Cardiff Life - Issue 248

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CARDIFF PROPERTY AWARDS

@CardiffLifeMag

IN PICTURES

CELEBRATING THE BEST IN THE CITY, PENARTH & THE VALE

ISSUE 248 / JANUARY 2022 / £3

ISSUE 248 / JANUARY 2022 / FEELING FRESH

WELL WELL WELL A FOCUS ON HAPPINESS, HEALTH AND WELLBEING

CARDIFF LIFE AWARDS 2022

THEY’RE JUST AROUND THE CORNER

SWAPPING HEADLINES FOR PUNCHLINES CHATTING WITH COMEDIAN LORNA PRITCHARD

TAPAS Y COPAS FEAST YOUR EYES ON BAR 44’S NEW RECIPE BOOK

FRESH FLAIR

NEW YEAR, NEW INTERIOR PROJECT

EDITOR’S LETTER

H

appy New Year, Cardiff! Technically, this issue comes out on the morning of New Year’s Eve, so we’re straddling two very different time zones: Good Riddance Mean Time, and Bring It On Standard Time. Most of us thought 2020 was the only one we’d be happy to see the back of, but a good chunk of 2021 was an eggshell-treading dud, wasn’t it? Doesn’t really matter though – the year flew by so fast we barely saw it happen. Our money is on 2022; I’m positive that’s where the magic’s at (as George said, I gotta have faith).

It will not be the old normal. It will be a reshaped, reordered world as we slowly but surely emerge from the most defining event of our time.

The year will likely be dominated by the need to adjust to new realities, but we’ll be more prepared than ever to take these on.

What are your new year plans? Whether you’ve gone vegan, alcohol-free, or, in this darkest, coldest of months, are shoring up your diminishing energy resources by mainlining mounds of comfort food swigged down with the dregs of the Baileys, I hope it’s going as well as can be expected.

If a health streak is on the cards, in this issue we have a whole menu of lesser-known wellness treats for you – from cocooning floatation tanks and colour light therapy, to sound baths and inflatable trouser treatments (yes really). Or if it’s a fresh new space you’re after, we have a new-look interiors mood board for you – with all designs from local businesses, of course.

And there’s plenty more besides, including a chat with a Llandaff doctor-turned-beekeeper, and real-life slapstick confessions from a Splott-based comedian – happy page flipping!

We wish you a safe and well 2022. #CardiffTogether, always

B

lwyddyn Newydd Dda i Gaerdydd! A bod yn fanwl gywir, bydd y rhifyn hwn yn cael ei gyhoeddi ben bore diwrnod olaf y flwyddyn, felly rydym yn pontio dau gyfnod gwahanol iawn i’w gilydd: yr hen flwyddyn y byddwn yn falch o ffarwelio â hi, a’r flwyddyn newydd normal y byddwn yn falch o’i chroesawu.

Roedd y rhan fwyaf ohonom yn meddwl mai 2020 fyddai’r unig flwyddyn y byddem yn falch o weld ei chefn hi, ond bu’n rhaid i ni droedio’n ofalus yn ystod cryn dipyn o 2021 hefyd.

Ond beth yw’r ots am hynny? Aeth y flwyddyn heibio mor sydyn fel mai prin y gwnaethom sylwi arni. Rydym yn dibynnu ar 2022 i fod yn flwyddyn dda (fel y canodd Dafydd Iwan, Cerddwn Ymlaen).

Ond fydd y normal newydd ddim fel yr hen un. Bydd yn fyd sydd wedi’i ail-lunio a’i aildrefnu wrth i ni gefnu gan bwyll bach ar ddigwyddiad mwyaf dylanwadol ein hoes ni. Mae’n debygol mai’r angen i addasu i realiti newydd fydd prif thema’r flwyddyn, ond byddwn yn fwy parod nag erioed i wneud hynny.

Beth yw eich cynlluniau chi ar gyfer y flwyddyn newydd?

P’un a ydych wedi troi’n fegan, wedi rhoi’r gorau i yfed alcohol neu, yn ystod y mis oeraf a thywyllaf hwn, wedi penderfynu rhoi hwb i’ch egni drwy wledda ar fwyd cysurlon a’i olchi i lawr â gweddill y Baileys, rwy’n gobeithio bod popeth yn mynd gystal â’r disgwyl.

Os ydych am geisio byw’n fwy iach, mae’r rhifyn hwn yn cynnwys llawer o driniaethau hyfryd, llai cyfarwydd i hybu eich lles – o arnofio mewn tanc clyd a chael eich corff wedi’i lapio mewn cadachau CBD, i fwynhau sesiynau mewn sawna isgoch a throwser sy’n llawn aer (wir i chi!). Neu os ydych am weddnewid eich cartref, rydym wedi crynhoi rhai syniadau newydd ar gyfer addurno ystafelloedd – gyda’r dyluniadau’n dod o siopau lleol, wrth gwrs.

Ac nid dyna’r cyfan. Rydym hefyd yn sgwrsio â’r meddyg o Landaf sydd wedi troi’n wenynwr ac yn clywed am gampau slapstic go iawn comedïwr o’r Sblot – mwynhewch chithau’r sbort a’r sbri o droi’r tudalennau!

Gobeithio y bydd 2022 yn flwyddyn ddiogel ac iach i chi. #CaerdyddYnghyd, bob amser

A Structura bathroom design by Kutchenhaus Cardiff. For more new year interiors, head to page 35

LISA EVANS Follow us on Twitter @CardiffLifeMag Instagram @cardifflifemag

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

Issue 248 / January 2022 ON THE COVER Our front cover features a kitchen design by Sigma itchens, Llantrisant; www.sigma .co.uk. Turn to page to see our freshlook interiors roundup

FEATURES

11 WELL WELL WELL Top 10 off-the-wall wellbeing

treatments in the city

20 ONE TO ONE Meet Lidi the Llandaff beekeeper

ARTS AND EVENTS

17 NARNIA BUSINESS The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

is coming to Wales Millennium Centre

11

20

18 WHAT’S ON Arts, shows and events, it’s all going on

FOOD & DRINK

26 FOOD NEWS A handful of tasty morsels for you to

chew on

27 HEALTHY FOCUS ane Cook talks nourishing and

nutritious offerings

28 TAPAS Y COPAS Bar

brings out their own recipe book

HOME AND PROPERTY

35 FIX UP, LOOK SHARP A New Year interior makeover 49

mood board

CARDIFF PROPERTY AWARDS Celebrating the great and the good of the local property sector

BUSINESS

63 CARDIFF WORKS News and views and utterly brilliant

local businesses

64 CARDIFF LIFE AWARDS Getting ready for another

huge celebration

35

69 EDUCATION ictoria Bond on the snowflake generation

REGULARS

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

and about again

74 CARDIFF LIVES Splott-based comedian Lorna Prichard

on swapping headlines for punchlines

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 Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Cardiff Life MediaClash, Carriage Court, 22 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

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

© PAUL HINDMARSH PHOTOGR APHY

in Cardiff

SPOTLIGHT

RISE UP

Happy New Year, Cardiff!

A new dawn of adventure is rising…

Cardiff Central station, @mikethesnow

Cardiff, @mammillary_body

Penarth Pier, @wheremiawas

Maindy, @prettylittleplaces

Ogmore Beach, @Tomaesh

Mermaid Quay, @drjezz

Principality Stadium, @sleeperzcardiff

Cardiff Bay, @oh_Caerdydd

River Taff, @cardiffcityrowing

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

WELLNESS Look at that Cardiff city skyline view from The Parkgate Hotel’s spa, where you’ll find a herbal steam temple and a hydrotherapy infinity pool with volcanic zones

WELL AND GOOD

Focusing on our health and wellbeing in the new year is a concept so tiresome it’s collected dust. We’re not saying you shouldn’t prioritise pampering, but we’re suggesting a bit of a bit of a zhush. Here are our top 10 out-of-the-ordinary wellness experiences in the city, from sound baths to colour therapy www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 11

E

ver get a bit bored of the same old standard wellness treatments? Then swap that plain old facial for a cocooning floatation tank experience, or ditch the mundane massage for a go at inflatable trouser therapy. These are a handful of our favourite eccentric me time’ moments to enjoy

FLOATATION TANK THERAPY

At Cardiff’s first floatation centre, you’ll bob inside a soundproof and lightproof tank filled with 10 inches of super high-density salt water (with around 00kg of medical-grade Epsom salt added) which is heated to the same temperature as your skin so you can barely feel it’s there, giving the sensation of weightlessness. loating stimulates blood flow through body tissues, it releases natural endorphins and the brain produces theta waves’, associated with meditation.

Otherwise known as R.E.S.T (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Techni ue), it’s a natural way of achieving a deep physical and mental state of relaxation. Think of floating as a way of hitting pause on the hectic world around you.

Where to find it: Revival loatation Centre, Meanwhile ouse, Curran Embankment; www.revivalfloatationcentre.co.uk

PRIVATE INFRARED SAUNA

Detoxify your body and mind in an infrared sauna with a heater system said to deliver over 2 times the power of the nearest leading competitor. The private two-person sauna utilises full spectrum infrared light in combination with built-in LED Chromotherapy – also known as colour light therapy.

While traditional saunas work by heating up the air around you, the light from this particular infrared sauna penetrates your skin directly, raising your core body temperature from within. Operating at a comfortable - C, instead of the usual - C, it will produce a deep, detoxifying sweat, reaching all the way down to the cellular level where most toxins reside.

Infrared sauna therapy is known to reduce stress, boost the immune system, stimulate the collagen production and relieve joint and muscle pain. But most importantly, it generates a uni ue boost that relaxes, recharges and reenergises its visitors. You can also burn up to 00 calories in a 0-minute session. Bonus.

Where to find it: Love Live Light ealing ub, Pontcanna Street, Cardiff; www.lovelivelighthealinghub.com

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

WELLNESS FIVE SENSES MASSAGE

The Synaesthesia full body massage brings all of your senses together to transform your state of mind. This unique treatment works on both the body and the brain simultaneously. See: a menu of 11 options to choose from and select how you wish to feel; hear: a bespoke soundtrack interwoven with orchestral sound and bird song; taste: fragrant teas; feel: a uniquely choreographed massage; smell: a tailored blend of essential oils.

Where to find it: Lush Spa Cardiff, ueen Street, St David’s Centre; www.lush.com

HOT AND GLOW YOGA

Experience yoga classes in an environment filled with soothing heat, glowing lights, calming scents and relaxing beats. It’s designed to transport you a million miles from the everyday. The heat allows you to stretch further, bumps the heart rate up and releases those endorphins.

Where to find it: otpod Yoga Cardiff, Splash Central, off Ocean Way; www.hotpodyoga.com

SOUND BATHS

Gong Baths are soothing, rejuvenating, vibrational therapies from ancient times. It’s described as sound healing’ for the body and mind.

The therapist uses bowls, gongs, and other instruments to create sound vibrations help shift your brain into a more relaxed state, to make it easier to experience a deeper meditation – what Bernstein described as a theta brainwave’. While participants are bathed in sound, they often experience physical, emotional, energetic or spiritual stirrings.

Where to find it: Yurt in the City, Meanwhile ouse, Curran Embankment; www. urtinthecit .co.uk

“You’ll bob inside a soundproof and lightproof water lle tank OPPOSITE PAGE, TOP: Hotpod Yoga Cardiff; BOTTOM: Find

private infrared saunas like this at Love Live Light Hub in Pontcanna; CLOCKWISE ON THIS PAGE: A floatation tank at Revival in Meanwhile House; a five-senses Synaesthesia massage at Lush; inside a ‘sound bath’ at Yurt in the City

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INFLATABLE TROUSERS MASSAGE

Pressotherapy lymphatic massage uses an air pressure machine to blow up a pair of inflatable trousers that s ueeze your legs, glutes and abdomen in a rhythmic motion. It feels like a strong, relaxing massage, without the touching. The aim is to target your lymphatic system, which can often get blocked or overrun because of stress, illness and an unhealthy lifestyle. The trousers can reduce: swelling caused by water retention, cellulite and toxins, and improve: digestion, sleep and the immune system.

