Cardiff Life - Issue 263

It’s official: festive season has commenced in Cardiff, and we’re fully immersing ourselves. On page 26, we bring you a packed guide of all things Christmassy in and around the city – from open-air markets, ice skating, illuminated trails and freezing sea dips, to breakfasts with Santa, cosy carol sing-alongs and festivities inside the Wales team Home Changing Room.

And we’re not stopping there with the guides; we’ve also put together a mini ‘shop local’ Christmas gift catalogue for you to browse on page 16 (and don’t forget to treat yourself to a few prezzies while you’re at it). And on page 13 you’ll find yet more shopping essentials in the form of decorations to proudly display around the home, because who doesn’t need a faux fur zebra bauble or a glamorous peacock dangling from their tree?

Elsewhere, you’ll find our Cardiff Property Awards preview as we get excited about the big upcoming event on 18 November in the city. It’ll be our fourth annual Cardiff Property Awards and we’re looking forward to celebrating such an important and impressive sector of Cardiff in all its glory.

And of course we have all of our ‘regular’ sections too: from food and arts to real lives and society – where to begin?!

Enjoy!

#CardiffTogether, always

Mae’n swyddogol: mae tymor y Nadolig wedi dechrau yng Nghaerdydd, ac rydym yn manteisio i’r eithaf ar hynny. Ar dudalen 26, mae gennym ganllaw i bopeth Nadoligaidd o gwmpas y ddinas – y marchnadoedd awyr agored, y cyfleusterau sglefrio, y llwybrau wedi’u goleuo, y sesiynau ymdrochi yn y môr oer, y brecwastau gyda Siôn Corn, y cyfleoedd i ganu carolau, a dathliadau’r ŵyl yn ystafell newid tîm Cymru.

Ond nid dyna’r unig ganllaw sydd gennym; ar dudalen 16 rydym wedi creu catalog bach o anrhegion Nadolig y gallwch eu prynu’n lleol (a chofiwch brynu ambell anrheg i chi hefyd tra byddwch wrthi!). Ac ar dudalen 13 mae yna bethau hanfodol eraill i’w prynu, sef addurniadau hyfryd i’w gosod o gwmpas eich cartref. Dylai pawb gael sebra ffwr ffug neu baun lliwgar i’w hongian ar y goeden!

Fel arall, rydym yn rhoi rhagflas i chi o Wobrau Eiddo Caerdydd wrth i ni edrych ymlaen at y digwyddiad pwysig a gynhelir yn y ddinas ar 18 Tachwedd. Hwn fydd y pedwerydd tro i seremoni flynyddol Gwobrau Eiddo Caerdydd gael ei chynnal, ac rydym yn edrych ymlaen at ddathlu agweddau gorau’r sector hwn sydd mor bwysig i Gaerdydd ac sy’n destun cymaint o edmygedd.

Ac wrth gwrs, mae ein holl adrannau ‘arferol’ yn y rhifyn hwn hefyd: yr adrannau am fwyd, y celfyddydau, bywydau go iawn a chymdeithas – mae’n anodd gwybod ble mae dechrau!

Mwynhewch!

#CaerdyddYnghyd, bob amser

Follow us on Twitter @CardiffLifeMag Instagram @cardifflifemag

LISA EVANS

Our guide to Christmas in Cardiff and beyond has landed, turn to page 26

AND EVENTS

FOOD & DRINK

Cardiff: 233 Cathedral Road, Pontcanna, Cardiff, CF11 9PP.

E-mail: cardiff@valevetcentre.co.uk Phone: 02920 004007

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

Barry: 7/8 Ty Verlon Ind Est, Cardiff Rd, Vale of Glamorgan, CF63 2BE

SPOTLIGHT

FOCUS ON FEEL-GOOD STORIES

CAPTURING THE MOMENT

How do you recreate a moment perfectly, when you’ve never witnessed it and no photos of it exist? Welsh artist Elin Siân Blake found herself asking this question after agreeing to paint what’s known as ‘the greatest try’. The rugby try scored by Sir Gareth Edwards in the 1973 game in Cardiff is thought of by many as one of history’s greatest sporting moments.

However, it was only after taking on the project that Elin realised the try had never been seen up close, except by those who were there on the day, and no photos or direct footage of it exist.

The famous try was scored long before she was born, and with the added complication of being stuck in the first nationwide lockdown, the commission seemed nearly impossible to complete. From first sketch to polished painting, the journey took over a year – and lots of creative thinking – to finish.

“There was no getting away with any lack of detail, but I didn’t have any reference from the right angle,” says Elin. “I knew I’d have to get models to recreate the rugby players’ poses, but with the lockdown it was impossible to get anyone. Instead, I persuaded my daughter – 11 at the time – to wear the jersey and pose for me. My other half was a great help too, stretching out on top of a coffee table on the lawn to get the position.

“It was the impossible commission really. Sir Gareth was really my main source of information throughout the whole process. I would draw a complete sketch, show it to Gareth, take his comments on board and begin again. It was unheard of for me to produce upwards of six full-detail sketches – normally I wouldn’t even produce one! But we all thought, this moment is iconic in Welsh culture and in sport – if something isn’t quite right, people will notice. It wasn’t an option to get anything wrong. I painted the scene so that the viewer would almost feel as though they were there, with the ball leaping out of the canvas.”

The Greatest Try painting is available as a limited edition, framed Giclée print, signed by both Elin and Sir Gareth with a portion from the sales going to charity.

Rugby THE GREATEST TRY

A host of sporting legends – including Sir Gareth Edwards CBE (who is regularly named as the greatest player of all time), Willie John McBride CBE, JPR Williams MBE, Tommy David, Derek Quinnell, and David Duckham MBE – will gather 50 years to the day since the famous 1973 match between the Barbarians and the All Blacks in Cardiff, and are set to draw another remarkable crowd of fans.

Organised by The Greatest Try – a project set up by two friends of Sir Gareth Edwards, commemorating what many consider Sir Gareth’s finest sporting moment – the th anniversary celebration on 27 January at ICC Celtic Manor Resort is set to make history itself, as a rare opportunity to see a room full of living legends from the world of rugby.

The perfect way to kick off the Six Nations tournament, the event will not only celebrate historic sporting moments long passed, but

also those still to come, with plenty of talk and predictions from host Sean Holley and the special guests, as well as a three-course lunch and live entertainment from award-winning comedian Rod Woodward, as well as a special auction. Proceeds will help support The Greatest Try’s two sponsored charities: Working Options in Education, and the Sir Gareth Edwards Cancer Charity.

“Many words have been written and spoken about the 1973 game but this is the ultimate celebration of that day 50 years on,” says Welsh rugby hero

Sir Gareth who scored ‘that try’ at ‘that game’, as they are known simply, at Cardiff Arms Park half a century ago. “I am very excited to meet up with teammates and friends both old and new. We all get a warm feeling when talking about that Barbarians game, and we are very honoured to be given the opportunity to celebrate the 50th anniversary in this way. It’s going to be a day to remember.”

For more: www.thegreatesttry.com

Sir Gareth with Welsh artist Elin Siân Blake who was commissioned to capture ‘the greatest try’, scored by Sir Gareth in Cardiff

The Cardiff launch

Sir Gareth Edwards

pictured at Horatio’s Garden, University Hospital Llandough

SHOPPING LIST

1. 12 days of beauty and wellbeing await inside this Vegetarian Society-approved package, £89, from Neal’s Yard Remedies, Morgan Arcade, Cardiff; www.nealsyardremedies.com

2. The 1.2-metre giant Welsh cheese advent calendar is back, stuffed with 4.2 kilos of artisan cheese, £164, from The Welsh Cheese Company, Taffs Well; www.welshcheesecompany.co.uk

3. You’ll find two tea parcels every day in this one; that’s 48 cups of tea to be sipped, £38, from Bird & Blend Tea Co., Castle Arcade, Cardiff; www.birdandblendtea.com

In this Bows and Bubbles bundle you’ll find 24 popular beauty products (16 of them full sized), £165, from MAC Cosmetics, St David’s Cardiff; www.maccosmetics.co.uk

An eco-friendly option, featuring 24 skincare, bath and zero-waste products, £125, from Authentic House, Splott, Cardiff; www.authentichouse.co.uk

Festive curios are housed inside an object art piece that local artist Katherine Jones is known for, £125, from Katherine Jones Artist, Cardiff; www.katherinemgjones.com

luxury handmade chocolate is your bag, this one, featuring a custom design by local illustrator Layla Holzer, is for you, £49, from Cocoa Therapy, High Street, Barry; www.cocoatherapy.co.uk

This package contains me-time pamper treats such as a bath bomb, lip scrub, charcoal face mask and watermelon body butter, £80, from Mallows Beauty, St David’s Cardiff; www.mallowsbeauty.co.uk

Chalk Paint in Athenian Black and Old White, with painted baubles in Emperors Silk and Paris Grey. Paints available for enthusiastic DIY bauble creators at Beti Biggs, Pontcanna, Cardiff; www.betibiggs.com

CHRISTMAS HANG-UPS

Those halls aren’t going to deck themselves, you know. Here’s our choice of traditional, quirky and jazzy festive adornments

SHOPPING LIST

Acorn hanging decoration, £16 for set of 3, from Athena Interiors, Cwmbran; www.athenainteriors.co.uk

Blue Berry Deluxe wreath, £27, from Athena Interiors, Cwmbran; www.athenainteriors.co.uk Glass santa bauble, £20, from Baldhead Designs, pop-up shop running until 24 December at Romilly Crescent, Pontcanna; www.baldheaddesigns.com

Gisela Graham glass hot air balloon bauble, £5, from Leekes, Newport Road, Cardiff; www.leekes.co.uk

