Cardiff Life - Issue 242

ISSUE 242 / SEPTEMBER 2021 / £3

@CardiffLifeMag

IT’S ALMOST HERE

CARDIFF LIFE

AWARDS 2021

CELEBRATING THE BEST IN THE CITY, PENARTH & THE VALE

ISSUE 242 / SEPTEMBER 2021 / WILD WATER

MEET THE DAWNSTALKERS, A CLUB OF OVER 100 LOCALS WHO SWIM AT SUNRISE IN PENARTH WHAT A WAY TO MAKE A LIVING

MODERN, QUIRKY COWORKING SPACES GETTING THE JOB DONE

BUZZARD BUZZARD BUZZARD WE CHAT WITH CARDIFF’S HOTTEST NEW BAND ON THE SCENE

SEND NOODS OUR REVIEW OF CULT POP-UP MATSUDAI RAMEN

IS IT REALLY THAT TIME AGAIN? CHRISTMAS PARTY HOTSPOTS TO BOOK NOW

VIEW OUR BROCHURE ON OUR WEBSITE

www.chalkhousekitchens.co.uk

© JIM RICHARDSON - @HALF WIT.5

EDITOR’S LETTER

Meet the Dawnstalkers Sea Swim Club on page 11

W

hen I first saw the shot we’ve chosen for the front cover of this issue, the Theory of Evolution depictions sprang to mind.

The picture looks as if there’s a progression happening, from dog, to stooped human, to regular human, to, finally, human submerged in the sea, all perfectly and artfully spaced to boot. These people (and pooch) are the Dawnstalkers, a club of over 100 locals who swim at sunrise in Penarth.

Wild swimming has been a hot topic for quite some time now, surging in popularity during the lockdowns as ‘something to do’, and continuing its reputation due to the effects being transformative for many. We caught up with the club’s founders on page 11.

Elsewhere in this issue, we’ve explored a handful of fun-filled community-focused coworking spaces, which all offer so much more than just a chair and a desk. Some put on boardgame and film nights, some have performance areas, and some even dish out free pick ‘n’ mix; turn to page 41 to find out more.

We’ve also scouted out cool Christmas party venues, I know it feels too early but places are booking up fast (page 36); we’ve chinwagged with Cardiff band Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard who champion the city’s indie music venues (page 66); a local street photographer tells us about capturing momentary actions and emotions on Queen Street and beyond (page 24); and, not to be dramatic, but I tried a life-changing bowl of spicy, warming goodness from Matsudai Ramen – currently running a pop-up in Pontcanna – and there’s no going back (page 34).

Until next time, #CardiffTogether, always

Y

tro cyntaf i fi weld y llun yr ydym wedi’i ddewis ar gyfer clawr y rhifyn hwn, meddyliais yn syth am ddarluniau sy’n cyfleu Damcaniaeth Esblygiad. Mae’r llun fel pe bai’n dangos datblygiad o’r ci yn gyntaf, i berson gwargrwm a pherson cyffredin wedyn, ac i berson yn y môr yn olaf, gyda phob un ohonynt wedi’u gosod yn berffaith ac yn gelfydd.

Mae’r bobl hyn (a’r ci) yn perthyn i’r Dawnstalkers, sef clwb o dros 100 o bobl leol sy’n nofio gyda’r wawr ym Mhenarth.

Mae llawer o sôn wedi bod ers amser am nofio yn y gwyllt, a ddaeth yn weithgaredd poblogaidd iawn yn ystod y cyfnodau clo gan ei fod yn ‘rhywbeth i’w wneud’, ac mae ei boblogrwydd yn parhau oherwydd ei effeithiau trawsnewidiol i lawer. Rydym yn sgwrsio â sylfaenwyr y clwb ar dudalen 11.

Fel arall yn y rhifyn hwn, rydym yn bwrw golwg ar lond llaw o leoedd cydweithio difyr yn y gymuned, sy’n cynnig mwy o lawer na chadair a desg yn unig. Mae rhai ohonynt yn trefnu nosweithiau i wylio ffilm a chwarae gemau bwrdd; mae gan rai ohonynt ardaloedd perfformio; ac mae rhai hyd yn oed yn cynnig melysion amrywiol yn rhad ac am ddim; trowch i dudalen 41 i gael gwybod mwy.

Rydym hefyd wedi bod yn chwilio am leoliadau gwych ar gyfer partïon Nadolig – rwy’n sylweddoli ei bod braidd yn gynnar i ni wneud hynny ond mae’r lleoliadau yn llenwi’n gyflym (ar dudalen 36); rydym wedi bod yn sgwrsio â Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard, sef band o Gaerdydd sy’n boblogaidd iawn yng nghanolfannau cerddoriaeth indi’r ddinas (ar dudalen 66); mae ffotograffydd stryd lleol yn sôn wrthym am dynnu lluniau yn Heol y Frenhines o weithredoedd bach a theimladau sydyn (ar dudalen 24); ac i orffen ar nodyn dramatig, cefais gyfle i flasu bwyd sbeislyd a hyfryd Matsudai Ramen – sydd â stondin dros dro ym Mhontcanna ar hyn o bryd – ac alla’ i wir ddim byw hebddo’n awr (ar dudalen 34).

Tan y tro nesaf, CaerdyddYnghyd, bob amser

LISA EVANS Follow us on Twitter @CardiffLifeMag Instagram @cardifflifemag

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

Issue 242 / September 2021 COVER Meet the Penarth-based Dawnstalkers Sea Swim Club. Turn to page 11 for more.

FEATURES

11 WILD WATER Cold-water immersion is still hot 36 FESTIVE BASHES It’s time to book your Christmas

parties in the city

41 SHARING SPACES The coworking offices that have it all

ARTS AND EVENTS

17 ARTS INTRO Be sure to look up in the Arcades 18 WHAT’S ON Arts, shows and upcoming events, it’s all

going on in Cardiff

20 BINGO LINGO We went along to one of the craziest © TOM ROKITA

nights in the city

24

24 STREET LIFE A look behind the lens of local street

photographer Tom Rokita

SHOPPING

27 SHOPPING INTRO Handmade steampunk interiors 28 EDITOR’S CHOICE Monochrome madness

FOOD & DRINK

31 TASTY BITES A handful of the city’s juiciest morsels 33 AUTUMN EATS What’s in store for the months ahead 34 RESTAURANT REVIEW Testing out the very

dangerous Matsudai Ramen

PROPERTY

49 PROPERTY INTRO New spaces alert, plus Cardiff

Property Awards

51 SHOWCASE A look inside a grand home in Lisvane

SOCIETY

55 SCENE Snapping three of the city’s latest hip happenings

BUSINESS

61 CARDIFF WORKS News and views and awesome

new businesses

REGULARS

7 SPOTLIGHT Just a handful of feel-good stories 23 WYBURN AND WAYNE Our columnists have been out

and about again

66 CARDIFF LIVES Cardiff band Buzzard Buzzard

17

Buzzard on their love of home

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

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SPOTLIGHT Art

ALL PHOTOS © R AQUEL GARCIA

TREATS ON THE STREETS

A playful street art project has landed in the centre of Cardiff.

The PWSH pilot project has been commissioned by FOR Cardiff and realised by a group of Cardiff-born and Cardiffbased emerging and established visual artists with the aim to produce joyful, colourful pockets of artwork to form a mural trail through the city centre. PWSH is celebrating people coming back to the heart of Cardiff as we hope to emerge together as a community, from the worst of the pandemic.

For more: pwshcardiff.co.uk

Temeka Davies, who goes by the artistic name Noble Sol, is one of the street artists

Shopping

GONE TO MARKET

Cardiff-based duo James and the Cold Gun

A new outdoor market with live music is set to open in the heart of Cardiff a day after this issue of Cardiff Life Magazine hits the shelves (28 August). Charles Street Market – just off the city’s main shopping street, Queen Street – will have a heavy focus on local Welsh produce, organic and environmentally sustainable products, creative talent and live musicians, and will be held every Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

For more: @charlesstreetmarket Colourful Charles Street will be home to the new market

Music

I WANNA ROCK

Cardiff-based rock duo James and the Cold Gun have become patrons of the Music Venue Trust. The Trust, which works to protect, secure and improve the UK’s Grassroots Music Venues, relies on patrons to help spread the charity’s message. James and the Cold Gun are the latest to do this, having joined fellow Welsh group Adwaith on the Trust’s expanding list of patrons, alongside others including Sir Paul McCartney, Nova Twins, Frank Turner, and Tim Burgess. They play their first show following Covid lockdowns at their hometown venue, Clwb Ifor Bach, with special guests Clwb Fuzz and The Vega Bodegas in Augusts, and they will be supporting The Wildhearts at MVA venues in September.

“If it wasn’t for discovering local bands in Cardiff’s grassroots venues, I don’t think I’d be the person I am today,” says the duo’s James Joseph.

“I was so lost at age 14, until I found live music. I think live music is the ultimate unifier, the sense of community at a gig is unrivalled, and right now community is so important.”

For more: www.musicvenuetrust.com

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Meet the Property Experts HERN & CRABTREE share their property expertise...

NIGEL JOHN

MICHAEL BAILLIE

MANAGING DIRECTOR

DIRECTOR & PHOTOGRAPHER

Please could you describe the business and its specialist areas?

Here at Hern & Crabtree we try to stick to what we know, the specialised sale and rental of residential property and to undertake our business in a truly customer-service orientated way. We were originally established in 1849 so we have a long-standing reputation as the most established estate agency in Cardiff.

Who are your main clientele?

Good question! We consider ourselves an all-market agency, we sell and rent at all levels in the residential property market. We find some potential customers think our branding and image is only for the mid to upper market, however we cover all sectors. We take pride in having welcoming, friendly and knowledgeable teams who deliver a fantastic service no matter what.

Is there any current market trend that stands out to you?

There has been a definite uplift in the premium property market, significantly in places, and we have agreed a number of sales at record prices, both on and off the open market. Often clients in this part of the market want privacy so our service is tailored for that, meaning we often undertake sales in a more discreet off-market capacity if more privacy is required.

What would you say is the most important factor when selling a home?

There are lots of things to think about when marketing a property, including the way it is positioned and how it is priced to the market by the sales team. However, we always ensure the imagery and marketing is on-point. Buyers and sellers have evolved to become more visually orientated and it is something we are very aware of. We spend a great deal of time when it comes to the visual aspect of our business; after all, this makes up an important and often a vital section of marketing. We’ve invested thousands in SLR digital cameras, the latest 4K 3D scanning technology and have a focus (pardon the pun) on the editing of our imagery. We’ve built a reputation over many years with the ideology of ‘imagination, attention to detail and style’ and these values are applied to the visual aspect of what we do.

Nigel John

Michael Baillie

LANCE ROBERTSON LETTINGS MANAGER

How is the sector doing at the moment?

The lettings industry is constantly changing and developing and, at present, we are seeing a huge demand for rental properties from prospective tenants. The demand is across the board, from one-bed apartments and studios through to five-bed detached houses, and this is resulting in an increase in rental prices in the Cardiff area.

Can you share any tips/advice to our readers?

Due to the high demand for rental properties we are seeing at the moment, its really important that you register your details with us, and keep your eye on our social media pages for new properties coming to the market. Recently we have been able to let new properties to existing registered clients without them ever reaching the usual property portals, so it’s more important than ever to keep in touch with us!

What’s in the pipeline?

We are keen to expand the lettings business within Hern & Crabtree as we have seen tremendous growth over the past five years or so, and we believe we can continue to build on that success. Watch this space!

ESTATE AGENTS IN CARDIFF Specialists in Sales & Lettings

What do you most love about living in Cardiff?

Although I spent my early years in Hereford and later in Bristol, I’ve spent 26 years in Cardiff and it’s very much my home and where I consider I’m ‘from’.