Where to find it: Love Live Light ealing ub, Pontcanna Street, Cardiff; www.lovelivelighthealinghub.com

HERBAL STEAM TEMPLE

Enter the exotic herbal steam temple for a traditional cleansing ritual.

Apply medicinal chakra muds to the body and face while gently inhaling steam infused with pure herbs to cleanse, smooth and detoxify.

The ritual ends with a warm rain shower to wash away the muds and every last drop of tension.

Where to find it: The Parkgate otel, Westgate Street, Cardiff; www.theparkgatehotel.wales

CBD REMEDIES

CBD, a substance found in cannabis, is the king of holistic products right now; working with the body’s innate balancing mechanism, CBD interacts with a series of receptors, the central nervous system and on the skin to correct natural imbalances in health.

CBD spa treatments from La Rue erte offer a host of ways in which they can support the physical and mental health of the body. The pioneering experiences – from cell-cleanse scrubs and body wraps, to reflexology body mapping and lymphatic massage – are designed to promote agility, both cognitive and physical, while being a powerful antioxidant and natural anti-inflammatory. The offerings can transcend the demographics too, whether it might be a sport-loving guest looking for post-workout recovery, students seeking to sharpen focus and increase energy, or an older client seeking to increase vitality.

Where to find it: voco St David’s otel, avannah Street; Cardiff Bay; www.stdavids.vocohotels.com

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

ABOVE: Inflatable trouser massage, or ‘Pressotherapy’, at Love Live Light Healing Hub; BELOW: Apply medicinal chakra muds to the body inside The Parkgate’s herbal steam temple

WELLNESS VOLCANIC THERMAL SUITE

Take a soothing dip in a hydrotherapy infinity pool while taking in the breath-taking city skyline views.

Experience the bubbling spa bath, heated volcanic zones, massaging water showers, the restorative heat of the sauna and steam room, and the calming warmth of the heated beds.

Where to find it: The Parkgate otel, Westgate Street, Cardiff; www.the arkgatehotel.wale

SELF-CARE MARKET

© @ABIGAIL APOLLONIOPHOTOGR APHY

Who says you have to go to a spa to get your wellbeing fix? You can also get it while out shopping.

If you’re in the market for anything sustainable, healthy or forward thinking, you’ll probably find it at Green Life Events. With a monthly plants, lifestyle and wellbeing market’ (on the first Sunday of every month) aimed at guilt-free shopping, the aim is to include a bit of everything in a green way to provide an eco-friendly alternative to the high street.

The green gathering includes businesses such as: houseplant haven Blasus Succulent Emporium, owned by Rhona Duncan who organises Green Life Events; Grounds for Good, which offers a beauty range made exclusively from recycled coffee grounds; slow fashion enthusiasts Lil Collective; Earthly egan Caterers, who create plant-based treats such as tru e camembert and gooey brownies; clothing co. Little Empire intage; and Warrior Apothecary , which offers caffeine-free herbal tea blends, and wellbeing elixirs.

Where to find it: Green Life Events, Ollies, on edel Road, Cardiff; n tagram green li e event

ABOVE: Rhona Duncan, of Blasus Succulent Emporium, who runs Green Life Events in Cardiff each month; BELOW: The newly opened Little Green Stores at Corp Market

GET NOURISHED

We all know that eating better will make us feel better – but, let’s be honest, it’s hard. Here are two local businesses that will help you get your nutrients on board…

air o inflatable trou er uee e our leg in a rh thmic motion

Little Green Stores This wholefood eco refill store – which you’ll find in Canton’s new indie shopping hub Corp Market, and at the Fresh & Wild Market at The Bone Yard – is helping Cardiff to be a more sustainable city.

“We sell all sorts of wholefoods – from red lentils and jumbo oats to spices and teas – all available by weight, says owner Binki Rees. “There are also household detergents, locally made shampoo bars, reusable menstrual products, plus eco gifts. Everything is as eco-friendly as possible.”

Instagram: @little_green_stores

© SIN PHOTOGR APHY

Clean Lean Kitchen This meal-prep delivery service, based in Penarth, provides healthy, balanced meals which are delivered to your home twice a week for you to reheat as you wish as a more convenient, healthy alternative for mealtimes. There’s a lowcarb menu, a balanced menu and a bulking menu on offer, featuring meals such as Lebanese chicken thighs, salt and chilli salmon, and chipotle cheese burgers.

Instagram: @cleanlean_kitchen

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 15

THE ALB ANY GALLERY EXHIBITION OF POSTERS in association with Goldmark Gallery

14 January - 5 February 2022 Artists’ posters are a great way to own affordable works and some of the leading 20th century artists are represented in this exhibition including Picasso, Chagall, Hockney, Miro, Braque and Matisse.

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: Tuesday - Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 11am-4pm | www.albanygallery.com

cardiffnorth@bluebirdcare.co.uk

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

© BRINKHOFF-MOEGENBURG

IT’S NARNIA BUSINESS

Direct from London, the smash-hit production of C.S. Lewis’ classic, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, voted the nation’s favourite book in 2019, is coming to the city.

We know you already know, but, just to recap… step through the wardrobe into the enchanted kingdom of Narnia and join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as they wave goodbye to wartime Britain and embark on the most magical of adventures in a frozen, faraway land.

Journey with them as they meet a Faun, talking Beavers, the noble King of Narnia, Aslan, and the coldest, most evil of all, The White Witch (played by Eastenders’ Samantha Womack).

This critically acclaimed production, which is pure theatrical magic, reunites director Sally Cookson with designer Rae Smith, writer in the room Adam Peck, movement director Dan Canham, puppetry director Craig Leo, lighting designer Bruno Poet, sound designer Ian Dickinson and Benji Bower on music, all of whom originally brought the show to life in 2017, breaking box o ce records at Leeds Playhouse.

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, 18 – 22 January, Wales Millennium Centre; www.wmc.org.uk

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

Circus Company No Fit State presents Lexicon, a place of magic and misfits at Sophia Gardens

W AT’S ON rom onwar

anuar

PLAYS / SHOWS / PERFORMANCES Until 2 January

PANTOMIME, ALADDIN Paul Chuckle, Gareth Gates, Gareth Thomas and Mike Doyle continue the magical season into January.

Expect flying carpets, a wish-granting genie, an evil sorcerer and a lamp-full of laughs. ew heatre www.newtheatrecar i .co.uk

Until 12 January

BILL BAILEY ow did we get here? ow do we find our way through this? And exactly who are we again? In this new show, comedian Bill ponders these and other questions. otor oint rena www.motor ointarenacar i .co.uk

Until 15 January

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, THE MUSICAL Disney invites you to the most enchanted musical of all time.

Spectacularly reimagined using the

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

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

latest theatrical innovations, this beloved tale as old as time will be brought to life on stage like never before. ale illennium entre www.wmc.org.uk

brings his brand-new stand-up show – ight ere ight ow – to Cardiff.

It will see him performing across the , America and Europe. t avi all www. t avi hallcar i .co.uk

Until 15 January

20 January

LEXICON Circus Company No Fit State presents Lexicon, a crazy world inhabited by uiet misfits and furious poetry, a place of magic, laughter and lightness. o hia ar en www.no t tate.org

Until 22 January

THE LION THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE Direct from London, the smash-hit production of C.S. Lewis’ classic, is coming to Cardiff. See page 1 for more. ale illennium entre www.wmc.org.uk

7 January

JOHN BISHOP Comedy superstar John Bishop

KENNY DALGLISH LIVE or the first time live, enny Dalglish will be talking about his life in and out of football. In a A format, he will discuss the great times and the tough times he has endured throughout his illustrious career. t avi all www. t avi hallcar i .co.uk

7 – 12 February

ROCKY HORROR SHOW Ready to thrill you with fun and naughty moments, Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock n’ roll musical returns to Cardiff as part of a sell-out worldwide tour, having been seen by over 30 million theatregoers.

New Theatre; www.newtheatrecar i .co.uk

12 February

THE KOOKS Celebrating 1 glorious years of Inside n n i e ut, The Kooks hit the road to perform their iconic debut studio album in its entirety, alongside other career-spanning tracks. otor oint rena www.motor ointarenacar i .co.uk

22 February

THE BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR The festival features the world’s best adventure films, telling highadrenaline stories of extreme journeys into the wildest corners of the planet.

Audiences can expect inspirational characters, remote scenery and spectacular cinematography up on the big screen. t avi all www.ban uk.com

4 March

WALK LIKE A MAN West End er e o ’ star Michael Watson has been announced as the new lead of alk ike a an, the multiaward-winning fan favourite featuring

WHAT’S ON

TOP LEFT:

Depot in the Castle will see Rag ’n’ Bone Man headling; ABOVE: Pete Tong Ibiza Classics is the world’s most iconic classical electronic music event; LEFT: The Banff Mountain Film Festival comes to St David’s Hall

music from the Four Seasons. ram he ar i www.tram he car i . com www.walklikeaman how.co.uk

ART/ PHOTOGRAPHY/ EXHIBITIONS Until 8 January

WINTER EXHIBITION An exhibition of over 50 artists.

The gallery will also be featuring a collection from Cardiff-based artist Adrian Green with his humorous and captivating illustrations of immediately recognisable city scenes such as Cardiff Bay, Roath Park, Penarth and Cowbridge. he lban aller www.alban galler .com

Until 21 January

THE FUTURE HAS A PAST This multidisciplinary exhibition has been co-curated with Amgueddfa Cymru Producers and artist enry Alles, and explores the past as a means of discovering the future. t agan ational u eum o i tor www.mu eum.wale

Until 13 February

HUMAN CONDITIONS OF CLAY This exhibition explores how humanity is expressed through the material use of clay artworks that carry a human trace and presence. ha ter rt www.cha ter.org

12 January – 5 February

RICHARD BARRETT, DANIEL CRAWSHAW AND SARAH THWAITES Martin Tinney gallery commences their 30th anniversary year with an exhibition of new work by three landscape painters: Richard Barrett, Daniel Crawshaw and Sarah Thwaites. artin inne aller www.artwale .com

Ongoing

HEAR WE ARE This project will focus on further developing a culture within Wales that encompasses the voices of deaf artists, their work, performances and productions. It’s a two-year Waleswide project with Chapter as lead venue partner, with a number of arts

venue partners supporting it. It will be led by onn ot en ea actor arti t. ha ter rt www.cha ter.org

UPCOMING 26 – 28 May

ED SHEERAN Ed returns to Principality Stadium for three nights as part of his + – = ÷ x tour. Fans will get to see him perform an array of tracks off his upcoming album live for the first time. rinci alit ta ium www. rinci alit ta ium.wale

9 – 10 July

DEPOT IN THE CASTLE One of Britain’s most successful artists of the past decade Rag ’n’ Bone Man, whose first hit single uman was released in 201 , will headline a Saturday night set at Cardiff Castle in the summer The annual, two-day festival, based in the iconic surroundings of the castle grounds, has seen previous headliners such as aiser Chiefs, Tom Grennan, Ella Eyre, Clean Bandit and The ratellis.

A sell-out Saturday night at DEPOT

in the Castle is always followed by a full day of family-friendly fun on the Sunday, making for an epic weekend of good music, good food and good times. ar i a tle www. e otcar i .com

23 November

PETE TONG IBIZA CLASSICS Global dance music legend Pete Tong has announced the return of Ibiza Classics with a new show for 2022. With long-time collaborator and conductor ules Buckley, and The eritage Orchestra plus a whole host of special guest D s and vocalists, Ibiza Classics has firmly cemented itself as part of the live music calendar becoming the world’s most iconic classical electronic music event. otor oint rena www.motor ointarenacar i .co.uk

31 March 2022

CARDIFF LIFE AWARDS We cannot wait to invite hundreds of you back to our extra-glam red-carpet extravaganza. Nominations (which are free to submit!) are open on our website until February, and there are sponsorship opportunities ready to be snapped up.