Winter Fayre Snowflake, £10, from John Lewis & Partners, The Hayes, St David’s Cardiff; www.johnlewis.com

Nightlife Mixtape bauble, £7, from John Lewis & Partners, The Hayes, St David’s Cardiff; www.johnlewis.com

Gisela Graham leopard print glass bauble, £4, from Leekes, Newport Road, Cardiff; www.leekes.co.uk

8. Hannah Turner Pink Poodle decoration, £15, from Cooper’s, Beulah Road, Cardiff; www.hannahturner.co.uk

9. Katherine Jones decorations, £10 each, from Katherine Jones Artist, Cardiff; www.katherinemgjones.com

10. Wall-mounted reindeer head, £65, from Victoria Fearn Gallery, Heol-Y-Deri; www.victoriafearngallery.wales

11. Highlander wreath, £55, from John Henry Flowers, Wellfield Road; www.johnhenryflowers.co.uk

12. Wooden Nadolig Llawen stars, from £9.50, from Buddug, Cardiff; www.buddug.com

7 2

SHOPPING LIST

1. Pregnancy decoration, £25, from MW Studio, Pontcanna (with a pop-up running in John Lewis Cardiff on 21 – 27 December); www.mwstudio.co.uk

2. Blue fluted glass baubles, £24 for set of 6, from Athena Interiors, Cwmbran; www.athenainteriors.co.uk

3. Winter Fayre Gold Leaf garland, £40, from John Lewis & Partners, The Hayes, St David’s Cardiff; www.johnlewis.com

4. Brass and bead decoration, £17.50, from Buddug, Cardiff; www.buddug.com

5. Bauble Nadolig, £9.50 and Holly bauble, £9.50 from Baldhead Designs, pop-up shop running until 24 December at Romilly Crescent, Pontcanna; www.baldheaddesigns.com

6. Hannah Turner Peacock decoration, £16.50, from Cooper’s, Beulah Road, Cardiff; www.hannahturner.co.uk

7. Gisela Graham faux fur zebra bauble, £6, from Leekes, Newport Road, Cardiff; www.leekes.co.uk

8. Nightlife Cocktail bauble, £7, from John Lewis & Partners, The Hayes, St David’s www.johnlewis.com

Kaemingk Dipped Strawberry decorations, £1.50 each, from Leekes, Newport Road, Cardiff; www.leekes.co.uk

Cardiff; 9. 10. 11

Velvet embellished candy cane decoration, £14.99, from Pugh’s Garden Village, Morganstown, Cardiff; www.pughsgardencentre.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk

LIVE IN THE PRESENT

The first of our festive gift guides is inspired by the colours of the season: sparkling silver and gold, snowy white, Christmas-tree green and berry red

SILVER GOLD

NÚNOO HELENA COOL GOLD BAG, £83

From Kiti, Pontcanna Street, Cardiff; www.kiticymru.com

£625

CLAIRE UNDERWOOD HUNDREDS AND THOUSANDS BROOCH,

From Anne Morgan Jewellery, Glebe Street, Penarth; www.annemorganjewellery.com

RAINBOW CLUB MYRA SHOE CLIPS, £43

From John Lewis & Partners, The Hayes, St David’s Cardiff; www.johnlewis.com

CHOPARD 18CT ROSE GOLD DIAMOND ICE CUBE RING, £3,010

From Laings, The Hayes, St David’s Cardiff; www.laingsuk.com

WINTER BERRIES AND CINNAMON CANDLE, £20

From Authentic House, Splott, Cardiff; www.authentichouse.co.uk

SENTINEL PENDANTS IN SILVER AND GOLD, FROM £85

From Lydia Niziblian, Bishops Road, Cardiff; www.niziblian.com

SILVER FRAME PURSE, £210

From Vivienne Westwood, The Hayes, St David’s Cardiff; www.viviennewestwood.com

GOLD ROYALTY MOON AND STAR EARRINGS, £89

From Thomas Sabo, The Hayes, St David’s Cardiff; www.thomassabo.com

ENAMEL LEAF COLLECTION JEWELLERY, FROM £70

From Buddug, Cardiff; www.buddug.com

LUNA VASE, £61

From BoConcept Cardiff, rand Arcade, St David’s Cardiff; www.boconcept.com

HANDMADE HANNAH TURNER SCRUFFY DOG SALT AND PEPPER SHAKERS, £26

From Cooper’s, Beulah Road, Cardiff; www.hannahturner.co.uk

GREETINGS CARDS, FROM £2.50

From Buddug, Cardiff; www.buddug.com

THE NOELLE BOUQUET HANDTIED DRIED FLOWER REED DIFFUSER, £34

From Bloom ull, Rhiwbina, Cardiff; www.bloomfull.co.uk

YOGA CANDLE, £28

From Wellness Yoga Candles, Whitchurch, Cardiff; www.wellnessyogacandles.com

LEOPARD PRINT TOWELS, FROM £8.40

From Lee es, Newport Road, Cardiff; www.leekes.co.uk

TUFTED ZIG ZAG THROW, £26.50

From Stwff Stuff, Cowbridge; www.stwff stuff.co.u

HANDMADE NATURAL CANDLES BLENDED WITH ESSENTIAL OILS, £25 EACH

From Noo Candles, ragetown, Cardiff; www.nookcandles.wales

SUSTAINABLE BATHROOM ESSENTIALS – FROM SHOWER MITTS TO REUSABLE MAKEUP ROUNDS, FROM £5.95

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

BEANS MINIATURE DOME, £140

From

HANNAH TURNER PEACOCK OVEN GLOVES,

£26

From Cooper’s, Beulah Road, Cardiff; www.hannahturner.co.uk

GREEN AND GOLD POLYMER CLAY ART DECO EARRINGS, £12

From

LE CREUSET BAMBOO RANGE, FROM £15

From Lee es, Newport Road, Cardiff; www.leekes.co.uk

From

FLOWER BOTTLE, £46

CHILDREN’S KNITWEAR, POA

From Mabli, Cardiff; www.mabli.co.uk

SECOND

FEMALE

WINTERNALIA DRESS, £164

From Kiti, Pontcanna Street, Cardiff; www.kiticymru.com

WILD ROSE NATURAL GLOW SKINCARE COLLECTION, £60

From Neal’s Yard Remedies, Morgan Arcade, Cardiff; www.nealsyardremedies.com

NATURAL BATH GIFT SET, £39

From Authentic House, Splott, Cardiff; www.authentichouse.co.uk

Baldhead Designs, pop-up shop running until December at Romilly Crescent, Pontcanna; www.baldheaddesigns.com

elzo ewellery, Cathays, Cardiff; www.kelzojewellery.com

John Lewis & Partners, The Hayes, St David’s Cardiff; www.johnlewis.com

PHOTO BY LEONIE FREEMAN

LACE-UP CUFF WITH HAMMERED FINISH, £155

From ate Dumbleton ewellery, Penarth; www.katedumbleton.com

CANDY CANE BATH BOMB BAUBLE, £6.95

From allows Beauty, St David’s Cardiff; www.mallowsbeauty.co.uk

POLAROID NOW I-TYPE INSTANT CAMERA BUNDLE WITH POUCH, £99

From Camera Centre UK, Morgan Arcade, Cardiff; www.cameracentreu .com

HOME BUBBLE TEA KITS, £21.99

From Tealith, organ uarter, Cardiff; www.tealith.com

MELODIE ANKLE BOOT, £65

From Shuropody, St David’s Cardiff; www.shuropody.com

BRANDY, PORT AND WALNUT CHRISTMAS PUDDING, £12.50

From Glory Stores, Upper Kincraig Street, Cardiff; www.glory stores.com

THE ULTIMATE GLAMOUR COLLECTION MULTIUSE BAGS (£35 EACH) AND CUSHIONS (£45 EACH)

From Soul Sisters, Cardiff; wwwwearesoulsisters.com

TOADSTOOL SALT AND PEPPER SHAKERS, £25

From Cooper’s, Beulah Road, Cardiff; ww.hannahturner.co.uk

HARD LINES CHRISTMAS COFFEE BLEND AND TONY’S CHOCOLATE BUNDLE, £18.95

From Hard Lines Coffee, St Canna Court, Cowbridge Road ast, Cardiff; www.hardlines.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk

ONNEWPROJECTS OURWEBSITE

THE ARTS

SNAPSHOTS OF CARDIFF’S CULTURAL LIFE

WHAT ARE WE CE E RATING FOR?

Ceramicist and Cardiff Metropolitan niversity graduate Sophie Southgate is known for her use of joyous, vibrant colour play, but her new collection features wall-mounted earthenware sculptures finished with the blackest of black paint –Semple lack 3. . Her handcrafted balloons appear to float, suspended in motion, and are conflicting – no longer indicators of a joyous occasion but rather of solemn irony.

What are we celebrating for? says Sophie. The balloons are an ironic response to an irrational re uest to the nation to celebrate during a Prime Minister’s speech when the country felt to be in crisis. The forms are thrown on the wheel in sections before being joined together, and are primarily about the cathartic, bodily experience of working on the wheel.

