Congratulations! Talk us through the night and what you guys did after. We were very excited to be shortlisted for two awards, alongside so many other great organisations, so we hoped (but didn’t expect) to win anything. To win the Arts Award and then the Platinum Award at the end of the night was overwhelming. We went to the aftershow party (of course!), and then later celebrated with our team. Tell us a little about Hijinx – what is the company’s background? i in started life in , to ring small scale theatre productions throughout Wales to community halls, schools and residential homes. What would you say was the company’s inspiration? Our original goal was to give people – anyone and everyone – a great night out seeing theatre. The ethos of inclusivity has been the constant

thread throughout all our work, past and present. How has that initial motivation evolved? Now we are striving for equality by making outstanding art with learning disabled and/or autistic actors on stage, screen, on the street and in the workplace. We work locally, nationally and internationally. Tell us about the Hijinx academies We train 70 uniquely talented actors around Wales. Our Hijinx actors have conditions such as Down’s Syndrome, autism, and Asperger’s Syndrome. Our vision is to see more learning disabled and or a tistic actors on T and film, as well as on stage. We also have Hijinx aw which is a Wales wide network of community drama courses for everyone who wants to act, regardless of ability or experience. How do you help promote your actors and raise their profiles? They are promoted to the wider theatre, T and film ind stries on

www.hi in actors.co. k, the ’s largest casting platform dedicated to actors with learning disabilities and/or autism. We also produce stunning short films to raise the profile and impact of the unique talents of Hijinx actors.

“WE CAST HIJINX ACTORS BECAUSE OF THEIR ABILITY, NOT DESPITE THEIR DISABILITY” Your actors also do business training don’t they? Yes, Hijinx Business Training is an award winning, specialist training that helps empowers frontline staff in a wide range of businesses with the confidence to comm nicate well with vulnerable customers. Talk us through a recent project that helps illustrates the work Hijinx does Our production Meet Fred epitomises Hijinx: it’s funny, moving, has an incl sive cast and five star reviews. Since premièring at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2016, Meet Fred has toured three continents, 17 countries, 109 cities, and has been translated into 10 languages, including Mandarin, orean and innish. t will ret rn to ardiff’s herman Theatre September, before heading back out to tour across the globe for the indefinite f t re.

Tell us about the team. Who makes up Hijinx? We have a core team of staff, plus freelance tutors and facilitators, and a raft of volunteers who make it all possible.

Vanessa Davies and Ness Morse

What jobs were you both doing before Hijinx? Ness: was a pro ect and events manager in corporate law and tech sectors. then retrained in arts management. Vanessa: trained in graphics, worked publishing and then management roles

in design agencies before switching over to marketing. What are the ‘outside’ perceptions about the work you do? We don’t work with learning disabled and/or autistic people because it’s the right thing to do (which it is), or because everyone deserves access to a rich cultural life (which they do). We work with them because our understanding of humanity is enriched when we view the world from a different perspective. We cast Hijinx actors because of their ability, not despite their disability. Is there someone in business that you admire and try learn from? Vanessa: Mari Arthur, CEO of Cynnal Cymru (among many other roles). She is simply an amazing businesswoman who is a force for change in Wales and lovely with it. Ness: Our whole board have inspired me over my eight years with Hijinx, especially Debra Barber, CEO of ardiff irport, as an ind stry leading woman in business. Any immediate/long term plans for Hijinx in the pipeline? We’re currently working with National Theatre Wales on our largest production to date. Mission Control will feature all our Hijinx actors from the academies in the inclusive cast and will e performed in central ardiff. Where do you see the business in a year, five or ten years? We la nched a new film strand this year and we hope to see amazing incl sive films, developed with ind stry partners through this, appearing at film festivals and screenings in the and internationally in years to come. We also have plans to open more actor training academies in Wales as well as a ‘Backstage Academy’ for those interested in stage and production management and technical skills.

For more: Hijinx c/o WMC, Bute Place. ardiff a . ardiff. F . te : . www. i i .or .