For those who live here, Cardiff will mean something different to each. For me, I love the variety, the vibrance and the culture of the city.

RHODRI HUMPHREYS AREA MANAGER

Lance Robertson

Rhodri Humphreys

Cardiff, South Wales

What advice would you give someone searching for their ideal next home?

There are so many things to consider when moving, we could write a book. I would advise trying to relax, go with the flow and actively try to enjoy the experience as an exciting life change. There are so many variables and things to consider that it can be too much to think about. To be able to relax it helps if you choose a trusted estate agent that will take care of things for you so you can enjoy the experience.

Can you give us a recent interesting case study that helps illustrate the work that you do?

We recently sold a stunning house at £1.45m. Our approach generated 20 viewings and eight offers.

The result was that we achieved £200,000 over the guide price of £1.25m for our client who was delighted and said this wouldn’t have happened without us.

Unfortunately, this meant that people had to miss out but we are actively finding alternative properties for those clients and have successfully sourced and sold off-market properties for a number of them already.

www.hern-crabtree.co.uk

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cardiffnorth@bluebirdcare.co.uk

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT US ONLINE AT: WWW.VALEVETCENTRE.CO.UK Cardiff: 233 Cathedral Road, Pontcanna, Cardiff, CF11 9PP. E-mail: cardiff@valevetcentre.co.uk | Phone: 02920 004007

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

SEA CHANGE

BIG INTERVIEW

Meet the Dawnstalkers, a club of over 100 locals who swim (or bob) together every day at sunrise in Penarth Photos by Jim Richardson @halfwit.5 Cat, Wil, Lene and Val looking happy with their morning dip

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W

ild swimming has been a hot topic for many months now, surging in popularity during the lockdowns as ‘something to do’, and continuing its reputation due to the effects being transformative for many. Cold-water immersion – whether it be in the sea, a river, or a waterfall pool – has reported advantages of everything from higher energy levels to numerous health benefits such as helping to fight disease.

Wild swimming used to be seen as an eccentric thing, or something done for charity or as a dare, but now it has an entire identity, with folks such as Wim Hof – who proselytises cold exposure – gaining robust followings.

In Cardiff, there are plenty of wild water groups, one being Dawnstalkers Sea Swim Club who meet daily to make a splash at sunrise in Penarth. It was set up by Grant Zehetmayr and Lene Chmiel earlier this year; here they tell us about post-swim euphoria, claw hands, and what to watch out for in the water.

Tell us about Dawnstalkers – how did it come about?

Grant: I started consistently swimming in January as a level up for Dry January. I

quickly realised cold water is addictive, and there’s a fantastic community of likeminded people – you wouldn’t know until you’re among it.

Lene: I started swimming in February. I went to Stol Coffee in Penarth one morning and met Grant, who was also going in the sea. I was absolutely buzzing after that morning swim and I wanted that feeling every day, so I asked Grant if I could join him and we’ve been swimming ever since. The Dawnstalkers WhatsApp group was then created in February.

THE DETAILS

How can people get involved?

Grant: Just come along. We post in our Instagram stories every evening where and what time we’ll be swimming come morning.

We meet about 15 minutes before sunrise.

Is there a charge?

Lene: No charge, the sea is free, right?!

Do you meet in all weathers?

Grant: Yes. But everyone is responsible for their own safety so they have to make their own decisions about whether to get in the water.

What safety tips can you share?

Grant: The sea is different every day. The RNLI slogan ‘respect the water’ is for a reason. We do mostly stay within depth.

Lene: You don’t always realise how strong the current is. You swim, thinking you’ve gone quite a way only to realise you’ve moved maybe a couple of metres.

Dawnstalker Aimee ready to jump in at 6am

BIG INTERVIEW

“Everyone is on a natural high and we all sort of go a little crazy”

TALKING THE PLUNGE

There are over 100 members in the club, with more joining every day

A few words from seasoned wild swimmer, and Dawnstalkers member, Carys Rees…

What words would you use to describe the feeling of openwater swimming at dawn?

Lene: Cold and alive! Actually, it isn’t that cold at the moment.

Grant: Connection, aliveness, awe.

Why do you love a morning dip?

Honestly, there is nothing quite like it. It is nowhere near as cold as where I usually swim so it doesn’t have that shock factor, but being able to watch the sunrise is absolutely incredible. I get out of the water and feel completely energised and always in a great mood.

How many people are in the club?

There are 102 people in the WhatsApp group, although we do have people who come along to join us who aren’t in the group. People join us whenever suits them – some come every couple of weeks, some every day.

And do you only swim in Penarth?

Lene: The group itself is Penarth based, but we do swim in other

places individually.

Grant: The keystone in Penarth is the sunrise and the amazing Piotr

at Stol Coffee who turns up in time for when we get out of the water.

There’s a real sense of community here.

How long do you stay in the water?

Grant: I started by counting to 90 seconds – trying to match the Wim

Hof method for cold showers – but that was in the winter on my own.

Lene: It varies now, people stay in anywhere from 10 to 45 minutes.

Once everyone’s in the water, what then? Is it an organised swim over a certain distance, or are people bobbing around chatting?

Grant: Mostly bobbing around, although we get the odd swimmer.

Lene: Yes, we are more like the sea bobbing club! We made this

group for the cold water and having people to do it with. We do swim sometimes but it’s not a must.

Why should everyone give it a go?

It releases endorphins, it’s thrilling, invigorating, refreshing and definitely gives you that boost if you’re feeling down or lethargic.

It increases your metabolism, too – the cold water makes your body work harder which increases the number of calories you burn. It also boosts your immune system and helps produce more white blood cells and antioxidants.

Is the Dawnstalkers club a good place to meet friends?

Definitely. I have made so many new friends there; everyone was so incredibly welcoming to me and that’s a big part of the reason why I kept coming back.

There are all different ages, backgrounds and body shapes, but there is no judgement. We all bob around together and laugh.

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Why dawn?

Lene: Because I needed to do something for myself before I started

work. I’m an au pair and I started swimming while I was homeschooling two kids.

Grant: The sunrise is stunning.

Apart from hot drinks all round from Stol Coffee, what happens when you get out of the water?

Grant: Everyone is on such a natural high and we all sort of go a little

crazy – handstands, cartwheels and running around all over the place – the cold affects your brain. There’s even a lady that brings down hula hoops some days.

Lene: And Extreme Nick brought his electric skateboard so we were going up and down the hill on his e-skate! The Seafront basically is our playground from 6-8am.

Although exhilarating, is the cold ever too much?

Grant: I’ve had claw hands [when your hands are so cold you can’t get

them to straighten]. Once, after a swim I stood by my van in a hooded towel and I couldn’t blip my keys to open the door because I was so cold. Thought I was going to freeze.

Lene: Same. I once got in the car with my bikini on and towel wrapped around me. I arrived outside my front door at 6am and was so cold I couldn’t hold my key to unlock the front door. I had to call my friend to turn the key for me.

EVERY BODY IS A BEACH BODY

When the swimwear-clad group get into the water every morning, the topic of body positivity comes up naturally. Here they share their thoughts…

Simon “Do not associate worth with weight. You are enough, no matter what! I’ve always been body conscious; I mean significantly conscious. I would never even take my top off in the garden let alone on a beach where there are other people around. So many of us put off things until we lose that stone in weight or can fit into this or that. So my question to you is this, did I deserve less seven weeks ago when I was 6kg heavier? Am I more deserving now I’m 6kg lighter? The answer is absolutely not! If you have a desire to do something, please, please just do it. Don’t delay, life is short.”

Lacey “What is body positivity? To me, it’s being able to finally be comfortable in my own skin regardless of numbers on a scale.

The first time in my life that I felt comfortable and confident wearing a bikini was this year, and it was with the Dawnstalkers.

They have given me the confidence to be my authentic self.

Your vibe attracts your tribe!”

Lene “I’m scared of being judged – for my body, for liking myself. I’m scared that people might think I’m full of myself. Body positivity should work in all directions, no matter what you look like – if you’re big, skinny, tall, short – be proud of yourself.”

If anyone fancies joining this bunch, just turn up – it’s free

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BIG INTERVIEW

“The Seafront basically is our playground from 6-8am”

SPLASH SNAPS

A few words from Dawnstalkers’ photographer, Jim Richardson Why did you decide to start taking pictures of the club?

I’ve just completed 100 days of photographs for the group. I started after looking for a creative project just for myself and I don’t think I realised what a positive impact it was going to have on both on me and on the people I was taking pictures of. Since then I haven’t looked back! I come down pretty much every day. I have forgotten what a lie-in looks like!

Do you take dips too?

One day I will go in. I already have a queue of people waiting to take pictures of me in the sea! My partner was one of the first to join, but it didn’t appeal to me. But after seeing the effect it was having on Liz in the mornings and how happy it was making her, I thought I would dip my toe into this world. I could hear everyone in the sea laughing and having a great time. It felt magical and something I wanted to be a part of. The atmosphere that it created was something I wanted to experience more; as a photographer it felt like I had something to offer the group. A photograph for me is a shortcut to a memory.

ABOVE: Grant says cold water is addictive; RIGHT, TOP TO BOTTOM: Lacey, Lene, Sarah and Grant inching their way in; Luke, Kurtis and Nick getting a natural skincare fix

If someone wants to start sea swimming, what should they put on their shopping list…

Lene: Water shoes. I’ve cut my feet on rocks several times, and we’ve

found plenty of hooks on the beach – I don’t want to imagine stepping onto one of those.

Grant: Hooded towels or something big enough to get changed under.

Also someone else to go in with, you shouldn’t be swimming alone.

Why do you think wild swimming is growing in popularity?

Grant: The pandemic; people are looking for some way of breaking

out and connecting to something. Simply, this works – I wouldn’t be doing this every day otherwise.

Your top wild-swim spots in and around Cardiff?

Lene: I love swimming in the cold water in the waterfalls in the

Brecon Beacons.

Grant: We have incredible beaches around South Wales (Penarth!). Barry

has a fantastic water community, and if you’re in the centre of Cardiff definitely go find the Taffy Dippers who swim in the River Taff. ■ For more: www.dawnstalkers.com / @dawnstalkers

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THE ALBANY GALLERY PETER 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

Artist Petros Kourtellaris under his angel sculpture in Morgan Arcade

BOLD ON THE CEILING Seven pieces of hanging art have been unveiled in Cardiff’s historic arcades in this year’s City of Arcades campaign – The Art and Soul of Cardiff – run by FOR Cardiff. A 21-foot-long angel suspended from the ceiling, sculptures balancing on tightropes, and huge murals of Cardiff Castle’s famous animal wall are just a few of the pieces on display.

In collaboration with the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, FOR Cardiff commissioned seven alumni to create the pieces to hang under a roof of classic Victorian and Edwardian architecture and celebrate Cardiff’s distinct and vibrant culture.

“Cardiff’s arcades are one of the capital’s strongest assets, and City of Arcades is about putting Welsh culture and Wales’ capital city on the map,” says Adrian Field, executive director at FOR Cardiff. “Hanging these vivid pieces of art across the arcades is about making art and culture more accessible, while making our city centre a more attractive place for locals and tourists alike.”

For more: www.thecityofarcades.com

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WHAT’S ON

A digital performance performance will be streamed live from Rambert Home Studio

© CAMILL A GREENWELL

From 28 August onwards

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

PLAYS / SHOWS / PERFORMANCES 9 September onwards

WMC RE-OPENING From 9 September, Wales Millennium Centre will finally reopen fully, bringing with it the Welsh National Opera’s Autumn Season of The Barber of Seville and Madam Butterfly (9 – 2 October); The Boy With Two Hearts brings a story of hope from Afghanistan to Wales ( 1 – 23 October); and The Book of Mormon comes on 12 – 30 October.