To find out more about sponsorships, contact: mark.george@mediaclash.co.uk or annie.kelly@mediaclash.co.uk.

For more, see page 64.

City Hall; www.cardifflifeawardsco.uk

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

Due to a rare disease, Lidi had to leave her job as a doctor, and beekeeping became her therapy

CREATING A BUZZ Llandaff doctor-turned-beekeeper Lidi tells us how her scientific mind led her to start formulating skincare products from beeswax

By Lisa Evans Paul Hindmarsh Photography; www.paulhindmarshphotography.com

I

ONE TO ONE knowing that my business supports the bees is a good feeling. You meet some extraordinary people in beekeeping; it’s an old-fashioned community, where everyone helps each other.

Learning to be a beekeeper takes a lifetime, but you can learn the basics over a few years.

t began, like a lot of things, a little bit by accident, and now The Happy Hive is a thriving skincare business with bees at its heart.

Its founder, Dr Lidstone, affectionately known as Lidi, had worked as a doctor in the NHS all her life and was a consultant in palliative care for children when, in 2015, she had to give it all up due to a rare disease.

Lidi’s adventure into beekeeping after this heart-breaking career loss saved her sanity.

The bees, and making beeswax products, were a therapy of sorts.

Formulating natural skincare came quite intuitively to Lidi, who has always been a crafter, a zero-waste environmentalist and a scientifically minded person, so when the first little bit of wax from the first hive appeared, the question was ‘what could it be turned into?’.

Here, the one-woman team – who handmakes all the products, from lip balms and hand salves, to paw wax and candles herself in Llandaff – tells us more

a therapy of sorts…

The Happy Hive is a tiny business with very big ideas…

At The Happy Hive, all products are doctor-formulated and handmade…

The business is as sustainable as I can make it…

Being a beekeeper is a wonderful thing…

The balance is tricky. I won’t be able to sell products that don’t look good; people buy with their eyes first…

When I say tiny, I mean tiny. There’s just me.

I believe in wellbeing through nature and am passionate about natural skincare, and about delivering it while leaving the lightest footprint on the planet along the way.

I’m a beekeeper and a doctor (the medical type) from Cardiff…

I sadly had to retire early from medicine due to an inconvenient cardiac/muscle disease.

Losing a career you absolutely love and finding yourself incapacitated and in a wheelchair is no small thing.

Being around, and talking to, the bees was

Creating the salves and balms, researching and formulating came naturally as I’ve always been a maker; it suited my scientific mind, and a smile soon returned to my face. Nearly everyone goes through some sort of serious crisis at some point in their lives, and if this pandemic has shown us anything it’s that life is short. I’ve had my moments, plenty of them, I’ve been really lucky. I had a career that I loved with a passion, and although I am sad that I don’t have it anymore, I am grateful for it. I am now a one-(disabled)-woman business.

My view is, if you want to give something a go, do it. Enjoy it.

“When it comes to beeswax, bees have really given us liquid gold” in small batches using high-quality natural ingredients and often a little beeswax or honey from my hives. This is the USP. When I started it, I described the products as ‘carefully formulated’, then I had a bit of a business good sense moment: I am a doctor, and they are doctor-formulated.

Being handmade from start to finish is unusual too; most of my competitors buy in a base and add fragrance to it. Maybe I’m making a rod for my own back; it is more work but I like to know what’s in my products.

It’s grounding, watching the bees. And

Formulating natural skincare products from beeswax suits Lidi’s scientific mind

Beeswax has been used in skincare for thousands of years…

and it still is because it is such a great ingredient. Those bees are brilliant little creatures. We have a lot to thank them for, but when it comes to beeswax, they have really given us liquid gold. It has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antiviral qualities, so when used in skincare, it keeps the germs away. It locks in moisture while allowing the skin to breathe, which is quite a feat when you think about it; it’s great for excessively dry skin, which is why I use it in the products I make for eczema; and it contains a lot of Vitamin A, important for skin regeneration, so excellent for scars and stretch marks, particularly when combined with good quality calendula essential oil.

I avoid plastic as much as I can, and when I can’t avoid it, I use recycled plastic. The premises is run on air source and solar so that helps. I scrape every last bit out of every last bit when it comes to making sure I don’t waste stuff. I reuse where I can, and, honestly, I’m not sure what my customers make of that, when their products arrive in reused packaging. I mean, it’s very neat, but still reused. I have considered printing cards to explain this, but that wouldn’t be very zero-waste, would it?

particularly in this Insta age. So while I am determined to remain eco-friendly, I am also aware that using different containers would sell more. Even switching to a bamboo- or woodappearance lid would be lovely, but it’s not on.

They all have plastic inside, and while it might be recyclable plastic, I’m not adding to that mountain, it’s not necessary.

Every purchase supports bee and pollinator projects in Wales and the UK…

The appy ive is a not-for-profit company, so every time you buy, you are supporting brilliant projects.

My favourite health, wellbeing and zerowaste destinations locally are…

ero Penarth, where you’ll find everything you need, cheaper than the super market too; Green Life Events markets [on Hedel Road]; and Kemis Café in Pontcanna. n he a ive i ba e in lan a www.thehappyhive.co.uk

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

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nd just like that 2022 is upon us!

December flew by didn’t it? But what a super festive one it was this year. Cardiff seemed to have really upped its game, especially with lights. The Bute Park Christmas lights trail was just phenomenal. We were lucky enough to get invited down to the IP launch event – alongside the ar i i e magazine team – for an exclusive first look around it, the lasers, the projections, the fire.

It was all simply amazing. Bravo, Cardiff! Not to forget Winter

Wonderland, the streets, the Castle; everywhere just looked so magical. And magic is just what we needed, that’s for sure.

A venue in the city that always goes above and beyond is of course The Botanist. Their rooftop winter garden houses are just such a wonderful experience for any occasion. Sponsored by Rekorderlig Cider, which you may be lucky enough to bag some freebies of when visiting, the cosy pods can be booked by groups of friends or family to sip bubbly with while escaping the real world.

Nathan the elf at Santa’s grotto in St Andrew’s URC

Nathan (left) with Jenny Jones, Steve Speirs, Wynne Evans, Polly James, Wayne, and Jason Mohammed at the launch of Christmas at Bute Park

Wales football manager Robert Page with Wayne, hosting the NHS staff lottery

“It was all simply amazing. ravo ar i

In other news, Wayne had the huge honour of hosting the N S staff lottery – it would have been awkward if he’d won right?

That was alongside the Wales football manager, and was a huge privilege for Wayne. And Nathan recently got to hold his own homecoming audience event in his hometown of Ebbw ale, which was so exciting.

Our Santa’s grotto in December was a huge success, once again raising essential funds for the community building at St Andrew’s RC in Roath. It was so heartwarming. But, we’ve got to say, after being so busy lately, gosh we’re tired – no rest for the wicked during party season.

We are super grateful for every single bit of ongoing support we receive, and going into 2022 we

have so many ideas and exciting things to share with everyone. In our next column we’ll be telling you all about our Panto at The Royal Welsh College of Music Drama (RWCMD), and our events such as Dragged to Church and Only Men Allowed at St Andrew’s RC – a place so close to our hearts.

All that’s left to say is, have a appy New Year, Cardiff!

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 al o a io ar i with their own show, and they run St Andrew’s o ee ourt. ollow them on ocial @wyburnandwayne / @wyburnwayne

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

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM ALL OF US AT VALE VET CENTRE 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

Newport: Unit 1 & 2 East Market Street, Newport, NP20 2AY E-mail: newport@valevetcentre.co.uk Phone: 01633 927927

SHOPPING LIVE WELL, BUY BETTER

VERY PERI

2

The Pantone Colour of the Year 2022 is...Very Peri

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cross the worlds of fashion and interiors, the Pantone Colour of the Year is a huge deal. For 2022, the global authority for colour communication and inspiration since 1963 has selected ‘Very Peri’, described as a ‘dynamic periwinkle blue with a vivifying violet-red undertone’.

The colour they select aims to sum up the mood of the year, and trickles down through trends in everything from nail polish to wallpaper.

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5

6 7 4

SHOPPING LIST

1. Amethyst and diamond halo pendant in 18ct white gold, £1,095, from Laings, St David’s, Cardiff; www.laingsuk.com 2. Mauve floral hand painted earrings, £40, from Fizz Goes Pop, Roath; www.fizzgoespop.com 3. Iris fine art print, from £10, by Cardiff artist Laura Hickman Sell at Cynefn; www.cynefn.com 4. Purple Rain silk kimono wrap dress, £158, from DAti at The Sustainable Studio in Butetown; www.daticlothing.co.uk 5. Tanzanite paint, £42 per 2.5L, from Graham & Brown, available at W J Gardner, Cardiff; www.grahambrown.com 6. Dartington Crystal Cushion Vase, £27, from John Lewis & Partners, St David’s, The Hayes, Cardiff; www.johnlewis.com 7. Zao Cosmetics nail polish, £11.50, from Authentic House, Splott; www.authentichouse.co.uk 8. Lampshade, £49, from Matico Studio, Whitchurch; www.maticostudio.com 8

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

FOOD & DRINK SNAPSHOTS OF CARDIFF’S FOOD SCENE

A handful of tasty morsels for you to chew on Find the Winter Garden Houses on the Botanist’s rooftop

RAISE THE ROOF

The rooftop Winter Garden Houses at The Botanist on Church Street are sticking around into 2022. Sponsored by Rekorderlig Cider, enjoy tipples with friends in these warm, pod-like glasshouses under the stars.

For more: www.thebotanist.uk.com

IT’S KNOT BREAD

Auntie Anne’s have opened a second Cardiff store, on Caroline Street. They will be serving their famous pretzels along with pizza, hot dogs, coffee, shakes and gelato.

For more: www.auntieannes.com

KEEP YOUR GIN UP

PENNE FOR YOUR THOUGHTS

Welsh independent Double Zero Pasta has opened on the Hayes selling graband-go pasta pots, smoothies and coffee.

For more: www.doublezero.uk

Hensol’s own-brand gin is only available on their website for now but is set to hit supermarkets in 2022

Hensol Castle Distillery, South Wales’s first full-scale gin and spirits distillery and contract bottling plant, has launched its first own-name premium gin, marking a major milestone in the distillery’s continued success story. Provenance has been the key in its development, as it is blended from Welsh water with 11 locally sourced botanicals. uniper-led, with citrus peel, it also features lavender, marigold, and jasmine picked from the 00-year-old castle’s walled gardens.

For more: www.hensolcastledistillery.com

EXOTIC IVY Convenience pasta

WINNER WINNER!

Congratulations to Purple Poppadom, on Cowbridge Road East, which was named Best Restaurant in Wales at the British Curry Awards (AKA the ‘Curry Oscars’) at the end of 2021. www.purplepoppadom.com

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

The Ivy Asia will be opening on The ayes this spring next door to the current Ivy Cardiff spot. The first Ivy Asia site in Wales, it’ll be serving theatrical cocktails alongside a tantalising pan-Asian menu, and, of course, being part of the Ivy group, the interior will be spectacularly vibrant. or more www.theiv a iacar i .com

The Ivy Asia is coming to Cardiff

FOOD

© SAMUEL MALLET

WORD ON THE GRAPEVINE

Hot on the heels of their Llandaff High Street opening, dog-friendly Coffi Lab has confirmed it will be opening a fifth site at 55 Penlline Road, in Whitchurch, later this month. www.coffilab.co.uk

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Coffi Lab is

coming to Whitchurch; Tidy Kitchen’s grab ‘n’ go meals; Laura Graham of Tidy Kitchen Co; Hard Lines Run Club (ft. post-run beer); Waterloo Tea’s Wellness Collection

NEW YEAR NOURISHMENT

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Our columnist, good food fanatic, local blogger and indie foodie PR guru JANE COOK has her finger on the pulse when it comes to what’s new and tasty in the city…

anuary really is the coldest and gloomiest of months isn’t it? I can’t be the only one who struggles with the postChristmas blues; there’s just something so depressing about taking down the Christmas decorations and boxing up all of that sparkle and good cheer. But this year, I’m determined to start as I mean to go on by eating a bit healthier and exercising a bit more…oh, could I be any more of a cliché?!

