Cardiff Life - Issue 241

ISSUE 241 / AUGUST 2021 / £3

@CardiffLifeMag

CELEBRATING THE BEST IN THE CITY, PENARTH & THE VALE

HELLO, IT’S TEA

TREAT YOURSELF, IT’S AFTERNOON TEA WEEK

ISSUE 241 / AUGUST 2021 / IN GOOD TASTE

BE MY GUEST

LUXE DÉCOR INSPIRATION FROM LOCAL HOTELS

SUMMER DAZE

OUR FAVOURITE OUTDOOR SPOTS AND EVENTS

NOT JUST PUB GRUB

OUR REVIEW OF KINGS ARMS PENTYRCH

ALL THE ZEST LUSH INTERIORS GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT

© NATHAN ROACH, COAL POET MEDIA

EDITOR’S LETTER

We’re looking forward to the days of enjoying shoulderto-shoulder live gigs once again, like this Sonja Moonear rave at Portland House. See more on page 30

I

f you usually look forward to staying in an upmarket hotel every now and again, you may have been missing your fi of boutique style over the past however many travel-restricted months. If you swoon at high-end hotel interiors and the atmosphere they create, then you may as well bring some of those ideas into your own home so you can enjoy them all the time. We asked local hotels to share their aesthetics with us, and we then browsed a handful of the city’s interior décor shops to match the looks (page 9).

Elsewhere, we have a whole host of events for you on page , find our review of the first comedy club we’ve been to in over 18 months, Leroy Brito’s Laughter Line-up at Wales Millennium Centre find the new Fresh Wild Brunch Social on page 45; our indie music venue special is on page 30; there’s a look ahead to what’s coming up at Wales’ largest music festival, Green Man, on page 28; and of course the long-awaited, in-person a Awards are on their way ne t month September), see what to e pect on page .

Life feels like it’s almost back in full swing now, doesn’t it? (I should say, as a caveat, this feeling is at the time of writing only, as we all know how things can change swiftly these days!) If there was ever a time to get ‘out there’ and get stuck into an e citing array of goings on, it’s now Enjoy your freedom.

CardiffTogether, always

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s ydych fel arfer yn mwynhau aros yn awr ac yn y man mewn gwesty moethus, efallai i chi weld colli’r cy eoedd i ymlacio mewn gwestai boutique yn ystod y misoedd diwethaf pan oedd cyfyngiadau ar deithio.

Ond os ydych yn dwlu ar y modd y mae gwestai’n cael eu haddurno ac yn ho ’r naws y maent yn ei chreu, beth am ddefnyddio rhai o’r syniadau hynny yn eich cartref fel y gallwch eu mwynhau drwy’r amser? Gwnaethom ofyn i rai gwestai lleol sôn wrthym am y modd y maent yn addurno eu hystafelloedd, ac aethom wedyn i rai o siopau’r ddinas i chwilio am ddecor tebyg (ar dudalen 9).

Fel arall, rydym yn rhoi sylw i lwyth o ddigwyddiadau ar dudalen 25 fe welwch ein hadolygiad o’r clwb comedi cyntaf i ni fod ynddo ers dros 18 mis, sef Leroy’s Laughter Line-up yng Nghanolfan y Mileniwm; ar dudalen 45 rydym yn mwynhau brecinio cymdeithasol, sef menter newydd marchnad ffermwyr Fresh Wild ar dudalen rydym yn rhoi sylw arbennig i leoliadau cerddoriaeth indi; ar dudalen rydym yn bwrw golwg ar yr arlwy yng ng yl gerddoriaeth fwyaf Cymru, sef yl y Dyn wyrdd ac wrth gwrs, bydd seremoni wyneb yn wyneb Gwobrau a , y bu disgwyl mawr amdani, yn cael ei chynnal fis nesaf ar Medi). allwch weld rhag as ohoni ar dudalen .

Mae bywyd yn awr fel pe bai’n ôl i’w brysurdeb arferol, on’d yw e’ Mae’n si r y dylwn ychwanegu mai felly y mae’n teimlo adeg ysgrifennu’r rhagair hwn, oherwydd rydym i gyd yn gwybod bod pethau’n gallu newid yn sydyn y dyddiau hyn!) Nawr, heb os, yw’r amser i ‘fentro allan’ a mwynhau amrywiaeth cyffrous o ddigwyddiadau Mwynhewch eich rhyddid. #CaerdyddYnghyd, bob amser

LISA EVANS Follow us on Twitter @CardiffLifeMag Instagram @cardifflifemag

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

Issue 241 / August 2021 COVER emon wallpaper good enough to eat, from South Wales indie business, WallFunk. Turn to page for more.

FEATURES 9

BE YOUR GUEST Get the look of a luxury hotel in your

own home

30 BIG INTERVIEW A look into the wild life of a local

© NATHAN ROACH, COAL POET MEDIA

concert photographer

THE ARTS

21 ARTS INTRO The Cardiff MAD Summer Art Prize

has announced two winners

22 WHAT’S ON Arts, shows and upcoming events, it’s all

going on in Cardiff

25 ARTS REVIEW We went along to Leroy Brito’s Laughter

ine up at Wales Millennium Centre

28 BEST OF THE FEST reen Man, Wales’ largest festival,

30

is back!

Throwing it back to Jo Whiley at Tramshed

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SHOPPING

37 SHOPPING INTRO et a zest for life with these funky

citrus handmade wallpapers

38 EDITOR’S CHOICE Pinky fingers up, it’s Afternoon

Tea Week

LOOKING GOOD

40 FASHION It’s feeling hot hot hot!

41 HAIR WE GO Advice from Cardiff’s leading hair

loss specialist

FOOD & DRINK

43 SUSTAINABLE EATS Bringing you the city’s eco

success stories

45 THANKS A BRUNCH The Sunday Brunch Social has

arrived at Fresh & Wild

48 RESTAURANT REVIEW Our thoughts on the pub grub

with a difference at ings Arms Pentyrch

PROPERTY

51 PROPERTY INTRO A secret courtyard is coming

to Cardiff

52 SHOWCASE A look inside The Old Rectory in St. ythans

BUSINESS

60 CARDIFFWORKS News and views and awesome

local businesses

REGULARS

7 SPOTLIGHT Just a handful of feel-good stories 35 WYBURN AND WAYNE Our columnists have been out

and about again

Green Man has returned

55 SCENE Snapping three of the city’s latest hip happenings 66 CARDIFF LIVES Cardiff singer MantaRayBryn’s new

creative release

Editor Lisa Evans lisa.evans@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 Nathan Wyburn, Wayne Courtney, Jane Cook Advertising manager Mark George mark.george@mediaclash. co.uk Account manager Claire Hawkins claire.hawkins@mediaclash.co.uk Production/Distribution manager Sarah Kingston sarah.kingston@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy production manager Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@mediaclash.co.uk Production designer Gemma Scrine gemma.scrine@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. 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

SPOTLIGHT Angela Wetherall with her dogs Bobby and Poppy at the brand-new Dogs Trust Cardiff

Charity

BARKING NEWS

After more than two years since building work began, Dogs Trust Cardiff has o cially welcomed its first waggy residents. The brand-new rehoming centre on Nettlefold Road, just a quick walkies away from Cardiff Bay, features top of the range facilities, including under oor heated kennels, hydrotherapy, grooming and veterinary suites, and all weather e ercise paddocks set within eight acres.

As well as rehoming dogs to loving new families, Dogs Trust goes to huge lengths to help stray and abandoned dogs and rehabilitate those pups in need of a little e tra help, with a dedicated training and behaviour team. The centre will also be a base for other teams who help to promote responsible dog ownership across South Wales, including ducation O cers who provide dog safety workshops and resources to schools, and Dog School South Wales who provide training classes.

The wait is finally over and we couldn’t be more e cited to bring Dogs Trust to Cardiff, says Angela Wetherall, manager.

Bringing a rehoming centre to Cardiff was the dream of our late chief e ecutive and patriotic Welshman Adrian Burder, and we are proud to be continuing his dream by turning it into reality.

For more: www.dogstrust.org.uk

Environment

SEAS THE DAY Are you BeachCleanReady The Marine Conservation Society has launched its annual reat British Beach Clean, with a call for volunteers across Wales to join the charity’s wide event ne t month – September). very year, plastic dominates the top five most common litter items on Welsh beaches, says ill Bell, head Volunteers across Wales will help out at the Great British Beach Clean. Will you be one of them?

of conservation Wales) at the Marine Conservation Society. These are things like bottle caps and lids, plastic packaging and cigarette stubs, which don’t biodegrade so will be in the environment for a very long time. very one of these items that volunteers help to remove will reduce pollution’s impact on the environment and our precious wildlife.

By removing litter before it makes its way to our waterways, we can help reduce pollution reaching our ocean. o matter where you live, you can help. very year, volunteers make note of the litter they collect, sharing the data with the Marine Conservation Society’s e perts. The charity has used data collected to make the successful case for carrier bag charges across the , and is now campaigning for Deposit Return Schemes for all types of drinks containers. et in touch to help make a change.

For more: www.mcsuk.org

The Queer Emporium is now a permanent fixture in Cardiff

LGBT+

LET ME BE PERFECTLY QUEER

It started as a pop up shop during Pride Month in une, but The ueer mporium has announced that it will now have a permanent home in Morgan uarter, Cardiff. The shop proudly showcases BT makers’ and ueer independent businesses’ products – from books and jewellery to artisan cakes, clothes, wines and candles – and has been celebrated for bringing the community together and for putting e citing events and shows in the Arcades. Congrats, team For more: www.thequeeremporium.co.uk

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HOTELS voco St David’s stands proudly in Cardiff Bay

© TOM DAVIES @TOMAESH ON INSTAGR AM

BE YOUR

GUEST

Fancy bagging the look of a high-end hotel in your own home? Here we hunt through local interior shops to match the décor of some of Cardiff’s most popular overnight spots

By Lisa Evans www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 9

© SIMON CALL AGHAN PHOTOGR APHY

Panoramic views of the Bay await at voco St David’s

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he city has some truly lu e hotels which are dripping in rela ed yet refined chic. If you want to sprinkle that same bouti ue magic in your own humble abode, here’s an array of ideas on how to do just that

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VOCO ST DAVID’S

This highly acclaimed, landmark luxury five star hotel in Cardiff Bay is host to iconic architecture, the award winning Marine Spa, and destination dining. Make yourself at home, rela and gaze across the waterfront from this soaring building with its central glass front and its crest reminiscent of a ship’s sail perched atop it. Inside, you’ll find a spectacular curved atrium which rises all the way to the top, and there’s abstract art and colour pops aplenty.

Havannah Street; www.stdavids.vocohotels.com

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HOTELS 5

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© SIMON CALL AGHAN PHOTOGR APHY

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8 9 A seafoam green palette at voco, inspired by its waterfont location

© SIMON CALL AGHAN PHOTOGR APHY

SHOPPING LIST

The Admiral restaurant at voco

1. Gold cushion, £25, John Lewis & Partners, St David’s, The Hayes, Cardiff; www.johnlewis.com 2. Midnight fabric, £20 per metre, Athena Interiors, Cwmbran; www.athenainteriors.co.uk 3. La Scala Ottoman, £ 1,570, Natuzzi, Cardiff Bay; www.shop.natuzzi.co.uk 4. Tom Dixon lamp, £775, John Lewis 5. Obsidian Wallpaper, POA, Athena Interiors 6. Don Giovanni sofa, from £3,190, Natuzzi 7. Abstract lampshade, £65, Matico Studio, Whitchurch; www.MaticoStudio.etsy.com 8. Mustard footstool, £199, John Lewis 9. Jute basket, £65, Tabitha Eve, Pontypridd; www.tabithaeve.co.uk

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The Parkgate marries stylish innovation with the elegance of yesteryear

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THE PARKGATE HOTEL

The Parkgate Hotel, located just a drop kick from the Principality Stadium, will launch in style this autumn with opportunities to stay close to the action when the might of the southern hemisphere visit Wales for this year’s Autumn Nations Series. Dating from the turn of the 20th Century, the Grade-II listed building’s most striking period features have been brought out in a careful restoration that marries stylish innovation with the elegance of yesteryear. The hotel includes 170 guest bedrooms and suites, a signature restaurant and bar, an elegant tea lounge, and a luxurious rooftop spa overlooking the skyline of the capital.