Wales Millennium Centre; www.wmc.org.uk

16 September

MARK THOMAS, 50 THINGS ABOUT US In his latest show 50 Things About Us, 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

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16 – 18 September

RAMBERT: AUTUMN LIVESTREAM Rambert’s artistic director, Benoit Swan Pouffer, has created a new piece especially for the fresh new talent of Rambert2. These early career dancers were picked from more than 650 for their outstanding ability and individuality. This digital performance will be streamed live from Rambert Home Studio.

Wales Millennium Centre; www.wmc.org.uk

8 – 30 October

BACK IN PLAY This autumn, Sherman Theatre will welcome audiences through its doors for the first time since March 2020.

To celebrate its reopening, the theatre will mount a special festival, Back in Play, mixing drama, performance and stand-up comedy, designed to give audiences a playful, fun and joyous experience as they return to the theatre.

Sherman Theatre; www.shermantheatre.co.uk

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 18+ only.

The Glee Club; www.glee.co.uk

ART/ PHOTOGRAPHY/ EXHIBITIONS Until 8 September

NEIL CANNING NEW PAINTINGS Neil Canning is a contemporary artist whose colourful and vibrant paintings have made him one of the most successful artists working in Britain today.

Martin Tinney Gallery; www.artwales.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 movingimage to sculpture and sound installation. g39 Cardiff; www.jerwoodarts.org

Until 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 3 October

SUMMER PROGRAMME From fossil footprints to food festivals, National Museum Cardiff and St

WHAT’S ON

FESTIVALS Until 29 August

above: National Museum Cardiff has a packed Summer Programme left: Sea Glimpse is part of the latest exhibition at Martin Tinney Gallery

SUMMER OF SMILES Smiles are spreading across faces in every corner of the city at Cardiff’s Summer of Smiles festival, as part of the capital’s city-wide programme of events and activities running throughout the summer holidays. At the family-friendly fiesta, expect a range of activities from trying a circus skills to watching theatre performances.

City Hall; www.childfriendlycardiff.co.uk

6 – 12 September

DIGITAL FOOD FESTIVAL A week of virtual talks, courses, cookery demos, music and more.

National Museum Wales; www.museum.wales

25 November – 31 December

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

FOOD

Until the End of August

SUNDAY BRUNCH SOCIAL

Until October

STREET FOOD TERAS Wales Millennium Centre have partnered 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.

Next to Wales Millennium Centre; www.streetfoodteras.co.uk

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.

Cardiff Bay Barrage; www.aquaparkgroup.co.uk

Ongoing

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. Utopia.

Bute Park; www.insideoutcardiff.co.uk

The brand-new Sunday Brunch Social has arrived at Canton’s Fresh & Wild farmer’s market at The Boneyard on Paper Mill Road. Expect brunch-themed goodies, from Bloody Marys and Shakshuka to Asian Breakfast Dumplings and American pancakes.

The Boneyard; @freshandwildmarket

All summer

OTHER

2 and 3 October

Fagans National Museum of History have a packed events schedule to keep families entertained. There’s Lily’s Fossil Footprint (a 220-million-year-old dinosaur footprint discovered by four-year old Lily), and the Becoming Richard Burton exhibition at National Museum Cardiff, and there’s the Wales is…

Olympics exhibition at St Fagans. www.museum.wales

for Life. Organisers are encouraging people of all ages and abilities to join the 3K, 5K,10K and Pretty Muddy events which take place at Coopers Field, Cardiff.

Bute Park; www.raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org

CHRISTMAS AT BUTE PARK The inaugural magical after dark experience that will light up Cardiff this festive season. It’s set to be a breath-taking festival of light featuring interactive installations, a flickering fire area, an enchanting fairy tree forest, laser shows and mirror balls, as well as funfair rides, street food, mulled wine and plenty more Christmas festivities.

Bute Park; www.christmasatbutepark.com

OUTDOORS

THE QUEER EMPORIUM The UK’s first ever queer emporium opened in Cardiff for Pride Month (June) but has just been made a permanent fixture 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.

St Mary’s Street; @thequeeremporium

26 November

CARDIFF PROPERTY AWARDS Anticipation is building for the third Cardiff Property Awards. 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.

Coal Exchange Hotel; www.cardiffpropertyawards.co.uk n

Until 5 September

SUNFLOWER MAIZE MAZE A popular summer attraction on the outskirts of Cardiff is back for 2021.

The Clearwell Farm Sunflower Maize Maze, measuring 13,000 square metres, is now open to adventurous kids and adults, alongside a range of farm games, including welly wanging.

You can also wander and enjoy the sunflower patches which are separate from the maze.

Clearwell farm; www.clearwellfarm.co.uk

18 – 19 September

RACE FOR LIFE People across Cardiff are being urged to enter Cancer Research UK’s Race

GLITZIEST DIARY DATE OF THE YEAR 30 September

CARDIFF LIFE AWARDS Our Awards ceremony is just around the corner! Now all we’ve got to do is crown the winners . See you there, yes?

It’s always a sell-out, so grab your tickets as soon as you can.

City Hall; www.cardifflifeawards.co.uk

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

Prepare yourself for an unrivalled experience of mischief and mayhem, if you’re brave enough

BINGO LINGO

We went along to Bingo Lingo at Depot to see what all the fuss was about. The team have taken bingo, shaken all the dust out, and turned it into one mad, confettifilled, night. This is bingo like you’ve never experienced before

By Lisa Evans 20 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

I

can reel off all the shenanigans that go on at Bingo Lingo at Depot – widely known as one of Cardiff’s best nights out – but what I can’t aptly do with the English language is describe the atmosphere; you have to feel it to believe it.

After the lockdowns, being in any venue with truck-loads of people feels like a novelty (and maybe even a little bit nerve-racking now that we’ve all become homebodies to some extent), but being in a huge warehouse, surrounded by hundreds of fun-seekers, who were all singing along to Sweet Caroline in unison while their sea of arms swayed in the air, felt like pure joy after all those cooped-up months.

Enter into Bingo Lingo and it’s an instant community, every member on the hunt for nothing but laughs and delight.

So, what is Bingo Lingo? It’s an adults-only, always sold-out, provocative, daring, full-on bingo rave with ridiculous rounds and on-stage battles. It’s bingo like you’ve never experienced it before, basically. It’s bingo for the brave.

Unlike my assumptions of it, it’s not just for students and 20-somethings; while, granted, plenty of that age group were scattered around, we saw all ages there – on the table next to us was a group of mums having a night

TRIED AND TESTED away from the kids, two tables over was a stag party, across the room was a corporate-looking group of blokes with loosened ties, and nearby was a 60th birthday bash.

It’s been going since 2016, having started as an original concept at Depot in Cardiff, and it has achieved cult status throughout 50 cities in the UK and beyond. Literally hundreds of thousands of people have attended, and they keep coming back for more.

There have been some life-changing prizes in the past, including, hundreds of pounds in cash, and an actual car. But there are also hilarious duds, from an Ikea hat, and a space hopper, to a gigantic inflatable dinosaur that a

poor woman couldn’t carry off the stage. I was just thankful that I was sitting far enough away from the stage not to be sprayed by the water pistol prize on offer.

Not to sound like a bore, but I’m also very glad I didn’t win because there’s a stressful moment of anticipation where the winner walks up on stage and the ticket is checked as they wait. If you’ve accidently shouted bingo when it’s not a bingo, you’re mercilessly booed off the stage as the host shouts ‘you loser’ through the microphone (or, let’s say, some version of that which can’t be published in this familyfriendly magazine).

The lively, hilarious, character-led host brought back a 90s DJ vibe, and was joined on stage for the duration by two lads dressed as grandmas, for some unexplained reason. It was the grannies’ job to hype up the crowd, dish out the prizes, run around the room, and they even climbed high up the warehouse’s framework to entertain and amuse the chaos-loving audience.

As you can tell, it’s not a place you can sit and chat to your friends while the action

unfolds around you; even if you wanted to, the music is too loud for that. The website says “all behaviour accepted”, and it seems the more riotous the better in their eyes.

If you’re a bit peckish while you’re there, you’ll find street food aplenty – from the various indoor vans and shacks which rotate weekly – including pizza, wings and loaded fries, all brought to your long wooden tablesand-benches set-up via an app-ordering system.

Plus there was a copious variety of alcohol on offer, such as colossal beer steins and punchy cocktails.

All in all, Bingo Lingo reinvents the traditional game into a unique, crowd- roaring, interactive night of non-stop madness, tomfoolery and nonsense. And we think everyone should try it at least once.

Prepare yourself for an unrivalled experience of dance-offs, twerk-offs, and on-stage mischief and mayhem, if you’re brave enough.

I certainly wasn’t. n

“There have been some life-changing prizes, including an actual car”

Williams Way, Curran Embankment, Cardiff; www.depotcardiff.com

All behaviour, and outfits, accepted

Bingo, but not as you’ve ever experienced it before

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

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

I

t’s been an amazing few weeks of live entertainment for us! We cannot begin to explain how happy we are that venues are open and live theatre and concerts are back pretty much in full swing. The cabaret season down at the Wales Millennium Centre has been simply wonderful so far. We popped along to more shows; both DragProv and Bingo with Wilma Ballsdrop were a much-needed tonic. Pure hilarity and talent. If you’ve never seen an audience-participation drag show or bingo hosted by a queen, with cabaret in between, you must! We promise you it’ll lift you out of any post-Covid slumber! Not to forget Asifa Lahore, the first ‘out’ Muslim drag queen (you may have seen her Channel 4 documentary a few

top:

Asifa Lahore The colossal crochet tree at WMC bottom: Wyburn & Wayne at Cardiff Castle’s Under the Stars below:

years ago). Wow, so much talent and quite the education too.

Nathan also had the pleasure of presenting a video piece documenting his highlights of the Your Voice art exhibition at the Millennium Centre, which features over 400 artworks, covering topics from the pandemic, race, nature and community. A special mention goes to Flo, the artist who spent months weaving and constructing a colossal tree, which is pride of place on the stage in the main theatre until 29 August. Simply incredible.

We also popped along to Cardiff Castle and thoroughly enjoyed the Walk Like a Man Four Seasons tribute show. We had our own booth with Prosecco delivered to us and everything! A concert under the stars there is just breath-taking.

We always recall the time we met

“It’s been an amazing few weeks of live entertainment”

Nile Rodgers there at his gig with Chic, what a gent. He’s coming back to Cardiff soon too.

The Castle also boasted impressive gigs from the likes of Only Men Allowed, with John Owen-Jones and the Queen of the night Whitney Houston tribute – both acts appeared on our Radio Cardiff show with interviews ahead of their shows. Isn’t just reading about all these awesome shows so refreshing? We think so!

The Castle also currently has a great partnership with Shelter Cymru, a charity which is close to our hearts, and Nathan also recently met with Welsh mixed martial artist Brett Johns to sign prints of Nathan’s portrait of him.

Funds from the prints go directly to the charity and the art was created

by Nathan punching the canvas while wearing Johns’ fighting gloves dipped in paint. So cool.

Our coffee court venture outside St Andrew’s Church is looking

so good in the sunshine, due to Wayne’s creative flower display using an old coat hanger and a cable reel table. We also now have the quirkiest seating area for kids (or big kids like us), it’s an old boat which we asked our customers to name… we have decided on *drum roll* Dragged Ashore, which is a lovely nod to our Cardiff Life Awardwinning Christmas event, Dragged to Church. Speaking of the Awards, book your tickets for September, they are selling super fast!

Much love x 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.