Sophie’s work will be presented in A Reflection, a solo exhibition at TEN gallery, Donald Street, Cardiff, rom now until November; www.gallery ten.co.u

Balloon, by Sophie Southgate, £295

From November onwards

WHAT’S ON

DRAWINGS & ETCHINGS

Augustus John (1878 – 1961) was considered the most famous British artist of his day. This exhibition is a rare opportunity to see such a large collection of his works.

artin Tinney allery, St. Andrew’s Crescent; www.artwales.com

On now, until 5 March 2023

WALES IS… PROUD

This display will include objects from Pride events held across Wales, from protest banners to LGBTQ+ campaign badges. St Fagans National useum o History, Cardiff; www.museum.wales

18 November

JJ ADAMS

With a portfolio spanning over a decade, ’s artworks are influenced by pop culture, and read as an ode to nostalgia. Adamo allery, organ Arcade; www.adamogallery.co.u

11 November – 7 January WINTER SHOW

PLAYS/SHOWS/ CONCERTS

On now, until June 2023

THE CARDIFF CLASSICAL SERIES

Expect world-class concerts featuring the likes of cellist Laura van der Heijden. St David’s Hall, The Hayes; www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.u

On now, until 26 November

MY FAIR LADY

See an all-star cast in My Fair Lady, including EastEnder Adam Woodyatt and opera superstar Lesley Garrett. ales illennium Centre, Cardiff Bay; www.wmc.org.u

On now, until 12 November THE INVISIBLE MAN

Black RAT Productions return to perform the comedy The Invisible Man. R C D, Cathays Par ; www.rwcmd.ac.u

22 – 26 November

SPIKE: UK TOUR

Ian Hislop and Nick Newman’s comedy sees John Dagleish reprise his role as Spike Milligan. New Theatre, Par Place; www.newtheatrecardiff.co.u

15 December

RICKY GERVAIS: ARMAGEDDON

Considered one of the most

influential ritish comedians since Charlie Chaplin, Ricky Gervais is heading for Cardiff. nternational Arena, city centre; www.cardi nternationalarena.co.u

COMEDY

20 November

MILTON JONES

Comedian Milton reveals he’s an international spy. For more, see page 66. New Theatre, Par Place; www.newtheatrecardiff.co.u

Every Friday and Saturday

COMEDY NIGHTS

Treat yourself to evenings of award-winning comedy. The Glee Club, ermaid uay; www.glee.co.u

MUSIC & DANCING

AMSERJAZZTIME

RWCMD’s Friday jazz club performs everything from bebop, to funk and soul. R C D, Cathays Par ; www.rwcmd.ac.u

16 December

DUB PISTOLS

Dub Pistols are known for their riotous collision of drum and bass, hip-hop, ska, dub and punk.

The lobe, Albany Road; www.globecardiffmusic.com

13 November

CHAPTER FOUR: SUNDAY JAZZ

Chapter’s in-house jazz group brings swinging tunes to the arts centre. Chapter Arts, Canton; www.chapter.org

14 November

BIFFY CLYRO

The alternative rock trio are back on tour! Cardiff nternational Arena, city centre; www.cardi nternationalarena.co.u

Most Fridays

NUKE

Party anthems, cult classics and dance floor bangers. Clwb or Bach, omanby Street; www.clwb.net

ARTS, EXHIBITIONS & CULTURE

10 December –16 April 2023

BBC 100 IN WALES

This exhibition will explore 100 years of the history of the BBC in Wales. National useum Cardiff, Cathays Par ; www.museum.wales

16 November –17 December AUGUSTUS JOHN

A changing exhibition of new work from more than 30 artists, both established and emerging. The Albany allery, Albany Road; www.albanygallery.com

On now, until 19 November A REFLECTION

A solo exhibition by ceramicist Sophie Southgate. For more, see page 23. T N gallery, Roath; www.gallery ten.co.u

25 November

DRAG @ BLACKWATER

A night of comedy, singing, dancing and ultimate glamour with professional performer Miss Kitty. Blac water allery, Pendeen House; www.blac watergallery.co.u

On now, until 18 December

CARL BEVAN ART POP-UP

At this pop-up, find original paintings, prints and Carl’s popular artwork calendars. ings Road ard, Pontcanna; www.carlbevanart.com

FOOD & DRINK

29 November –23 December

BOTTOMLESS RACLETTE

Eat as much melted cheese as possible along with sides and wines to match. Neighbourhood itchen, Tudor Street, Cardiff; www.neighbourhood itchen.co.u

Ricky Gervais is coming to Cardiff in December

18 November

WINE ESCAPE

The ’s first immersive escape room event will see guests step back into the roaring 1920s to enjoy a night of glamour and mystery.

ercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel Spa, Newport Road; www.wineescape.co.uk

Various dates in November

BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH

Themed brunch days – from eyonc to Mamma Mia – featuring

BOTTOMLESS-BOOZE BEAUJOLAIS DAY

EVENTS

17 November

BEAUJOLAIS DAY AT VSA

Vale Sports Arena, Penarth Road, Cardiff; www.vsawarehouse.co.uk

BEAUJOLAIS CLUBBRUNCH

The Botanist, Church Street; www.clubbrunch.co.uk

BUTTERFLY BRUNCH:

THE NEON JUNGLE DEPOT, Cardiff; www.butterflybrunch.co.uk

show-stopping shenanigans. Tonight Josephine, Caroline Street; www.tonightjosephine.co.uk

FAMILY & KIDS

26 November –31 December

TALES OF THE BROTHERS GRIMM

Reimagining the world of the rothers Grimm, but based in Cardiff. Sherman Theatre, Cathays; www.shermantheatre.co.uk

Ongoing

NINJA WARRIOR CARDIFF ids from age five can tackle this obstacle adventure park. Had eld Road, Cardiff; www.ninjawarrioru .co.u

Ongoing TECHNIQUEST

The science centre offers interactive experiences that have been enjoyed in its centre by over five million people of all ages since its inception in Cardiff in 1 86. Techniquest, Stuart Street, Cardiff; www.techni uest.org

FILM

7 November & 5 December CHAPTER MOVIEMAKER

The monthly showcase of short films from Wales is back! All genres and

experience levels are welcome; submissions should be under 15 minutes long and received 10 days before each screening. It’s free to attend and to submit a film. Chapter Arts, Canton; www.chapter.org

Ongoing COSY CINEMA

The world’s first Cosy Cinema Pod Park has landed in Cardiff. You’ll find private pods where you can stream media of your choice (from movies to live sport) on 92-inch screens. You can even stay overnight. Caravan Park, Fields Parks Road, Pontcanna; www.cosse.co.uk

SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES

12, 19 & 26 November

RUGBY UNION

In this year’s Autumn International Series, Cardiff plays host to Wales Argentina (12th), Wales Georgia (1 th) and Wales Australia (26th). Principality Stadium; Westgate Street; www.principalitystadium.wales

Ongoing ICE SKATING

Get your skates on and take to the ice with the whole family. Ice Arena Wales, Olympian Drive; www.icearenawales.com

MARKETS

Every week

CARDIFF FARMERS MARKETS

More than 100 farmers and small producers sell food and drink across three regular markets every week: Rhiwbina Farmers Market on Fridays, Roath Farmers Market on Saturdays, and Riverside Farmers Market on Sundays.

Across Cardiff; www.riversidemarket.org.uk

Every month

GREEN TOP EVENTS

Artisan food, craft, clothing and gift markets are held at Cardiff Garden Centre in St Mellons (on the last Friday of each month), and at the Norwegian Church in the ay (on the first Saturday of each month). Cardiff; www.greentopevents.co.u

COMING SOON…

27 January 2023

THE GREATEST TRY

A host of sporting legends – including Sir Gareth Edwards C E, Willie ohn Mc ride C E, and PR Williams M E – will gather years to the day since the famous 1973 match in Cardiff between the arbarians and the All lacks. For more, see page . ICC Celtic Manor Resort, Coldra Woods, Newport; www.thegreatesttry.com

23 – 26 February

DISNEY ON

ICE:

DISCOVER THE MAGIC

oin Mickey Mouse and his friends – from Ariel to Elsa – for world-class skating, high-flying acrobatics and unexpected stunts. Cardiff nternational Arena, city centre; www.cardi nternationalarena.co.u

20 June 2023

HARRY STYLES

LOVE ON TOUR

Due to popular demand (of course), international superstar Harry Styles has announced the continuation of Love On Tour with 19 newly announced dates in Europe, including a show in Cardiff.

Principality Stadium; Westgate Street; www.principalitystadium.wales

OUR OWN VERY SPECIAL EVENTS

18 November

CARDIFF PROPERTY AWARDS

This awards ceremony, a prestigious celebration of the best of Cardiff property and property companies, will take place at Mercure Cardiff Holland House. For more, see page 45. www.cardiffpropertyawards.co.uk

23 February 2023

CARDIFF LIFE AWARDS

Our city-wide awards ceremony is coming back to City Hall! We can’t wait to welcome 500 local business people to celebrate the greatest successes of the year with us. Entries are now open! For more, see page 63. www.cardifflifeawards.co.uk

ABOVE: Tickets for Disney on Ice have just been released; LEFT: Ceramicist Sophie Southgate’s work will be showcased at Ten gallery, Roath

By Lisa Evans

The countdown to Christmas has arrived in the city; here’s a preview of some of the most magical memories waiting to be made in Cardiff and beyond.

OUTDOORS

CARDIFF’S WINTER WONDERLAND

Spread across two city centre locations, get your skates on in the picturesque grounds of Cardiff Castle, where you will find the undercover ice rink and ‘ice walk’ against the backdrop of the mighty Norman eep. And over at at City Hall Lawn, enter subzero temperatures in the Ice Bar (actually made entirely of ice), cosy up with some festive treats in the Alpine village and the ski lodge-themed bar, Sur la Piste, or have some fun on the funfair’s giant wheel, which offers incredible views of the city.