I’m kicking things off with a dash to the Hard Lines run club.

The popular Canton spot has its own, free-to-join running club, meeting every Thursday at 6:30pm outside the café, and covering distances between 5k-10k. I won’t pretend that the promise of a celebratory beer afterwards didn’t appeal! Find out more at www. hard-lines.co.uk/run-club.

I’m also enlisting some help when it comes to eating a bit healthier;

Tidy Kitchen Company (who did a fantastic job of catering my wedding a couple of years ago) has launched a brand-new range of healthy, luxury meals made with fresh, locally sourced whole ingredients.

In a bid to be a more sustainable business, they are also trialling infinitely reusable, fold-flat, dishwasher-proof and microwaveable foodto-go boxes – big love for that (www.thetidykitchencompany.com).

That’s the exercise and diet covered, but what to drink on a health kick? After many a Christmas cocktail, I’ve treated myself to Waterloo Tea’s new Wellness Collection (available at www.waterlootea.com), a quartet of hand-blended teas specially created to ‘calm, boost, detox and energise’ – because who doesn’t need some of that in deepest, darkest January, especially from a local business.

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

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

TAPAS Y COPAS Cardiff’s Bar 44 fans rejoice: Owen and Tom Morgan have brought out their first book – and it’s everything we’d hoped for, and more

By Ursula Cole

O

wen and Tom Morgan’s new Tapas y Copas book is almost too beautiful to use – we’re a bit scared of splashing PX over that gorgeous cover, with its intricate Andalucian tile design and shimmery metallic highlights.

But we’re not going to let that stop us.

Every page of the cookbook brims with the Morgans’ love for all things Spain – a passion that began in childhood.

“When we were kids, we discovered a lot of backstreet Spain with our mum and dad, who insisted we went there as much

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

as possible,” says Owen. “Eating sardines cooked next to the fire in sand-filled fishing boats became the norm, as did eating various blood sausages in different villages.

We were a very food-focused family, so sitting down for meals around the kitchen table for hours at a time was the norm.”

It was at just such a family meal, though several years later, that Owen, Tom and sister Nat had “the crazy, wine-fuelled idea of turning an old social club in Cowbridge into a tapas bar – something which didn’t exist in many places in the UK at that time, let alone in a tiny Welsh market town.”

Four months later, the Morgan siblings’ lives had changed forever.

FOOD & DRINK Over the course of the last 16 years, the Bar 44 empire has grown, with branches in Cardiff, Cowbridge, Penarth and Bristol

THE TAPAS BARS

A FEW OF OF OWEN’S FAVOURITE RECIPES “Jamón Ibérico croquetas and tortilla are favourites from the classics. They’re lifted by using tried-and-tested methods, and the very best ingredients, as well as by being exacting” “Wild prawn and crab bisque churros with crab alioli – it’s fun, gives you a challenge but it’s not too difficult; it’s a savoury take on a classic sweet Spanish breakfast dish, and bangs with flavour“ “Confit duck and smoked

black pudding ‘pringa’ in a potato bun, with apple and fennel, and our piquillo pepper ketchup is a dish that started with a cult following, but grew to us spending two days each week preparing it!”

“Roast Jerusalem artichokes with a roast garlic crema, finished with black truffle, is a wonderful winter dish” “Our cheeky take on a trifle – chocolate, mango, and a sherry cream”

It was crazy, organised (ish), chaos, says Owen. We hired five chefs in the first month; none of them turned up for work. Tom and I were cooking with one hand, pouring drinks with the other. Waiting tables, cleaning at the end of the night, doing the books; everything you could think of. We’d often sleep in the bar, because it was 2am, and we’d need to start the next day’s prep at am. We wouldn’t change it though; we gained 10 years’ experience in six months.

That was back in 2002; over the course of the last 1 years, the Bar empire has grown, with branches in Cardiff, Cowbridge, Penarth and Bristol. The food offering has also continued to evolve since day one.

We put our heart and soul into the sourcing of the very best produce you’ll see anywhere in the , and the world’s finest Spanish produce, says Owen.

We try hundreds of types of the same ingredient to find the best for us. Not all jam ns, cheeses, chorizos etc, are made e ual Techni ues have also changed dozens of times, even in the simplest of dishes such as patatas bravas, which involve a two-and-a-half day process. Over the years we’ve gained a reputation for executing the classics to a high level, but also for our own take on Spanish dishes.

We travel all over Spain extensively, though we have a particular love for Andalucia and the C diz province; but from the Bas ue country to Asturias and Galicia, then down into Castilla, there’s pure magic to be found everywhere. Everything we do is very much our take on Spain. We do everything we can to do its traditions, history, and culture justice. But in doing so we also inject our creativity and personality into everything.

. . . AND NOT FORGETTING THE COPAS

The drinks side of the operation has always been important, says Owen.

Our offering is pretty uni ue and diverse, but all from within the world of Spain. The seasonal and Spanish slant on our cocktails has been incredibly important, and we push our bar teams every day, to bring out their creativity.

Consider yourself a cider fan? Not by Bas ue standards, you’re not.

The appreciation of sidras in Asturias takes things to another level.

I believe we were the first bar in the to serve Spanish cider on tap many years ago.

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

SPONSORED CONTENT

EXECUTOR DECISION Should you accept the role an executor? Georgia Evans of BERRY SMITH LAWYERS looks at what this entails...

T

o be asked to act as someone’s executor, is, you would think, a great compliment. You are trusted to accept and to carry out the duties associated with the role proficiently. However, it can also be a burdensome and prolonged process, especially when you are grieving a loss.

What is an executor?

An executor (also known as trustee) is appointed in a Will to administer a person’s estate. Their legal authority derives from the Will.

If you accept the role of an executor, it is your responsibility to administer and distribute the estate in accordance with the terms of the Will.

What does it involve?

As an executor, you will need to obtain valuations of assets and liabilities or debts. You will need to ensure that any inheritance tax due is settled and any liabilities or debts are paid; you will then need to attend to the encashment or transfer of assets and to distribute the estate.

Georgia Evans

In order to administer the estate, the executor may need to apply to the Probate Registry for a Grant of Probate. Depending on the value of the estate, the executor may need to submit the large form IHT400 and associated schedules to HMRC before submitting the application to the Probate Registry, but if the estate is more straightforward, and of smaller worth, the executor may be able to proceed with form IHT205 (and maybe IHT217) and an single application to the Probate Registry.

How can it be made easier?

The more straightforward the Will and the estate, and the more comprehensive the records kept by the testator/testatrix (i.e. the will maker), the easier the administration process will be.

If you are asked to be an executor, you should ensure that you are advised where the original Will is kept. You should also ask the testator/testatrix to keep a log of their assets and any relevant passwords. This log should be kept with the Will or alternatively, in a safe place that the executor can easily gain access to. Keeping this log will enable the executor to notify the relevant financial

organisations quickly and therefore administer the estate expediently.

What if I cannot administer the estate by myself?

Administering an estate takes a great deal of time, especially where you are not sure of the steps involved. You can, however, accept the role and administer the estate, without having to ‘do the leg work’. If you instruct a solicitor in the administration of an estate, they will guide you through the process; they will obtain the valuations, will apply for a Grant of Probate (where necessary and with your approval) and will attend to the distribution on an estate. n

If you would like more advice concerning estate administration, please contact either Georgia Evans or Christopher Beames on 02920 345 511 or gevans@berrymsmith.com.

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

THE

PUMPING STATION A N T I Q U E S

&

I N T E R I O R S

ANTIQUES / INTERIORS / HOBBIES / COLLECTABLES Penarth Road, Cardiff CF11 8TT Open 7 Days a Week 10am – 5pm Including Bank Holidays | Free car parking

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

Cardiff Life team 01225 475800

FOOD & DRINK

SHERRY TRIFLE

“This is all about the fun and nostalgia. We put it on the menu as a bit of a laugh, and were surprised by how many we sold” 3 raspberries 25 Larios 12 gin 12.5ml Licor 43 25ml cream sherry 5ml vanilla gomme 12.5ml freshly squeezed lemon juice 50ml double cream 1 tsp grated chocolate Muddle the raspberries in a shaker tin until pulped. Add all the remaining ingredients except cream and chocolate; fill with ice and shake well. Doublestrain into your glass. Whisk the cream lightly and pour gently on top over the back of a bar spoon. Sprinkle with chocolate.

“There’s not a day that goes by without me talking about sherry, teaching about it, writing about it or drinking it” “Our wine list is also extremely personal and special to us. We know many of the producers personally, and are honoured to call them friends.

We produce our own white and red, too, and we’ve had our own pale ale since 2015, which is very close to our heart.”

And did we mention that Owen is an o cial, ualified, fully paid-up sherry master? No? When I first immersed myself into the depths of a sherry bodega it was like being put into a trance, which never left me – I’m still in it!

There’s not a day that goes by without me talking about sherry, teaching about it, writing about it or drinking it. I’m very proud that we bottle our own Manzanilla with good friends in Sanl car de Barrameda. Everyone needs a bottle of that in their life, preferably in their fridge door.

Naturally, you’ll find sherry cocktails in the book. or colder months, Owen suggests a spiced blueberry sherry cobbler – or a cranberry- and orange-infused Old ashioned – perfect in front of the fire.

THE BOOK…

It’s definitely not just a cookbook, says Owen. opefully it will also give people a real understanding of our passion, knowledge, experience and creativity. There are drinks chapters, and stories from our travels.

We hope it’s both a coffee table book, and something which inspires people to cook, and also to visit certain parts of Spain too, as well as expanding their drinks cabinets. inally, Owen’s keen to point out that it’s a family effort – and that includes the Bar team.

So many of them had an influence on the book – from helping develop recipes, both the food and the drinks; helping on photography days; testing the dishes at home, and just being amazing in the restaurants every single day. n Tapas y Copas costs £25; grab a copy at mercado44.grupo44.co.uk

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

Our tiles YOUR ROOM LET’S CREATE SOMETHING AMAZING TOGETHER!

Over 500 tile ranges online Sample Service Free Design Service Swansea warehouse FREE pick-up available Named in The Best British Tile Brands by Country & Town House Magazine 2021 Check out our SHOP THE LOOK section for design guides and inspiration

20% OFF Tiles* Use Code: SHOPLOCAL

The Baked Tile Co. 512b Mumbles Road, Mumbles, Swansea Tel: 01792 439239 | info@bakedtiles.co.uk | www.bakedtiles.co.uk *Offer can’t be used in conjunction with other offers, clearance & job lots.

x d a r b

INTERIORS How dreamy is that sunken bath and view combo?