Westgate Street; www.celtic-manor.com

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HOTELS 5

© GODDARD LIT TLEFAIR INTERIOR DESIGN

SHOPPING LIST

1. Apulo sofa, from £11,920, Natuzzi, Cardiff Bay; www.shop.natuzzi.co.uk 2. Odeon pendant by Timothy Oulton, POA, Di Oro Interiors, Ridgeway, Cardiff; www.diorointeriors.co.uk 3. Hexagon lampshade, £69, Matico Studio, Whitchurch; www.MaticoStudio.etsy.com 4. Tamon side table by Liang & Eimil, £316, Di Oro Interiors 5. Ceiling light, £445, Athena Interiors, Cwmbran; www.athenainteriors.co.uk 6. Ergo chair, from £10,030, Natuzzi 7. Shoreditch dressing table, £799, Hamptons, Penarth; www.hamptonspenarth.co.uk 8. Elsa lamp, £840, Natuzzi 9. Alice chair by Liang & Eimil at House of Isabella, £375, Di Oro Interiors

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© GODDARD LIT TLEFAIR INTERIOR DESIGN

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9 The rooms at The Parkgate are a stylish affair

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The executive rooms and suites at The Vale are spacious and refined

THE VALE RESORT

Sleek and sophisticated, the rooms at The Vale Resort offer a sanctuary in which to unwind while overlooking the panoramic scenery of their championship golf courses or the landscaped gardens that surround them. Or you might just prefer to disentangle at their spa – which is Wales’ largest – or indulge at their award-winning restaurant. The choice is yours.

Hensol, Vale of Glamorgan; www.valeresort.com

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We could spend hours in the spa-like bathrooms at The Vale

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HOTELS

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SHOPPING LIST

1. Voyage table, from £2,510, Natuzzi, Cardiff Bay; www.shop.natuzzi.co.uk 2. Basin Mixer £150, Athena Interiors, Cwmbran; www.athenainteriors.co.uk 3. Painted boat bath, from £1,702, The Tap End, Pontyclun; www.thetapend.design 4. Green hex tiles, from £8.95, The Tap End 5. Wall light, £90, Athena Interiors 6. Mini marble board, £18, Ty Deco, Church Village; www.tydeco.co.uk 7. Shoreditch footstool, £220, Hamptons, Penarth; www.hamptonspenarth.co.uk 8. Campus table, £1,880, Natuzzi 9. Ema Bed, from £4,240, Natuzzi

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CLAYTON HOTEL

Tangerine dreams at Clayton Hotel

At Clayton, go for a bright and airy standard room – with luxury mattresses, linens and incredible views of the city – or upgrade to a well-appointed, warm deluxe or executive room with additional perks of bathrobes, slippers, a Kaymed pillow-top mattress an espresso coffee machine to help start the day. All rooms were refurbished to Clayton standard in .

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SHOPPING LIST

1. Auburn cushion, £20, John Lewis & Partners, St David’s, The Hayes, Cardiff; www.johnlewis.com 2. Moore chair, from £1,140, Natuzzi, Cardiff Bay; www.shop.natuzzi.co.uk 3. Anthony Waller Sienna Mood canvas, £275, John Lewis

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Art-deco meets intoxicating floral glamour at The Ivy Cardiff

THE IVY CARDIFF

Ok, it’s not a hotel, but we had to add The Ivy in as a wild card establishment because its headily glamorous oral décor has inspired style choices city wide – including Stacey Hawkes’ home interiors from our previous issue of a ; Stacey overhauled her Victorian Llanishen townhouse with the ineffable opulence of The Ivy’s bathrooms in mind – plenty of golds, pinks and petals. The venerable restaurant features art-deco columns and covings alongside vibrant paintings and prints and is slick, tasteful and immaculately kept. a a ya

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HOTELS SHOPPING LIST 5

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1. Paloma Opera crystal glass champagne saucers, £10, John Lewis & Partners, St David’s, The Hayes, Cardiff; www.johnlewis.com 2. Virnia Turquoise tiles, from £394.80, The Tap End, Pontyclun; www.thetapend.design 3. Reusable plastic-free Kitchen None Sponge, £7.95, Tabitha Eve, Pontypridd; www.tabithaeve.co.uk 4. Pink daisies, £16 a bunch, Wilde Posies, Ynysybwl; www.wildeposies.com 5. Vintage Homeware Treasure, from £8, Wilde Posies 6. Mindthegap Bermuda wallpaper, from £175, John Lewis 7. Frith sculpture Just Dance figurine by Mitko Kavrikov, £70, John Lewis 8. Bobbin storage footstool, £149, John Lewis 9. Swoon Lovelace bar cart, £399, John Lewis 10. Bo-Mo decorative tiles, £394.80, The Tap End

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The bathrooms at The Ivy are something to marvel at

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HOTELS 1

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3 The convenience of home with the luxury of a hotel at Park Lane

Park Lane doesn’t shy away from colour

PARK LANE

At this stylish aparthotel in the heart of Cardiff, choose from a collection of bouti ue one and two bedroom apartments to rban studios – perfect for those visiting the city for a shorter stay. The development boasts social spaces, co working and meeting spaces enabling you to live, work and meet all under one roof. This is a part of rban Space, a business which aims to offer the convenience of home with the lu ury of a hotel. Their other locations include uay Side and Century Wharf at Cardiff Bay, and oodstay at oodsheds Barry. a a a a a

BOTH ROOM PHOTOS © CARDIFF WEDDING PHOTOGR APHER

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SHOPPING LIST 5 6

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

1. Cushion, £25, Matico Studio, Whitchurch; www.MaticoStudio.etsy.com 2. Ecotwist plant pot, £14.95, Tabitha Eve, Pontypridd; www.tabithaeve.co.uk 3. Swoon Radley loveseat, £999, John Lewis & Partners, St David’s, The Hayes, Cardiff; www.johnlewis.com 4. Tenby lamp table, £175, Hamptons, Penarth; www.hamptonspenarth.co.uk 5. Six mirror, £125, Hamptons 6. Malini cushions, £29.99, Hamptons 7. Ellipse chair, £349, John Lewis 8. Rochester Mirror, £120, Athena Interiors, Cwmbran; www.athenainteriors.co.uk

HOTELS HOLM HOUSE

Calming coastal-inspired interiors at Holm House

Situated just a pebble’s throw away from Penarth Pier, Holm House has taken its interior design inspiration from its coastal setting. A calming neutral palette ma imises different textures and tones, with hues of blue throughout, creating the ultimate ‘marine chic’ vibe throughout the luxurious boutique hotel.

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SHOPPING LIST

Four-poster dreams at Holm House

1. Shiomi wallpaper, from £40, John Lewis & Partners, St David’s, The Hayes, Cardiff; www.johnlewis.com 2. Viaggio chair, from £2,300, Natuzzi, Cardiff Bay; www.shop.natuzzi.co.uk 3. Enso mirror, £110, Hamptons, Penarth; www.hamptonspenarth.co.uk 4. Teal cushion, £25, John Lewis 5. Coffee table, £470, Athena Interiors, Cwmbran; www.athenainteriors.co.uk 6. Urban spherical lamp, £126, Hamptons 7. Hiko ceiling shade, £55, John Lewis

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THE A L B A N Y G A L L E RY PETTER KETTLE, MICHELLE SCRAGG 19 August - 11 September 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: Mon-Wed by appointment only, Thurs-Sat 10am - 5pm, Sun 11am - 4pm

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

Floater No.6 Escape, oil and pencil on panel, by Ellie Young, £250

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SO PRI

The biennial Cardiff MAD Summer Art Prize – which was established to bring attention and focus to professional artists in Wales, and Cardiff in particular – went ahead on uly.

It saw joint winners this year, with ate Shooter and llie oung both coming out on top. The two artists will receive a solo show at MAD in , a year’s curatorial support, and a cash prize to support their practice in the run up to their respective e hibitions.

This raises the bar in several ways it announces a dedicated period of intention to produce a new body of work, within a curatorial framework of development through conversation towards a show it focuses promotional energies and press into creating audience interest and engagement and there’s a stated element of investment to draw other funding support for the artist from public bodies and private sponsors.

It has successfully helped to establish the careers of emerging artists such as ena Blackwell and ucia ones, as well as creating attention and interest from the art viewing arena within Wales and beyond. It acknowledges that serious talent e ists and can thrive outside of ondon.

The Genie And The Snake, mixed media on canvas, by Kate Shooter, £1,200

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WHAT’S ON From 6 August onwards

Wales’ biggest festival, Green Man, is back!

Always check Covid-19 restrictions and instructions with venues before your visit

PLAYS / SHOWS / PERFORMANCES Until 12 August

HOOF! Following the success of a spring tour, Theatr Iolo will perform their outdoor family show HOOF! to families across the length and breadth of Wales.

Starring three tap-dancing deer, the show has been created in collaboration with Kitsch & Sync, a company most well known for their walk-about performances at festivals, and will be performed outside in Theatr Iolo’s Travelling Theatre.

Various locations around Wales; www.theatriolo.com

Until 25 August

CABARET SEASON Wales Millennium Centre has begun to welcome audiences back into its iconic building with its cabaret programme.

Throughout the summer, they’ll be featuring the very best acts from the world of cabaret, music and theatre in their Weston Studio and Donald Gordon Stage. A handful of our favourites include: the queen of Welsh cabaret’s Connie Orff Straight Outta ockdown (13 August); Zion Road, a touring reggae/ska band (18 August); Shell Suit Cher: Believe in Bingo! (20 August); and the Welsh Kiki Ball which prioritises

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and celebrates BT colour (21 August).

Wales Millennium Centre; www.wmc.org.uk

people of

6 – 7 August

NDCWALES: OPEN AIR PERFORMANCE National Dance Company Wales (NDCWales) invites you to join them for an open-air performance to rediscover the joy of dancing this summer.

Chapter Arts; www.chapter.org

22 August

THE SOUTH The South, featuring former members of The Beautiful South, are coming to play Cardiff this summer. The nine-piece band have spent 11 years touring the theatres and festivals of the UK up and down the country, bringing back the full sound and arrangements of treasured songs such as A Little Time (the number one single), Perfect 10, Rotterdam, and Don’t Marry Her. a a

Ongoing for the rest of the year FRIDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT COMEDY

Treat yourself to an evening of award-winning comedy with four superb stand-up comedians that will keep you laughing until Monday. For only.

The Glee Club; www.glee.co.uk

16 September

MARK THOMAS, 50 THINGS ABOUT US In his latest show, Mark Thomas combines his trademark mix of storytelling, stand-up, mischief and really, really well researched material to examine how we have come to inhabit this divided wasteland that some of us call the UK. Sherman Theatre; www.shermantheatre.co.uk

ART/ PHOTOGRAPHY/ EXHIBITIONS Until 14 August

SUMMER SHOW The show will be an opportunity to revisit some of the work previously only available online including Sarah Carvell’s Tenby Houses, Gerald Green’s subtle interiors and impressions of Venice and Paris, ohn ines’ nostalgic allotment antics, and Nick Pritchard’s

landscapes of South Wales.

The Albany Gallery; www.albanygallery.com

Until 11 September

SURVEY II This is a national partnership exhibition led by Jerwood Arts, bringing together new work by 10 early-career artists, whose practice spans from photography and moving-image to sculpture and sound installation. a a

21 August – 11 September

PETER KETTLE, MICHELLE SCRAGG Peter Kettle’s new collection is based on sections of The Cambrian Way Walk; and expect vibrant, bold, colourful abstracts, with a few recognisable town and cityscapes including South West Wales, from Michelle Scragg.

The Albany Gallery; www.albanygallery.com

Until January 2022

THE FUTURE HAS A PAST This new multidisciplinary exhibition has been co-curated with Amgueddfa Cymru Producers and artist Henry Alles, and explores the past as a means of discovering the future.

St Fagans National Museum of History; www.museum.wales

WHAT’S ON

2 and 3 October

INSIDE OUT FESTIVAL Be enveloped by sights and sounds that will stimulate all of your senses.

Inside Out brings the best of the outside world, in to the festival. Welcome. To. topia. a a

OTHER Ongoing

© STEVE ULL ATHORNE

ABOVE: Michelle Scragg’s paintings will be exhibited at The Albany Gallery LEFT: Mark Thomas is bringing his version of stand-up to the Sherman Theatre

programme of events and activities running throughout the summer holidays, the three-week festival will take place on the lawn in front of Cardiff’s City all. At the family friendly fiesta, e pect a range of activities from trying circus skills to watching theatre performances. y a ya

THE QUEER EMPORIUM The ’s first ever ueer emporium opened in Cardiff for Pride Month (June) but has just been made a permanent fi ture in Morgan Arcade. It features an abundance of LGBT+ makers and independent businesses, and, they will also be hosting a series of events in the Royal Arcade, including live comedy nights, drag and workshops.