Cardiff Castle City Hall Lawn, November anuary; www.cardiffswinterwonderland.com

CHRISTMAS AT BUTE PARK

Wales’s largest ever festive lights trail is back for its second year; the 1. km trail is set to shine even brighter as it hosts exciting new displays. ook out for the magical ight Canyon, awash with a thousand mesmerising

stars, an epic Light Orb of iridescent colour, and a hypnotic laser journey passing beneath a lake of lights, creating a i uid Sky. Festive food and drink will be available along the way and there is a scrumptious selection of local street food traders to sample at the end. Bute Par , Cardiff, November anuary; www.christmasatbutepar .com

THE FESTIVE QUARTER

Cardiff’s avarian themed Festive uarter has been a popular fixture on Working Street for many a year, an atmospheric haven amidst

the traditional hustle and bustle. The cosy cabins offer a welcome respite on those chilly evenings, so pull up a pew, order a beer and bratwurst, and recharge your seasonal spirit between bouts of Christmas shopping by listening to all the best Christmas tunes. or ing Street, Cardiff, November December; www.visitcardiff.com

GINGERBREAD TRAIL

Cardiff ay will be transformed into a jolly gingerbread jamboree with giant sculptures of the festive treat appearing at everyone’s favourite hotspots across the Bay, and a gingerbread sleigh taking centre stage in Roald Dahl Plass. There is also a Gingerbread Day in the Bay planned for 3 December where visitors are invited to take part in a number of fun, family activities. Cardiff Bay, December anuary; www.visitcardiffbay.in o

CARDIFF CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

On this evening, as night begins to fall, the city centre will slowly start to twinkle as the city’s beautiful festive lights are switched on for the first time, signalling the start of Christmas in Cardiff. City centre, Cardiff, November; www.visitcardiff.com

Christmas markets, illuminated trails, ice rinks and grottos galore – get your diaries at the ready to plan those magical festive outings

ABOVE: Wales’s largest ever festive lights trail, Christmas at Bute Park, is back; BELOW: A Gingerbread Trail is coming to Cardiff Bay

THE CHRISTMAS SHIVER

Grab a dose of outdoor Christmas cheer with a winter activity family day. Join in the wild sea dip, warm up by the marshmallow firepits and take part in the beach bushcraft workshops to create coastal gifts.

Llantwit Major Beach, 11 December; www.visitthevale.com

THE SANTA DASH

Hundreds of walkers and runners will don their best Santa, elf, turkey and Christmas tree fancy dress to take part in the annual charity fun run. Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff Bay, 4 December; www.santadash.wales

FESTIVAL OF LIGHT

After being attended by 12, people last year, this year’s Festival of ight will be held over 1 days and will feature majestic mirror balls, a neon ribbon and animal trail, a light show and an enchanted fairy garden.

Central Par , Barry, December; www.visitthevale.com

MUSIC

CHRISTMAS WITH ALED JONES & RUSSELL WATSON

Two of the world’s greatest classical voices, Aled Jones and Russell Watson, reunite for Christmas. Expect universally beloved Christmas songs, including traditional carols such as Holy Night and O Little Town of Bethlehem, alongside festive favourites including t’s Beginning to Loo a Lot Li e Christmas and Mistletoe and Wine St David’s Hall, The Hayes, November; www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.u

Christmaaaas!”

SLADE: TOGETHER AT CHRISTMAS

It’s Christmaaaas! Slade is bringing the ultimate Christmas Party to Tramshed with a live set of hits including, of course, erry mas verybody Tramshed, Clare Road, Cardiff, December; www.tramshedcardiff.com

JOOLS HOLLAND

Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, along with special guest vocalists Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall, will have thousands of feet tapping and fingers clicking. nternational Arena, city centre, December; www.cardi nternationalarena.co.u

ONLY MEN ALOUD AT CHRISTMAS

See the Wales-based male voice ensemble who rose meteorically to stardom after winning the television show Last Choir Standing. St Andrew’s RC, Cardiff, 17 December; www.onlymenaloud.com

CAROLS FOR CHRISTMAS

Don your cosy jumpers and sing along to your festive favourites at the Carols for Christmas concert. Couple this with readings by your favourite C Wales presenters and splendid accompaniment by the brass and percussion of BBC NOW and you’ve got the perfect Sunday afternoon Christmas treat for all the family. St David’s Hall, The Hayes, December; www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.u

“It’s

ABOVE: The Festive Quarter on Working Street; BELOW: Slade is bringing the ultimate Christmas party to Tramshed

MEET SANTA A WELSH RUGBY SANTA EXPERIENCE

The Santa Experience is returning to the Principality Stadium, and for the first time in the stadium’s history, Santa will be taking over the Wales team Home Changing Room – a place where heroes gather – for the month of December. As well as meeting Mr. Claus, rugby-loving mums and dads will get to explore the sacred halls of the stadium before stepping into the magical winter wonderland and the beating heart of the home of Welsh Rugby. Principality Stadium, Cardiff, December; www.principalitystadium.wales

BELIEVE AT ST DAVID’S

Believe, the enchanted Christmas grotto experience, invites guests into a mystical cavern to meet McJingles, one of Santa’s most trusted elves, along with Norbert his magical reindeer friend. After hearing Norbert’s story, families will be invited into Santa’s captivating grotto where little ones will meet him and recieve a gift, as well as having the opportunity to capture the moment on camera.

St David’s Dewi Sant Lower rand Arcade, Cardiff, November December; www.stdavidscardiff.com

CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE AT FORAGE

A cheeky elf will put on a show to delight and immerse you in all things Christmassy before Santa makes an appearance with presents and photo opps. Meet Forage’s alpacas too, and roast giant marshmallows on the open fires while listening to some Christmas tunes. Forage will also offer latenight festive shopping in its twinkly yurt and cook up delicious Christmassy treats.

Forage Farm Shop, Penllyn state, Cowbridge, December; www. orage armshop.co.u

THE ROYAL MINT CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE

This experience combines the creation of coins with the making of toys, as you take a tour with an extra sprinkling of festive spirit. Discover the different stations where the elves work hard, as well as meeting Santa himself. The Royal int, Pontyclun, November December; www.royalmint.com

BRUNCH WITH SANTA

Sit down to a Christmas meal with the big man himself at the Coal Exchange’s Grand Hall Suite, where each child will receive a Christmas gift. The Coal change Hotel, ount Stuart S uare, Cardiff, December; www.coale changecardiff.co.u

SANTA’S GROTTO

See the man in red at his warm, cosy grotto among all the magic happening in the city centre. ueen Street, Cardiff, November December; Faceboo SantaH Cardiff

CHRISTMAS EVE BRUNCH WITH SANTA

Take the kids for an unforgettable experience on Christmas Eve morning where they’ll enjoy a festive breakfast and a meet and greet with Father Christmas. Future nns, Cardiff Bay, December; www. utureinns.co.u

SANTA SUNDAY LUNCH EXPERIENCE

Enjoy a four-course Santa Sunday Lunch Experience, which combines the magic of a festive family lunch with children’s games, disco and a visit from Old Saint Nick. oco St David’s Hotel, Havannah Street, December, Cardiff; www.stdavids.vocohotels.com

SANTA AT ST ANDREW’S

Visit Santa every Saturday in the lead up to the big day. St Andrew’s nited Re ormed Church, ell eld Road, Cardiff, November December; www.standrewsurccardiff.co.u

BELIEVE CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA

See Father C in his grotto and then indulge in the food festival and browse the craft stalls at this exciting event. City Hall, Cardiff, December; www.cardiffcityhall.com

ABOVELEFT: Santa’s Wish is one of three shows at the brand-new Christmas Festival in the Spiegeltent at Cardiff Castle; BELOW: Meet Santa inside the Wales Home Team Changing Room at the Principality Stadium; ABOVERIGHT: Indulge in many a festive treat at Winter Wonderland’s two sites

FATHER CHRISTMAS AND FRIENDS

As well as a meet-and-greet, kids can take part in an interactive storytime session with Santa and the elves, and they can get creative in a decorations craft workshop. St Fagans National useum o History, Cardiff, 10, 11 & 17 December; www.museum.wales

PANTOS AND SHOWS

CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL IN THE SPIEGELTENT

A brand-new addition to Cardiff’s festive calendar, Christmas Festival in the Spiegeltent will take place inside a unique venue – a hand-hewn pavilion built from wood, cut mirrors, canvas and glass, detailed in velvet brocade – in the Castle grounds.

The -seat venue will offer three shows: The Nutcracker, a Christmas ballet with a Welsh twist; a magical new musical, Santa’s Wish; and Castellana, a blend of cabaret, burlesque, and comedy (suitable for ages 16+).

Cardiff Castle grounds, November 8 January; www.thecastle.wales

SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS

Expect an abundance of comedy, sensational song and dance numbers, fabulous costumes and stunning scenery. Ian ‘H’ Watkins from Steps will lead the cast and will be joined by rugby legend Gareth Thomas and panto Dame extraordinaire Mike Doyle. New Theatre, Par Place, December anuary; www.newtheatrecardiff.co.u

CHRISTMAS BALLET SEASON

Experience the critically acclaimed Varna International Ballet and Orchestra, renowned for their award-winning

soloists and magnificent corps de ballet. The company will mark their UK debut season in Cardiff with three shows: The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and Coppélia St David’s Hall, The Hayes, December; www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.u

ELF

ELF, the Hollywood blockbuster movie has been supersized into a live arena spectacular with a massive stage featuring film backdrops on a huge ED screen plus a mobile stage that travels the auditorium, so everyone gets a close-up view of the action. Get ready for Santa’s flying sleigh, an audience snowball fight, an indoor snowstorm and aerial cirque stars. nternational Arena, city centre, December; www.cardi nternationalarena.co.u

DRAGGED TO CHURCH

The annual Christmas fundraiser like no other is back. It began in 2018 bringing two very different communities coming together to help save a local church in dire need of repair. A glamorous drag show was hosted inside the religious building, which raised thousands. The show is now in its fifth year and is still selling out.