They are also Radio Cardiff DJs with 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 23

STREET LIFE A glimpse into Cardiff-based photographer Tom Rokita’s world of street photography

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Have you heard this drummer play on St Mary’s Street?;

A reflection of the rainbow sculpture made of recycled cans on the Hayes; sitting on the steps of the National Museum Wales; juggler Mr.Tom in Bute Park

PHOTOGRAPHY clockwise from far left: Tom says this man is

the most iconic Deliveroo rider in Cardiff; a cyclist passing the Wales Millennium Centre; bearing a heavy load on Castle Street; a mother-daughter connection in the city centre; Tom often sees this man cleaning windows at the BBC building

T

hrough their lens, the street photographer shoots the comic, ironic, emotional, unusual and everyday aspects of reality and freezes them in time. There is a social importance to street photography; it captures the unrepeatable, unpredictable moments, featuring multiple strangers side by side who may never cross paths again, those momentary scenes that can never be replicated. Here, Tom Rokita, a photographer who lives in Riverside, Cardiff, shares his love of the genre.

Why do you like to document life in the city?

What inspires me the most are those unique moments: people who stand out from the crowd somehow. Sometimes it’s their makeup, sometimes it’s their outfit, and sometimes it’s just the feeling of being in the right place at the right moment.

“I never know what I’m actually looking for until I find it”

When you’re out and about looking for shots to take, what details do you notice mainly?

Many people just go to the shop, the bank, or wherever they have to, and they go directly, and as quick as possible, not really taking in their surroundings. But when I go out to take photos, I’m actively looking. I sometimes walk the same street over and over until I find what I’m looking for. It may sound funny but I never know what I’m actually looking for until I find it. Sometimes I’ll walk the whole day on Queen Street and come back with no photos because nothing caught my eye; but then the day after, I get so many photos that I run out of memory in my camera.

What are your favourite moments to capture?

Even though I love capturing specific moments, actions or emotions, I always try to focus more on the composition of the photos and leave the human part more as a mystery, where we can see emotions but we don’t know

what their next step or move will be. It’s hard to achieve, but I want to create something more artistic and unique that stands out from other street photographers.

me, even when I go shopping, simply because I never know what I can discover on my way.

Favourite settings/backdrops in Cardiff?

I’ve always loved photography but I didn’t start shooting until four and a half years ago. Just a couple of months after leaving Poland, I could finally afford my first DSLR camera and that’s how it all started. Photography is not my job, at least not yet, but I’m working hard to achieve it one day hopefully soon.

Cardiff Bay, Queen Street, and the area next to Cardiff City Hall. And I also have some other places that I’d like to keep as my little secret.

When you don’t have a camera in hand, do you still like to people-watch?

When I don’t have a camera? No no, that’s never happening, except when I go to work and back home. I always have my camera with

Finally, can you tell us about the first time you photographed the streets?

For more: www.tomrokita.com

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

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SHOPPING LIVE WELL, BUY BETTER

PRETTY FLY FOR A CACTI

Mark Thomas, who lives in Rhiwbina, started Steampunk Tommy as a project in Lockdown. He creates handmade unique industrial steampunk home décor, from indoor planters made from cast iron pipes and reclaimed pine, to table lamps crafted using vintage Petrolex mini fire extinguishers. He makes accessories and ‘finishing touches’ for every room in the house; some of the other rare items that have caught our eye are: the extremely detailed coffee tables made from reclaimed Victorian roof beams, with iron pipes and toughened glass; a vintage brass weed sprayer that has been carefully crafted into an Edison three-bulb floor lamp; and a toilet roll holder complete with a pressure gauge in black metal finish.

Industrial planters, from £50; www.Etsy.com/uk/shop/ steampunktommy

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

ACROSS-BODY BAG, £18.95 Sleek and simple, with tassels thrown in for some fun.

From Zia Boutique, Mermaid Quay; www.zia-Boutique.co.uk

ALURE CANVAS, £215 Subtle yet impactful wall art.

From Athena Interiors, Cwmbran; www.athenainteriors.co.uk

I ONLY DREAM IN BLACK AND WHITE A monochrome palette is timeless and classic, with endless possibilities from subdued to statement-making.

Here are some of our favourite black and white items from local shops MAKE IT BIG MASCARA, £12 Warning: will make you lash out.

From Morphe Cardiff, Upper Mall, St. David’s Centre www.uk.morphe.com

ABSTRACT FACE VASE, £17 A minimalist and modern home for your blooms.

From Sadler Jones, Barry; www.sadlerjones.com

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

EMBROIDERED COLLAR TOP, £49.50 A “jeans and a nice top” top.

From Oliver Bonas, The Hayes, Cardiff; www.oliverbonas.com

KITCHEN NONE SPONGE, £7.95 Anyone aspiring to a zerowaste lifestyle will appreciate this eco, reusable washing up sponge.

From Tabitha Eve, Pontypridd; www.tabithaeve.co.uk

EDITOR’S CHOICE MEN’S WATCH, £4,800 This Hublot Big Bang E Black ceramic watch stands out, big time.

From Watches of Switzerland, St David’s Way; www.watches-of-switzerland.co.uk

SHOWER SET, £2,152 A high-end and super luxe upgrade for your bathroom.

From The Tap End, Pontyclun; www.thetapend.design

THROW, £23.90 We’ve got you covered with this beautiful blanket.

From Stwff-Stuff, Cowbridge; www.stwff-stuff.co.uk TEMPORARY TATTOO, £10 A delicate design by @densha_tattoo that lasts on the skin for up to two weeks.

From From Swimadelica, Llandaff; www.swimadelica.com

CURIOUS LAMP, £269 A quirky accessory by Henrik Pedersen. Can we get a watt watt.

From BoConcept Cardiff, Grand Arcade; www.boconcept.com

CASSEROLE DISH, FROM £35 Hit me with your best pot.

From John Lewis & Partners, The Hayes, Cardiff; www.johnlewis.com

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

FOOD & DRINK SNAPSHOTS OF CARDIFF’S FOOD SCENE

A handful of juicy food news morsels for you to chew on

Matsudai’s founder, James Chant

Cult pop-up Matsudai Ramen has taken over the kitchen at Milkwood in Pontcanna. They’ve been showcasing different kinds of ‘proper’ ramen from around Japan at the restaurant, and will be there until 25 September. They are taking walk-ins, but with more than 1,000 covers booked up within a week of announcing, it’s probably best to avoid the rush between 7 – 8pm.

See page 34 for more. www.matsudai.co.uk

© JAMIE ALLEN

TASTY BITES

RAMEN CALM

Dai Wakley, master distiller

The Grade-II Barons Court has been restored

FRESH FEASTS

In August, local entrepreneurs Jayne Haywood and Jemma Evans launched their first restaurant and bar, Barons Court, in Penarth. It’s the oldest standing building in the Penarth area, and they have restored it in the authentic, vintage-charm style that the Grade-II listed building lends itself so well to. And award-winning chef Chris O’Brien ensures a classic, yet contemporary menu of farm-fresh dishes. @baronscourtpenarth

P.S Hensol Castle Distillery’s long-awaited visitor experience and gin school opens to the public in September, with the aim of attracting up to 40,000 visitors per year.

WHAT’S NEW?

Two new foodie openings that have caught our eye are: • Brunch spot KAYA KAFE, launching on 11 September in Roath.

• And SMOKIN GRIDDLE burger joint on Cowbridge Road East.

KEEP YOUR GIN UP One of Wales’s largest independent spirits distilleries has reached an agreement with Swansea-based Cygnet Distillery to produce its range of award-winning gins.

Hensol Castle Distillery, in South Wales, will now produce Cygnet’s spirits, including Mr White’s Gin, which was released earlier this year for Marco Pierre White and his restaurant chain. www.hensolcastledistillery.com

HIT THE STREETS The Welsh Street Food Awards took place in August, hosted by Street Food Keralan Circus at Roath Yard, Karavan in in which seven of action Wales’s finest food trucks battled it out.

The judges’ winner – judged by Sam and Shauna from HangFire Southern Kitchen in Barry – was Keralan Karavan (a jazzed-up Southern Indian kitchen), and The People’s Choice winner was Janet’s Authentic Northern Chinese.The winners will now go on to compete against the best in the UK at the British Street Food Awards in September. www.britishstreetfood.co.uk

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

FOOD

clockwise from above: Matsudai

© CL ARE CHARLES

Ramen at Milkwood; Owen Morgan, founder of Assador; Church Street Cardiff; Tapas Y Copas Book; Bacareto is inspired by the small bàcari of Venice

AUTUMN EATS

I

Our columnist, 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…

’m still finding it quite hard to believe that in the last couple of weeks alone, I’ve been to a Matsudai Ramen kitchen takeover at Milkwood in Pontcanna (they’re there until 25 September), joined thousands of people to watch Foals perform live as the sun set over Cardiff Castle grounds, and rubbed shoulders with hundreds of street food fans at the Welsh heat of the British Street Food Awards (I voted the same way as the judges eventually did – congrats to those lovely folk at Keralan Karavan for taking home first prize – well deserved!)

It really does feel like such a treat be out and about with other people again, to be attending events, meeting friends in cool places, and doing something different. And the good news is, there’s plenty more to look forward to as we welcome autumn in the city.

Over Bank Holiday Weekend, the Fresh & Wild farmers market at The Boneyard in Canton will be complementing their usual offering with a schedule of demos, talks and tastings. For more info on who will be involved, keep an eye on their Instagram account @freshandwildmarket.

Bacareto will offer a new place to hang out on Church Street as the days get shorter. It’s being brought to life by the same team behind Spit

& Sawdust and promises to be a ‘relaxed and informal café bar inspired by the small bàcari of Venice’. During the day it will offer good coffee, pastries and paninis from the counter, and in the evening, well-sourced wines and beers will complement a regularly changing menu served late into the night.

There are rumours that Rosa’s Thai Café will also be joining Church Street’s eclectic foodie line up later this year; founded by British chef and author Saiphin Moore, her take on modern Thai food grew from a humble beginning of a street stall on Brick Lane’s Sunday market in the East End of London.

And if you’re more of a homebody than a restaurant regular? This autumn, the fab team behind Bar 44 / Asador 44 will be publishing their first ever cookbook. The Tapas Y Copas Book by Owen and Tom Morgan features food and drink in equal measure, as well as stories of the brothers’ travels around Spain. The book will be published in October, but is available for pre-order now at www.mercado44.grupo44.co.uk.

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

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

MATSUDAI RAMEN When Lisa Evans sampled Matsudai Ramen for the first time, life changed as she knew it. Their new pop-up will be at Milkwood in Pontcanna until September Photos by Nathan Roach

H

ave you ever eaten a meal that’s so good you can’t stop thinking about it, and it drives you crazy, like an earworm of a catchy song that your brain won’t stop playing on repeat, interrupting your work and daily life? Well, if you don’t much enjoy having obsessive foodie thoughts permeating your psyche on an on-the-minute basis, please, I implore you, do not try Matsudai Ramen.

I personally wasn’t worried about a bowl of ramen being able to take over my mind, body and soul – I mean, who would be? I thought it would be warming and lovely, and that’s about it. But it has ruined my day-to-day life. No longer can I prepare a family meal of, say, bolognaise, stir fry, or sausage and mash without slumping in front of it and staring at it with despair – “you’re just not the same,”

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

I say to the plate scornfully. I look at life differently now, through noodle-shaped lenses, and I’ve realised how much I’ve been missing.

Thousands of people in and around the city will agree with me on this and will have my back for being so dramatic. It’s a justified drama. The Matsudai craze has swept across the capital leaving dazed diners in its wake, and it’s done all of this without a bricks-and-mortar restaurant to its name, which makes it all the more impressive. And, for that matter, the founder, James Chant, isn’t even a chef.

Let’s go back to the start for a moment: Matsudai began in Cardiff in late 2019 as a pop-up which involved James taking over the kitchens of existing restaurants – a nomadic supper club if you will – with tickets always selling out within minutes of going on sale, and queues stretching out

RESTAURANT of the door for the walk-in spaces. But this came to a halt as lockdown came into effect. So James switched the model up and started to offer assemble-at-home ramen kits for delivery instead.