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 111

LLANDENNIS AVENUE Elsie Chadwick finds o t why this charming yncoed home is on every ody’s most wanted list

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

here may e trendier areas, more hip, more happening, more p and coming. There may e se ier ho ses. t might e that yo co ld find more l e, more rooms, more pools, more e pensive. B t what yo will find with this detached si ed in yncoed is the s m of its parts e als a whole load of everything yo co ld yo want in a home. irstly, let’s weigh p its location. yncoed oasts some of the highest property prices in the whole of Wales, and when yo e plore the area, it’s not di c lt to see why this is one of ardiff’s most so ght after and desira le s r s. rchitect rally ea tif l homes sit along its sweeping, wide, tree lined roads, s ch as this Llandennis ven e address, many with views over the mesmerising oath Lake, and all st min tes away from the elegant oath ark, a classic ictorian ark, tho ghtf lly landscaped and teeming with fascinating historical interest and hortic lt ral diversity incl ding wild ower gardens and lo sy oral displays. There’s also yncoed’s ed cational offerings the

PROPERTY

acclaimed ardiff igh, and Lakeside rimary chool, pl s, adding that to ch of energy and vitality to help stop the area ecoming staid, is ardiff niversity’s camp s and halls of residence. The property itself, ilt in , has only een on the market once before, which means while the décor might need a little updating (turn to page 18 for few ideas in that department), it speaks as a testament to how much of a loved home this house is. The long gated driveway, anked y a mat re garden and hedgerow with lawn and shrub borders, leads to a detached triple garage with electric doors. The leaded stained glass do le front doors open onto an impressively grand central entrance hall with original features including plate stands, coving and a feat re fireplace. nother showstopper is the ornate staircase, adorned with the original newel posts. riginal feat res s ch as ay windows, par et ooring, pict res rails, fireplaces, rench windows, mantelpieces, and coving, are to e fo nd everywhere in this home, from

the triple aspect drawing room to the huge, perfect-for-allthe-clan-at-Christmas dining room. Ideal for feeding the aforementioned generations is the espoke fitted kitchen with nder the tiled oor heating. There are wall and ase units with granite worktops over. Integrated appliances include a fridge/freezer, dishwasher, range cooker with extractor and double circular sinks with inset drainer. There’s even a separate reakfast room that contains the gem of a rare bread oven with slate surround. Continuing downstairs, there’s a sef l tility room, and conservatory with that handy all weather nder oor heating, with French doors leading out to the wraparound terraced dining area and the lush, extensive landscaped gardens. pstairs there’s a master edroom with a l e en s ite pl s the good si ed family athroom. The five other bedrooms boast more of those original features including oak ooring, and leaded stained windows, with views overlooking the grounds. Putting together all these factors means the has-it-all 10 Llandennis Avenue scores a solid 10 out of 10. ■

HOUSE NUMBERS Total sq ft 5,286 Guide price £1.8m Bedrooms 6 Garages 3 Reception rooms 5 For more: Savills Cardiff, 5th floor, 2 Kingsway, Cardiff. tel: 029 2036 8900; www.savills.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 117

www.pablack.co.uk Prestige homes from Peter Alan

Heath Park Avenue, Heath ÂŁ525,000 EPC = D Heath Branch 02920 219833

Semi-detached fully improved Aand greatly extended three double bedroom double fronted bungalow with large and lovely private south facing gardens. New 5/6 car drive, garage, 21 ft x 19 ft bespoke kitchen, dining room and family room with bi folding doors, stylish new down stairs cloak room, large lounge with bay window, stunning family shower room with bespoke fittings, lovely location set back with wide and deep front gardens, walking distance to Heath Park, prestigious sought after location, no chain, must be seen.

www.pablack.co.uk Prestige homes from Peter Alan

The Willows, Peterstone Wentloog ÂŁ465,000 EPC = F Rumney Branch 02920 792888

Unique and substantial detached four double bedroom chalet style house with large and lovely private surrounding gardens, level and tree lined for maximum privacy, stunning rural location just a short distance to the coast line, 25ft lounge, 14ft conservatory, study, kitchen, utility room. Two garage, private 5 car gated entrance drive, must be seen. No chain.