St Andrew’s United Reformed Church, ell eld Road, Cardiff, December; Instagram: @draggedtochurch

PETER PAN

Kinetic School of Performing Arts return for the annual pantomime after the success of last year’s Cinderella. This year, join Peter Pan and his friends (and enemies) for a swashbuckling family adventure. R C D, Cathays Par , December; www.rwcmd.ac.uk

THE SNOW QUEEN: THE MOST DAZZLING PANTO IN THE LAND

Written especially for Penarth Operatic & Dramatic Society (PODS) by BAFTA winner Andy Bradshaw, this pantomime – the biggest in PODS almost-100-year history with a cast of 52 – is based on the original Snow Queen story by Hans Christian Anderson. The Paget Rooms, Penarth, November December; www.podspenarth.org

MARKETS

CARDIFF CHRISTMAS MARKET

Cardiff’s well-established Christmas Market has been organised by Craft*Folk for almost 3 years; you can find their seasonal wooden stalls clustered around the Hayes and its adjoining streets. Highlights often include bespoke jewellery, wooden turned gifts, original artworks, handmade quilts and textiles, and hand thrown ceramics, as well as a feast of seasonal food and drink. The Hayes, Cardiff, November December; www.cardiffchristmasmar et.com

CHRISTMAS FAYRE

With over 60 stalls spread across the grand ground-floor castle rooms, St Donats Arts Centre and exterior gardens, this family-friendly, annual event showcases a creative mix of handmade designer crafts and street food exhibitors. St Donat’s Castle, Vale of Glamorgan, December; www.visitthevale.com

BARRY CHRISTMAS MARKET

This Christmas Market will coincide with the Festival of ight, for the ultimate festive feel. ings S uare, Barry, December; www.visitthevale.com

CHRISTMAS MARKET AT GOODSHEDS

The stalls will be packed with local and independent businesses, and fabulous street food vendors will be running as normal for you to enjoy some good feasting. oodsheds, Barry, November; www.goodshedsbarry.co.uk

WINTER FOOD AND CRAFT MARKETS

Taking place in Caerphilly, Ystrad Mynach, Blackwood, and Bargoed, the markets will include everything you need for a festive day out, with up to 50 food and craft stalls, children’s funfair rides and street theatre entertainment. Caerphilly County Borough, November December; www.visitcaerphilly.com

CARDIFF & VALLEYS CREATIVES

CHRISTMAS MARKET

City Hall will be filled with lots of lovely small businesses selling everything from beautiful prints to handmade jewellery. City Hall, Cardiff, November; nstagram cavetsy n

The sparkling city centre

© PHOTO BY SAMEER GANGOLI @GRANDSNAP

DEDICATED TO DYLAN

By Lisa Evans

Growing up with a father in showbiz, constantly travelling from theatre to theatre by private plane – goldfish and dog in tow – playing in backstage dressing rooms and befriending chimpanzees, half-clothed chorus girls and his dad’s mates such as Morecambe and Wise and Shirley assey, Roger Stennett was determined to be known as something other than ‘the comedian Stan Stennett’s son’.

That commitment led to a vastly varied life, starting with his youth as an international athlete, to his many years as a dramatist –his work is as diverse as it gets, from Sooty to The Royal Shakespeare Company – plus his long stretch as a psychotherapist and clinical hypnotherapist, not to mention his discovery of aikido at the age of and his subse uent venture into becoming a black belt instructor of the art himself.

Most recently, in October, Roger released a book, Forty Poems for Dylan Thomas – a collection of poetry reflecting on the life, work and legacy of the sometimes flawed, often contradictory, always visionary figure. A reader and fan of Dylan Thomas for half a century, Roger spent two years over lockdown blending the biographical, the confessional and the fictional to craft this collection in honour of one of the greatest Welsh poets of all time. Here we chat

Hi Roger, congratulations on your new book, Forty Poems for Dylan Thomas ; tell us a bit about it…

It was two years in the writing and years in the ‘study’. My interest in the poetry, prose and biography of Dylan is rooted in my midteens when I first read his works and stepped into Cwmdonkin Park in Swansea – his childhood ‘Garden of Eden’.

As my own interest in poetry grew, I started to be published in school magazines and then more generally. I joined local poetry groups and workshops, and, eventually, in 1 6, I published Just a Matter of Time, a ‘slim volume’ alongside Dylan’s daughter, Aeronwy, with whom I became friends.

ockdown closed all the theatres and so, after years writing drama, I was forced to revisit my old ‘poetic muse’. Since spring

2 2 I have written almost 3, new poems, of which were themed on Dylan Thomas, and our similarities and differences as writers, and Welsh writers at that.

We launched the book in the month of Dylan’s birth, October; I hope people will take their time with the book and enjoy our interlinked journeys through poetry.

We particularly enjoyed the poem in the book about Whitchurch in Cardiff – what inspired the piece?

It’s a fantasy poem about how, as a kid, Dylan Thomas used to play soccer with me on Whitchurch Common, with a scratch team of famous poets from history called ‘ umpers for Goalposts’.

You were born in Cardiff and grew up in Whitchurch and Rhiwbina. What are your memories of your childhood here?

Happy ones. I was born in a nursing home in Roath (now a Mos ue) and I lived in Cathays with my mum’s parents until I was five. Dad was establishing himself in showbiz, and when I was five we moved to a big, detached

house near Whitchurch Common. It was my ‘paradise’ (Cwmdonkin Park to Dylan Thomas) and I was always ‘playing out’.

What Schools did you go to in Cardiff?

Eglwys Wen in Whitchurch – not until I was seven years old because of touring with dad and mum. Then Whitchurch Grammar School until 1 68. Then to Christ’s College, Cambridge.

Growing up in a world of showbiz and variety theatre – your dad being the late comedian Stan Stennett – what was life like?

At the time, I thought everyone’s life consisted of playing in the sink backstage in dressing rooms, and sitting surrounded by scantily clad chorus girls. I don’t think it did me any harm!

Also, variety theatre had lots of animal acts, so I befriended chimpanzees, bears, performing dogs and ball-balancing sea lions. It was a magical world but also unsettled, moving from place to place each week, constantly making and losing friendships.

We catch up with Cardiff-born writer and dramatist Roger Stennett to talk about his showbiz-saturated childhood, his fantastically colourful life and his newly published book, Forty Poems for Dylan Thomas

Roger and his dad, Stan, on set when Stan was filming three short plays of Roger’s for HTV

Is it true that your dad used to fly his own private plane from theatre to theatre?

Yes, I flew with dad for hundreds of hours as a child and teenager. Dad often ‘commuted’ to theatrical engagements in one of the many planes he had over the decades. Sometimes we crammed in my young brother, Ceri, alongside dad, mum, the dog and goldfish!

Do you have memories of being around lots of famous people?

Thousands. Through the 1 s and 1 6 s especially, and throughout dad’s -year career in showbiz. I’ve written several poems on this, plus produced a C Radio Archive Hour documentary (available online through C iPlayer), Twice Nightly

The list is endless. Morecambe and Wise, Shirley assey, en Dodd, era ynn, George Formby, Max Miller, Tommy Trinder, immy Wheeler, The Crazy Gang, Tessie O’Shea, Dorothy S uires, Diana Dors, Matt Monro. I’ll stop there. ust scratching the surface of the surface.

Growing up did you feel a desire to establish yourself, and not just be known as ‘Stan Stennett’s son’?

Dad was a great dad, and a much-loved entertainer; he was genuinely kind and had time for everyone. Sometimes it seemed like I had to ‘share’ him with thousands of other kids. Part of that also encouraged me to ‘be me’ and not constantly referred to by the prefix of ‘Stan Stennett’s son’.

I chose to pursue highly individual challenges which could only be accomplished off my own bat, such as becoming an international sportsman, or academically by achieving in the entrance and scholarship exams for Cambridge niversity.

Tell us about some of the highlights of your work as a dramatist (from writing for Sooty to The Royal Shakespeare Company)…

I spent plus years writing for stage, C radio drama, television, film and animation. A freelance writer needs to be flexible and work on several things at once. Animation was great fun, and adapting the beloved glove puppet Sooty into a 26-part cartoon that sold around the world was satisfying. Having a play about the spy im Philby performed by The Royal Shakespeare Company was a real honour, as was working in wonderful theatres like The Royal Exchange, Nottingham Playhouse and The ristol Old ic.

You were also a psychotherapist for seven years – quite the career leap… In my middle s, having experienced ups and downs myself, I decided to diversify, and, while still writing, trained as a psychotherapist and as a clinical hypnotherapist. There are some very interesting crossovers between the world of a dramatist, dealing with fictional scenarios and characters, and a therapist’s world of the very real.

And can you tell us more about being a former international athlete? What were

your experiences with this section of your life?

One day, around 1 years of age, at Whitchurch Grammar School, I came across some high jump uprights and a pretty bent crossbar next to a sandpit. I decided to teach myself to be a high jumper. A few years later, at 18, I was ritish Schools Champion. A senior Welsh International, Welsh Games Champion, and was even called up for G . I competed for Cardiff Amateur Athletics Club all over the and in Europe.

etween 1 6 - 2 I was also a Cambridge lue for three years, representing Cambridge in the annual arsity Meeting against Oxford at Crystal Palace in ondon.