Such was the success of the DIY version – with his very first batch of 400 portions selling out in one day – that it made waves internationally, inspiring other pop-ups and shops to open in the UK, the Philippines and the US, leading James to take the leap to invest in a permanent dark kitchen in Taff’s Well, and build his team to seven staff so that he could start delivering nationally.

Since the start, Matsudai has gathered major attention and praise from critics including Jay Rayner, Tom Parker Bowles, and even YouTube hero Uncle Roger. And, recently, James launched his first UK headline ramen tour, cooking in the restaurants of Manchester, Bristol, London and, of course, Cardiff, accompanied by special guests at each location. And he’s now searching for a permanent venue in the city. No one is safe.

For now, Matsudai has a residency at Milkwood in Pontcanna. They’re taking over Thursday to Saturday evenings until 25 September, and will then be popping up in London in October.

Matsudai’s aim is to showcase different kinds of ramen from around Japan – from super-rich tonkotsu and tori paitan broths, to more delicately balanced shio and shoyu varieties, and hearty, umami-stuffed miso bowls. From the monthly-changing online menu, I chose a veggie tantanmen kit for two – complete with shiitake-kombu dashi and soy milk soup, shoyu-sesame tare (deeply flavoured, rich, creamy seasoning which looks a bit like peanut butter), handmade noodles, soy mince and shiitake soboro, pak choi, spring onion, rayu chilli oil, and a 48-hour soy-marinated ‘ajitama’ egg – plus a portion of braised chashu pork belly for my carnivorous husband.

All the ingredients come individually wrapped and preportioned along with simple-to-follow instructions, and all you need are saucepans, a knife, and around 10 minutes to create a dangerous dish that will haunt your dreams.

So, how did someone who’s not a chef, and until two years ago had never been in a professional kitchen, become the wizard of ramen? Well, he got off to a slow start, forcing his poor wife to sit through endless “terrible” bowls, but, since then, he’s been able to track down proper ingredients (not as easy it sounds in this country) and got the hang of the intricate nuances, methods and techniques.

And what better place than Cardiff? What better place than Wales, in fact, where there wasn’t a single stand-alone ramen shop? James calls his food ‘proper ramen’, rather than ‘authentic ramen’, the idea of authentic ramen being something of a misnomer.

The instructions of the kit say to “slurp your noodles down as quickly, noisily and messily as you can”. Don’t wear your good clothes for this. Actually, don’t even order it. Don’t taste it. Don’t do it. Save yourselves from ramen obsession while you still can. It’s too late for me. As we speak, I’ve just placed my next order.

Let’s end with a word from James about why he thinks Matsudai has created such a commotion. “We put a crazy amount of work into getting it right. With most ramen you get in the UK, the soup comes out of a packet, and so ‘proper’ ramen isn’t something you’re likely to find unless you also find someone who’s very committed to it and cares about it. Takeaway ramen doesn’t work either – it’s something that really needs to be eaten fresh. We’ve delivered thousands of our kits, it must be five figures by now! The response has been mind-blowing.” n

“Save yourselves from ramen obsession while you still can”

DINING DETAILS To order your DIY ramen kits online, visit www.matsudai.co.uk; the order cut-off each week is the end of Tuesday, for a Friday delivery Food It’s a monthly-changing menu featuring Japanese ‘proper’ ramen Veggie options There is always a vegan / vegetarian option available Prices From £19.99, for two to three portions, and delivery is £6.95 What else? Matsudai has taken over Milkwood in Pontcanna until 25 September

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

Buttermilk turkey in a basket is The Alchemist’s recommended dish

’TIS (ALMOST) THE SEASON

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With restrictions finally lifted, it’s time to look forward to a Christmas party to remember

By Lisa Evans

t feels a bit odd writing a piece about Christmas parties when we’ve barely bid adieu to summer, but festive bashes – whether for families, groups of friends, or for the office – are already booking up fast, so there’s no time like the present. Here are seven of our favourite spots…

THE ALCHEMIST

The Alchemist is celebrating Christmas with a nostalgic bang, throwing it back to a glam rock past. Introducing their All That Glitters Christmas menu; enjoy the glitz and glamour of a bygone age, full of indulgent food, drinks and utter debauchery. Pair a seasonal cocktail with a two-course menu for £30, or

make it a three-course love affair for £35.

A recommended pairing is their Biscoffee Martini and the buttermilk turkey in a basket, served with a pork stuffing bon bon, festive slaw and seasoned fries.

Prices: All That Glitters bookings start from £30 per person.

St Mary Street; www.thealchemist.uk.com

CHRISTMAS PARTIES HOLM HOUSE

right top: Popworld will entertain you; right bottom: Coal Exchange knows its way around a cocktail

VOCO ST. DAVID’S CARDIFF

COAL EXCHANGE

Expect themed events, festive dining, afternoon teas, private bashes, Christmas Day feasts for the family, and ultimate New Year’s parties. A visit to this landmark hotel is always special, even more so during the most wonderful time of the year.

It’s an ideal setting that friends and colleagues will remember. For the Festive Party Nights, enjoy a cocktail on arrival, then a three-course meal along with live tribute acts, bands, entertainment and a disco until 1am.

Prices: Festive Party Nights start from £38 per person.

Havannah Street, Cardiff; www.stdavids.vocohotels.com

Celebrate the season at one of Cardiff’s most iconic buildings.

Guests can dine and party in the Grand Hall Suite – the former home to the coal trading floor that helped put Cardiff on the world map. Their festive party packages include a welcome drink, a threecourse meal, half a bottle of wine, and a DJ. Prices: The festive party packages start from £35 per person.

Mount Stuart Square, Cardiff Bay; www.coalexchangecardiff.co.uk

DEPOT

Popworld is the party venue for those that really want to have a good time. They say to leave any pretentiousness at the door because fun and good times await inside. With party music from the last 40 years and their up-lit dancefloor, plus an amazing atmosphere, there is something for every member of your Christmas party, from 18-to-80-year-olds.

They’ll be open seven nights a week during December; there are booths available that seat up to eight people, but they can accommodate larger parties on request too.

Prices: The minimum table deposit is £100, redeemable against a spirit package or as a bar tab.

St. Mary Street; www.popworldparty.co.uk

This warehouse space is home to Cardiff’s most creative pop-up events. Since 2015, they have been creating exciting new events from Hip Hop Karaoke to Pizza & Prosecco and the weekly Friday night sell-out Bingo Lingo. They’ve been hired by industry leading businesses to deliver corporate events, beer festivals, and even international film shoots.

This year, Bingo Lingo’s The Christmas Greatest Show returns – this event sold over 15,000 tickets back in 2019. Think chaos, madness, sparkle and circus performers – from fire-breathers to stilt walkers and acrobats – plus five festive street food traders and bars.

Prices: The Christmas Greatest Show is £15 a head plus booking fee.

Williams Way, Curran Embankment; www.depotcardiff.com

“Enjoy the glitz and glamour of a bygone age, full of utter debauchery”

help with every last detail.

Coming up: a Gangsters and Molls night; a ‘Gin’gle Bell Ball; Big Mac’s Wholly Soul Night; All Inclusive Party Nights; and a Back to the Future evening.

Guests can also make a night of it by taking advantage of the Vale Resort’s luxury four-star accommodation from £45 per person per night, including a full Welsh breakfast. Arrive early and enjoy a round of golf on one of two championship courses, get party ready with a spray tan or nail treatment in the spa, or make use of the extensive Health and Racquets Club facilities.

Prices: From £43 per person.

Hensol, Vale of Glamorgan; www.valeresort.com

© DAVID ROBAKIDZE

above: Crazy scenes at The Christmas Greatest Show;

Fancy coming Holm for Christmas? Like a scene from a festive romcom, nothing says magical winter wonderland quite like Holm House. Expect beautiful decorations, cosy log fires, jolly afternoon tea offerings, its famous annual carol evening hosted by a local choir (date TBC), and Christmas Party Nights. The hotel also puts on residential packages including a sumptuous Christmas Day lunch and a New Year’s Eve gala dinner.

The 2021 Christmas programme is due to be released this month.

Prices: From £25 Marine Parade, Penarth; www.holmhousehotel.com

POPWORLD

VALE RESORT

With 10 different party suites available, the resort can create everything from an intimate dinner to a celebration for the whole office, and there are dedicated Christmas coordinators on hand to

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BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY NOW AT THE BOOTLEGGER. We’ll be serving our standard platters (The Rum Runners Ration - mix, and The Roots and Shoots - veg), plus our signature delicious cocktails as well as a Christmas style platter and special christmas styled cocktails.

O

n Womanby Street, at the heart of this historic city, you will find The Bootlegger, our unique Prohibition speakeasy-inspired bar. Harking back to the underground glamour of the 1920s, this hideaway is the place for a raucous good night. The venue’s striking decor is an industrial mix of exposed bricks, Edison light bulbs and cosy corners, that create an utterly special experience. The cocktail menu has been specially designed to complement the character of the bar. Our servers are well versed in the art of fabulous cocktails, and can serve you any of our 80 concoctions, varying from century-old favourites to tasty modern twists. The Bootlegger also serves delicious authentic Italian platters inspired by the Prohibition Era Mobsters style, substance and taste.

•

WWW.BOOTLEGGERBARS.COM • 5A Womanby Street, Cardiff, CF10 1BR

cardiff@bootleggerbars.com 029 2037 3482   bootlegger_bars f Exeterbootlegger

We’ve been working hard with the finest suppliers to bring you a taste of Sicily and our range of mouthwatering treats means there’s something new and exciting for everyone to try.

The Bootlegger, of course, is the perfect venue for a swell evening - serving tasty tipples while delighting your taste buds at the same time.

We are proud to be part of Cardiff ’s popular bar, cocktail and music scene, and we welcome you all to The Bootlegger.

Along with our first venue Bristol, and recently opened venue in Exeter last year, we are also pleased to announce the opening of our brand new venue in Brighton - just yards from the seafront between the 2 famous piers. All venues will be serving the platters and cocktails.

COWORKING A social buffet at The Sustainable Studio

SHARING

SPACES A look inside some of the city’s modern, individual coworking spaces putting community at the heart

By Lisa Evans

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The Sustainable Studio is a creative community

F

orget the rigidity of a traditional office, coworking spaces generally have a fantastic sense of community, flexibility, friendliness, fun, and a potential for innovation, learning and collaboration. They give people complete autonomy and enable them to find more meaning in their work, while also providing great opportunities for members to grow their business.” – This is what Emily Merchant, the director of Rabble Studio on Bute Street told us when we asked why shared creative coworking spaces are thriving, and we think she summed it up quite neatly.

Read on to hear about a handful of local, stand-out communityfocused coworkspaces – where diverse groups of freelancers, remote workers, and other independent professionals work side by side in a collective, flexible setting – which all offer much more than just a chair and a desk.

Some are pet friendly; some put on curry, film and boardgame nights; some have performance areas; some have onsite crèches, gyms and cafés; and some have some even have free pick ‘n’ mix…

THE SUSTAINABLE STUDIO

Billed as a creative community, you’ll find a collective of makers, emerging artists and creative start-ups at this studio.

Julia Harris, co-founder, tells us more.

How would you sum it up?

TSS is set within an industrial warehouse repurposed from reclaimed materials, and includes 30 affordable studios, an immersive space for

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performance, exhibitions, photo and video shoots, plus communal kitchens and seating areas, a community swap shop and a refill station.

It’s a stone throw from the city centre so we’re really accessible. Our multi-use space can accommodate 150 people and members have their own key and 24/7 access.

What types of businesses are there at the moment?

Artists, makers, fashion designers, illustrators, interior designers, bloggers, DJs, ceramicists, animators, graphic designers, film makers, photographers, illustrators, and a goldsmith.