CARDIFF LIVES

“I went into a sort of meltdown” I saw Barbara Streisand in Hello Dolly on television when I was eight or nine. I touched the screen and I said ‘I want to do that, I want to sing and dance in the street, I want to do what that lady does.’ I always knew that I wanted to be an actor. There was never any plan B. I did every youth theatre that would have me, and every school play. I joined Orbit Theatre who were based on Mill Lane. I also did South Glamorgan Youth Theatre, South Glamorgan Youth Choir. I then went on to National Youth Theatre Wales with Michael Sheen and Ruth Jones amongst others.

RAKIE AYOLA The actor and producer talks about her Cardiff childhood, going off the rails at 14, and her co-star Rhys Ifans Rakie’s extensive acting CV includes Holby City; playing Hermione Granger in the West End production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child; and Doctor Who. She is currently performing at the Sherman Theatre alongside Rhys Ifans and Jason Hughes in On Bear Ridge. Rakie, who was brought up in Cardiff, is married to the actor Adam Smethurst, with whom she has two daughters. Together they run the production company Shanty Productions, which currently has a film production of Twelfth Night available on Amazon and iTunes.

I grew up in Ely, on the west side of Cardiff. I went to Windsor Clive Primary school and Glan Ely High, which later became Michaelston Community

College. I did a diploma in acting at Royal College of Music and Drama, which wasn’t royal when I was there.

I was very well behaved until my mum passed away. I didn’t go completely mad, but I did ecome a different person in lots of ways. Before I would never have back chatted a teacher, but when I was 16 I unravelled completely and that’s when I dropped out of school just before sitting my A levels. I went into a sort of meltdown. I had a place at drama school, so I couldn’t see the point of school any more.

I was raised by my relatives, Olive and Amadu Ball. We lived on Moore Close in a two-bed semi. I stayed there until I was 19 then moved into central ardiff. Olive passed away when I was 14, so that brought with it all the things you might expect.

My first job was at Bessemer Road market on a Sunday selling jeans. I remember one week at the end of my shift my bag was nicked. It had all my pay in it – everything I’d earned that day had disappeared. I had to walk to my rehearsals for Orbit’s show of Music Man (I was one of the village children), and I remember trying so hard not to cry.

When I was a kid we all used to go through Plymouth Woods and play in St Fagan’s Castle which was a lot smaller than it is now. I’m not sure how they really felt about having groups of feral children using the museum as a playground. We used to love running about there and playing in Ely River, despite our parents giving us instructions not to.

I learnt so much from my time on Holby City – how to organise multiple scripts coming in all the time, and holding on to a story line for weeks, if not months. It taught me to make decisions instantly when you’ve had little or no rehearsal. I also got to work with some brilliant people on that show who have become friends.

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

It was fascinating being part of the wizarding world of Harry Potter, and I loved the fans. I’ve known Rhys since 1991 when we worked together for BBC Wales. Rhys has an encyclopaedic mind and is warm and funny, and hugely talented. I’ve also known Jason a bit longer but we haven’t worked together before. It’s a joy to be working with them both. I’m not a fluent Welsh speaker, but I can pronounce Welsh, so I can pretend to be a Welsh speaker, as in, I could learn it parrot fashion. I do understand the rules of the language as I did a course many years ago. So if I see a Welsh word I know how to read it, and if I hear Welsh, I can pick out words. But I didn’t stick with it, which is a shame. I love hearing people speak it, particularly when I’m not in Wales. The last meal I ate out in Cardiff was at Conway Pub with my family. We recently went to the Edinburgh Festival as a family. This was o r fifth year, and saw 12 shows in three days. Last year it was 13, so I was slacking a little. My ambitions are to keep earning my living as an actor as well, to meet and learn from as many professionals in this business as I can; to avoid the strange people; and to see our Shanty Productions version of Twelfth Night used by more educational institutions around the world. ■ On Bear Ridge, which is a National Theatre Wales and Royal Court co-production, is premièring at the erma eatre i ardiff ti 5 October before transferring to London’s Royal Court Theatre. For more: www.shermantheatre.co.uk