Finally, tell us something not many people would know about you… I took up the apanese martial art of aikido at the age of and became a lack elt at the age of 6, and subse uently a ritish Aikido oard coach. n

ou can nd Roger’s poetry on Faceboo rogerpstennett; and you’ll nd his boo , Forty Poems or Dylan Thomas, at www.candy jar.co.u boo s

be chimpanzees,riendedbears and ball balancingsea lions. t was a magical world butalso unsettled

IMAGE WITH THANKS TO @NORASUMMERS

ABOVE: Roger has just released a book centred on one of Wales’s greatest poets, Dylan Thomas (pictured inset)

Dylan Thomas, whose work Roger has appreciated for 50 years

IMAGE WITH THANKS TO @NORASUMMERS

WYBURN & WAYNE

“Who doesn’t love an excuse to dress up, eh? ”

Down at Wales Millennium Centre we had a thrill as we embarked on F IGHT, a flight simulator in a steel box outside the WMC, which replicates a plane accident, in pitch black with headphones on. Such a surreal and unnerving experience, but what a thrill!

That was part of the annual lais Festival, which was a huge success once again. The Color Purple was also a beautiful production of a classic at the WMC. Those voices: second to none! Wow!

An evening of laughter was had by all as six of Wales’s best comedians filled the WMC for a (hopefully annual) comedy gala. If you get the chance to ever go along to one of them, do it! Our cheeks were in pain from giggling!

Joe McElderry, former X Factor winner, brought his incredible FREEDOM show (a tribute to his idol George Michael) to St David’s Hall recently. It was joyous. There’s no denying that man can sing, and he also knows how to throw a party!

There’s so much coming up so stay tuned as always!

Life is so incredibly busy of late, and it’s looking like it’s only going to get busier. With Halloween a near distant memory, Cardiff is beginning to look a lot like Christm can we say it? Oh go on! CHRISTMAS!

e sure to keep your eyes peeled on both ours and Cardiff Li e’s social media accounts for all festive treats coming your way for the end of year!

uickly back to Halloween though, we once again had the honour of hosting the lue Tie PROP Appeal ball at Holland House alongside the Cardiff ale Health Charity. It was a hugely successful fundraiser and the band lack am Circus blew the roof off! It’s always a highlight of our calendar, and who

doesn’t love an excuse to dress up, eh?

In October, The Iris Prize Film Festival stormed its way into Cardiff and once again was a phenomenal success! We sent along many of our Cardiff Theatre Cafe volunteers to see a whole array of the short films; congratulations to all the winners and entries. We of course have had a mini documentary filmed by Iris on our work at St Andrew’s Coffee Court and Cardiff Theatre Cafe, which will have its premiere on 1 November at St Andrew’s Church! Feel free to pop along if you’d like; it’ll be followed with entertainment by oanna umme.

New Theatre has had some epic shows recently; An Inspector Calls was, well, unexpected! What a twist that show has. Also, Fisherman’s Friends, a story of friendship and a love of tradition and music, was a huge bundle of joy. We loved the movie and it was amazing to see it adapted to a hit stage musical.

About our columnists: Nathan Wyburn is a pop culture artist who uses non-traditional mediums such as Marmite, beans, soil and fake tan; and Wayne Courtney is a healthcare support worker at University Hospital o ales. They are also Radio Cardiff D s with their own show, and they run St Andrew’s Coffee Court in Cardiff. Follow them on social @wyburnandwayne / @wyburnwayne

TOP 5

Five Cardiff events we can’t wait for...

• Deathdrop: Back in the Habit, at New Theatre, 29 November – 3 December

• My Fair Lady, at the WMC, on now until 26 November

• Christmas lights switch on St Andrew’s Church with SJ Hill, 25 November

• Dragged to Church, at St Andrew’s Church, 6 December

• Cardiff Castle Christmas Festival, from 25 November to 8 January

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

FOOD & DRINK

THE INSIDE SCOOP

Artisan gelato brand Swoon will open its first Cardiff shop in the new year at the entrance to Duke Street Arcade.

aunched in ristol in 2 16 by the Forte family, Swoon has expanded to have gelato bars in ath, Oxford and Selfridges Foodhall in ondon, with Cardiff being its sixth site.

FLOAT AN IDEA

The Deck at Penarth Marina has unveiled its latest renovations, including 1 floating bedrooms and a refurbished restaurant.

We are thrilled to welcome the new luxurious floating bedrooms to the marina, says Philip ay, director at boatfolk, a national marina group which currently has 11 marinas across the . The accommodation managed by The Deck will provide a uni ue and luxurious stay for guests looking to relax and unwind, with the benefit of The Deck’s fantastic bar and restaurant just a stone’s throw away.

The Deck restaurant has been closed since September for its major refurbishment, including an extension and a complete remodelling of the restaurant and of the outside balcony area to enhance the experience as a whole.

www.thedeckpenarth.co.uk

CHEESY DOES IT

Neighbourhood itchen on Tudor Street has announced the return of Cardiff’s original ottomless Raclette from 2 November – 23 December. Their concept gives you the chance to eat as much melted cheese as possible within minutes, offered with a selection of sides and wines to match.

Cardiff’s original bottomless raclette returns this December

My Italian family introduced handmade gelato to the over a hundred years ago, and Swoon is very much a family business with my wife, mother and sister all involved, says founder runo Forte. We can’t wait to be part of the Castle uarter community and have lots of plans for getting people involved with what we do.

www.swoononaspoon.co.uk

LAND AND SEA

A new Welsh dining experience has opened in Cardiff: the waterfront restaurant and bar Tir a Môr’ at the five-star voco St. David’s Hotel in the ay. Meaning ‘land and sea’ in Welsh, Tir a Môr celebrates the local produce of Wales.

Tir a Môr very much puts us on Cardiff’s culinary map, says Graham Henderson, head of food and beverage at voco St. David’s, Cardiff. Working together with

David Woodford, our executive chef, we’ve combined David’s signature style with the country’s traditional culinary heritage; giving classic dishes modern interpretation and creating a menu of Welsh favourites. We’re keen to champion the very best Wales has to offer, so have spent time with local suppliers at source – from Anglesey mussels and Menai oysters, to beef from Cefn Mawr Farms.

www.stdavids.vocohotels.com

After such a sell-out hit last year, it just had to return, say Neighbourhood owners Tudor and Caroline arber. What sets us apart is that the cheese is bottomless! When else do you get the chance to be the captain of your own raclette machine?

www.neighbourhoodkitchen.co.uk

Tir a Môr is the newest restaurant on the scene

One of the new floating bedrooms at The Deck

The Swoon team; INSET: Chocolate and hazelnut gelato

PUT YOUR DAUGHTER CENTRE STAGE

At Cardiff’s HOWELL’S SCHOOL, LLANDAFF GDST girls are always ready to step into the spotlight, on or off the stage

Would your daughter thrive in an environment where anything is possible?

Howell’s School, Llandaff GDST has been teaching Cardiff’s daughters to learn without limits for 160 years, inspiring them to focus on a future that might see them scrubbing in before they enter the operating theatre, pulling on barristers’ robes in a court robing room or touching up make-up before stepping onto a stage in front of an audience.

At Howell’s School, Llandaff GDST, girls thrive from the age of three in a girls-only environment where academic achievements are always celebrated, and these go hand-in-hand with co-curricular activities that inspire and challenge them. From ballet to football, from playing cricket to learning a new language, everyone at Howell’s believes that education doesn’t stop when the bell rings at the end of the school day.

GDST schools are at the forefront of gender equality, deliberately challenging gendered norms and purposefully building girls’ confidence, conviction and self-belief, making sure that girls are taught the skills to set and respect boundaries and have the confidence to make their voices heard.

Every aspect of teaching and learning at Howell’s is tailored to girls, every program for wellbeing, leadership and learning caters to the needs of girls, developing their confidence as they mature into young adults in a culture free from gender bias, encouraged to believe that nothing is beyond consideration.

Research currently shows that girls’ confidence starts to decline at the age of 8, and

it only improves from the age of 80. Howell’s instils in girls the confidence they need for a successful future, and their teachers delight in watching them grow to become more assertive and willing to ask questions, make mistakes and take risks n

The Year 7 Entrance Examination for September 2023 entry is on Friday 27 January. To arrange a visit or to find out more, contact Admissions Officer Chrissie Hall-Davis on 029 2056 2019 or visit www.howells-cardiff.gdst.net.

“ HOWELL’S INSTILS IN GIRLS THE CONFIDENCE THEY NEED FOR A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE”

3 THINGS I LOVED EATING / DRINKING THIS MONTH…

IN GOOD TASTE

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…

Despite the UK hospitality industry grappling with multiple issues at the moment (rising food costs, staff shortages, and a probable recession on the horizon to name just a few) there’s loads going on here in the Welsh capital. Proud Mary has just opened their first pub here, sourdough pizza maestros Franco Manca has launched its first Welsh restaurant here, and I was lucky enough to give the new Flight Club on St Mary Street a test-run earlier this month; I had no idea darts and beer could be so much fun!

The indie scene is buzzing with resilience and creativity too, with ‘pop-ups’ literally popping up everywhere; every Tuesday throughout November, Nordik Kitchen will be taking over Ansh at Victoria Park, with a seasonal menu of ‘Modern Nordic’ small plates; on 15 November they’ll also be joined by Chef Grady Atkins (most recently former head chef at Bacareto) for a one-off tasting menu priced at £45 per head. Check out @nordik_kitchenrestaurant

On 15 and 16 November, long-time Cardiff pop-up Herbivore will be teaming up with Bulles Wines at Mec Coffee on Crwys Road to offer a vegan small plates menu with natural wines by the glass – booking will be essential. To find out more, visit @herbivorecdf

There are plenty of new openings to look

forward to, as well; the folks at Dusty’s Pizza will open the doors to their Castle Arcade outpost very soon, Dirty Gnocci will be joining the ever-growing foodie line up at Cardiff Central Market, and chef Anand George has shared December opening plans for Tukka Tuk Canteen on Whichurch Road. Follow the progress at @agtukkatuk

Finally, Hiraeth Kitchen will be opening their brand-new restaurant in Cowbridge following a successful Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign which raised more than £32k towards the refurb. Find out more and follow their progress up to opening at @hiraethkitchen.