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14 August

All summer

DEPOT IN THE CASTLE This event has been rescheduled, and organisers have also added a new act, with Tom Grennan confirmed to support aiser Chiefs. a a a

14 August

FOOD

Until the end of August

SUNDAY BRUNCH SOCIAL The brand-new Sunday Brunch Social has arrived at Canton’s Fresh Wild farmer’s market at The Boneyard on Paper Mill Road. pect brunch themed goodies, from Bloody Marys and Shakshuka to Asian breakfast dumplings and American pancakes. ya a a

Until October

STREET FOOD TERAS Wales Millennium Centre paired up with street food connoisseurs Street Food Warehouse to launch an epic new foodie venture in the heart of Cardiff Bay. The Street Food Teras will host some of Cardiff’s best independent traders in an all-new outdoor seating space, open daily for your lunchtime bites and fuelling your summer evenings with drinks

and local foodie favourites. a M a

FESTIVALS Until 9 August

LIVE UNDER THE STARS FESTIVAL ive nder the Stars presents a magical festival of music and theatre in the beautiful surroundings of Cardiff Castle. njoy one off performances from West nd shows and Welsh stars from the stage and screen. a a a a

Until 29 August

SUMMER OF SMILES Smiles are set to spread across faces in every corner of the city as Cardiff’s Summer of Smiles announces a city centre festival.

As part of the capital’s city wide

GLITTER PRIDE litter Cymru, a Cardiff based global community group dedicated to LGBTQ+ ethnic minority individuals, will host Glitter Pride online. pect dating and companionship in a post-Covid world; show and tell; self-care strategies; and a segment on working with allies. y

19 – 22 August

GREEN MAN Wales’ largest music festival, reen Man, is back It’ll kick off in the epic surroundings of the Black Mountains, and some incredible acts are set to perform across the four-day event, including Charlotte Church, ruff Rhys, Fontaines D.C, and Jose Gonzalez, plus over 100 other acts. a a

21 August

SHANGRI-LA The open-air dance festival will take place at Cardiff Castle this summer and will be their biggest event to date. ine up coming soon. a a a a a

AQUA PARK CARDIFF Wales’ biggest water park, featuring climbing walls, trampolines, balance bars, rockers, rollers and blast bags, has returned. It’s open all summer and is one of the country’s best rated attractions. a ay a a a aa

26 November

CARDIFF PROPERTY AWARDS Anticipation is building for the third Cardiff Property Awards. Tickets are now on sale on the website, and nominations are open, too, for categories including architect, contractor, developer, residential and commercial. And we’re introducing new category for this year Funder. ominations close in early October. a a n a ya a

GLITZIEST DIARY DATE OF THE YEAR 30 September

CARDIFF LIFE AWARDS THe finalists have been chosen, and now all we’ve got to do is crown the winners at our glitzy in-person ceremony next month. See you there, yes? It’s always a sell-out, so grab your tickets soon.

City Hall; www.cardifflifeawards.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 23

SPONSORED CONTENT

Sick leave scrutiny Can an employee go to the pub while absent from work through sickness? Sarah Alford of BERRY SMITH LAWYERS explains...

T

he recent Employment Tribunal case of Kane v Debmat Surfacing Ltd has gained much attention after an employment judge found Mr Kane was unfairly dismissed, despite him being spotted smoking and drinking while on sickness absence.

While not being a reported case, it provides some useful guidance.

Mr Kane suffered from a lung condition for which he took a period of sick leave. On his first day of absence, Mr Kane was spotted in a local pub by a colleague.

The employer investigated and dismissed the Claimant for serious misconduct. However, the Employment Tribunal found that the disciplinary process was severely flawed and found that the Claimant had been unfairly dismissed.

The following factors contributed to the Tribunal’s finding: • The employee who made the allegations was heavily involved in the investigation.

• The employer failed to adequately record witness evidence.

• The employer relied on a photograph of the Claimant in the pub but did not advise the Claimant of its origin, i.e. who took it and when.

• The employer exaggerated the allegations against the Claimant, stating that he had been seen on ‘numerous occasions’ when in fact he had only been spotted once.

• The employer relied on the Claimant’s ill health and made assumptions about it, without making further enquiries.

As well as the heavily flawed process, the Tribunal also found that there was nothing in the employer’s disciplinary procedure which prevented an employee attending the pub while on sick leave. The employer made a gross assumption without evidence that the Claimant should not be socialising. The case highlights some very important points: • Not all medical conditions require employees to be bed bound, and despite being unfit to work, an employee may be perfectly capable of engaging in social activities which do not worsen their condition;

Sarah Alford

• It is imperative that an employer conducts a full and thorough investigation. This includes clearly documenting the steps taken and the information attained. In this case, it was also appropriate to obtain medical evidence to establish what the Claimant could and could not do while off work; • A person who is a witness to a disciplinary allegation should not be involved in the disciplinary process in any way. There is significant risk that that person would be incapable of remaining impartial and providing the employee with a fair chance to resist the allegations against them. n

If you would like any advice about the issues raised in this article or any other aspect of employment law, contact us on 029 2034 5511 or by email at employment@berrysmith.com

YOU’RE HAVING A LAUGH

S

eeing the artistically designed Welcome Back signs on the swing doors leading to the Weston Studio at Wales Millennium Centre was a stomach ip moment for me.

WMC’s been so sorely missed during its enforced pandemic closure. The architecturally magnificent building in Cardiff Bay is a furnace of inspiration, and without it there has been a massive cultural void in the lives of many.

Their explosive reopening sees a summer-long cabaret season featuring daytime giggles, family theatre, live music, fierce drag and bare faced burlesque, plus, of course, plenty of comedy.

We hurried along to comedian Leroy Brito’s Laughter Line-Up on 24 July, and it was overwhelming to hear a playful, Welshy voice booming from backstage ‘Ooo you can now take your seats, the show’s about to begin’, what an exciting moment after all these months. Then,

Leroy Brito

REVIEW

Wales Millennium Centre has begun to welcome audiences back into its iconic building with its summer-long cabaret programme. We were invited to watch Leroy Brito’s Laughter Line-Up, a night of comedy and cocktails. Here’s what we thought…

out popped Leroy Brito – of Tourist Trap & BBC Sesh – who curated this stand-up comedy and cocktails night featuring some of the funniest acts on the circuit. e began by cracking Cardiff themed gags about possibly being the first ever person to move from Butetown to Penarth, “We have Prosecco and hummus over here, boys!”. He went on to tell us he was once told by an acting agent to learn Welsh so that he could get one of the best roles on TV – “the drug dealer on Pobl Y Cwm, giving crackiau and cokeiau to the… pobl, I guess.”

Leroy then introduced a bevy of acts to follow.

Next up was the mischievous Mc Morgan Rees; if you’re easily offended you would have needed earmuffs for this Merthyr born act, Oh god, that’s a new record for me, I’ve used [the C word] in sub 30 seconds. I’ve come on stage and have called a perfectly lovely woman in the audience a [C word].” The highlight for me was the routine about his grandad’s Thai bride (now Morgan’s 30-something Nan) and all the absurd family anomalies that throws up. “Have you ever seen your nan breastfeed?”

I could watch him again and again; he’d be brilliant company down the local with beers in hand – down to earth, full of beans and the perfect amount of hyper to hype you up.

Next was Priya Hall, known for her ‘hilariously oversharing’ style, who kept picking on her mates in the front row and had the audience doubled up with her ‘funny names for pets’ and ‘I found myself while travelling’ bits. Best of all was the part about her nan, an 80-something socialist from the Valleys, full of righteous anger and forever fighting for the pro legalisation of drugs because she’d “really like to try speed again”.

Pocket rocket Yuriko Kotani was up last; she delighted the crowd talking about how different life is in Japan versus Britain, and went on to riff about how British term ish’ would work in disciplined Japan – i.e it wouldn’t – and how the UK has taught her what sarcasm is.

Watching comedy live, rather than on TV, is a different beast entirely, especially after this long period that audience-based entertainment has been ‘banned’. It provides a much-needed celebration of the powerful role the arts can play

in reuniting family and friends through laughter and carefree fun.

There’s something about being in the same room with the comedians which brings so much more energy and life to proceedings; it’s connection, it’s a communal thing; it’s a thrill.

The lockdowns have given us all a new sense of freedom, and the more we can do to support our local venues right now, the better! Win win, I say.

Cabaret season at WMC runs until 25 August, but there is plenty more coming up, with bookable shows on the website leading all the way into 2023; www.wmc.org.uk

WHAT’S COMING UP AT WMC 14 August JÔCS, HWYL AC ANHREFN! An evening of jokes and chaos as several of the country’s best stand-ups return to the stage for an evening of Welsh language comedy.

20 August SHELL SUIT CHER: BELIEVE IN BINGO! Imagine if Cher left showbiz behind, swapped leather for leisure wear and became a shell suitwearing, musical comedy bingo host. Well imagine no longer.

21 August WELSH KIKI BALL Ballroom, pioneered

by Crystal Labeija, prioritises and celebrates LGBTQ+ people of colour. Members of the community come together to compete in different categories which showcase talents across fashion, beauty, sex appeal, dance and much more.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 25

SPONSORED CONTENT

MEET THE

FAMILY LAWYER Talking specialities, experience, track records, and expert delivery with some of the leading solicitors in and around Cardiff

LISA SHRIMPTON

ROBERTSONS SOLICITORS 029 2023 7777; www.robsols.co.uk Tell us about your business in a nutshell...

Robertsons is a full-service legal practice that has serviced the Cardiff community for over 100 years.

What’s your speciality?

I work in all areas of family and matrimonial law including high-net-worth cases, often with an overseas element and all aspects of children’s law too.

What should clients be looking for in a family lawyer?

There are a few things. First of all experience and track record in the aspect of family law that you need your solicitor for are both very important.

You need to know that your solicitor can deliver!

Secondly, the approach of the firm. We live in a modern, digital world where immediacy is the order of the day. The firm needs to have come out of the dark ages.

Finally, your gut instinct. Your solicitor should be someone you like, who listens to you and seems to understand you. You need to feel that they have your back.

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

The best advice you’ve ever given/received?

Listen first. If we don’t listen, we can’t understand the case against us or our client’s point of view. Only when we understand both, can we act with integrity, manage expectations and take the appropriate course of action.

Motto/ethos of the firm?

We live, work and breathe our values of Service, Expertise and Community. From the moment we connect with our clients we aim to provide the very best service we can with our unrivalled depth and breadth of expertise. And the community we serve is important to us. We support it through sponsorship, supporting services and fundraising where we can.

You’ve recently joined Robertsons. How’s it going so far?

Well fabulously of course! In all seriousness though, I’m enjoying working for one of Cardiff’s leading firms. The team here are just wonderful and my caseload is very diverse and interesting across the family law spectrum. I may have expected my transition during a pandemic to be more challenging, but thanks to technology and good in-house processes, it’s been seamless. So yes, it’s going fabulously!

SPONSORED CONTENT LEAH THOMAS

HARDING EVANS 02922 676818; www.hardingevans.com Tell us about your business in a nutshell...

Harding Evans Solicitors is an established law firm with over 100 experienced and talented staff. With offices in both Cardiff and Newport, we provide legal support to a wide range of clients. We are regarded as one of the top firms in Wales and hold quality marks for many of our services.

What’s your speciality?

Family Law – in particular, divorce, dividing financial assets upon divorce and child arrangement disputes.

Can you give us some real-life examples of situations you deal with?

Sometimes parents cannot agree on what is best for their child and have to ask a family court to make the decision. I help a client put their views forward to the court and am responsible for gathering evidence to assist with that decision.

I also deal frequently with divorce and resolving what happens to property, cars, pensions – everything up to the kitchen sink!

What about the most memorable / hardest family law case you’ve handled?

Most of the cases I deal with are difficult because they will involve significant consequences for my clients and their children.

Law Society’s Advanced Family Panel and am accredited with Resolution. In September 2018, I qualified as a Collaborative Lawyer with Resolution. The collaborative approach means when splitting up, you and your partner instruct a Collaborative Lawyer to help resolve your finances or your children’s arrangements by having meetings and reaching agreement instead of going to Court.