What’s your outlook?

Our space is an extension of our family. Everyone matters, each person has equal opportunities and support to succeed. It’s a multi-generation space with a varied and diverse community.

Is it social?

Before the pandemic, we regularly held communal lunches, and curry and film nights. We have a very vibrant WhatsApp group with plenty of opportunities to join in with other members’ social plans. We can’t wait to get back to lots more gatherings in and outside of the space. And every day is a networking opportunity.

Curran Buildings, Curran Road; www.thesustainablestudio.com

“When you put wonderful people in the same room, amazing things can happen”

COWORKING RABBLE

Fun, community and wellbeing is at the core of Rabble. Director Emily Merchant tells us more.

How would you describe the space?

Rabble is a community-focused, member-led place. Whether you need a space for your dualscreen setup, want a bit more social interaction or are happy to rock up with your laptop to get stuff done, we’ve got you covered. We can accommodate up to 50 people.

What was the thought process behind the fresh design?

We’ve designed the space to enable productivity and wellbeing, so expect loads of natural light to keep you happy, plants to keep you healthy and a whole host of artwork to keep you motivated and inspired. If you feel like you need a break, you can hang out in the chill out area, read a book or have a chat with other community members before going back to your desk. You’re your own boss here, baby! Just don’t forget to respond to that important email later, ok?

TSS is set within an industrial warehouse repurposed from reclaimed materials

Why do you think coworking spaces are popular right now?

Simply put – they rock! Forget the rigidity of a traditional office, coworking spaces generally have a fantastic sense of community, flexibility, friendliness, fun, and a potential for innovation, learning and collaboration. They give people complete autonomy and enable them to find more meaning in their work, while also providing great opportunities for members to grow their business.

© BL AND PHOTOGR APHY

The space at Rabble has been designed to enable productivity and wellbeing

Tell us about the fun bits…

All work and no play is why we all left our dull and lonely WFH setup.

Expect to take part in: pot-luck lunches, skills workshops, project collaboration, post-work pints, board game nights, community socials and pub quizzing. When you put wonderful people in the same room, amazing things can happen.

Bute Street, Cardiff Bay; www.rabble.studio

Newly opened Desg invites you to reimagine what a workplace can be

DESG

After a soft launch earlier this year, Desg fully opened its doors in August. Operations manager Ollie Vincent tells us more.

Give us a feel for the space…

We invite you to reimagine what a workplace can be. Combining design principles with curiosity, we aim to be a model for stylish, balanced and mindful environments, providing community where freelancers and small businesses can rub shoulders, swap ideas and collaborate. Housed in a former 10,000 sq ft office, it was transformed into two storeys of hot-desks, coworking spaces, private offices, meeting rooms and a large events space.

Coolest parts…

Sound-proof booths for those seeking extra privacy. There’s also a gym and showers, a members-only lounge, and the building is lined with picture windows creating a visual gateway out to Llandaff Fields, connecting you with one of Cardiff’s most expansive green spaces and is just a few steps away for easy screen breaks, runs or strolls.

How many people can you accommodate?

Our 17 private offices vary in size from two-person spaces to accommodating up to 40 people. There’s also the option to work into the night with 24-hour access for members.

Why do you think people thrive in coworking spaces?

Coworking folk tend to thrive because they become part of a community; we are social beings. It’s a great way to make professional relationships and friendships. The potential for collaboration is a big factor, but so is the diverse nature – one day you could be working next to a nutritionist, the next a social media influencer or architect.

What about the fun and frolics?

“It’s a lifestyle destination, as much as a working space”

© OWEN MATHIAS PHOTOGR APHY

Building a fun community is crucial to our offering. Our space is geared up for this with our large events space and we are working on networking events, talks, breakfasts.

Penhill Road, Pontcanna Cardiff; www.desg.co.uk

COWORKING

Clockwise Cardiff is one of the largest office spaces in the city

WORKBENCH

You’ll find this family-run spot just a few minutes from the city centre. Here we chat to director Jason Gill.

Give us the low-down…

We’re a family-run company so we are very much geared towards helping small companies. We know what it’s like to be a start-up and how hard it is to grow. Above everything, we’re fair with our pricing and terms. We only charge by the room size and not by the desk, so we don’t punish companies for growing. Tenants can bring their own furniture in; we don’t make them rent out a desk or chair from us. We also have free parking.

Give us a sense of the size…

We have 34 offices in one building and 22 offices in our other building.

The offices range from one desk up to 12. We can accommodate 100-120 desks per building.

Why do people thrive in coworking spaces?

As the pandemic has shown, people need human interaction – however, they don’t necessarily want to be in an office nine to five. Coworking offers a cost-effective solution for companies to collaborate and thrive.

Any networking opps?

We arrange networking events for our tenants a few times a year and quite a few of our companies have collaborated in the past.

Who is the space geared towards?

Both start-ups and more established SMEs. We have solo companies and larger organisations here, such as the Mental Health Foundation who have five offices with us.

Neptune Court, Vanguard Way; www.workbenchoffice.com

CLOCKWISE CARDIFF

One of the largest office spaces in the city, Clockwise has an onsite crèche and Kin + Ilk café, plus they’re sprinkling joy by granting wishes. Here we chat to Katie May, acting general manager.

Your location is a huge draw isn’t it…

We are at Brunel House which is located near Cardiff’s Castle Quarter and it’s one of the largest office spaces in the city centre. The newly restored building resides at the top of the high street, close to some of the city’s best restaurants and bars.

Biggest perks?

An onsite crèche, the Kin + Ilk café that serves hot food and drinks throughout the day, a club lounge, showers, and onsite parking spaces.

How many people can you accommodate?

Nearly 150 desks spaces alongside private offices that can cater for up to 50 colleagues.

Why do you believe coworking to be a positive experience?

The office means so much more to people than bricks and mortar, it’s a place to bring to life a company culture, a mission and a vision.

It’s a dedicated space for work, away from the distractions of home, supporting productivity and wellbeing. And it’s those serendipitous interactions that can spark really meaningful progress.

Also, the flexible model of a coworking space is great for companies who want a turnkey solution; a fully serviced option with one fee that covers everything means they can concentrate on growing their business rather than worrying about utility bills or ink cartridges.

Any social events?

We run an events programme to support personal and professional

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COWORKING growth. We host members socials and facilitate networking between members. We recently hosted a Summer Solstice event which focused on self-care and wellness, offering healthy smoothies, nutritious food, and refreshing mocktails throughout the week. There was also a Wishing Tree where members were invited to tie their wish to a branch – we’re still working on one wish for a Lamborghini, but we’ve managed to grant many of them and add a little joy to the everyday.

Memorable members?

One of the first clients was Welsh fintech company, Yoello, which was recently named Technology Business of the Year.

Brunel House, Fitzalan Road; www.workclockwise.co.uk

SPACE2B

There’s an in-house barbershop and beauty salon in this space. And free pick ‘n’ mix. Jack Harrold, sales and community manager has the low-down.

What’s your space like?

Our sprawling, Grade-II listed building is a vibrant community hub. It’s a former Victorian Malt House full of contemporary features and facilities, including a barbershop, beauty salon, and a 24/7-access gym – it’s a lifestyle destination, as much as a working space. Its historic features are definitely a draw; expect original brickwork, wooden beams and cast-iron features.

How many people are currently with you?

We’re home to 131 companies. On average, we see 500 people every day, meaning there’s never a shortage of conversation or friendly faces. Our onsite Kin + Ilk café is the ‘work, eat and chill’ destination of choice for many tenants. Other open spaces to use include the upstairs mezzanine, our sunroof, courtyard and breakout pods.

Why are coworking spaces popular?

Flexibility is key, and a workspace that’s there when you need it is crucial – especially as we emerge from a long period of isolated working. Our monthly no-contract style means tenants can pop in and out as they please.

The kitchen at Clockwise is anything but run of the mill

“You’re your own boss here, baby!”

Tell us about the social side…

Our goal was always to build a community among our tenants, and that’s why we host summer BBQs, Christmas parties, giveaways, competitions and networking events.

What types of businesses are currently with you?

We have lots of solo workers, like translators, designers and marketers – but we also have businesses that have bloomed into larger organisations like Sitka Recruitment, a recruitment agency led exclusively by women, and Miss Patisserie, a beauty brand taking the high street by storm with their vegan bath and body products.

Surprise us…

A staff party at Space2B

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We have free pick ‘n’ mix for those with a sweet tooth!

The Maltings, East Tyndall Street; www.space2b.wales

Dog-friendly One Fox Lane is a community of creatives, designers and developers

ONE FOX LANE

MOTOR HOUSE DESKS

Is it true that great things come in small packages?

Tell us more…

This one’s relaxed, quiet and low-key – a small, friendly community of creatives, designers and developers. Angharad Beurle-Williams, co-owner, tells us more.

Yes! One of the best perks here is being part of a small, tight-knit community of 16 – a group of interesting people doing lots of different things, from carpentry and ceramics to digital design and telecoms.

What are the other perks?

We’re dog-friendly; we include tea, coffee, and sourdough for toasting; we’re flexible; there are plenty of opportunities to use the space to host your own events, inside or out; and we’re a social enterprise, so the space is not run for profit but rather to offer something we felt was missing in Cardiff, especially in this area.

Why do you think people thrive in coworking spaces?

They offer flexibility in working patterns but don’t leave you without any external accountability. Isolation affects us in myriad ways; just being in other people’s presence can be incredibly comforting, especially when there are no expectations on you.

Exciting bits?

We order lunch together once a week and try to make an effort to eat together at least on that day. In normal times we have regular parties for which we invite the wider family and the world into the space.

Fox Lane, Adamsdown, Cardiff; www.onefox.co.uk

These new facilities are part of the broader offer at the Grade– II* listed mansion house Insole Court. Here we chat to bookings manager Heledd Jones.

The spaces are set across two of our rooms in the Stable Yard of Insole Court. It’s called Motor House Desks because these areas of the Stable Yard were used to house Insole’s motor cars. Both rooms are light and spacious; one overlooks the busy yard, the other feels particularly private – a great place for quiet thinkers. Our perks include fast Wi-Fi, a lovely working environment, free tea and coffee, sink and fridge use, a discount in our café, and free onsite parking.

Why do you think coworking spaces are so popular?

We’ve seen a real change in people’s attitudes to coworking since the first lockdown. Working from home has its advantages, but is damaging to people’s mental health.

Lots of our customers also find that working at home during term time is ok, but being in the house with noisy children during school holidays impossible.

What kind of worker is the space geared towards?

For us, there’s no stereotype of desk user. Some work in the corporate world, others are young creatives, some are students. We can accommodate eight people (four in each room), and everyone has a dedicated desk for the duration of the booking. n Fairwater Road, Llandaff; www.insolecourt.org

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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

Luxury will greet you at every turn in Cobalt House

COBALT HOUSE ALL IMAGES © JOHN SMITH, SAME OLD SMITH PHOTOGR APHY

A new £1m project has been announced in Cardiff. Cobalt House sees five-star luxury meet office design CARGO Interiors has been chosen as the principal contractor of this three-storey new-build office block on Newport Road, created to meet the changing demands of modern businesses and professionals looking for flexible and adaptable working environments. It will be an example of a thoroughly considered, modern workspace that sets the bar for the future of adaptable highend offices.

“Think serviced offices, coworking, function rooms, hot-desking, solo office pods and meeting spaces – but luxury,” says Bethan Williams of CARGO. The Cobalt Enterprises team had

been planning and shaping this idea for years, and needed the support of a design and build company that shared their values. And that’s where CARGO comes in.