Bathroom design by Kutchenhaus, Queens Arcade, Cardiff; www.uk.kutchenhaus.com

FRESH

FLAIR

New year, new project? If you fancy a shake-up of your home interiors, here’s a mood board for you… www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 35

INTERIORS

Timeless is the only word needed for the neutral scheme. The backdrop is calm, cosy and, most importantly, adaptable to future trends

1. Kitchen design by Sigma 3 Kitchens, Llantrisant; www.sigma3.co.uk; 2. Petal coffee table, £390, Athena Interiors, Cwmbran; www.athenainteriors.co.uk; 3. The ‘Olivia’ dried flower diffuser, £32, Bloomfull, Rhiwbina; www.bloomfull.co.uk; 4. Geo Stone wallcovering, from £45, Graham & Brown, available at W J Gardner, Cardiff; www.grahambrown.com; 5. Talia chair, from £2,010, Natuzzi, Cardiff Bay; www.shop.natuzzi.co.uk; 6. Far Out Cream tiles, £2.48 per tile, The Baked Tile Company, South Wales; www.bakedtiles.co.uk; 7. Berber-style cushion, £18, Sadler Jones, Barry; www.sadlerjones.com; 8. Bouclé foot stool, £103, Athena Interiors, Cwmbran; www.athenainteriors.co.uk; 9. Opium lampshade, from £199, Lobster Tea Party, Caerphilly; www.lobsterteaparty.com

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

© HEATHER BIRNIE

Soft, welcoming botanical hues are still popular, providing a restful, back-to-nature alternative to bolder choices

1. Marrakesh tiles, 49p per tile, The Baked Tile Company, South Wales; www.bakedtiles.co.uk; 2. Wellness diffuser, £18, Sadler Jones, Barry; www.sadlerjones.com; 3. The Small Side, £229, Smughouse, Pontyclun; www.smughouse.com; 4. Glasshouse flora wallpaper, from £65, Graham & Brown, available at W J Gardner, Cardiff; www.grahambrown.com; 5. Flower wild tile, £94.95 per square metre, The Tap End, Pontyclun; www.thetapend.design; 6. Nathan drinks cabinet, £425, Olive and Whyte, just outside Cardiff; www.oliveandwhyte.co.uk; 7. Havana lampshade, £179, Lobster Tea Party, Caerphilly; www.lobsterteaparty.com; 8. Organic bedsheets, £49, Hunant, Roath; www.hunant.co.uk; 9. Artificial plant, £203, Athena Interiors, Cwmbran; www.athenainteriors.co.uk

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

Happy, light-hearted and playful, pastels are no longer just for babies’ rooms.

Mix sherbet shades together to bring sunshine inside during the darker months

1. Hepburn Mural, from £40, Graham & Brown, available at W J Gardner, Cardiff; www.grahambrown.com; 2. Nevada cushion, £18, Sadler Jones, Barry; www.sadlerjones.com; 3. Groovy Jefferson tile, £4.74 per tile, The Baked Tile Company, South Wales; www.bakedtiles.co.uk; 4. Atlas Green porcelain tile, from £63.90 per square metre, The Tap End, Pontyclun; www.thetapend.design; 5. Aqua round table, £45.50, Athena Interiors, Cwmbran; www.athenainteriors.co.uk; 6. The Big Side, £259, Smughouse, Pontyclun; www.smughouse.com; 7. Kitchen design by Sigma 3 Kitchens, Llantrisant; www.sigma3.co.uk; 8. Blush drinks cabinet, £315, Olive and Whyte, just outside Cardiff; www.oliveandwhyte.co.uk; 9. Blush pink velvet sofa, £715, Athena Interiors, Cwmbran; www.athenainteriors.co.uk

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

INTERIORS

Deep, dark, saturated tones that create a sense of intimacy and comfort give the home a cocooning hideaway type of feel

1. National Portrait Gallery Heads Up mural, from £40, Graham & Brown, available at W J Gardner, Cardiff; www.grahambrown.com; 2. Bespoke dried flower bouquet, POA, Wilde Posies, Ynysybwl; www.wildeposies.com; 3. Ciel Tropical wallpaper, £2,899 per panel, Arte, available at Interiors Etc Designs, St Nicholas, Cardiff; www.interiors-etc.co.uk; 4. Malini Cushion, £29.99, Hamptons, Ludlow Lane, Penarth; www.hamptonspenarth.co.uk; 5. Amalia chair, from £3,960, Natuzzi, Cardiff Bay; www.shop.natuzzi.co.uk; 6. Ancient of Days print, from £10, by Cardiff artist Laura Hickman Sell, Cynefn; www.cynefn.com; 7. Marlene chair, from £1,580, Natuzzi, Cardiff Bay; www.shop.natuzzi.co.uk; 8. Allure cushion and wallpaper, from £40, Graham & Brown, available at W J Gardner, Cardiff; www.grahambrown.com; 9. Disc black tiles, £4.39 per tile, The Baked Tile Company, South Wales; www.bakedtiles.co.uk

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

WE COULDN’T HAVE SAID IT BETTER OURSELVES! Real-life testimonials from happy customers of The Tap End

H

ow long can we talk about bathrooms? Well how long is a roll of toilet paper, and then some! But, for a change, we thought we would share from our clients’ perspectives instead… and we couldn’t have said it better ourselves! Here are a few testimonials along with before and after pictures from completed projects by The Tap End… “Our outdated family bathroom needed a complete refurbishment and had tricky design features. It’s a long thin room and didn’t have a shower...The bathroom looks amazing and we have had so many compliments. I couldn’t recommend the Tap End more highly. The whole process was professional from start to finish.”

Mrs Du Cann, Cardiff

After

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

Before

“THE BATHROOM LOOKS AMAZING AND WE HAVE HAD SO MANY COMPLIMENTS”

SPONSORED CONTENT

Before

After

“The Tap End did a great job on our recent ensuite renovation.

Beautiful designs and also helped with loads of practical aspects we hadn’t even thought of. Looking forward to starting the next project with them soon.”

Mr & Mrs Davies, Llysworney

Before

After

“Fantastic design from Daniella for our cloakroom. Great choice of products all explained and chosen to enhance such a small space.

Great service from The Tap End and their recommended installers.

From start to finish great communication and we could not be happier with end result. Highly recommend.”

Mr & Mrs Fantini, Pencoed

Before

“WE ARE ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTED WITH THE NEW BATHROOM WE HAVE AND OUR WHOLE EXPERIENCE WITH TAP END WAS EXCELLENT”

After

“We chose Tap End to oversee our bathroom renovation earlier this year after seeing pictures of their recent work on social media. We worked with both Daniella and Justine who came up with a bathroom design that gave us everything we wanted and the final product didn’t disappoint. We are absolutely delighted with the new bathroom we have, and our whole experience with Tap End was excellent. I would highly recommend them to all.”

Mr & Mrs McLaren, Penarth

The Tap End, 57 Llantrisant Road, Pontyclun, CF72 9DP 01443 449056; www.thetapend.design f thetapend  thetapend.design  The Tap End  TheTapEndDesign www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 41

VIEW OUR BROCHURE ON OUR WEBSITE

www.chalkhousekitchens.co.uk

SPONSORED CONTENT

KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL Shahab Bari, director of KUTCHENHAUS CARDIFF AND SWANSEA gives us a closer look into the kitchen retailer

O

pening four years ago, Kutchenhaus has become South Wales’ largest kitchen retailers for bespoke German kitchens. Shahab Bari, director of Kutchenhaus Cardiff and Swansea, is on hand to share what’s behind its success and tell us a little about the man behind it all...

Tell us about yourself and Kutchenhaus...

I’ve worked in the industry for over 18 years, from fitting to designing kitchens. I first started by working at a national kitchen retailer, and I often felt restricted by red tape, hindering me from doing a great job. This was frustrating for me. An old colleague of mine approached me from Kutchenhaus and mentioned the opportunity to open a franchise. I was aware of Kutchenhaus’ reputation in the industry and never once thought I’d get the chance to have a store of my own. After an initial meeting, I knew this is was the right fit for me. They gave me the

ability to do what I love, but also stay in control of all aspects of the business.

What’s been the secret behind the success?

Our success is down to having a fantastic team of people working within our stores as well as great support from head office. We believe in the product, and the service we give is outstanding from start to finish. We’ve thrown out the salesman’s playbook. We do not focus on sales but rather the service we provide to our clients. I also encourage continuous learning.

One of the team and I recently finished a fully funded three-year university course while running the two businesses. We are also proud of our five-star Trustpilot score, and the majority of our new business is from personal reccomendations.

What’s been your proudest moment?

One of my most proudest moments was opening our Swansea showroom this year. Its been designed in my vision and showcases my best work. I would highly recommend a visit!

Launch day for Kutchenhaus Swansea

Any advice for budding entrepreneurs?

Before starting my own business I went for an interview at a local kitchen retailer. I thought I would walk into the job, but they said that I wasn’t the right fit. I look back now and am glad it happened. I now run a multimillion-pound business, and are their direct competitior. A few key points, I would recommend: 1. Believe in yourself and what you want to achieve. Don’t let others tell you you’re not good enough or that it’ll never work.

2. If you’re not fully equipped to take on the challenge, then educate yourself and understand all aspects of the industry. Having in-depth knowledge will improve your chances of success.

Our pole-mounted shelving system is sleek and versitle, as seen in our Swansea showroom

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

3. Be passionate and bring in a team that are as enthusiastic as you are. This definitely will not go unnoticed.

Sarwar Miah, manager of Kutchenhaus Swansea, cooking up a storm at the launch of the Swansea showroom

“THE NEXT STEP IS TO OPEN A NEW MEGA SHOWROOM IN CARDIFF” 4. Financial planning is key. Save, budget accurately and be prepared for changes in the industry.

5. Don’t expect miracles overnight; I’m sure they happen, but plan for the long term and stay focused on your targets.

What’s next for the franchise?

The next step is to open a new mega showroom in Cardiff. We also have plans to open another showroom in West Wales in 2023. n

Kutchenhaus Cardiff: 10d, Queens Arcade, St David’s Centre, Cardiff CF10 2BY; 029 2023 5562 Kutchenhaus Swansea: Unit 2A, Parc Tawe Retail Park, Swansea SA1 2AL; 01792 974789

A night out with some of the team

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

HOME STAGING CAN HELP YOU SELL FAST! Our expert team of home stagers will Improve online marketing images/virtual tour Increase viewings Reduce time on the market Maximise Profit www.keyhomestaging.co.uk

07495 683398

hello@keyhomestaging.co.uk

© OWEN MATHIAS PHOTOGR APHY

CARDIFF PROPERTY AWARDS

BUILDING SUCCESS

The triumphant return of the Cardiff Property Awards, on 26 November at The Coal Exhange, recognised and celebrated our dynamic local property sector in all its glory

© K ATK A PHOTOGR APHY

W

The co-host Greg Ingham

e were all ready and waiting for this most celebratory of events in the local property industry’s diary. Around midday on 26 November, hundreds of city’s finest property people, all in the best of spirits, descended on The Coal Exchange.

The Cardiff Property Awards are about so much more than just the announcement of the winners. The coveted accolades are triumphantly claimed, of course, but also introductions are made, job opportunities explored, deals discussed, partnerships sounded out and vital, glorious insider gossip shared.

In short, this is where business, networking and collaborations happen.

At this year’s event, held together

perfectly by co-hosts ITV News’ Andrea Byrne and our very own MediaClash chief exec Greg Ingham, it was thrilling to see the array of participants, from the coolest of Cardiff’s indies to the largest of the sector’s corporates, local to regional to national. The sector was celebrated, venerated. This was the chance to say that Cardiff property matters to us all. Professionally in financial terms; aesthetically in its creativity; practically in somewhere to live or work.

And when so many contribute, so many benefit. We thank all who backed these Awards – including our brilliant sponsors and our independent panel of judges – enabling this occasion to happen and for value to be created for all. We hope you benefited from the event and its marketing, and of course we have plans for it to have a yet bigger impact on the sector in 2022.

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© OWEN MATHIAS PHOTOGR APHY

CARDIFF PROPERTY AWARDS

Juliet Gamlin of Invest in Cardiff was a guest speaker at the Awards

MAJOR PROPERTY PROJECTS IN CARDIFF

Juliet Gamlin of Invest in Cardiff, a special guest speaker at the Cardiff Property Awards, told the room about the city’s most important future developments. She said

C

ardiff is on an agenda to build back Greener, airer and Stronger’; we are on track and delivering some of the biggest regeneration schemes on offer within the right now with over billion in our current investment pipeline and more to follow as we move forward. So let me just highlight a few of the key projects

units, and ,000 s uare metres of leisure, hospitality and retail use.