JULIET THOMAS

SHANAHANS SOLICITORS 029 2080 3711; www.shanahans-law.co.uk What is your specialty?

I have specialised in all areas of family law since qualifying in 1992. I cover Pre-Marital Agreements, Separation Agreements, Divorces and related financial settlements. If you have children, I can advise on disputes over the children’s arrangements. I am on the

What do you think clients should look for in a family lawyer?

Going through a relationship breakdown is hard and so having a rapport with your family lawyer is a must. It is important to feel your family lawyer is in your corner. Good advice is, obviously, essential and I always ensure I act in my clients’ best interests.

What can people expect if they choose to instruct Shanahans?

We offer a personal service, and I will advise you throughout. I am available for face-toface meetings, video conference meetings, and telephone consultations. When I am not available, my colleagues are all approachable and will ensure messages reach me. I will get

I therefore treat every case with the caution and respect they deserve. I have overseen an array of cases including divorces with assets over £3million and several very complex children cases involving parental alienation issues.

What are the main things clients should look for in a family lawyer?

I think they should look for someone that cares about the impact they will have on the client, their children and financial welfare. It does involve being organised, disciplined and being able to think before reacting to things.

Experience is important, everyone is a better lawyer today than they were five years ago.

Why did you want to get into this career path initially?

It’s in my blood! My dad is a solicitor and was also a Deputy Coroner for years. I always looked up to him and found what he did to be very interesting.

Using your expertise, please give our readers some of your top tips...

Do not send over-emotional texts or post your emotions on social media as they can be used as evidence against you later. Take a step back and try not to respond for 24 hours. If you separate, get legal advice from a family specialist straight away.

Motto/ ethos of the firm?

Your Lawyers For Life.

back to you, usually, within the working day.

Top Tips 1. Research the right lawyer for you.

2. Take early legal advice – the information provided will help make decisions going forward.

3. Communication is key. This is not always possible but, if you can talk to your partner, it will make the process less painful and less costly for you.

4. If you have children, it is even more important to keep talking as you will always be their parents.

5. Consider Family Mediation. A Mediator will guide you through the process of resolving your divorce, financial or children’s arrangements by agreement.

6. Finally, there are many support organisations. An internet search will bring up the support organisations in your area.

Divorce and relationship breakdown is stressful so reach out if you need to do so.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 27

GOING GREEN, MAN Squeals of delight were heard all over the country when Green Man, Wales’ largest music festival, announced it will go ahead this month. Here’s our annual preview with everything you need to know about this year’s amazing line-up and what’s in store…

R

eturning after an enforced year off, Wales’ largest music festival, reen Man, is back From August it’ll kick off in the epic surroundings of the Black Mountains, deep in the heart of the Brecon Beacons for its th edition. Some incredible acts are set to perform across the four day event, including Little Dragon, Caribou, Mogwai, Fontaines D.C and Jose Gonzalez, plus over other acts.

Sadly, tickets have already sold out, including the Settler’s Pass, which turns the festival into a week long holiday, allowing early access to the site from August , and includes workshops, music, discounts on local heritage sites, galleries, castles and more.

The magic of reen Man lies not just in its scenery and music. Made up of individual areas, the festival also offers a diverse range of events to accompany its incredible line up, boasting art installations spread throughout the

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

tran uil valley, a beer and cider tent to enjoy a crisp Welsh pint, a pre historic and Before ittle Folk themed area of discovery and e ploration for the little ones, a rela ation and workshop space for the teenagers, as well as a line up of science, film, comedy and literature that will be revealed soon.

Welsh acts include Charlotte Church, Melin Melyn, Gwenno, Catrin Finch, and Kelly Lee Owens – who will be bringing her own brand of techno pop to the Black Mountains following the release of her second album Inner Song. Cardiff’s Buzzard, Buzzard, Buzzard will be offering a fresh outlook on the classic rock model alongside Duski and H Hawkline, who are also joined by Swansea’s Gonhill and Wales She eld band Sister Wives. nown for his solo material and work with Super Furry Animals and eon eon, Gruff Rhys will be taking to The Mountain Stage, and you can also e pect sets from Matt Maltese, This Is The Kit, reen Man Rising winners Nuha Ruby Ra, The Surfing

FESTIVALS

“At times it seemed like a dream that we would ever be a

© KIRST Y MCL ACHL AN

© PARRI THOMAS

Made up of 10 individual areas, Green Man offers a diverse, all-ages range of events to accompany its incredible music line-up and beautiful scenery

Magazines, Boy Azooga, and more.

Also on this year’s bill is one of the biggest names in electronic music, Caribou, who’ll headline the Friday night. “There’s a kind of magic about Green Man – both that I’ve experienced myself in the past and that I hear about from friends who go every year,” says Dan Snaith AKA Caribou. “I feel very lucky that we’re going to headline this year.”

Famed for their undeniable presence and raucous live sets, closing this year’s festival are Fontaines D.C. The inimitable Irish five piece continue the Green Man tradition of debut festival headline sets to perform songs from their acclaimed debut album, Dogrel, which earned them a Mercury Prize nomination and Album of The Year at BBC 6 Music.

Some of Green Man’s most unforgettable performances over the past few years have come from the jazz artists who are currently making huge waves in the mainstream, and this year should be no different. Soul shaking afrobeat eight piece KOKOROKO and London collective Steam Down, born out of weekly jam sessions and now renowned for their furiously energetic sets, have also been announced to play.

The Walled Garden will see performances from Jockstrap, Viagra Boys, Greentea Peng, The Orielles, Liz Lawrence, Sinead O’Brien, Hen Ogledd, Deep Throat Choir, Vanishing Twin, and Pictish Trail. One of the most exciting stages of the festival, Rising Stage, will be home to some of the most exciting upcoming artists on the scene, including Egyptian Blue, Do Nothing, Lazarus Kane, Faux Real, The Goa Express, Drug Store Romeos, Prima Queen, and more.

Keeping the party going until the early hours, The Walled Garden and Far Out stages will see post headliner entertainment from electronic producer Ross From Friends (live); Hannah Holland’s dance oor filling electro tinged techo; Charlotte Church’s Late Night Pop Dungeon, famed as a highlight of UK festivals over the years, at which you can expect music from David Bowie, Britney Spears, Beyonce, Rage Against The Machine, Missy Elliott and more.

There’s also Deptford Northern Soul Club with their aim of bringing Northern Soul back into the conversation of modern dance music, expect fast, hard hitting soul stompers, heavy perspiration and dance moves you’ve never seen.

“At times it seemed like a dream that we would ever be back in the fields together, says Fiona Stewart, the owner of the festival. “I can’t tell you how much it means to me, and the thousands of people that rely upon and make Green Man happen, that it’s actually going ahead. We cannot wait to see people enjoy the festival again!

“I am very grateful for the support of Welsh overnment who gave me the confidence to run this year’s festival and funding through the CRF. Green Man is an independent festival run by a small Powys company and we would have been in di culties without this help. n Green Man, 19 – 22 August, Black Mountains; www.greenman.net

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

BIG INTERVIEW

BRING BACK THE MUSIC Nathan Roach is one of the biggest names on the live events photography scene in Cardiff. Here he tells us about snapping some of the most popular acts on the planet, and why he’d never change a thing about his often frenzied, unnerving and chaotic, but always awesome, career

Idles, Tramshed Cardiff, March 2019

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

By Lisa Evans Photos by Nathan Roach, Coal Poet Media

“Music is the closest to a

T

he life of a concert photographer and videographer, it turns out, is pretty wild. Nathan Roach, AKA Coal Poet Media, one of Cardiff’s main players on the live events photography scene, has snapped worldwide acts – from Drake, ohn egend and ewis Capaldi, to Biffy Clyro, ary uman, Blink , and elly – and has worked for major festivals such as lasto, Reading and Download. e says the pandemonium that comes with it is all part of the fun. There have been unnerving bits, from being buried under crowd surfers, and having to help save unconscious fans, to barely dodging e plosive pyro set ups then there have been the awesome bits, such as when he plucked chords with Wolfmother’s frontman Andrew Stockdale on his own iconic guitar and there have been uncomfortable bits, like touring while s uashed in the back of a sprinter van, and the morning race for a shower before the hot water burns out. But he wouldn’t change any of it for a second. Ahead of Cardiff’s live music venues being able to open without limitations, athan tells us why we should all go above and beyond to support local independent venues now more than ever.

You’re huge on the Cardiff photography scene, especially in the live music and events sectors; what an epic job!

ive music and events enable the photographer to be at the heart of a pivotal moment when people can be at their most vulnerable, intense, emotional or defiant. That has always made for an interesting photograph in my eyes. I would say music is the closest to a religion I will ever find.

Tell us about some of the surprises – unusual, frightening or crazy – you’ve had while shooting…

TOP: Foreverland, Nov 2019; MIDDLE: Flamin Lips, July 2018;

BOTTOM: Razorlight, Feb 2019 – all shot at Tramshed, Cardiff

I’ve had my share of e periences, from being buried under endless crowd surfers to sharing shots mid show with the musicians. I remember assisting De a Soul to hype up their audience in front of a full festival tent, sprinting after Ty Taylor of Vintage Trouble to get that one shot, and plucking a few chords with Wolfmother’s frontman Andrew Stockdale backstage on his own iconic guitar. It hasn’t always been positives, however. I’ve had to help security remove fainted injured fans from the front row and barely dodged pyro set ups on a number of occasions. It’s important to stay aware of your environment when working in these possibly dangerous situations, you or someone else could easily get hurt.

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

Why would you encourage our readers to support independent venues?

What most people easily forget is the artists that now headline festivals all started in independent venues like the ones in Cardiff. Do people think The Beatles or The Rolling Stones went straight into filling arenas Without these venues, idolised musicians wouldn’t have a platform. These local hotspots are the stepping stones that every successful musician must take.

Small venues enable more musicians to have a voice and without everyone’s help, no one will be heard. arge venues such as the Motorpoint Arena and St. David’s all bring international music stars to the city, thus providing footfall for hotels, restaurants and bars. Smaller venues such as The Full Moon and Clwb Ifor Bach give opportunities for local talent to spread their wings.

You’re the in-house photographer at Tramshed, Cardiff. What other local venues do you work at regularly?

When I’m not out on the road with acts or work, I also work at Portland ouse, The lobe, Motel ights Caf , Revolutions ightclub and Story ightclub. At one point or another, I’ve worked at most venues in Cardiff for the owner, a promoter or an act passing through.

A WORD FROM THE GLEE CLUB, CARDIFF…

“That light smell of stale sweat will be like fresh roses in a midsummer breeze” How has life been since live music has been on the backburner due to the pandemic?

It felt as if Cardiff had slipped into a metaphorical coma. The departure of live music from the capital left the city with a sizeable empty void that once held so much love and e citement. Many people from Wales and beyond come to Cardiff for its music availabilities, and without this part of the cultural cake, a huge amount of music lovers go hungry.

How are you feeling now that it’s all firing back up again and looking positive?

Refreshed, relieved and raring to go It’s hard to really fathom the idea of just how much energy will be surging through the crowds when the first big, unrestricted events start up. Throw in some way to convert all that raw energy into electricity and you’d be able to light up the whole of Wales.

What are some of your favourite local music venues?

I’ll have a lump in my throat when I first walk back into Tramshed or Clwb Ifor Bach. That light smell of stale sweat will be like fresh roses in a midsummer breeze. Seeing the community that each venue builds is what I miss the most and it’ll be an emotional moment when everyone can finally stand shoulder to shoulder again, screaming lyrics and spilling drinks.

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

“The last 18 months have had a devastating impact on the live music industry and on the wider live events ecosystem,” says Raya O’Neill, Glee Club’s head of marketing. “We have been working with the Music Venue Trust who have been identifying ways in which they can reopen every venue safely. We have all been desperately seeking the opportunity to revive live music, and we’re delighted to finally be reopening and showing that we can deliver events in a safe and responsible way.” www.glee.co.uk

BIG INTERVIEW A WORD FROM UNITE FOR THE NIGHT…

“We are encouraged by the announcement that nightclubs can reopen with a requirement for risk assessments from 7 August, and we’re pleased that the pressure from us and our many members played a part in this milestone,” says Gary Lulham from Unite For The Night, which represents over 170 night time businesses in Cardiff and Swansea. “This is definitely a step in the right direction; however, we now implore Welsh Government not to drag their feet any longer and show our sector the forethought and understanding which has been so absent from them during the pandemic.” www.uniteforthenight.com

FAR LEFT: Biffy Clyro, St David’s Hall, Sept 2018; ABOVE: Royal Blood, Motorpoint Arena, Nov 2017; LEFT: At The Drive In, Motorpoint Arena, Nov 2017

What insights can you give that audience members at gigs might not realise…

Sorry to disappoint people, but backstage is usually the boring bit. It’s usually where the acts shrug off their stage personas and you see who they really are. There is also certainly a lack of glamour to the backstage life so let me remove those rose-tinted glasses early for you. Most tours consist of being packed in the back of sprinter vans which makes you seriously appreciate the space you’re given when actually travelling with artists who can justify tour buses. Where you sleep that night can easily be the first place you lay your head, inevitably met with the morning race for the showers before someone burns through the hot water. Everything about behindthe-scenes life can be touch-and-go and, given how it keeps everything interesting, I wouldn’t change any of it for a second.