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

CLOCKWISEFROMTOPLEFT: Nighthawks cheese toastie; Dirty Gnocci will be joining the line up at Cardiff Market; Fire & Flank steak; Pineapple margarita from Neighbourhood Kitchen; Flight Club; Tartlets from Hiraeth Kitchen

melt-in-the-mouth flank steak with chimichurri and fries from British street food award-winners, Fire & Flank

MATSUDAI RAMEN AT THE BANK

Finally! The cult ramen pop-up that had a meteoric rise since it first appeared in Cardiff has opened a permanent restaurant. Lisa Evans went slurping

It’s undignified, slurping ramen without the proper practise – especially when the fat noodles whip about and splash you in the eye with the spicy broth soup dashi that they’ve been submerged in. ut it’s a joyous, indulgent affair nonetheless.

I’ve been a fan of a very particular type of noodles-inbroth combo ever since late 2 1 when Matsudai Ramen was launched by ames Chant (pictured right) in Cardiff. It began life as a pop-up which involved ames taking over the kitchens of existing restaurants – a nomadic supper club if you will – with tickets always selling out within minutes of going on sale, and ueues stretching out of the door for the walk-in spaces. This came to a halt as lockdown struck, so ames switched the model up and started to offer fresh, assemble-at-home ramen kits for delivery instead.

Such was the success of the DIY versions – with his very first batch of portions selling out in one day – that it made waves internationally, and led to tens of thousands of kits being delivered to every corner of the , receiving praise from such culinary heroes as ay Rayner and Tom Parker owles. ames was even invited to appear in a video with YouTuber ncle Roger, which has now been viewed over six million times, and he collaborated with MasterChef winner Tim Anderson to launch a charity ramen kit.

I reviewed my first taste of Matsudai on these very pages way back then, stating, I wasn’t worried about a bowl of ramen being able to take over my mind, body and soul. I thought it would be warming and lovely, and that’s about it. ut it’s a dangerous dish that will haunt my dreams. Save yourselves from ramen obsession while you still can. It’s too late for me.

You can imagine, then, how I felt this year when I heard the news that ames was opening his first bricksand-mortar restaurant, and in my home city to boot. And it’s not just ames’s first restaurant, it’s Wales’s first ramen shop.

The eatery, MatsudaiRamen at the ank, opened recently following a five-month refurbishment of the former NatWestbanksite in Grangetown. And while the at-home kits will continue to be a core part ofMatsudai’s offering,the restaurant gives guests a chance to enjoy an eclectic variety of ramen styles and plenty of tantalising extras.

It’s all served straight from a slick, open-plan kitchen in a -cover, cooler-than-cool, brightly lit space with some audience-style seats overlooking the chefs at work and plenty of fun, colour-pop murals, artwork and chairs.

The menu is small but perfectly judged, with four seasonal ramen options – from the rich, umami-packed creamy chicken Tori Paitan, and the Spicy Mala with lethal-sounding ‘numbing pepper’ listed in its

ingredients, to my choice of Classic Miso with tofu and a jammy marinated ajitama egg – as well as a pick ’n’ mix selection of toppings to really make it your own. Three out of the four ramen dishes can also be made vegan or vegetarian, which is such a refreshing detail.

There’s also a variety of rice dishes, with the ‘pork belly burnt ends’ option a big hitter, and small plates. Well, the latter are described as ‘small’ but they are actually mountains of food in danger of avalanching onto the table; maybe they are supposed to be petite but perhaps the chef just liked me?

My new obsession is the mushroom kare karaage, or triple fried marinated oyster mushrooms topped with lemon and Matsudai’s secret-ingredient sunset powder. Who knew that mushrooms could be transformed into something so special? The golden, stupidly crispy, surprisingly greaseless, deeply savoury, boldly seasoned meaty morsels, which bore barely any resemblance to mushrooms in taste, look or texture, were outrageously moreish. With every dip into the Japanese curry mayo, I felt my problems fizzle away. egetarians, rejoice!

I couldn’t s ueeze in a dessert after those mammoth helpings, but the sou cheesecake with berries delivered to the table next to me looked like the lightest, fluffiest, melt-on-the tongue sweet to exist.

We used the time, instead, to chat to James... How it’s all going so far?

It’s been a steep learning curve and pretty full-on but it’s been incredible. The feedback and reviews have been almost entirely glowing and we’ve been so fortunate with the new team.

Any huge challenges since opening the doors?

Personally, the biggest challenge has been managing burn-out. The build and open was a crazy amount of work and has eaten up most of this year, so the instinct was to take a break before or just after opening, but of course, you open the doors and then have to learn how to run a restaurant! I’ve been so out of my depth but we’ve made it work. Also, the hospitality staffing crisis is very, very real.

Would you ever consider expanding?

Absolutely. I’d love to open a site in London next, and see where it goes from there. I have ambitions to grow Matsudai into a chain, as the ultimate goal is to make ramen accessible to as many people as humanly possible. As part of that I’d also like to open a ramen school and a Japanese pantry. n

DINING DETAILS

Matsudai Ramen at the Bank, 183-185 Clare Road, Grangetown, Cardiff; www.matsudai.co.uk

Food Ramen, and plenty of tasty sides

Drink Beers, highballs, boiler makers, spirits and sake

Prices Ramen £11.50 – £14.50; rice and sides £3 – £12; dessert £4.50 – £7.50

“TheMalaSpicy had lethalsounding ‘numbing listedpepper’ in its ingredients”

5 MINUTES WITH… BEVERLEY WOOKEY OF REDROW

Beverley, sales director of Redrow in South Wales, tells us about building Cardiff’s garden city, Redrow’s industryfirst tech, and its focus on leaving a lasting local legacy

In what ways has Redrow enhanced the local area?

Our philosophy is to create a better way for our customers to live. We do this by creating thriving communities, building responsibly and valuing people. As the lead developer of Plasdŵr, we are building Cardiff’s garden city for the 21st Century and it really does combine the very best of town and country. Over the next generation, around 7,000 homes of all types and tenures will be created here, all united by the high-quality design required of the original garden cities. Up to 30 per cent of these will be affordable homes.

We’re also very proud of our Churchlands and Plas Ty Draw developments in isvane. ust five miles from Cardiff and within easy reach of the M4, they are perfectly placed with a delightful rural location. We’re investing in superb facilities including cricket and football pitches, fully equipped playgrounds and lots of public open spaces.

How did Redrow grow into the premium housebuilder that it is today? Were the

beginnings humble?

We have a proud heritage which stretches back to 1974 when we were founded as a small civil engineering company in North Wales, specialising in drainage sub-contracting. Steve Morgan was just 21 when he founded the company with a £5,000 loan from his father. The name originated from a combination of his address, Redwood Drive, and former address, Harrow Drive.

Through hard work and determination, our business quickly expanded into main contract building and we’ve since grown to become one of the ’s leading housebuilders and a FTSE 250 company.

You don’t just build homes, you create neighbourhoods. Could you tell us how you do this and what thought processes go into it?

For nearly 50 years, we have been creating high-quality homes and communities for our customers, building over 100,000 homes across the country.

Our approach involves helping people connect to one another in the community, creating wildlife

habitats, promoting health and wellbeing and honouring the local area in the design of our developments. It’s about building a meaningful future surrounded by ecosystems and the wider environment to leave a lasting legacy.

In the current crisis, how do you help home owners to save energy?

Our homes are typically rated as B and compared to a home built in the 1 s, they offer a per cent improvement in heat loss. From providing low energy bulbs and A rated boilers to intuitive, industry leading design to reduce water, we make it easy for people to live a low-energy life. Our highly efficient FabricFirst approach to building homes helps reduce energy usage compared to older properties. From the way the home is laid out and material we use to build it to the high-specification doors, windows and boilers we use, everything is designed to retain heat in the home.

The current cost-of-living crisis highlights the need for all of us to save energy. In fact, the latest research shows that one in four buyers put energy efficiency as a key factor when buying

a house with the average new home saving buyers over £2,600 on household bills each year –equivalent to £173 a month.

That’s why we have recently launched our industry-first Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) calculator tool. The calculator is designed to help potential new-build homeowners uncover energy savings and highlight the benefits of a Redrow home. As a business, we are taking responsibility to help educate and inform homeowners and future buyers through our calculator tool.

What do you love most about this time of year?

Christmas is a wonderful time in our industry. It’s so rewarding to see our buyers decorating their homes, enjoying the community spirit and celebrating their first Christmases in their new homes. We love joining in with the fun and often plan our own events. Indeed, this year we have ohn ewis Cardiff hosting a special Christmas event at our Churchlands development on 19 November. Their interior designers will be showing our buyers how to dress a home for Christmas. I can’t wait!

For more: www.redrow.co.uk

Redrow’s Churchlands development, where John Lewis & Partners is hosting a special Christmas event on 19 November

DEVELOPMENT BANK OF WALES supports Cardiff property developers HOT PROPERTY

As sponsors of the 2022 Cardiff Property Awards, our specialist property team can provide tailored finance solutions for developers. Short-term loans for residential, commercial and mixed-use schemes with quick decision making are on offer. Interest is allowed to roll-up throughout the loan term and finance for up to 100% of building costs is available. We can also work with your own advisors to complete a deal.

Residential developers who meet green standards can access our new Green Homes Incentive that is helping to deliver more thermally efficient and lower carbon homes in Wales. The scheme offers a reduction in loan fees of up to 2%. Eligibility depends upon qualifying criteria that includes EPC A Rating/Passivhaus status, non-concrete structures and non-fossil fuel heating systems.