Dumballs road – A astint-led development covering 0 acres of brownfield site that links the city with Cardiff Bay, including 2, 00 residential

International Sports Village – A new and improved sporting destination – creating new leisure, sport and retail opportunities at the heart of the waterfront.

An artist’s impression of the new 15,000-seater Arena coming to Atlantic Wharf

The Wider Atlantic Wharf Masterplan – To include a new 1 ,000-seater multipurpose arena, hotels and a new Red Dragon Centre, acting as an anchor to the wider investment offer around the bay to support the development of local businesses and provide amenities for local residents and communities.

Central Quay – The regeneration of the old Brains Brewery site that sits at the heart of the city centre, south of Central Station, which will create a whole new waterfront destination for the city.

Canal Quarter – A comprehensive regeneration on Churchill Way, lifting the central reserve to expose the feeder canal below in order to create a new waterfront destination and space within the city centre.

A i te rated p i tra sport offer – urther expanding the city’s geography of economic opportunity, including: Cardiff Par way, offering a new railway station alongside a new modern business district; completion of the Central Interchange, one of the tallest buildings in Cardiff that will house transport, new homes as well as o ce space that will be the new head uarters for Legal and General in Wales; and the investment in the modernisation of Metro Central.

The 21st Century Schools’ program – Delivering the biggest program of new and improved school development Cardiff has ever seen.

And our biggest challenge – Our ambition to be a Carbon Neutral City by 20 0, leading to improvements in air uality and open public spaces within our neighbourhoods. or more www.inve tincar i .com

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CATEGORY WINNERS

The independent panel of judges faced some incredibly hard decisions, but after much debate, here are their choices…

Photos by Katka Photography; www.katka-photography.com

ARCHITECT

COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT

WINNER:

CONSULTANCY

CONTRACTOR

WINNER:

DEVELOPER

Sponsored by

GOODSHEDS

WILLMOTT DIXON

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

WINNER:

ATKINS ARCHITECTURE

WINNER:

VALE CONSULTANCY

WINNER:

LINC CYMRU

CARDIFF PROPERTY AWARDS

EMPLOYER Sponsored by

WINNER:

HYDROCK

GREEN INITIATIVE Sponsored by

RESIDENTIAL LEGAL

WINNER:

PRINCIPALITY COMMERCIAL

WINNER:

MARTYN PROWEL SOLICITORS

FINANCIAL

JOINT WINNERS: PRINCIPALITY COMMERCIAL AND SANCTUARY FINANCIAL PLANNING

Sponsored by

COMMERCIAL LEGAL

LETTINGS AGENT

WINNER:

BLAKE MORGAN

WINNER:

NEXA CARDIFF www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 53

CARDIFF PROPERTY AWARDS

ONE TO WATCH

PROPERTY AGENT

WINNER:

GOODSHEDS

WINNER:

COOKE & ARKWRIGHT

TRANSFORMATION

Sponsored by

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

WINNER: MEANWHILE HOUSE & CARDIFF CONTAINERS

RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT Sponsored by

SUPPLIERS AND SERVICES

WINNER OF WINNERS

WINNER:

THE LINKS, ACORN PROPERTY GROUP

WINNER:

ANTEA PHOTOGRAPHY

WINNER:

PRINCIPALITY COMMERCIAL

© OWEN MATHIAS PHOTOGR APHY

THE FINALISTS

Congratulations to all of our finalists and highly commended companies ARCHITECT • Atkins Architecture • Pentan Architects

DEVELOPER • Acorn Property Group • Linc Cymru

COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT • Goodsheds • Hospital projects, Willmott Dixon • The Interchange Building on Central Square, Acuity Law • Meanwhile House & Cardiff Containers

EMPLOYER Sponsored by Cardiff Life • Goodsheds • Hydrock • Pentan Architects • Principality Commercial • Services Design Solution • Watts Group • Willmott Dixon

CONSULTANCY • Acuity Law • Atkins • Do Digital Agency • Hydrock • Knight Frank • Savills Cardiff Planning • Vale Consultancy • Watts Group

FINANCIAL Sponsored by MDA Consulting • Hodge Commercial Lending • Principality Commercial • Sanctuary Financial Planning • Shawbrook Bank

CONTRACTOR Sponsored by Marsh Commercial • Lancer Scott • Willmott Dixon

GREEN INITIATIVE Sponsored by Willmott Dixon • Atkins • Khaya Studio • Principality Commercial • Savills Cardiff Planning

LEGAL • Acuity Law • Blake Morgan • CJCH Conveyancing • Insight Law • Martyn Prowel Solicitors

PROPERTY AGENT • CF24 Property Services • Cooke & Arkwright • Edwards and Co • Knight Frank • NEXA Cardiff

LETTINGS AGENT • CF24 Property Services • Edwards and Co • NEXA Cardiff

SUPPLIERS AND SERVICES • Antea Photography • CF24 Property Services • Do Digital Agency • Khaya Studio

ONE TO WATCH • Goodsheds • NEXA Cardiff • Services Design Solution • Watts Group RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT Sponsored by Savills • The Links, Acorn Property Group • Maesyffynnon Extra Care Facility, Linc Cymru

TRANSFORMATION Sponsored by Sanctuary Financial Planning • Glan Llyn, St Modwen Developments and Savills • Goodsheds • Haverfordwest Regeneration Programme, Atkins Architecture • The Links, Acorn Property Group • Meanwhile House & Cardiff Containers • Zara at St David’s Dewi Sant, Lancer Scott

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

SCENE

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

Andrew Dobbs (Willmott Dixon)

Co-host Andrea Byrne Cassie Perkins (Acorn Property Group), Claire Turner and Gwenllian Elias (Savills)

Sofia Vakilzadeh (Jury O’Shea LLP) with Liz Mills and John Hurst (Marsh Commercial)

HOT PROPERTY!

Adam McGlynn (Acuity Law)

It was a glorious return for the third Cardiff Property Awards in November at The Coal Exchange. This celebratory event, hosted by ITV News’ Andrea Byrne and our very own MediaClash chief exec Greg Ingham, was attended by hundreds of professionals from the local property industry, who enjoyed, along with the Awards presentations, a champagne reception and fine dining.

Photos on this page by Owen Mathias; www.owenmathias.com Turn over for more...

Oliver Griffiths and Robert Higgit (Nexa) with Rayner Davies (A&R Services) Jeremy Burt (Faithful+Gould) Graham Screen and Ceri Hill (Chalkhouse Kitchens)

Gareth Shears (Sanctuary Financial Planning)

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

James Thomas, Kane Athay and Gary Mcnamara (Sanctuary Financial Planning)

Simon Edwards (Edwards & Co) and Anthony Barber (Antea Photography)

Photos on these pages by Katka Photography; www.katka-photography.com

Tracey Horrigan and Caron Rockey (Martyn Prowel)

Cassie Perkins (Acorn Property Group)

Juliet Gamlin (Invest in Cardiff)

Cyntia Brito Vieria Athay (Sanctuary Financial Planning) Andy Button (Hodge Bank)

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

Matt Thomas (HLM architects)

CARDIFF PROPERTY AWARDS

Dharmansyah Dinata (Vale Consultancy)

Mike Holt (Lancer Scott)

Olivia Kitchen (Insight Law)

Shauna Sibthorpe, Maddy Chappell and Arianne Davies (Edwards & Co) Annie Kelly (MediaClash)

Xxx

All smiles at the Lancer Scott table Andrew Griffiths (Morgan Structural)

SAVE THE DATE

Cardiff Property Awards 2022 18 November, 2022 Rayner Davies (A&R Services)

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

SPONSORED CONTENT

THINK ‘GREEN’ FINANCE CORNERSTONE FINANCE advise on three ways to decrease your carbon footprint

T

he global response to climate change means that we’re becoming increasingly aware of what we purchase and how it’s funded. Green finance, the financial sector’s answer to reducing CO2 emissions, brings together the financial services sector and the protection of the environment, while still focusing on economic growth.

The UK and Welsh Government are making significant progress in the green finance space but, we also have a very important part to play as individuals. Here are some steps to consider:

GREEN HOME IMPROVEMENTS The first steps to living greener often start at home. Not only do eco-friendly home improvements help your green credentials, but they can save you money long-term too. Many lenders fund green home improvements but identifying what works best for you is key.

If you’re looking to generate a percentage of your electricity, installing solar panels may be a good investment. When compared to their oldschool counterparts, they are more attractive and more efficient. Additionally, they can increase the value of your home if you decide to sell.

Alternatively, you may want to upgrade your home after the Government recently pledged to phase out gas boilers by installing 600,000 new heat pumps each year by 2028. Heat pumps use electricity to provide homes with heating and hot water and are considered a low-carbon alternative to traditional gas boilers.

With gas prices on the rise, retro-fitting a heat pump into your home may be a viable option. The Government has just announced a scheme which will see £5,000 grants available to households in England and Wales, as part of the UK-wide heat and buildings strategy. The grants will be available from this April and will mean people installing a heat pump will pay a similar amount to the installation of traditional gas boilers, according to the plans.

ELECTRIC CARS The UK Government’s ban on new petrol, diesel and hybrid cars has been brought forward to 2035, making it a good time to evaluate your current car and how your next purchase may look.

When purchasing a new or second-hand car, its longevity and value for money are likely to be your top priorities for personal or business use. Collectively, we know our cars have a heavy impact on the environment, and petrol and diesel can be costly. Although the purchase price of electric cars is generally higher than alternatives, their environmental benefits and lower running costs can make them a good long-term investment.

Depending on your requirements, you may want to purchase an electric car yourself or use a 60 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

form of finance, such as a hire purchase, leasing agreement or secured loan. With a wide range of finance options available, electric cars are now more accessible than they once were. However, if you are considering financing an electric car, make sure it is right for you and you are aware of all the costs involved before you decide to go ahead.

GREEN PENSIONS Whether you’re employed or self-employed, most of us will contribute towards our pension throughout our working life. However, many of us still remain unsure where our money is invested and its impact.

Pensions hold a huge proportion of investments, meaning your contributions may be invested in companies failing to take action against climate change. By taking control of your pension, you can have a greater positive impact on environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors.

To find out where your pension is being invested, contact your provider. Alternatively, there are a number of providers that offer green, ethical pension funds that carefully select ethically conscious companies and sectors to invest your money in.

Your pension is one of the largest investments you may make in your lifetime, so it’s really important to make sure it works for you and your future.

Need help?

Our team of independent experts are here to provide you with tailored financial advice. Come and speak to us for financial expertise you can trust, with solutions built around you. n

To find out more, get in touch.

Telephone: 029 2166 0550 Email: info@cornerstonefinance.co.uk

SPONSORED CONTENT

A stunning project: a steel frame extension for this idyllic cottage in Brecon Engineers: Vale Consultancy / Architect: Jones Architects Studio. Photos © Billy Bolton

PROVIDING EXCELLENCE IN DESIGN VALE CONSULTANCY tells us more about who they are and what services they offer

V

ale Consultancy is a Chartered Civil and Structural Engineering Consultancy offering high quality, cost-effective, innovative engineering solutions to a wide range of clients in the Cardiff and South Wales area, as well as further afield.

Founded in 2001, Vale Consultancy has grown from strength to strength guided by our directors, Matt and on. ur engineers combine specialist knowledge and technical expertise to guide your pro ect from start to finish.

Despite 2020 being a difficult year for most, we expanded our team and employed three graduate engineers, two Administration Assistants, a CAD technician, new Associate Director, and an Apprentice.

2021 saw us open our first regional office in Ruthin, Denbighshire, led by Nedw Llewelyn, our newly appointed orth Wales regional director.

Whether we are working with developers, architects, construction companies or directly with residential clients, our commitment in providing first class customer service means that not only are your aspirations met, but they are met through a positive, open and trusted relationship.