How did you get into the live music sector?

I took to shooting with various e-zines for free and also working for Hobos music venue in Bridgend as their in-house for a short stint. I was given photography pit access which allowed me to steadily build a fresh portfolio for myself. Once I had what was needed, I started contacting local acts and venues to see if they needed anyone for a reasonable rate. It took patience and dedication to putting myself out there, but a few years later and here we are! I was willing to work long hours and whenever I got the chance to work with more established photographers, I asked for advice about getting into the industry. After a time, bands and venues became aware of my existence and it slowly became them contacting me instead of vice versa.

You’ve photographed some incredible acts, but who is still on your must-snap list?

Nathan Roach

To catch a great shot of Foo Fighters’ frontman Dave rohl with a cheeky grin is definitely on my bucket list. n www.coalpoetmedia.com

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

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

C

ardiff Castle is obviously one of the biggest attractions in Cardiff, if not Wales, and they’ve certainly got a huge variety of entertainment coming up throughout the next few months.

From Welsh West End performers, to a Whitney Houston Tribute.

We recently popped down to visit the brand new Black Tower Tales e perience. It’s immersive and interactive and we learnt a lot about the history of Cardiff Castle that we didn’t know before. It’s une pected and thrilling, perfect fun for all the family. Check out their website for more info on everything they have going on there.

During the past few weeks we’ve both had different bouts of illness, which meant a lot of the time our

TOP: Visiting Cardiff Castle for the Black Tower Tales LEFT: Nathan with his Brett Johns Shelter Cymru artwork BELOW: Wayne and Sam with Max Boyce BELOW LEFT: Wyburn and Wayne at Nathan’s Morgan Quarter art exhibition

ventures were either just Nathan or Wayne ying solo unheard of However, this meant our amazing volunteers from St Andrew’s Coffee Court got to step up and help us out in many other ways. One example being, Sam got to help compare and photograph the S Staff Recognition Awards alongside Wayne and even Welsh icon Max Boyce! We host it every year and this year was just as successful and it was important to award the hard working S staff for their efforts over the pandemic. athan was a little gutted he missed out on meeting Max Boyce though... and don’t worry, we are both back to full health now. ou can’t keep us down for too long.

We’ve had some incredible guests on our Radio Cardiff show recently, highlighting the awesome cabaret

“You can’t keep us down for too long”

season down at the WMC – acts such as Asifa ahore, the first out’ Muslim Drag Queen; Len Blanco, a hilarious drag king; and comedian Leroy Brito. And also we chatted with John Owen Jones who’s coming to Cardiff Castle to perform.

Nathan continued his art exhibition down at Morgan Quarter unveiling more new artworks. e’s recently created lton ohn’s portrait using fake blood fingerprints to raise awareness of lton’s AIDS Foundation charity. And there’s even a portrait of Welsh MMA fighter Brett ohns – which athan created by punching the paper wearing the fighter’s very own gloves dipped in paint – to raise funds for the incredible Shelter Cymru charity, which Brett and Nathan support. Prints of the artwork are signed by Brett himself

and can be purchased via our website and social media. athan’s incredible exhibition evening was full of prosecco, cake, live music and lasers, and to say he was overwhelmed with the incredible support from the public would be an understatement!

Before we dash, we’d like to say a huge congratulations to Kinetic School of Performing Arts for their recent shows of We Will Rock You. You guys certainly ROCK. About our columnists: Nathan Wyburn is a pop culture artist who uses nontraditional mediums such as Marmite, beans, soil and fake tan; and Wayne Courtney is a healthcare support worker at University Hospital of Wales. ya a a a their own show, and basically know everything and everyone in the city.

Follow them on social: @wyburnandwayne / @wyburnwayne

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

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SHOPPING LIVE WELL, BUY BETTER

ALL THE ZEST Creating lush, funky, eco wallpapers good enough to eat are South Wales-based independent business WallFunk. It’s a family-run, online-only venture, headed up by partners Ben Hughes and Anya Moffatt, with everything made to order, from vintage orals to adorable nursery designs.

“We create some of the designs ourselves and buy some designs from other amazing artists,” says Anya. “This mostly involves a lot of time on Photoshop creating seamless patterns and regularly researching what’s popular. We make everything in-house, so we have set up with our large printer, cutter, etc in the extension. When an order comes in, Ben and I will create the design to the correct measurements digitally, set it up on the system, print, cut, pack, and ship ourselves.

“We have hundreds of unique designs which are constantly being updated. The paper is pre-pasted and eco-friendly, being made from recycled paper and the paste being made from starch. We also make ourselves available to give constant support and installation advice to our customers, which you don’t get if you pick up wallpaper from B&Q! “The business started in 2018; Ben had been working in decorating for years so this was an industry he knew well, making the wallpaper a natural progression from this. I also work full-time on WallFunk, but also have a local photography business and manage to fit in the occasional wedding and photoshoot.”

For more: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/wallfunk www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 37

BUSY BEE MUG £10.50 Oh honey, this uplifting mug creates a warmth and a buzz all of its own.

BIRTHDAY CAKE TEA, £17.30 With almost zero calories, this fun and fancy tea blend lets you have your cake and drink it. a a a a a a

HELLO, IT’S TEA

For Afternoon Tea Week (9 – 15 August), here’s our little nod to the great British tradition. We’ve browsed local shops to bring you a little teathemed inspiration for your own garden parties…

MISS ETOILE TEAPOT, £39.99 Bringing Beauty and the Beast vibes to the table is this cute, candy-coloured teapot.

From Hamptons, Ludlow Lane, Penarth; www.hamptonspenarth.co.uk

MACRAMÉ COASTERS, FROM £12 We love these chunky lil’ rugs for your mugs. y a y

AFTERNOON TEA, FROM 12.95 With a miniature picnic table posing as a cake stand, we love the look of this novelty afternoon tea – and there are plenty of themes available (for kids and adults) – from rainbow sparkles to creepy crawlies.

From The Crepe Escape, 15 Glebe Street, Penarth; www.orderscrepeescape.co.uk

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

SARA MILLER CHELSEA COLLECTION CAKE STAND, £49.99 This stand features birds perched upon a leafy tree, and is embellished with 22 carat gold for that extra special touch.

From Hamptons, Ludlow Lane, Penarth; www.hamptonspenarth.co.uk

ED’S CHOICE CHAMPAGNE COUPES, £7.99 Fizz the season for Champagne; enjoy your bubbly in style with these elegant coupes.

From Nest, Heol-Y-Deri, Rhiwbina; a

BOHO FLORAL NAPKINS, £3.50 Zhuzh up your party table décor with these vibrant, summery napkins.

MERMAID CAKE STAND, £135 Handcrafted from polished aluminium, this is a whimsical way to serve up tea party delights. a a a a a CAKE STAND, £9.99 Pretty and pastel, this owery stand would make for a gorgeous centrepiece.

From Nest, Heol-Y-Deri, a a

DOUBLED UP COOKIE, £45 Your guests will thank you for this masterpiece. ay a a aa a a a a a a aya a

DOMAINE SÉROL, TURBULLENT SPARKLING ROSÉ, £22 If you want to take the beloved British pastime of afternoon tea up a sparkling notch, go for a light and fruity tipple like this one. a a

JAM JAR BLOOMS, FROM £14 If you fancy creating eye-catching, charming tablescapes using highly-scented Bristish owers, dot these jam jar blooms about the place for pops of positivity.

M a a a a a a a a

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FASHION

FEELING HOT, HOT HOT

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e spend all year getting excited about our summer wardrobes, and then the heatwave hits, and it’s too hot to think about stepping out in style. Right? Not necessarily… Whether you’re heading off on your hols restrictions pending) or just into town or one of the city’s many parks to soak up the last of the rays, think capsule – a mix and match assortment of easy-to-pair items.

We’re a fan of a classic co ord – you’ll find the hottest of this season in ara check out St David’s impressive new store) and River Island. The bolder, the better, and there are prints aplenty across the brands this summer.

And every suitcase should include one statement dress; a solid colour lets you mix and match accessories, and add a cocktail in hand, and stunning pair of sunglasses, and you’re done.

When it comes to summer skincare, less is more. Start with a smooth, fresh base, using one of Mallows Beauty’s luscious scrubs, all of which scream summer self-love – Mallows in an indie business who opened their very first shop this year but are taking the beauty world by storm – and finish off your look with a pop of eye-catching eyeliner, eyeshadow or long-lasting lipstick from Morphe, another newcomer to St David’s. aa a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a

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SHOPPING LIST 7

1. Dress, £119, from Zara; www.zara.com 2. Essey Rejuvenate dress, £159, from All Saints; www.allsaints.com 3. Jaclyn Hill eyeshadow palette, £39, from Morphe; uk.morphe.com 4. Studio Lilac dress, £55, from River Island; www.riverisland.com 5. Off the shoulder dress, £50, from River Island; www.riverisland.com 6. Citrus bag, £34, from River Island; www.riverisland.com 7. Celestial nail stickers, £4, from Mallows Beauty; www.mallowsbeauty.co.uk 8. Coconut & Coffee body scrub, £12.95, from Mallows Beauty; www.mallowsbeauty.co.uk 8

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

HAIR AND BEAUTY

© PHOTOS BY COSTA SISTERS

all-round vitamin supplement, and we can recommend a range of sustainable products.

3. Keep your scalp healthy – give it a deepcleansing treatment and use a scalp brush.

4. Choose the right hair brush – stay away from metal brushes! Stick to soft brushes with round balls at the end of each bristle.

5. Take time for mindfulness – stress is a major contributor to hair loss. Taking just 15 minutes to yourself each day to meditate or relax can lower cortisol levels. Using products that contain Ashwagandha can be an instant way of managing cortisol levels in your body and can control follicle damage too.

Can it be cured?

Tiffany Hall wants to open up conversations about the taboo topic that is female hair loss

ROOT CAUSE

As August is Hair Loss Awareness Month, we’ve spoken to hair loss specialist Tiffany Hall at Amaryllis Salon in the city centre

Why did you decide to make hair loss your specialism?

I’ve been a hairdresser for 15 years and many of my clients revealed to me that they were struggling with hair loss. It was often very sudden and unexpected for them, and it had a huge impact on their confidence. air loss is not often talked about, especially among women. It’s almost taboo, and so we’re led to believe that only men deal with hair loss in any significant numbers.

As hairdressers, we’re not actually taught that much about hair loss so the advice we can give to clients is very generic; I wanted to delve into this further.

What training have you done to get where you are today?

point in their lives, especially during menopause; we need to open up this conversation because the issue can be solved or controlled.

What are some of the main reasons women experience hair loss?

Stress and trauma are two of the main factors. If your cortisol levels spike, that can put you at real risk of hair loss. Rapid lifestyle changes can have an impact – a sudden switch to vegetarianism, for example. Hormones can also play a part, particularly after giving birth, and simple things like medication or damage to your hair and scalp can also result in more hair shedding or breaking than usual.

“90 per cent of hair loss can be cured or controlled”

An 18-month trichology course.

I believe that every salon should have a hair loss specialist, but no other salons in Cardiff are offering this. I won’t be keeping all of this information to myself, either; in September I’m launching an online hair loss course for hairdressers.

Why do you think it’s a taboo topic for women?

For men, it’s acceptable to be bald – it’s almost seen as inevitable. That’s not to say men don’t struggle with hair loss, but society doesn’t stigmatise them as much. For women, hair loss is seen as unattractive, and people often assume you have chronic health problems. Up to 50 per cent of women will have to deal with hair loss at some

How can you help?