“Our desire is to create something spectacular,” says a spokesperson at Cobalt. “We’re passionate about the future of flexible and adaptable office working, while paving the way for a new style of sophisticated comfort as a must to bridge the gap between working from home and returning to ‘the office’. CARGO Interiors was the perfect fit to help us create our vision.” www.cargointeriors.com

CARDIFF PROPERTY AWARDS

The Cardiff Property Awards are coming to the Coal Exchange Hotel on 26 November. Tickets are now on sale, and nominations are open (closing on 11 October) for categories including architect, contractor, funder, developer, residential and commercial. Some sponsorships are still available; contact annie.kelly@mediaclash. co.uk or mark.george@mediaclash.co.uk for more info. www.cardiffpropertyawards.co.uk

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SALE NOW ON

Cardiff and the Vale’s premier Ceramics and Pottery Gift Experience at the Goodsheds, Barry.

At Matthew Jones Ceramics we run a variety of Pottery Masterclass Gift Experiences that will get you creative and hands on in a fun friendly informal atmosphere.

Suitable for all ages the Pottery Masterclasses are a perfect gift, a truly special date night, a perfect “try something new”experience and a great way to have fun with your Book onlin friends whilst enjoying all the e and enter Goodsheds have to offer. #CA

RDIFFLIF at the che E21 ckout to receive 10% disco unt!

www.matthewjonesceramics.com



A PLACETO CALL PROPERTY HOME

SPRINGMEADOW Set in the most commanding of locations, with panoramic views over Cardiff, is the rural jewel Springmeadow. Here we take a look inside…

By Evelyn Green Photos by South Wales Property Photography www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 51

W

hen a house is on the market as ‘POA’, you know it’s going to be a corker, and Springmeadow, a five-bed stunner of a property, doesn’t disappoint.

The staggaring home is set in gorgeous grounds of around 7.5 acres, and boasts an indoor heated swimming pool, a sauna, plus a separate two-bedroom apartment and a 12-bay stable block.

It’s nestled in Lisvane, a highly respected community which has long been regarded as one of Cardiff’s foremost residential areas. It retains its own identity and a village feel, with a convenient shop, Primary School, three pubs and a Parish Church. And Springmeadow’s panoramic views over Cardiff, onto the Bristol Channel and the North Somerset coastline, have to be seen to be believed, preferably from the third storey of the house.

At the heart of this family home is an impressive, hotel-like central atrium complete with a floating gallery above. Radiating from this are the principal rooms to the property: to one side is a dining room and a modern Swedish kitchen with an adjacent breakfast room and conservatory which, like the dining room, opens to a sun deck, enjoying a westerly aspect. To the other side of the atrium are two further living rooms – a library

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and a family sitting room – and a master bedroom suite, positioned to enjoy the views, with its own fully-fitted dressing room and en suite bathroom.

On the first floor there’s a galleried landing, dramatically lit from above, plus four further bedrooms, three of which are en suite, which all enjoy the open views over the locale.

At lower ground floor level is that dreamy pool, along with a shower room, sauna, a gym and an office. Down here there’s also a handy laundry room, and a space that I’ve always had on my vision board – a wine cellar.

And, from this floor you can access the detached bungalow apartment, which has an open-plan livingdining-kitchen space, two double bedrooms, a bathroom with a bath and shower, and its own garden space.

The wider gardens of the property sit in an elevated position with yet more superb far-reaching views over southern Glamorgan. And, in the grounds, you’ll find generous parking, a triple garage, formal gardens, adjoining paddocks, plus a traditionally designed and solidly constructed stable block (including a tack room and a kitchenette) surrounding a central, open courtyard area.

It’s a true rural gem, about five miles north of Cardiff city centre; all it needs now is a new owner to make the generous, opulents space feel loved once again.

HOUSE NUMBERS Where Springmeadow, Graig Road, Lisvane, Cardiff Price POA Sq ft Bedrooms

9,500 5

Bathrooms 5 Reception Rooms 6 Grounds

7.5 acres

Views Outstanding, panoramic and far-reaching Highlights Indoor swimming pool, sauna, stables, a separate apartment For more: Watts & Morgan 02920 712266; penarth@ wattsandmorgan.co.uk; www.wattsandmorgan.co.uk

PROPERTY

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Cardiff, are you ready?

The countdown is on to join the CANCER RESEARCH UK RACE FOR LIFE in Cardiff

P

eople across Cardiff are being urged to enter Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life as there are just weeks left until the big weekend. The charity’s muchloved events are returning to the city but with socially distanced measures to keep participants safe. Money raised will help scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, saving lives as the charity fights back from the impact of the pandemic.

Organisers are encouraging people of all ages and abilities to join the 3K, 5K,10K and Pretty Muddy events which take place at Coopers Field, Bute Park, Cardiff on Saturday 18 September and Sunday 19 September.

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

Sam Morris, Race for Life spokesperson in Cardiff, says, “We’re making a final call to the people of Cardiff to sign up today, as their participation and contribution is so important.

“Race for Life offers the perfect opportunity to run, walk or jog and raise money for lifesaving research.

“All 400 mass participation Race for Life events across the UK were cancelled last year to protect the country’s health during the COVID-19 pandemic. So this year, more than ever, we need people to enter the Race for Life – for the people we love, for the people we’ve lost and for the one in two of us who will get cancer.”

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, which has been in partnership with Tesco for 20 years, is an inspiring series of 3K, 5K, 10K, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding 200 types of the disease – including bowel cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, testicular cancer, brain cancer, children’s cancers and leukaemia.

This year, participants will set off on the Race for Life course either alone or in small, socially distanced groups. Hand sanitiser will also be provided with participants encouraged to use it before and after the event.

Sam adds, “We’ll ask participants to respect social distancing before, during and after the event. But we promise our events will remain colourful, emotional and uplifting. The safety of our Race for Life participants is our absolute priority. We’ve been constantly monitoring the COVID-19 situation and have developed

ways to ensure our events can operate safely, following government guidance. It may be that events look a bit different this year but we are working proactively with our venues and suppliers to deliver a socially distanced but great experience.

“Sadly, cancer touches almost every family at some point. Every step our scientists take towards beating cancer relies on our supporters. That’s why we need as many people as possible across Cardiff to join us, to stand united and do something extraordinary.”

People can visit raceforlife.org to enter. If any Race for Life events are cancelled, people will be entitled to a refund of their entry fee or can choose to donate the fee to help fund Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work.

Thanks to the generosity of its supporters, Cancer Research UK’s work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer has been at the heart of the progress that has seen survival in the UK double in the last 40 years. ■

Enter now at raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770

SCENE

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

Zoë Gingell

Susan Adams Admiring the exhibition

Jason Gregory

Winner Kate Shooter's work

SUMMER ART PRIZE

The biennial Cardiff MADE Summer Art Prize – which was established to bring attention and focus to professional artists in Wales, Cardiff in particular – went ahead at the end of July. It saw joint winners this year, with Kate Shooter and Ellie Young both coming out on top. Both artists will receive a solo show at MADE in 2022, a year's curatorial support, and cash prize to support their practice in the run up to their respective exhibitions. www.cardiffmade.com Photos by Peter Evans

Joint winners Kate Shooter and Ellie Young

Vaida Barzdaite and Barbara Adlerova

Winner Ellie Young's work

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Chilled scenes at the Castle before Foals came on stage

FOALS AT THE CASTLE

The four-piece soulbaring rock band Foals played a sold-out gig at Cardiff Castle in midAugust. It was brought to the city by Depot Live – the live-events arm of the Depot brand – as part of the Foals’ Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost UK tour. www.depotcardiff.com

DEPOT IN THE CASTLE

After an incredible 2019, Depot in the Castle returned to the city in August for its fourth year. Cardiff Castle saw some top-tier acts on the phenomenal stage, with Kaiser Chiefs headlining, supported

by Tom Grennan, Ella Eyre, Gentleman’s Dub Club, Dodgy, Lottery Winners, Mr Wilson’s Second Liners and Lucy Blue. www.depotcardiff.com

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SOCIETY

Ella Eyre Tom Grennan

Ricky Wilson

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SPONSORED CONTENT

What Will you do?

Getting to grips with Mirror Wills and Mutual Wills.

Georgia Evans of BERRY SMITH LAWYERS explains...

M

utual Wills are different to Mirror Wills. Most couples who have made their Wills together will have Mirror Wills. Mirror Wills are so named because they reflect each other (for example, on the first death everything passes to the survivor and on the second death, everything passes to your children). Mutual Wills, however, are a different concept and as family situations are increasingly more diverse and complex, are becoming more relevant and popular.

So, what are Mutual Wills?

Mutual Wills are Wills made by two (or more) individuals who agree not to revoke their Wills without the consent of the other. While both parties are alive and have sufficient capacity, they can remake their Wills together as often as they wish, however, once one party has died or lost capacity, the Wills cannot be revoked or changed.

On the death or incapacity of the first individual the Will, in effect, crystallises.

What is the benefit of Mutual Wills?

The benefit of Mutual Wills is that the surviving partner cannot disinherit the intended Will beneficiary(ies). Mutual Wills therefore provide reassurance and a guarantee to individuals making Wills that their beneficiaries (for example, their children), will not be removed after their death, and provided there is sufficient value in the estate, are guaranteed to receive something.

What are the disadvantages of Mutual Wills?

You are sacrificing flexibility for certainty. The situation of the beneficiary may have changed (for example, divorce or bankruptcy) and the survivor may wish to take account for this in their Will but cannot. Alternatively, the relationship between the individual and beneficiary may have broken down and the individual may wish therefore to reduce the beneficiary’s entitlement or even remove them from their Will; once again, because they have made a Mutual Will, they will not be able to do this.

Companion Cardiff

A caring helping hand for your day to day living.

Hello! My name is Sheena and I can be a companion for you, or a companion for your loved one. I offer a wide range of help, whether it be a shopping trip, hospital/doctors visit, a clean around the house or even someone to talk to over a nice warm cuppa!

For more information on how I can help you or a loved one, please get in touch...

Contact Sheena Wilson

02920 101484, sheena@care.wales www.care.wales

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Georgia Evans

Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

This is something that you will need to decide and will be specific to your circumstances.

Would they suitable for your situation?

These types of Wills are often suitable where individuals have remarried and have children from a previous relationship that they wish to ensure benefit from their estate, but also wish to provide for their current partner or spouse. n

If you would like further information, please contact either Georgia Evans or Christopher Beames on 02920 345 511 or gevans@berrymsmith.com.

It’s the city’s business

CARDIFFWORKS Cardiff’s Liara Barussi is a finalist

The finalists of the 2021 Black British Business Awards (BBBAwards) have been announced, with Cardiff’s Liara Barussi, the founder at Jukebox Collective, as a finalist.

Shortlisted are 39 remarkable Black professionals from across the UK who have not only been selected for their outstanding professional achievements, but for the personal work they are doing to defy stereotypes and reshape the business world around them. Winners will be revealed at the BBBAwards on 7 October.

For more: www.thebbbawards.com

PROPS TO YOU

Founded near Cardiff, That Coco Company’s first store is now open Cardiff’s New Theatre has been taken over

HQ Theatres – part of premium international live entertainment business, Trafalgar Entertainment – has officially become the new operator of Cardiff’s New Theatre following a competitive bidding process run by Cardiff Council. A full reopening is planned for 19 September, with a show by Simon Amstell, followed in spectacular style with a glitzy performance of the international hit musical sensation, Priscilla Queen of the Desert from 20 September.

Other highlights over the coming months include compelling drama such as The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, and The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde; comedy from Russell Brand and Joel Dommett; and hit musicals such as The Rocky Horror Show and Hairspray, and of course the starstudded pantomime, Aladdin, starring Gareth Gates, Gareth Thomas, Paul Chuckle and Mike Doyle.

The 115-year-old, 1,144 capacity Edwardian theatre becomes the 12th venue to be run by HQ , the UK’s largest Priscilla Queen specialist regional theatre operator.