“WE DEEPLY VALUE THE RELATIONSHIPS WE BUILD WITH OUR CLIENTS” We say with confidence that almost anybody could make use of our services as Structural and Civil engineers, whether they know it or not. It could be a home requiring a small internal change to their property, a developer refurbishing a derelict building into a new set of

flats or a housing association looking to develop a brownfield site into new homes. We can provide a service to them all. ale Consultancy pride ourselves on being a cohesive team. As a firm, we work together, pooling our knowledge and making the most of our expertise and skills. We deeply value the relationships we build with our clients, making sure we maintain these for the future. n

CARDIFF PROPERTY AWARDS WINNER 2021 – CONSULTANCY We were thrilled to have won this year’s Cardiff Property Awards in the Consultancy category. To receive recognition for our work has been a wonderful accomplishment and a great way to finish 2021 on a high – onwards and upwards for 2022

29 Bocam Park, Old Field Road, Pencoed, Bridgend, CF35 5LJ; 01656 863794; enquiries@vale-consultancy.co.uk; www.vale-consultancy.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 61

It’s the city’s business

CARDIFFWORKS HEALTH IS WEALTH

Professor Cara Aitchison

FOR THE WIN Congratulations to Cardiff Met which bagged the title of UK & Ireland University of the Year 2021. The university was awarded the highly prestigious title by the Times Higher Education in November. Now in their 17th year, the awards are a highlight of the academic calendar and a celebration of the very best within the higher education sector in the UK and Ireland. The award recognises Cardiff Met’s achievements throughout the 2019/20 academic year and the ways in which it has established itself as a progressive uni with an excellent student experience, staff culture and impactful research and innovation.

“This award recognises and rewards the values-driven character of our university and the significant improvements across all areas of performance in recent years,” says president and vice-chancellor of Cardiff Met, professor Cara Aitchison. or more www.car i met.ac.uk

A bird’s-eye view of Cardiff Met’s Llandaff campus

Opening in time for the new year health-kick rush is Love Live Light Healing Hub in Pontcanna.

We will be opening Wales’ first self-care sanctuary, offering a variety of alternative holistic, Ayurvedic and scientifically backed healing therapies, from sauna pods and infrared yoga, to pressotherapy massage and guided meditation, as well as a healthy café bar,” say Tessa and Rico, the duo behind the business. “The world needs more love, healing, wellbeing and unity now more than ever.

“With the awareness of uncertainty in health and wellness that millions of people are currently facing with Covid, and with the increase in heartfelt issues of mental health, stress, anxiety, obesity, and depression, we have felt this awakening to help people regain their power back. This has inspired us to go deep into research and self-healing and biohacking, connecting and partnering with over 200 healthy food, drink, supplements companies and brands, which includes some of the world’s most advanced alternative healing therapies and devices.

“The aim is for people to be able to enter our social space to recharge, rejuvenate, restore. Nights out will be swapped for nights in, with our Healing Hub turning into an evening Yoga Studio and community chill space for workshops and events on breathwork, sound and energy healing, cold therapy, cacao ceremonies plus so much more.”

For more: www.lovelivelighthealinghub.com

Tessa and Rico are the passionate duo behind Love Live Light Healing Hub

The new technology allows golfers instant access to shot performance data

TEE TIME The Celtic Manor Resort has relaunched its Golf Academy with a £500,000 facelift featuring the installation of brand-new, industry-leading Toptracer Range technology.

Toptracer Range’s ground-breaking technology allows golfers to practise like never before, offering real-time shot data and accurate, interactive visuals alongside a host of different game modes to make range sessions more enjoyable.

Toptracer interactive screens have been installed into every one of the 28 bays at the Golf Academy driving range, allowing golfers instant access to live shot analysis such as distances hit, accuracy, ball speed, launch and landing angles.

The tech will complement the tuition packages available from a team of PGA professionals at Celtic Manor Golf Academy, where facilities also include swing studios, a short game practice area and all-weather greens, chipping and putting greens.

For more: www.celtic-manor.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 63

© OWEN MATHIAS PHOTOGRAPHY

Celebrating the very best of Cardiff

T

he 2022 ar i i e Awards are now just around the corner (31 March) and we cannot wait to see hundreds of you again at City Hall to celebrate the great and good people and businesses in Cardiff and beyond.

Even though the Awards have been running since 2014, we are still consistently overwhelmed at the sheer brilliance of the nominations we receive. This city never ceases to amaze us. We bow down.

The event has sold out every year since we founded it, and it’s always, always a night to remember (unless you get a bit too merry at the after party, which continues until the early hours, and then you’re bound to have

BECOME A SPONSOR The Awards are a great opportunity to get glammed up and have fun, but they also provide invaluable networking for businesses from all the diverse sectors of the city. To find out more about sponsorships contact mark.george@mediaclash.

a few misplaced memories). In keeping with tradition, there’ll be glitz, glamour, music and 450 people coming together for a huge celebration of the top businesses in Cardiff.

NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN! Please do nominate your organisation for an award (you can’t be nominated, you have to do it yourself); this is not a time for modesty – you know you’re great, we know you’re great, now it’s time to shout about it! Nominations are free to enter, so there’s literally nothing stopping you. You never know, you could be one of our winners on the night. or more www.car i i eawar .co.uk

co.uk or annie.kelly@ mediaclash.co.uk.

Sponsors on board for 2022 so far are: 13 Fields, Cardiff Life, Lexus Cardiff, Genero, Park Plaza and Regus.

When it comes to sponsorship, business is done from, at and around the Awards. Countless conversations are triggered

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

by deep association with the city’s leading business marketing activity. It’s efficient, too, as one deal reaches thousands of people.

We support your business promotion through our magazines, social media, email, networking events, our website, the programme, the review, and, of course, on the night itself.

The winning moment for Blasus Succulent Emporium in 2021. Imagine your name being called out as a winner at the Cardiff Life Awards 2022! First step: nominate yourselves

NOMINATION TOP TIPS

A few pointers for writing a nomination that stands out…

• Please – we beg you – don’t leave your nomination until the February deadline looms. Submit it in plenty of time.

• Everyone says ‘we’ve had a great year’, the judges want much more than that – they want to know precisely why it’s been great.

• Consider the experience of the Cardiff Life Awards judge: you’re faced with thousands of pages of information about local businesses and projects. Make it easy for them. Get to the point. And say something extra memorable.

• Gathering testimonials is an ideal way to persuade judges of your greatness.

• Have fun with it. Seriously. It’s all too rare that we make the time to sit and reflect about everything that’s gone well in the last year.

Take this as an opportunity to give yourself a hearty pat on the back.

See more top tips at www.cardifflifeawards.co.uk

CARDIFFWORKS NOMINATE YOURSELVES FOR THE AWARDS

The categories to apply for are...

• LEGAL & FINANCIAL • LEISURE & TOURISM • NEW BUSINESS • PROPERTY • RESTAURANT • RETAILER • SUSTAINABILITY • TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION • WELSH LANGUAGE • PLATINUM AWARD

NEW AWARD ALERT: SUSTAINABILITY The Sustainability Award is open to any local company or organisation which has been demonstrably thoughtful about its approach to sustainability – supply chain, transport, products, services, energy: anything. Do you have a new or enhanced initiative? Which practices make your organisation stand out? How have you been changing your business or organisation? We are looking forward to receiving your nominations!

© OWEN MATHIAS PHOTOGRAPHY

• ARTS • BAR • BUSINESS SERVICES • CAFÉ • CHARITY • CIVIC • CREATIVE • EDUCATION • EVENT • HAIR & BEAUTY • HEALTH & WELLBEING • HOMES & INTERIORS

What a feeling to win. Just look at the Eartha team’s faces when they won in 2021

The Cardiff Life Awards celebrates the best of Cardiff’s businesses, from professional services to cafés, retail to charity

TESTIMONIAL

“Thank you to ar i i e Awards for a brilliant night, and for our award. We’re absolutely over the moon and so, so proud.

We were in shock to win; thank you to our amazing team who are the real stars of Craft Republic and to the wonderful people that have supported us.” ra t e ublic ar i i e war winner

© OWEN MATHIAS PHOTOGRAPHY

THE DETAILS

What: The Cardiff Life Awards 2022 Where: City Hall, Cardiff When: 31 March Why: To celebrate the very best local businesses and organisations in Cardiff, The Vale and surrounding areas Who: Any local businesses, charities or establishments can enter to win. See top left for all 22 categories that can be entered – you can enter into multiple categories, too.

How to nominate: Nominate yourself or business over on our website www.cardifflifeawards.co.uk.

Nominations close in February. www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 65

SPONSORED CONTENT

MEET THE

FAMILY LAWYER

Divorce, separation and the decision about your children’s futures are the most sensitive and emotional of issues. Here, four local Family Lawyers talk us through the process of getting the right advice

Why are you passionate about Family Law in particular?

You really do get to help people in Family Law. People are usually going through a difficult time when they need assistance from a Family Lawyer, often being involved in a divorce or a dispute regarding their children. It is both a privilege and a very big responsibility.

LEAH THOMAS

HARDING EVANS SOLICITORS 02922 676818; www.hardingevans.com How long have you practised law, and why did you get into it?

I have practised law for nearly 10 years. I wanted to study law because my Dad is a solicitor and I always found his job to be interesting and valued.

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

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

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

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

There must be many emotional moments for clients, how do you find the balance of remaining professional while still showing compassion?

It takes practise. I think everyone gets better at this with experience. You show a client you care by putting the work in though, not by overreacting to things. Instructing a solicitor is always best in Family Law disputes because we

can look at the situation from above, without that emotion that would otherwise cloud things. You also have to look after yourself to ensure you can withstand the emotional pressures of the job.

What should clients look for in a Family Lawyer? What questions should they be asking?

The best Family Lawyers are experienced, organised and have good people skills. A client should be clear from the outset what they want to achieve. Your lawyer can then give you straight advice about what is possible based on your circumstances.

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

When you separate, get legal advice straight away. Waiting can cause problems later.

Do not post about conflict or legal proceedings on social media. Anything you say on Facebook, or in texts, for that matter, is evidence and can be used in proceedings later.

What’s the motto/ethos of the firm?

Your Lawyers for Life – We are a full service law firm that prioritises putting our clients first and offering the best representation possible, with a proven track record of achieving the desired results.

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LEE DAVIES

AMANDA M WOOD

What do you specialise in?

I specialise in Family Law with a particular emphasis on divorce, separation and Children Act matters. I advise and represent clients in financial remedy cases in divorce proceedings and in cohabitation disputes involving significant assets. I also regularly advise parents in complex child arrangement matters involving the arrangements for their children following the breakdown of the family relationship.

How long have you practised law, and why did you get into it?

My legal career started over 20 years ago. In 2001 I started worked within immigration law as a caseworker for a city-based firm. I regularly attended Home Office interviews and spent time within various part of the UK. I provided advice in house to clients and at police station call outs. I found I enjoyed the privilege of knowing the law and particularly knowing my clients’ rights. I went on to complete my Legal Practice Course, passing with a distinction and qualified as a Solicitor in 2004. Upon qualification I found a niche for Family Law.

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What advice would you give a client contemplating separation or divorce?

It is extremely important that if you are considering separating from your spouse or partner that you seek advice at the earliest opportunity to ensure that your legal rights are protected and that you make informed decisions in the immediate aftermath of your separation.

Lee Davies

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

I have been involved in some very sad cases but equally some very uplifting matters. I tend to specialise in Child Arrangement matters and have since qualifying. My most memorable was a small child that had been taken from his family home to India by his mother, and his father missed him desperately. Upon his return to the UK an application was made that prevented removal immediately and the child and father spent quality time together under an arrangement that thereafter suited all.

What drew you to this area of law?

The opportunity to represent clients at what is often one of the most difficult times of their lives and supporting them through intricate legal matters. It remains hugely rewarding knowing that you have helped your clients achieve the best outcome possible to enable them to move on with their lives following separation.

What misconceptions do people have about your area of family law?