I can pinpoint the root cause of the problem in a private consultation. I then tailor a 16-week plan of products and supplements for clients and I track progress. I can recommend tonics for hair and scalp, dietary advice, and supplements that boost iron and zinc levels. If the situation doesn’t improve during that timeframe, I then refer clients to specialists who will dig deeper.

What would be your main at-home tips for hair loss?

1. Eat protein – a large serving, around a handful, is recommended. Make sure you include mineralrich foods in your diet, which will help to boost iron and zinc levels. And don’t forget vitamin D. . Invest in uality products – including an

Yes, 90 per cent of hair loss can be cured or controlled. The hair growth cycle lasts around 10 to 12 weeks. If your hair begins to shed suddenly, this will be because of something that happened or changed three to four months ago. It will usually take the same length of time for your hair to bounce back.

On a personal note, have you ever experienced the issue yourself?

No, but my brother has had two hair transplants and my best friend has alopecia. Seeing people so close to me struggling with hair loss pushed me to study and learn.

Do you offer wigs/ extension pieces etc?

We offer premium uality, ethically sourced hair e tensions and, from August, we’ll be offering hair integration systems. For females, the hair is wefted for a completely natural look; and for males we use adhesive. If a client then decides they would like to go for a full hair transplant or wig, we can point them in the direction of the very best professionals in the area. n Amaryllis Salon, 51 Cowbridge Road East; www.amaryllis-salon.co.uk

ABOUT AMARYLLIS

“My colleague Rebecca Ryce and I founded Amaryllis in 2014 as the first eco-friendly alternative to the many salons across Cardiff city centre,” says Tiffany. “We met while working at Vidal Sassoon and decided to branch out on our own, putting sustainability and environmentalism at the core of everything we do.

“We’re ambassadors for the Green Salon Collective, which recycles salon waste.

Amaryllis was the first salon in Wales to exclusively use Davines eco hair products, which are cruelty-free and also use zeroimpact packaging.

“We are part of an excess colour and bleach recovery service to ensure that no leftover chemicals make it into landfill or Welsh waters, and all chopped hair is sent off to be turned into hair booms to protect the ocean from oil spills. We also recycle all of our used hair foils.”

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FOOD & DRINK SNAPSHOTS OF CARDIFF’S FOOD SCENE

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Sustainable / ethical wines from Chilled & Tannin can be home delivered in their zeroemissions van; Phill & Debs Lewis, the founders of Kindle; This former warden’s house will be transformed into a sustainable city centre restaurant; Food Cardiff helps to coordinate growing efforts accross the city

SUSTAINABLE EATS Good food fanatic, local blogger and indie foodie PR consultant JANE COOK has her finger on the pulse when it comes to what’s new and tasty in the city. This month she shares sustainable success stories from around the city...

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hile none of us would ever want to relive the lows of the last 18 months, it is thanks in part to the Coronavirus outbreak (and lockdowns) that we’ve all learned to appreciate local, sustainable food and drink a little bit more.

In fact, Cardiff was recently awarded Silver Sustainable Food Places status – becoming the first place in Wales and one of only si places in the UK) to be recognised for pioneering work in promoting healthy and sustainable food in Cardiff this is all coordinated by the ar ff network www.foodcardiff.co.uk).

But there’s evidence of a desire to ‘build back greener’ written all over our city’s food scene; and independent restaurants, despite being some of the hardest hit by the pandemic, are leading the charge.

Some, like The Heathcock gastropub in landaff, are doubling down on seasonal menus which highlight the best of what’s available now, investing in their own kitchen gardens to cut down on food miles and pack e tra avour in the process.

Others are focused on making their menus more vegan-friendly;

Brother Thai’s new eat-in menu is 40 per cent dairy- and meat-free, while my favourite Chinese takeaway, In Café in Cathays, has added more mock meat’ dishes to the e tensive vegan menu trust me, the fau crispy beef is better than the real thing).

Even booze is getting in on the act, with Wine Fiend’s ne t tasting event (14 August in Pontcanna) focusing on carbon-neutral wines imported from Portugal by boat, and Riverside’s Chilled & Tannin investing in a new, zero-emissions delivery van.

Finally, the old Warden’s House in Sophia Gardens will open later this summer as a brand-new restaurant with sustainability built in from the very start. Created by the same founders behind Nook and Dusty’s, they have worked closely with the Sustainable Restaurant Association to make sure that their latest venture, Kindle, challenges what it means to create a truly sustainable hospitality business from scratch. I can’t wait to see how it turns out.

For more: www.janechicomendes.co.uk | @janechicomendes | www.hungrycityhippy.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK

FRESH AND WILD

Toast will be popping up at the Sunday Brunch Social in their kitsch and quirky trailer

Who doesn’t love brunch? A new Sunday social scene has arrived in Cardiff, bringing with it plenty of brunching options. Here we delve into the hubbub at Fresh & Wild…

Photos by @willdotbarker www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 45

FOOD & DRINK

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new Sunday Brunch Social has launched at Canton’s popular Fresh & Wild farmer’s market, and what a scene it is.

The market, which takes place every Sunday at The Boneyard on Paper Mill Road, brings together a collection of local producers and growers. It offers a more sustainable way for people to buy weekly staples like bread, eggs, meat, fruit and veg – all while ensuring money stays in the local economy and supports small businesses and local jobs.

But as of mid-July, they brought their new Sunday Brunch Social to the table; extra seating areas, hot food traders and brunch specials have now been added to the thriving market, to encourage visitors to linger and catch up with friends over a drink and a bite to eat.

At the launch, Silver Circle Distillery, usually based in the Wye Valley, ran a pop-up Bloody Mary Bar from a converted tuk-tuk; their version of the classic brunch cocktail uses their own Black Garlic Vodka, mixed with tomato juice and a hot sauce made in collaboration with another independent Welsh business, Parva Spices.

Dusty’s Pizza, who are permanently based at The Boneyard, have created a special brunch menu which includes a rich breakfast Shakshuka made using organic eggs gently poached in a bubbling mixture of tomatoes, peppers, onions, and garlic.

On alternating weeks, Nomad Kitchen will be bringing along their Asian Breakfast Dumplings filled with organic Welsh bacon, free range egg and cheese (or vegan-friendly mushrooms) served with kecap manis – a sweetened aromatic soy sauce. Toast will be popping up in their kitsch and uirky trailer, serving thick, uffy American pancakes, dripping in maple syrup, along with crispy sourdough toast with harissa butter, avocado and market-fresh poached eggs.

Friends in Knead, who have been market regulars since it was founded in 2020, will be bringing their fresh sourdough bread and ABOVE: Fresh bakes at Friends in Knead; LEFT: Dusty’s Pizza getting in on the brunch

action; OPPOSITE PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Silver Circle Distillery’s pop-up Bloody Mary Bar; brunch eggs from Toast; Binki Rees at her stall, Little Green Stores; Black Garlic Vodka bloody Marys

“The vision is to become a real hub for the community” 46 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

signature sweet pastries every week – best enjoyed with a brew from Stronghold Coffee. Those with a really sweet tooth can also pick up a decadent treat from Sin City Bakes.

For the home cooks, Paul’s Organic eg will be offering some of the best of this summer’s harvest, most of which is handpicked for the market on the very same day. The Baker’s Pig will bring a selection of award winning air-dried, fermented and smoked meats from their farm located on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park. They will also be selling brunch kits to take away, and a range of freshly filled sandwiches and ‘snacking salamis’ made from 100 per cent free-range pork, ideal to chomp while browsing the market stalls.

Other regular traders will include Little Empire Vintage (clothing), and Little Green Stores, selling eco-friendly and plastic-free cleaning products, organic wholefoods and dried goods. And the Boneyard’s permanent small business residents (including Blasus Succulent Emporium, Crane Jewellery, Peggy’s Pots, Gray Glass and Richkins Woodcraft) will also be open for business. isitors are encouraged to bring their own reusable bags, coffee cups and containers to all of the traders at the market in order to limit the amount of waste and ensure a truly sustainable experience.

“The vision for Fresh & Wild is to become a real hub for the community,” says market coordinator and founder of Little Green Stores, Binki Rees. “A place where people can come week-in, week-out to meet friends, have a bite to eat and shop sustainably from some of the best producers in South Wales.”

Sunday Brunch Social at Fresh & Wild will run every Sunday from 10am – 2pm, until the bank holiday weekend in August. Over bank holiday weekend, it will run on both the Sunday and Monday, and will incorporate a programme of extra talks and tastings. n @freshandwildmarket

KINGS ARMS

Kings Arms, which dates back as far as the Domesday Book, has magic in its old walls. ere’s what Lisa Evans made of her dining experience at the Pentyrch pub…

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hen you hear a typical British pubby name – such The Crown, The Red Lion, The Swan, or, in this case, Kings Arms – you may think of comforting, perfectly inoffensive pub grub’. And it’s an enduring love, don’t get me wrong these types of places are loved and needed. They’ll almost certainly have a hearty, reliable menu featuring a pie of the week, fish and chips or bangers and mash, and that’s great. But what surprised me about the ings Arms, a longhouse pub in Pentyrch, was that it wasn’t typical, not at all. I didn’t eat there, I dined.

It has a refined, tasteful edge to it, and an ever changing Market Menu featuring dishes you probably wouldn’t e pect to find down at your local – such as goats’ cheese with apanese breadcrumbs and beetroot slaw mustard dressed ham and black bomber cheddar croquettes; and

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

braised beef brisket with triple cooked beef dripping potatoes, dried bresaola, and port wine jus.

The atmosphere, you’ll be pleased to know, still has that communal, warm, wholehearted pub like feel. It was packed on the day we visited the inviting, south facing beer garden having its sun drenched tables ne t to the outdoor bar snapped up first and foremost.

Aside from the avours and the hubbub, the third draw is its owner, Dan ea, who took over in . Props to Dan for being able to remain such a lovely, welcoming guy considering all the stress and pressure he’s under daily and nightly) running such a big and busy establishment.

The only aw to this charming human is that he’s far too humble and has banned me from bigging him up too much in this review. So, I’m not allowed to tell you any details about his year career in two and three star Michelin restaurants, or about the huge names in the che ng world that he’s been alongside at the pass. Sigh.

RESTAURANT

What I can tell you, though, is he was a customer of the Kings before it became available and he gave up his job as a chef in London to take over.

He’s one of the friendliest people you could want to meet; my toddler even did a thing he’s never done to anybody before, which is smile so intensely at Dan every time he saw him, that he shook with delight; it was a kind of whole-body grin and tense up, with a squeal at the end.

I’ve never seen my baby’s dimples so dimpled, or his neck tendons so prominent. That’s the Dan effect’, I guess The fourth appeal of the Kings is its location. Tucked away on the outskirts of Cardiff – while only being minutes from the centre – it sits in a village of big, beautiful houses with lush, leafy surrounds. From what we’ve heard and seen, this place is definitely the heart of its community – for drinking, good food, as a meeting place for happy times and sad times, for drowning sorrows and celebrating successes – and has been, and still is, a worthy source of employment for young locals looking for their first jobs.

On to the food. To start, I went for the lightly fried calamari with rocket salad and aioli. Now, this dish and this dish alone will make me sing the Kings’ praises for the rest of time. Calamari is my favourite, and I order it whenever I see it on a menu, so I’ve likely eaten it a few hundred times in my life. And this is the best I’ve tried, hands down.

Fresh and crisp as you like. Chef ’s kiss. The husband ordered the previously mentioned goats’ cheese, of which he offered me half if I was to give up the same share of my calamari, which absolutely wasn’t going to happen. I pilfered a tiny bite though and it was delectable.

Main for me was pewter-skinned, line-caught seabass with a garlic new potato cake and a burst-in-the-mouth, zingy warm heritage tomato salad. And the would-be calamari thief chose the meltingly delicious slow-cooked 8oz Welsh lamb rump, served medium rare, with potato and cheese gratin, tenderstem broccoli, lamb and parmesan bonbon, carrot purée and red wine jus. This one is the Kings’ most popular dish and is always a sell out.

The team certainly gives traditional dishes the attention they deserve here. There is a second, more casual, menu depending on what you’re after, but even that has a sprinkling of e traordinary about it – featuring ham hock bonbons, battered shallots, buttermilk burgers in brioche buns, and sirloin steaks with bone marrow sauce.

We went for classics when it came to dessert: rich sticky toffee pudding with custard, and a gooey, indulgent chocolate brownie. Heavenly.