For more: www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk

BUSINESS CLUB

of the Desert

GOING COCO That Coco Company, which launched in 2020 from a kitchen table in South Wales, has just opened its first store. The coconut wax candle business started with 70 candles in stock, and they sold out within 13 minutes, much to owner Bridie Phillips’s joy. At their shop, on Cardiff Street, Aberdare, you’ll find ceramic candle pots, candles made at the in-store studio, reed diffusers and more.

For more: www.thatcococompany.com

CONGRATS ON 25 YEARS! In July, Martyn Prowel Solicitors celebrated 25 years of being one of the most recognised and well-respected Law Firms in South Wales.

The firm was formed in 1996 when Martyn Prowel, Bob Edwards and Hywel Davies combined their expertise. They celebrated the occasion with a gathering of the ‘founding fathers’ and staff at their city centre offices in Cardiff. www.martynprowel.co.uk

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

© CARL A ANN PHOTOGR APHY

BLACK BRITISH BUSINESS AWARDS

CARDIFFWORKS

The Cardiff Life Awards are just around the corner!

W

e can’t quite believe it, but the Cardiff Life Awards are just around the corner! We can barely contain ourselves at the thought of bringing the most glamorous event back to the city. And now’s your last chance to get yourself tickets – the final handful remaining.

Last year the event was virtual – as were pretty much all other events around the UK – but on 30 September 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 recognised the extraordinary life and work of Steve

Red-carpet ready

Williams, inspirational PE teacher at Whitchurch High School. Even more brilliant was the moment the award was presented, via video message 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 next real-life red-carpet event filled with shimmering excitement, surging emotion and maximum celebration. We cannot wait to welcome you. Remember, nothing beats being there…

P.s the after party location has just been announced: it’s at Kuku Club at Park Plaza!

For more: www.cardifflifeawards.co.uk; @CardiffLifeAwards

THE DETAILS

After party Kuku Club at Park Plaza

mark.george@mediaclash.co.uk to get involved

When Thursday, 30 September

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

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

Where Cardiff City Hall

Tickets The final handful are still on sale, with unprecedented demand

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Uber-glam as aways

© STUDIO 87

Final call for tickets

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“IT’S FILLED WITH SHIMMERING EXCITEMENT, SURGING EMOTION AND MAXIMUM CELEBRATION”

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

TESTIMONIAL

“Last year’s Cardiff Life Awards were so great and we loved being a part of it. When we heard our name called as winner, we couldn’t believe it! There were so many amazing businesses in our category so we were truly honoured to win.”

Chloe Smith at bigmoose, 2020 winner

CARDIFF LIFE AWARDS

CARDIFF LIFE AWARDS 2020 GOJI HAIR

Goji Hair took the Hair & Beauty trophy at the Cardiff Life Awards 2020. Here we chat with its creative director, Greg James

Greg James

Tell us a little about Goji…

The business came out of the closure of an organic salon that I was working at called Kamigata in Cardiff city centre. A friend and client of mine, Vicky Griffin, who has lots of business experience, got in touch to see if we could do something together and Goji was born. We started putting everything in place but decided to wait until we found the right location. We heard about a unit in Pontcanna Mews being available soon after, and that was the final piece of the puzzle. We grew so quickly that we were soon looking for larger premises and were fortunate to find our perfect home not far away on Pontcanna’s Kings Road and were able to add beauty and barbering services when we moved in 2017.

Tell us, what was the business’s inspiration?

We made a list right at the start about the type of salon we wanted. Having two of us in the business from different backgrounds ensured that we gave as much emphasis to the client

HAIR & BEAUTY WINNER experience as we did to the quality of the hair services. Right at the heart of it was the decision to have an organic salon that was also as sustainable as possible – a relatively new concept six years ago.

What do you think helped secured the award win?

It reflected the initiatives we launched during the previous year, these included ‘Take Oway’: an opportunity for clients to try out our organic products in recyclable glass bottles for a nominal £2. When

“IT’S GREAT TO HAVE THREE GENERATIONS OF CLIENTS COMING IN TOGETHER”

these bottles are returned and full-size ones bought, the £2 is refunded. Clients can then get these refilled with a 15 per cent discount. We also responded to enquiries from barbering clients by adding men’s hair replacement system to our range of barbering services. We built a dedicated private consultation area and sent our barbers to London for training. Finally, we created our own range of Goji vegan candles, diffusers, handwashes and body creams, which are very popular.

What did winning mean to you?

It’s a huge boost, not only for Vicky and me, but for the whole team, particularly as this award was won during lockdown when everything was up in the air.

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

Word of mouth is definitely the best tool for growth and, of course, the reviews from clients. Alongside that there’s Cardiff Life, of course, as well as social media which takes a lot of time but enables our followers to find out much more about what we’re doing than would previously have been possible.

Any advice to someone who would like to do similar?

I would say make sure you do extensive financial forecasts and, if that’s not your strength, bring someone in who can. A significant number of new businesses fail within the first year and you can lose a lot of money if you get it wrong.

How might you describe your key clientele?

Part of our success is the fact that we have a very wide appeal of ages and backgrounds. It’s great to have two, and sometimes three, generations of clients coming in together.

For more: Goji Hair, 175 Kings Road, Cardiff; www.gojihair.com

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CARDIFFWORKS

“THE CO-FOUNDERS MET THANKS TO COACHELLA FESTIVAL!”

Charlotte White

Bipsync

all do our bit to get some struggling sectors back on their feet, by shopping and eating locally etc.

Founded in Silicon Valley by investors, software developers and interface designers, Bipsync is a research management platform for modern investors. Charlotte White, head of people and operations at the Cardiff office, tells us more about the company, headquartered in New York City, which is rooted in tech excellence and investment management expertise Describe Bipsync to us…

It’s a research management system for investment management firms. It provides finance professionals with a secure and modern application that improves productivity while ensuring they stay compliant.

Tell us more about the business’s background...

The co-founders of Bipsync met thanks to Coachella festival! After years working as a research analyst in New York, our CEO, Danny, wanted to create an alternative to the inefficient, complex and inconsistent research processes and technologies in the industry. Dan Zambonini and Paul Preece, both from Wales, had bags of software development expertise so, along with Danny’s investment management knowledge, Bipsync was born in Stanford University in 2012.

How does being based locally benefit the work you do?

South Wales has a strong FinTech

scene, so it’s a perfect location for us because there are plenty of opportunities to network and collaborate. We often host meetups at the Bipsync office, and try to keep in touch with other companies in the start-up scene to support each other and chat about the great things they’re doing.

Can you tell us about any local collabs?

We’ve been involved in talks with Fishbowl Events at Cardiff University and the National Software Academy who are doing amazing things to help students prepare for the workplace. As a result of this we now have a graduate scheme with Cardiff University and a collaborative partnership with their Data Innovation Accelerator team, which has involved us working on a project together.

In the last 12 months, we completed a campaign for Tenovus Cancer Care, which raised £5,000 in total and we’ve now announced a

campaign to raise a similar amount for The Trussell Trust, to provide emergency food and support to people locked in poverty.

Does Bipsync have a philosophy, motto or mantra?

It’s about effort rather than hours.

We care about work-life balance and self-care, so we want our team to be able to determine their own schedule – when and where they work, while being accountable for the work they’ve committed to do.

We also have an unlimited leave policy that encourages our team to take off as much time as they need throughout the year.

And how is your sector coping right now?

Pretty well. Prior to the pandemic we mostly had the tools to be able to move seamlessly from the office to home as we were already a distributed team, but I think it’s been really tough for some other industries to adapt – like the hospitality industry. I think we can

Any advice on how to grow a business?

We joined the Accelerated Growth Programme a few years ago. They support and develop start-ups and SMEs within Wales with a variety of services such as digital support, coaching and management development. We also completed a programme with Chwarae Teg, a Welsh gender diversity charity aiming to improve workplace access for people in underrepresented groups.

What have been the highs and the lows within the business?

Feeling the impact you make at a start-up is always nice. You can really get to know everyone and tailor the employee journey to the individual. I guess there are always growing pains at a start-up too – communication has sometimes been tricky but I think we’ve mostly figured that out now.

Where do you see the business in the near future?

I hope we’ll still be doing well! It would be nice to keep the kind of culture we have while we scale.

It’s always great to welcome new people to the team and I’d like to think we’ll have expanded our client base to the UK so we can host more departments here. I’d also love to see more women involved in STEM subjects, and hopefully they’ll want to come to work with us!

For more: Wood Street, Cardiff; www.bipsync.com

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© LILY BROWN

CARDIFF LIVES

“Cardiff houses some of the most talented musicians I’ve ever met in my life” mind can conjure is relying on the intervention of some all-powerful superhero capable of turning back time.

BUZZARD BUZZARD BUZZARD Tom Rees, frontman of Cardiff band Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard, talks superheroes, kindness and the city’s indie venues On the day this issue of Cardiff Life magazine hits the city (27 August), local band Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard will play at Cardiff Castle in front of a 1,500-capacity audience as part of a Cardiff Council plan, developed with Cardiff Music Board, to put culture at the heart of the city’s recovery from the pandemic and welcome live music back to Wales.

The Cardiff-based fourpiece have become one of the most talked-about new bands in the UK, and have been snapped up by Communion Records (Mumford & Sons, Laura Marling, Bear’s Den) and very big things are expected, especially with the label’s huge clout behind them.

Operating out of their studio base in the city, frontman Tom Rees, guitarist Zac White, drummer Ethan Hurst and bassist Eddie draw from classic ‘70s rock with a distinctly 21st Century twist, dragging the sounds of T-Rex and Steely Dan kicking and screaming into the modern world.

Tom tells us more…

The latest single Crescent Man vs Demolition Dan is inspired by a real-life event in Cardiff, tell us about it…

There’s a street in Cardiff called Guildford Crescent that was recently demolished and left a long line of independent businesses – including an established music venue – dead and buried. The only solution the

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Indie music venues are very special in Cardiff.

What’s your favourite?

Clwb Ifor Bach, of course. That place has a ton of history and has supported so many up-and-coming bands.

I used to work in The Moon, which does lots of amazing work too. Unfortunately, most of my favourites have either been demolished or sold over the past six or seven years and there’s only a handful of real venues left, so I guess they’re all my favourite as they’ve managed to survive the systematic degradation of culture in Cardiff. All gloom aside, it’s Clwb Ifor Bach.

Where did you all meet?

Me and Ethan had been playing in a couple of bands before this one, and so we were good friends.

We had done a couple of tours in our previous bands so we understood the level of patience required to sit in a van and try not to scream as another person eats a big bag of peanuts – we knew the risks. When Ethan and I started playing some songs together, we got Zac and my brother, Ed, along as well. Zac is Ethan’s best friend, and my brother had just gotten into playing bass, so the stars aligned and here we are.

We’re curious, where did the name come from?

We were originally just called Buzzard. I had always wanted to be in a band with that name for some reason – birds of prey are just cool, I guess? Then a band with the same name from Scotland threatened legal action, so we just copy and pasted it.

What do you think of the city’s music scene?

Surprise us…

How would you describe the band’s style?

Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard’s new single is out now on Communion; www.buzzardbuzzardbuzzard.com

Cardiff houses some of the most talented, hard-working musicians and artists I’ve ever met in my life, who possess a level of kindness unparalleled elsewhere.

Everyone’s willingness to support one another and contribute creatively to others’ work is astoundingly beautiful. Even in the face of adversity, the scene still manages to survive, which shows a resilience I think everyone can be proud of.

Dads cover band.

When I was a kid, I did taekwondo for a short time, and while competing I met heavyweight world champion Ferry Greevink.

I asked him what his favourite breakfast food was (kids say the stupidest things) and he said ‘cauliflower cheese’ which I felt was pretty weird even at that age. n