The biggest misconception is that cohabitees have the same rights as married couples on the ending of their relationship. The reality is that the legal framework used to resolve cohabitation disputes is significantly different to that used for divorcing couples.

What should clients look for in a family lawyer?

Area of expertise in Private Child Law matters, experience and type of case dealt with.

Amanda M Wood

What questions should they be asking?

Timescales, costs, and years of experience in that aspect.

As many questions as possible, but not how old are you.

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

I deal mainly with finances on divorce. I work with a wide range of individuals advising on their personal and professional assets and how the law will treat those assets on separation. Typical examples are advising people on what options they have with keeping the family home.

LUKE DIXON

How long have you practised law, and why did you get into it?

I have been practising for over 15 years. I was initially interested in a career in law from watching too many episodes of Ally McBeal.

There must be many emotional moments for clients, how do you find the balance of remaining professional while still showing compassion?

It is important to remain empathetic throughout. It comes through a lot of experience of being able to strike a careful balance between empathy and providing objective, sensible advice.

Why are you passionate about Family Law in particular?

Because it involves helping people. These are individuals who are often at their most vulnerable and experiencing the most difficult times in their lives. Sensible advice can make a huge difference and improve their lives for the better.

What should clients look for in a Family Lawyer, and what questions should they be asking?

It is important to build a good working relationship with your Family Lawyer from the outset. It is important to find someone that will listen to what you have to say but importantly what you are worried about. You

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should come away feeling supported and listened to. You should always ask your Family Lawyer for a clear understanding of cost estimates and timescales.

The best advice you’ve ever given/received?

A person who chooses to represent themselves has a fool for a client.

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

• Get advice – If you have made the decision to separate, do not delay in getting advice straight away. Find a good local lawyer. A lawyer local to where you live understands the courts and the surrounding area so will understand your concerns over potentially finding a new house or school for the children.

• Get organised – Organise your finances; be clear on, for example, how many bank accounts/pensions you have and keep good records.

• Establish a support network – Make sure you have emotional support from friends and family as the road ahead can be tough.

Motto/ethos of the firm?

Friendly, approachable, professional.

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SCHOOL GUIDE VICTORIA BOND

nowflake generation Helping our children help themselves perform better in the classroom is a skill for life

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ccording to education experts, our children are year-round snowflakes’ – a generation of children who cannot cope with criticism or setbacks and have an attention span shorter than a TikTok trend. Modern learners are over-sensitive and addicted to praise, and love nothing more than blaming someone or something else for not reaching their academic potential.

As parents, we’re faced with a dilemma: do too little to help them, and we’re frowned upon; too much, and we’re responsible for creating yet another Grade snowflake’ who is afraid to fail.

Throw the pandemic and over 600 million missed school days into the mix, and it’s no wonder mums and dads who hard-wired to fix’ problems don’t know where to start.

Giving our children the tools to enable them to look after and nurture their own mental health and wellbeing is key. They are perfectly e uipped to boost their

own happy brains’ and we all know that happy learners are the most successful. With a fresh start ahead, here are four ways we can help pupils to learn to help themselves in 2022.

1

Let them fail – it’s the stepping stone to success

As parents, it’s perfectly natural to protect our children from disappointment and hurt and it’s tempting to remove obstacles or reframe failure as a ‘don’t worry, darling’ non-event. But if we always try and diffuse upset, it takes away the opportunity for children to build resilience. It’s vital that they learn that hard things happen, and they can suffer for a time and get back up again.

Share times when things have not gone so well for you and help them see the value in perspective.

Small failures are part of everyday life and they need to increase their failure rate to develop coping skills. Big failures will always signal help and support but it’s their job to learn to differentiate between the mountains and the molehills.

2

Nurture independence with the ‘Three Before Me’ rule

A key issue for snowflakes’ is that they are used to parents swooping in far too quickly to solve their problems and it’s important that we foster their ability to find their own solutions. If they come to you with a challenge, it’s much more powerful to ask, ‘How do you want to sort this out?’. I recently spoke to a head teacher of a leading girls’ school who told

“Woke is really just another word for kind” me she encourages all her pupils to ask the Three Before Me’ uestion: which three things have you tried yourself before coming to an adult for help, and why do you think they haven’t worked?

Such uestioning encourages independent problem solving which is key to classroom success.

3

Don’t mock the woke

Our children spend a vast amount of their waking hours ogling at Instagram influencers and a lot of the social media landscape is set up to make them feel that what they look like is more important than what they say and believe. elping them to raise their voice – online or in real life – helps to develop their own sense of space and bolsters courage and confidence. Really listen to your children and look

for ways to help them to speak up. Oh, and it’s important that we don’t call them ‘woke’ when they do. One expert said recently that ‘woke’ is really just another word for ‘kind’ – it shows they care. Their ideas, no matter how different to ours, should always be welcome around the kitchen table.

4

Hail the H2O

We’ve all tried to drill the five-a-day message into an eye-rolling broccoli hater. But instead of dishing out specific rules about fitness and food, try and encourage them to think more widely about their body as an amazing gift of strength and flexibility. Strong body; stronger mind, and sleep, exercise and food will all play a part in making their school day easier. If you do want to pick one ‘new year, new nag’ battle, encouraging them to drink water regularly throughout the day was, according to a recent survey of 100,000 pupils by wellbeing app T-Cup, the #1 way to help keep school children focused. Even mild dehydration was shown to significantly affect mood and performance.

Victoria Bond is founder & CEO of School Guide, an easy-to-use website that helps parents discover exam results, catchment maps and parent reviews for all their local schools For more: www.schoolguide.co.uk

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WHY A GIRLS-ONLY EDUCATION MATTERS HOWELL’S SCHOOL, LLANDAFF GDST is a girls-only environment that encourages debate, resilience and persistence

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s your daughter ready for a new challenge? In a place where she is encouraged to believe that nothing is out of reach? Howell’s School, Llandaff GDST has been teaching Cardiff’s daughters to learn without limits for 160 years.

Girls-only education leads to higher academic achievement, greater diversity of subject choice, stronger self-confidence and resilience, and enhanced career progression.

There is evidence that girls achieve more when they are given their own dedicated space in which to develop. In girls-only schools, girls: • are less likely to conform to gender stereotypes • are less constrained in their choice of subjects • show a greater propensity to take risks and innovate • perform better in examinations • have more opportunities to show leadership, • are more successful in the job market Howell’s School, Llandaff offers an ideal learning environment designed for and dedicated to girls’ learning needs and preferences, and free of gender-stereotyping and distraction.

While girls don’t necessarily learn differently

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from boys, their learning needs and preferences, and their experiences of school, are different from those of boys. A girls-only school allows teachers and schools to focus more effectively on the needs of individual girls.

Typically, girls prefer cooperative, discussion-led learning environments; adapt better to coursework tasks and collaborative, project-based activities; and respond to different forms of curriculum content.

Girls often also adapt their behaviour in the presence of boys: adopting supporting or moderating roles in discussion, avoiding risktaking in inquiry, in their choice of subjects for study, disengaging from co-ed PE and sports activities.

Teachers in all-girls classrooms can focus on working with, but also challenging, girls’ propensities to seek security in structures and schedules. Teachers find that younger girls are particularly keen on explicit agendas (for example clarity in learning objectives, and for young pupils a clear schedule for the day), and gain confidence from the rehearsal of past understanding at the start of lessons, and explicit links to next steps at the end. But girls-only classrooms also provide the opportunity to push at rather than simply

maintain these boundaries – to challenge riskaversion and encourage adventurousness, within an affirming environment.

Howell’s seeks to challenge traditional gender stereotypes, give girls space to develop a strong sense of themselves and their value, and nurture the confidence to make their own choices, free of any sense that the script has been written for them. Howell’s provides a learning environment specifically designed for and dedicated to the development of confident, courageous, creative and resilient young women; a girls-only space to complement the rest of a girl’s life. ■

The best way for you to discover what makes Howell’s so special is to visit an open day. The next Whole School Open, from Nursery to Year 13 is on Wednesday 12th January. For more information or to book a visit, contact Admissions Officer Chrissie Hall-Davis on 029 2056 2019 or visit www.howells-cardiff.gdst.net.

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START YOUR NEXT CHAPTER IN 2022 WITH HERN & CRABTREE

CARDIFF LIVES

“More than 40 million people read about us on the BBC news page!” to buy drugs, to a woman keen to get her hands on an illegal tanning injection. It was like acting again.

So how did you then get into comedy?

I’d wanted to try stand up for years; then, in 2017, I signed up to do a weekly Saturday course.

I fell in love with it, and within a year had quit ITV Wales to pursue it full time. I now get to write, present and produce off beat, uirky programmes, present radio shows, and star in sketches and things.

LORNA PRICHARD Splott-based reporter-turnedcomedian Lorna Prichard talks synaesthesia, going viral, and ghost investigations Stand-up comedian Lorna Prichard says her former job as a news reporter for ITV Wales was a bit too serious for her, and now she’s found a career that suits her gregarious energy. She’s also a BBC Radio Wales radio presenter, and produces and hosts the Welsh National Opera’s podcast. But tens of millions of people know her as the woman who fell in love during lockdown…

You swapped headlines for punchlines when you went from reporter to comedian; tell us about the leap…

Before comedy I worked behind the scenes on factual and current affairs programmes for BBC Wales, then jumped ship to ITV Wales to become a news reporter.

I’d trained as a journalist after uni because I didn’t have enough money to be an actor (first ambition) and found a traineeship in newspapers.

I didn’t enjoy that I couldn’t be myself on the news; I felt constrained and like I had to be a serious version of myself. Even the clothes I wore were boring.

But at least you tried to make the reporting more fun...

Sometimes I’d suggest wacky features – from covering a ghost club investigating a haunted pub, to getting dressed up in Victorian costumes to meet a lady who’d made over 200 of them.

And you did special investigations for the BBC?

I went undercover in various guises, from a student trying

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

How would you describe your style of comedy?

Off beat, chaotic and confessional. The biggest laughs I get come from the contrast between what I look like (a brighteyed children’s TV presenter) and the dark or filthy thoughts that come out of my mouth.

It must be so nerve-racking getting up in front of all those people though…

Once you accept you’re going to occasionally die on stage, it gets easier. You can’t take yourself too seriously. It’s not life or death, it’s just telling some jokes!

And you’re a BBC Radio Wales presenter when you’re not on stage…

Yes, one of my lifelong dreams was to have my own radio show, and I got a surprise call in May 2021 asking if I wanted my own on Radio Wales. It was a summer series and since then they’ve had me in to be a regular on other shows too.

You talked about your real-life lockdown romance on the radio and it went viral…

It was insane really. When the pandemic started, I joined a

dating app, I matched, met and moved in with a Brazilian engineer called Leo within one month. We even got engaged on our second date. It’s been over a year and a half and we’re still very much in love. I offered Radio Wales a comedy about it all for Valentine’s Day 2021 and it went totally viral. We were even on the front page of the Telegraph, and more than 40 million people read about us on the BBC news page!

What’s in the pipeline?

I’ve got a wild swimming programme coming out on Radio Wales in March, and a few other things I can’t mention just yet.

Where in Cardiff are you based now?

I’ve lived in the city since 2015 and I currently live in a big, creaky maisonette in Splott.

The best thing about it is the enormous loft where I practise my comedy. I’ve even held gigs there (pre-pandemic, obviously!).

Favourite local spots?

I’m vegan, so I love Luna’s Vegan Corner in Roath, Kemi’s in Pontcanna, and the Vegetarian Food Studio on Penarth Road.

I love the live stuff at Porter’s, and I’m a huge fan of the charity shops in Whitchurch and Roath.

Surprise us…

I have synaesthesia, a neurological condition which means your senses are blended.

In my case, everything I hear, smell, taste or touch is visualised in vivid colours and patterns. n See Lorna at her own comedy night, Howl, which continues in Paget Rooms enarth an ram he ar i on a monthly basis; www.ticketsource.co.uk/howl

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