So good was the whole package that we went back for Sunday lunch not a few days later, this time with the in-laws, who couldn’t decide if they were more excited to try the food or to see our two-year-old’s exuberant reaction to Dan. Honestly, it was as if he’d seen a chef proprietorshaped unicorn.

The pub, which dates back as far as the Domesday Book, has magic in its ancient walls and needs to be protected at all costs so it can sparkle in the community forevermore. n

“The pub has magic in its ancient walls and needs to be protected” DINING DETAILS Kings Arms, Church Road, Pentyrch, Cardiff; 02920 890 202; www.kingsarmspentyrch.com We ate Calamari; goats’ cheese with beetroot slaw; seabass with a garlic new potato cake and a heritage tomato salad; lamb rump, with potato and cheese gratin and red wine jus; sticky toffee pudding; chocolate brownies Vegetarian options? A good handful, and all vegetarian options can be made vegan on request Prices Starters £5.50 – £12; mains £12 – £23 Takeaway? Yes, on request Service Supremely welcoming and attentive Atmosphere Something magical What else There’s a new outside bar and a marquee, available for weddings and private hire events (with four weddings booked already) plus live music on select weekends A word from the owner “Pubs like this are dying out for numerous reasons and they need protecting because when they are gone, they won’t come back” – Dan Lea

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PROPERTY P L A C E S T O L I V E , W O R K A N D P L AY

TOP AND BELOW:

Illustrations of how the Castle Quarter Courtyard will look LEFT: Where in Castle Quarter the courtyard will be located

CARDIFF PROPERTY AWARDS

Anticipation is building for the third Cardiff Property Awards at the Coal Exchange Hotel on 26 November. Single tickets or partner tables of 10 are now on sale on the website, and nominations are open, too, for categories including architect, contractor, developer, residential and commercial. And we’re introducing a new category for this year: Funder. Nominations close in early October.

P.S. Some sponsorships are still available, too; contact annie. kelly@mediaclash.co.uk or mark.george@mediaclash.co.uk for more info. www.cardiffpropertyawards.co.uk

THE SECRET’S OUT A hidden courtyard is coming to Cardiff Arcades Plans have been approved for a new 'secret courtyard' in the heart of Cardiff’s historic Castle Quarter.

Work will start this summer to demolish a former nightclub which sits in the space behind High Street and Duke Street Arcades. In its place, eight new spaces designed for independent hospitality businesses will be created around a central openair courtyard.

Adding to the feel of a being hidden away, a new entrance will be created through an e isting passageway off igh Street Arcade. A new balcony will run around the courtyard at first oor level, opening up previously unused spaces above shops and uncovering and enhancing more of the rade II listed Arcade’s original features.

Designed with independent food and drink businesses in mind, the new Castle Quarter Courtyard spaces are set to attract some of the popular names in hospitality, boosting Cardiff’s growing reputation as a food city.

We are delighted that Cardiff Council has embraced the opportunity to create these new spaces which will be designed from

the ground up to suit the needs of independent food and drink operators,” says Phillip Morris, partner at EJ Hales, who leads the development team. We’ve seen how successful bar and restaurant developments have been in bringing new life to High Street and the wider Castle Quarter.

City centres are changing and as more people work from home and shop online, we need to give them more and better reasons to visit – showcasing the unique experiences that independent hospitality and retail businesses can offer.

Regeneration schemes like this are a perfect example of what the future of our city centres should look like.

“Interest in these units has already been strong and we’re talking to some of the best-known independent operators in the country – we’re e cited about the opportunities, investment and new talent that this is going to bring into the capital’s food scene.

Planning approval has been granted and demolition works will begin this month. Eight new units will be available ranging from 500 sq ft up to 10,000 sq ft.

For more: www.ejhales.co.uk

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THE OLD RECTORY

In every issue of a , we take a look inside an exceptional local house on the market. Here we explore a medieval dream home, The Old Rectory in St. Lythans y y y a y a y 52 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

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f you don’t aspire to have a suit of armour in your galleried entrance hall, then we can’t be friends. The only question I need answering is, does it come with the house? That’s a deal-breaker for me.

The house in question is The Old Rectory in St. Lythans. Dating back to 1305, the exceptional property, which was at some point in its history a rectory, occupies a magnificent plot set in gardens and grounds of just over two acres, and is complete with an indoor swimming pool, a sauna, a gym and six bedrooms.

Enter via a solid oak door into a welcoming, exposedstone hall, and on this oor you’ll find e uisite, wooden-beamed spaces including: a dining room; a dual-aspect, multipurpose snug; a homely sitting room;

PROPERTY

and a spectacular bespoke kitchen/breakfast room, which has been fitted with a range of solid wood units, granite work surfaces, a feature island, and integral eff appliances including an A A cooker.

The jewel of the house, though, is certainly the heated swimming pool, fitted with an automated cover and fastlane swim jet. There’s also a sauna and gym area which any five star bouti ue hotel would be envious of.

My favourite room on the first oor is the remarkable master suite, comprising a generously sized double bedroom with a oor to ceiling feature window with bi folding doors opening onto a uliet balcony, providing panoramic country and sea views. There’s also a spotlit dressing room here, plus an en suite with a free standing rolltop bath and a walk in shower. ep, that would suit me perfectly.

So, if you’re in the market for a characterful, medieval dream house, with all the mod cons of a millionaire’s pad, then don your armour and fight me for it. n

HOUSE NUMBERS Where The Old Rectory, St Lythans, Cardiff, CF5 6BQ Price Square footage Bedrooms Reception Rooms Grounds

£1.75M 5,748 6 5 2 acres

Highlights Swimming pool, sauna, gym and separate annex (currently being used as a one-bed studio) For more: Watts & Morgan, 02920 712266, penarth@ wattsandmorgan.co.uk; www.wattsandmorgan.co.uk

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SCENE

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

THAT’S FRESH

As you’ll have already seen on page 45, the brand-new Sunday Brunch Social has arrived at Canton’s Fresh & Wild farmer’s market at The Boneyard on Paper Mill Road. At its launch on 18 July, these were the scenes as plenty of happy folk grazed on brunch-themed goodies, from Bloody Marys and Shakshuka to Asian Breakfast Dumplings and fresh bakes. @freshandwildmarket Photos by @willdotbarker

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LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU

Escape Records, the team behind Wales’ biggest events and festivals, including Escape Festival, Inside Out and Colour Clash, recently launched a pop-up experience in St David’s Centre Cardiff, filled with e periences, including open deck DJ slots, arcade machines, exclusive merch and tickets, and a mocktail bar. They also hosted this glamorous o cial IP Party on une at the Coal change otel, where guests were treated to a varied and e citing array of entertainment, from jugglers to dancers. www.escaperecords.co.uk

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SOCIETY

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HOW RAMEN-TIC

Cardiff’s cult pop up Matsudai Ramen announced a new, headline ramen tour for uly. Taking in the cities of Cardiff, Manchester, Bristol and ondon, Matsudai plus special guests) brought apanese American inspired Proper Ramen’ to the masses. Formed in by ames Chant, Matsudai started out as a si month series of pop up events in Cardiff, but then Covid struck. evertheless, Matsudai continued to win fans through lockdown and beyond, delivering thousands of at home DI ramen kits. e’s now searching for a permanent venue in the city. ere’s a peek into how the Cardiff section of his tour went, at Milkwood in Pontcanna. www.matsudai.co.uk Photos by Nathan Roach

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Xxxx

SOCIETY

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It’s the city’s business

CARDIFFWORKS Under construction. Formally Llansantffraed Court Hotel, Sant Ffraed House will become Wales’ newest wedding venue

Nuptial newness

The Oldwalls Collection signs a £5M deal to launch a brand-new wedding venue, despite a tough year

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ndependent South Wales-based wedding venue specialists The Oldwalls Collection have signed a multi-million-pound deal to open a new wedding venue – a former country house hotel and restaurant, lansantffraed Court otel based in Abergavenny. The new owners plan to invest £1.5M into the Grade-II listed property and create over 50 jobs.

Work on the major refurbishment and restoration of the property is already underway.

It’ll be renamed Sant Ffraed ouse and will offer a reception and ceremony space for at least 150 guests, substantial on-site accommodation, two bars and an evening entertainment space. The property is set within 330 acres of historic estate with views

BUSINESS CLUB

of Sugar Loaf Mountain, and the high-end market town of Abergavenny is just a 10-minute drive away.

“It’s no secret that the wedding and events industry has been one of the most badly disrupted,” says managing director Andrew ole, who established Oldwalls – comprised of two of Wales’ most popular wedding venues, Oldwalls Gower and Fairyhill – in 2008 with his brother Simon.

“We have had to postpone over 500 weddings across the group during the past 18 months and some couples are on their third or fourth date. As we’ve prioritised the business on the books, we are extremely limited in terms of accommodating newly engaged couples, especially if they are looking for weekends in 2022, and so we sought a solution to provide more choice.

“Some may consider this a bad time for a

hospitality business to expand, but as the economy and wedding industry bounces back we feel the timing has never been better. All quality venues across Wales are pretty much fully booked for the next two years – a new wedding venue is just what Wales needs!”

“A NEW WEDDING VENUE IS JUST WHAT WALES NEEDS” The venue, which is anticipated to be ready for viewings at some point this month, is opening in summer 2022 and will accelerate the group’s property portfolio beyond £20M. For more: www.Oldwallscollection.com

Virtual one hour sessions, all free to attend Search Cardiff Life on LinkedIn for upcoming dates and registration If you would like to get involved, please email events@mediaclash.co.uk

CARDIFFWORKS

MOVERS AND SHAKERS ETC

The Iris Prize founder, Berwyn Rowlands, is up for a major award

Cardiff Met graduation ceremonies return after being paused for the first time in 155 years

WELL DESERVED

Cardiff based film and T producer Berwyn Rowlands – who founded the biggest international BT short film prize in the world, Iris Prize pictured below) – is up for a major award – the ational ottery Award. Winners announced later this year.

CON-GRAD-ULATIONS After postponing graduation ceremonies during the pandemic, Cardiff Metropolitan niversity has announced a return to the tradition, marking the successes of graduates from 2020, and at the iconic Wales Millennium Centre from April .

The ceremonies were paused for the first time in Cardiff Met’s year history, as social distancing restrictions meant they could not be hosted safely. Working with partners at the Wales Millennium Centre, the university has now been able to confirm that all ceremonies that would have taken place in and will now take place in April . The

university will then return to the normal schedule in uly .

Cardiff Met students have been crossing the graduation stage for over years, and those who completed their degrees in and will be no different, says ice Chancellor, Professor Cara Aitchison. We made a commitment at the height of the pandemic that all students completing in and would be invited to a full graduation ceremony as soon as it was safe to do so, and I’m delighted we can now press ahead with plans for a busy, yet joyous series of celebrations in . a

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ON A ROLE

South Wales based chartered management accountancy practice vans ntwistle has announced the promotion of Matthew Ward, who joined the Penarth practice in , from senior manager to the role of director. a A new performance art academy is coming to Cardiff, in September, for young people aged four – . ast Cardiff School of Performance has been founded by Steph Rees and Steph Willicombe, who combine years of e perience in the fields of performing arts training and teaching. a

YOU BEAUTY

Set to revolutionise beauty in South Wales is The Bewti Concierge, which launched in uly.

It’s a bespoke booking platform for beauty freelancers which allows customers who don’t have the time to get to the salon, or want the lu ury of having their treatments from the comfort of their home, to do so. ade Pointon is the Cardiff based freelance hairstylist behind it all.

© BBC / HBO

ART START

His Dark Materials is an example of a globally successful TV show which was filmed locally. Much of the filming took place at Wolf Studios in Cardiff

MASS MEDIA A Cardiff niversity led consortium has won a M bid to develop a world leading cluster for media innovation in the Cardiff Capital Region. Bringing together organisations from across the region, media.cymru includes partners working in education, broadcasting, technology, media production and local leadership to drive inclusive, sustainable economic growth and an additional M in ross alue Added A) by . m funding is provided through Research and Innovation’s RI) agship Strength in Places Fund and match funded by m from Cardiff Capital Region and m from Welsh overnment through Creative Wales.

Since , the Region has developed one of the strongest media sector growth rates in the , attracting one in eight of all new jobs in film T , producing global successes on film and T shows including a a Ma a and a . a

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Barry: 7/8 Ty Verlon Ind Est, Cardiff Rd, Vale of Glamorgan, CF63 2BE. E-mail: info@valevetcentre.co.uk | Phone: 01446 739739

CARDIFFWORKS Westbourne senior students enjoying Cardiff Bay

Dr. Gerard Griffiths tells a mean dad joke

Westbourne School

Dr. Gerard Griffiths, the principal of Westbourne School, on how there’s always time for dad jokes and mistakes, even when managing an entire school How would you describe the school in three words?

global crisis prevent your goals and dreams from being achieved.

Tell us a little about the school…

Any other newsworthy moments to share?

Progress for all.

2021 marks the anniversary of 125 years of academic excellence at Westbourne. With humble origins as an all-boys preparatory school, Westbourne now educates over 300 boys and girls from two–18 years in our Penarth school. This year has also seen the expansion of the Westbourne brand of academic excellence to our new sister school in Sydney, all the while maintaining the core principle of personalised academic attention for every student.

Tell us about some exciting things that have happened at the school...

Prior to lockdown, the leadership team met to decide the strategy going forward for the next two years, and the underlying message was that whatever happens, standards do not drop. Incredibly, the entire school community parents, pupils and staff) rallied around and ensured this. Last summer’s external examination results were excellent and this year’s IB results (which come out six weeks before A levels) were the best in our history. From adversity come heroes, and the strength not to let even a

During the pandemic, our online education and student support was one of the very best I have seen; and we used this to support our plans to open another IB school (Westbourne College) in Sydney. A new school, new staff and new students, but they were all confident of a successful launch. Just another example of how learning from adversity helps us plan for the future.

In what other ways have things changed for the positive during the pandemic?

Having further encouraged the supportive and communicative environment among our school community over the last few years, when the lockdown first came, the transition to online learning proved to be far smoother than I could have possibly imagined. Online parents’ evenings, for example, were so successful that we are not only keeping them but it means we can have them more regularly.

Does the school have a mantra?

The school’s original Latin motto is ‘gesta non verba’ – deeds not words.

Our goal is the delivery of academic excellence for a modern

world, ensuring our students are fully prepared for the workplace of the future.

“FROM ADVERSITY COME HEROES”

What jobs were you doing before you joined Westbourne?

importantly, managing the increase in numbers so that we never lose the essence of close community and care that has been the cornerstone of our successes to date.

Managing an entire school comes with the accountability of an entire community, and a wealth of decisions to make daily. I have had to draw on all my 30 years of knowledge of education to make policy choices and school directive.

My background is the teaching of science, then pastoral leadership, in a breadth of schools.

What personal message would you like to share with the pupils reading this?

Your principal has been, is, and always will be proud of all your achievements – the way that you have treated hurdles in the last 18 months as merely new challenges has been phenomenal. The resilience to be happy, to make mistakes and learn from them and become stronger shows a maturity and strength of character that is far beyond your years.

Tell us something about you that may surprise us...

I’m afraid my biggest faux pas is a fondness for telling ‘dad jokes’ – my daughter and staff cringe at them, but the pupils humour me, which has probably, unfortunately, encouraged me to carry on regardless!

Words to leave us with…

I never stop learning from mistakes, and am happy to admit and take responsibility for any mistakes I make. This is something I always want my staff and pupils to see as a fundamental basis of resilience and growth. I know it has kept me humble and uncomplacent over the years.

Any plans for the school in the pipeline?

The priority is managing the seamless start to September, welcoming back all students safely from near and far; but most

For more: Westbourne School, Hickman Road, Penarth; www.westbourneschool.com

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Wham glam

Glam dresses at the ready it’s happening!

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CARDIFFWORKS

W

e can’t quite believe we’re saying this but… the a Awards are NEXT MONTH! We can barely contain ourselves at the thought of bringing the most glamorous event back to the city. Last year, the event was virtual – as were pretty much all other events around the UK – but on 30 September 2021 we’re hosting our first in person awards night since that epic 2019 ceremony at which we were trending nationally on Twitter.

At that event, there were cheers and there were indeed tears, happy ones of course, at the stories shared and at the achievements made. It was a night to be proud of. The warmth in the room was palpable. For many, the highlight of the evening was the surprise Special Achievement Award, which

THE DETAILS

Where: Cardiff City Hall When: Thursday, 30 September Tickets: Single tickets are on sale RIGHT NOW and selling fast, with limited remaining and unprecedented demand

recognised the extraordinary life and work of Steve Williams, inspirational PE teacher at Whitchurch High School. Even more brilliant was the moment the award was presented by Wales’ top goal scorer of all time, Gareth Bale. “Inspiration work is rare in itself, but giving inspiration across decades is extraordinary,” said Gareth. “I’m delighted to be able to honour someone who has touched thousands of people’s lives through the years.”

We are so eager to bring you the ne t real life red carpet event filled with shimmering e citement, surging emotion and maximum celebration.

We cannot wait to welcome you. Nothing beats being there… a

Sponsorships: There’s still time to be a sponsor. Sponsors receive months of promotion and association with Cardiff’s leading business event. Contact annie. kelly@mediaclash.co.uk or mark. george@mediaclash.co.uk to get involved

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More info: www.cardifflifeawards. co.uk; @cardifflifeawards on Instagram; @cardifflifeawds on Twitter; and find us on LinkedIn

That Award-winning feeling can’t be beaten…

Congratulations, Finalists! We can’t wait to see you in all your finery on 30 September at City Hall. Nothing beats being there!

TESTIMONIAL

“As a startup, we have been trying to find new ways to promote coSlurps a magazine has a great circulation around South Wales and I knew even being nominated for the Awards would raise our profile. y a

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The Cardiff Life Awards are just around the corner!

CARDIFF LIFE AWARDS Gerwyn the planet-saving businessman

CARDIFF LIFE AWARDS 2020 ECOSLURPS

EcoSlurps, an online retailer and wholesaler of ecofriendly products, based in Cardiff, won Retailer of the Year at the Cardiff Life Awards 2020. Here we chat with its director Gerwyn Holmes What prompted you to enter the Awards, Gerwyn?

As a startup, we have been trying to find new ways to promote coSlurps a magazine has a great circulation around South Wales and I knew even being nominated would raise our profile.

Tell us a little bit about the business overall…

aunched in , coSlurps e ists to provide customers with eco friendly alternatives to single use plastic products. Our most popular products are biodegradable bamboo toothbrushes and reusable, washable cotton buds. A big part of our business is sustainability every day, we plant trees around the world to offset our carbon footprint and to support global reforestation efforts.

What was the inspiration?

I used to work in the waste recycling industry where I witnessed just how much plastic people disposed of every day. It’s estimated that every year in the we throw away over billion pieces of single use plastic which has led to countries banning many of these products. This inspired me to create a business solely focused on bringing to market affordable products that were reusable or biodegradable alternatives.

What do you think secured your award win?

I would like to think the judges appreciated that we were not only solving a significant problem of plastic waste pollution but also

RETAILER WINNER appreciative of the way in which we were reinvesting profits back into new product development, e pansion to overseas markets and donating to reforestation projects to help maintain and rebuild ecosystems around the world.

How does being based in Cardiff benefit the work you do?

Cardiff offers huge potential for businesses you just have to walk around the city to see how much development and innovation is going on. With projects like the South Wales Rail etwork and potentially more international ights to China from Cardiff airport, there is an opportunity for the city to become a prosperous location to build a global brand.

“IT WOULD BE GREAT TO HAVE OUR OWN FOREST IN WALES WHERE PEOPLE COULD HELP US PLANT TREES ”

Any recent collabs?

We are proud to supply some fantastic zero waste stores in South Wales including Iechyd Da in Whitchurch and Sero ero Waste in ewport, who both share similar values to us.

Do you have a motto?

One of our first products was a collapsible travel straw which was a reusable alternative to the now banned single use plastic straws.

Our motto was to save the planet one slurp at a time’, which was incredibly cheesy.

Any moment you have been particularly proud of?

Surpassing , five star reviews online last year has to be one of the proudest moments for us. To be held in such high regard by our customers is a real honour.

Surprise us …

In order for me to grow coSlurps I had to sell almost all the furniture in the house to make space for pallets of stock.

For more: www.ecoslurps.com

What’s in the pipeline?

We’re e panding our operation overseas. A large proportion of our sales are online we are currently distributing out of different fulfilment centers across urope and are keen to launch in orth America this year. It would also be great to have our own coSlurps forest in Wales where people could come and help us plant trees – one for the to do list.

What have you found to be the best tools for growth?

Amazon has provided us with a platform to sell to customers all over the world pwork has enabled us to source competent affordable freelancers to work with us on numerous projects on a short term basis and Canva helps us uickly design graphics online.

As a bootstrapped business it’s essential to ma imize resources available, these three tools have been integral to our success.

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CARDIFF LIVES

“It’s my moment of self-appointed coronation” track was mixed and mastered remotely during lockdown, the EP has an undercurrent of solitude; being alone after being with someone you obsess over (Tantalus), making sure you are dating someone or anyone just to not face silence (Mayfly), and also not knowing which version of yourself is authentic when you are alone (Into One Ether).

What brought you to Cardiff?

MANTARAYBRYN

Cardiff-based musician MantaRayBryn, tells us about his new creative release, the places in Cardiff that inspire him, and the meaning behind his memorable stage name MantaRayBryn, real name Bryn Evans, announced his new EP, Year of The Heron, in July, his first release for three years. The threetrack collection marks an invigorating rebirth of sorts for the Cardiff artist, with tunes forged from lifechanging experiences. Shaped by several years of emotional upheaval, cosmic epiphany and a renewed realisation of purpose, the EP arrives as a definitive statement from an artist coming of age and coming out. With layers of emotional depth, complex narratives and nuanced references to nature, history, literature and love; the Year of the Heron is described by the artist as his moment of selfappointed coronation.

We need to know, where did the name MantaRayBryn come from?

When I was a lot younger, I ‘invented’ a swimming stroke that looks a bit like you’re a manta ray under water. When this story came up later in life, some friends started calling me MantaRayBryn and when it came to releasing music, I thought the name wouldn’t get so lost on the internet and people wouldn’t forget such an odd name.

I think it’s worked.

Tell us about your new EP, Year of The Heron…

After a pivotal and symbolic moment, the heron became a mascot for solitude in my mind, and this theme of being alone helped me to pull three extravagant, vulnerable songs into unison. Particularly after each

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I studied here and then ended up staying in the city. Cardiff is a great sized city if you thrive off small pockets of community (which is so important for our music scene who need to look out for each other). I’m currently in Roath which is a great space for green areas and independent businesses.

I love it.

Has the city shaped your music, your inspiration or your life in any way?

Absolutely, I moved back to Cardiff to gain more independence and connect with a music scene.

Despite our dwindling music venues, I’ve been able to establish my music here. That’s become a huge problem for our city that needs genuine action if we want to sell Cardiff as a cultural hub. With regards to inspiration, the ease of getting out to nature helps keep my mind fresh for writing, I’ve always needed outdoor time and space to create.

When can we see you perform in Cardiff?

I livestreamed gigs through the pandemic which was a different experience, and as live music is still gearing back up in Wales I’ll be planning some small intimate shows in the city ASAP. Stay tuned through my Instagram. We managed to sell out the sociallydistanced gigs in Bristol and

London so I am so keen to bring the same energy and fun to Cardiff.

Favourite spots locally?

Some of my favourite cafés are Eartha on City Road (their garden is amazing) and Wild Thing on Cathays Terrace (best vegan breakfasts ever). I love Flipside record store just off Albany Road, it’s tiny and has a great selection, and I’m trying to make sustainable choices which means I’m a regular at Ripple Living – amazing for plastic-free refills. Being so close to Roath Lake and Waterloo Gardens is great when you need to unwind for a moment too. Cycling across the barrage and through the Taff Trail has been amazing for the same reasons. Oh, and I can’t wait to head back to Dirty Pop in Clwb Ifor Bach too.

How do you like to spend your time outside of your music career?

Anything outdoorsy and active – cycling, surfing, swimming, snorkelling, running, CrossFit etc. I think I need to move plenty to stay level-headed enough to write music and keep on top of life admin. I seem to get ideas when I’m doing stuff like that, when I’m moving and my mind has a chance to wander.

Surprise us…

I’m crafty as hell. Designing the stage, painting backdrops, making outfits, and designing artwork is what a lot of my time is spent on.

I have lots of ideas and I’m pretty thrifty, so often it’s a one-manband situation (not to say I don’t ask for help often). n

MantaRayBryn’s EP is available to stream everywhere, via the Modern Sky UK label; @mantaraybryn

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