“Our dedicated property funds are ideal for Welsh-based, small and medium-sized developers, looking to finance residential, commercial and mixed-use projects in Wales,” says Nicola Crocker, fund manager for the Development Bank of Wales. “Loans from £150,000 to £6 million are available, and because of the unique way in which we are funded, we can offer a range of finance that other lenders can’t (including an element of grant funding for commercial projects.) What’s more, our criteria for borrowing is really quite straight-forward; our tailored loans are helping small and medium-sized developers to make an impact across Wales. We want to see more schemes completed in the Cardiff area so applications for speculative developments

PROPERTY LOANS

are welcome. There is also a reduction of up to 2% in loan fees for residential developments that meet green standards.

“Indeed, we offer a range of finance options and loans to help get you started. Whether you’ve already got firm plans in place or you’re just at the very start of the process, come and talk to us we may have a solution that suits your needs.

“We’re delighted to be sponsoring the Awards as we continue to support property developers. We’ve got £172 million to support property projects in Wales so please get in touch to see how we can help you.” n

The Development Bank of Wales offers short-term residential, mixed-use, and commercial property development finance from £150,000 - £6 million.

SPONSORS

Thank you to all our Sponsors, including:

Hampshire Trust Bank

Cardiff Council

Development Bank of Wales Marsh Commercial  Sanctuary Financial Planning Savills Entre Conf Cardiff Life

And to our Partners:

Currie & Brown

Edenstone Group  Gateway 2 Conveyancing

HLM Architects

Hydrock  Jeffrey Ross

KEW Planning

Principality Building Society

Thank you also to our suppliers and supporters:

Genero

Hensol Distillery

The Alchemist

Mercure Holland House Cardiff  Invest in Cardiff

Remaining tickets are now on open sale and tables are available. Please check on the website or Cardiff Property Awards’ social media. channels for the very latest updates.

IF WE BUILD IT…

This November, the most prominent local property professionals will come together at Mercure Holland House, Cardiff for the fourth annual Cardiff Property Awards, a joyous and prestigious event created to champion and celebrate the thriving property sector, from residential and commercial to green properties and civic-focused spaces.

On 18 November, we’ll be crowning the worthy winners of 2022, with the addition of a new Sustainable Award aimed at any company who has delivered an eco-conscious project, pushing the boundaries of design and ethics with consideration to environmental impact, lifecycle, sustainability and the Cardiff community. Also new this year is our Coworking Spaces Award; this category is aimed at shared working locations offering essential, effective and significant spaces for people to gather.

Like the years before it, the daytime event will be packed full of informal networking opportunities, with plenty of time for mingling and catching up with clients and friends before the three-course lunch and high-status awards

The Cardiff Property Awards have been created, designed, promoted, sold and organised by our publisher MediaClash, a leading events company. It also produces client events, from parties and launches, to talks, receptions and conferences. Contact annie.kelly@mediaclash.co.uk for more information.

ceremony and, indeed, afterwards at the bar. A huge congratulations (and good luck!) to this year’s finalists, and a big thank you to everyone involved in this year’s Cardiff Property Awards, from our fabulous sponsors, partners and suppliers, to our esteemed judges. Talking of which, turn over the pages and you will see the full list of judges and finalists as well as the party snaps from our recent Sponsors’ and Finalists’ Reception, held at The Alchemist Cardiff back in October.

See you at midday on 18 November at Mercure Holland House!

For more www.cardiffpropertyawards.co.u

The CARDIFF PROPERTY AWARDS are coming back – bigger, bolder, and more significant than ever before

The Cardiff Property Awards take place on 18 November

THE JUDGES WILL DECIDE…

CLAIRE TURNER, HEAD OF RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT SALES AT SAVILLS

CHAD GRIFFITHS, SENIOR RELATIONSHIP MANAGER AT PRINCIPALITY COMMERCIAL

Chad is an experienced banking relationship manager with over a decade’s worth of experience, providing debt funding to property developers and investors across Wales and England. During that time, he has funded hundreds of new homes.

Claire heads the New Homes department for Cardiff and South Wales and has over 10 years’ experience in the property sector, covering every area of residential development sales and consultancy. She has essential expertise in property consultancy, advising clients on how to improve development potential.

EIRIAN JONES, OPERATIONAL MANAGER AT CARDIFF COUNCIL

Eirian is the operational manager of strategic estates projects at Cardiff Council and is responsible for bringing forward major projects as well as key strategic sites for the education development programme.

MIKE HOLT, DIRECTOR AT LANCER SCOTT

Mike has over 40 years construction industry experience, and his extensive knowledge of the industry has allowed him to successfully deliver construction and refurbishment projects across Wales and England, working for both public and private sector clients.

PAUL SIMON, PARTNER AT INCE

Paul has over 30 years of experience specialising in commercial property acquisitions and disposals. He formed Simon and Simon alongside his father, Sam Simon, before being acquired by Ince in 2018 where he takes pride in being their current managing partner.

SARAH CLIFFORD, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AT CHAMBERS WALES

SOUTH EAST, SOUTH WEST AND MID

Sarah is operations director at Chamber of Commerce for Wales – Southeast, Southwest and Mid – and takes responsibility for delivering the organisation’s key strategies, developing business initiatives and helping SMEs in Wales to maximise their opportunities.

SHAUN WELSH, DIRECTOR AT TROJAN GROUP

Shaun is the co-founder of Trojan Group and has over 30 years’ experience in the construction industry.

Shaun, alongside business partner David Thomas, took the leap and set up Trojan Group in January 2012, with no funding and very little in the bank – leading it to great success.

A panel of independent judges, drawn from all areas of the property sector, will decide the winners of the CARDIFF PROPERTY AWARDS

SCENE

THE LATEST ADVENTURES IN PARTY-GOING ACROSS BATH

CARDIFF PROPERTY AWARDS FINALISTS’ AND SPONSORS’ RECEPTION 2022

TOP OF THE PROPS

Finalists and Sponsors for this year’s upcoming Cardiff Property Awards came together for an evening of drinks, nibbles and friendly networking at The Alchemist Cardiff in October. The ever-popular Cardiff Property Awards will take place on 18 November at Mercure Holland House, Cardiff. www.cardiffpropertyawards.co.u

Olivia Amey, Dan Macer, Kathryn Williams, Juliet Gamlin, Liz Mills and Richard Field

Jack Collard, Aled Rees and Owain Nedin

Last year’s Cardiff Property Awards

Caron Rockey, Ann Tudball and Tracey Horrigan

Jordan Chambers and Jimmy Chan

James Thomas, Mark George and Laura Williams

Photos by Owen Mathias Photography

Colin Ness of Hampshire Trust Bank – the Awards’ Headline

Sponsor – giving a speech

Greg Harmer, Steph Dodd and Matthew Rose

Carl Fitz-Gerald and Karl Jones

Lauren Revie, John Conroy and Benjamin Hale

Harriette Dixon, Sarah Price and Gareth Wedge

Karen Harry, Lucy Walker, Daisy Purkis and Mark Rees

Steph Dodd, managing director of our publisher MediaClash, giving a speech

Annie Kelly, Colin Ness and Mark Minton

SUBSCRIBE

SCENE

ACROSS CARDIFF, ONE SHINDIG AT A TIME

Opening night celebrations

THE IRIS PRIZE

The Iris Prize – Cardiff’s international G T short film festival – took place in October. The six-day celebration of film, diversity, friendship and competition showcased 1 short films as well as features, microshorts, community and education shorts, industry talks, and an education day.

It was the 16th annual edition of the festival and it saw film fans from around the world coming to Cardiff.

Tarneit, directed by ohn Sheedy, won the 3 , Iris Prize; and Queer Parivaar, directed by Shiva Raichandani, won the IrisPrize est ritish Short Supported by Film and Pinewood Studios. www.irisprize.org

Guto Rhun and Ruth Madoc

Charles Bevan-Barratt and Alan Bevan-Barratt

Niamh Buckland and guests

The Iris Prize was as popular as ever this year

Tyla Sharp and guest

Caleb J Roberts, Callum Harrison and Clara Planelles

Tom Young and Gary Fannin

Photos courtesy of Iris Prize

THE PARKGATE HOTEL’S FIRST

BIRTHDAY

One of Cardiff’s most luxurious hotels, The Parkgate, celebrated a year since opening its doors with a star-studded guestlist. Love Island’s Paige Thorne, Wales rugby players iam Williams, Gareth Anscombe and Rhys Priestland, boxer oe Cordina, and actor ulian ewis ones were among the partygoers.

As part of the celebration, there was a live jazz band and a roaming magician. The hotel also offered canap s inspired by its Sorting Room menu. www.theparkgatehotel.wales

Milica Anscombe and Sophie Harries

Jamie Baulch, Cheryl Hicks and Greg Williams

Gareth Anscombe, Liam Williams and Rhys Priestland

Cardiff Magician

Adam James Reeves

Justine Jones and Julian Lewis Jones

Katrina Cinus and Jill Manley

Joe Cordina, Daniel Price and Phil Williams

Photos by The Parkgate Hotel

Paige Thorne

KITI SOFT LAUNCH

Celebrations took place in October for the opening of the new home of popular independent clothing store Kiti, at 85 Pontcanna Street. Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Amy Wadge performed at the event, and guests included Hannah Daniel, Cath Ayers and Mark Lewis Jones (also known as ‘Mr. Kiti’ as he’s married to the shop owner, Gwenno!) all from BBC’s Keeping Faith www.kiticymru.com

Photos by Owen Mathias Photography

Andy Newbury, Cheryl Davies, Hannah Daniel and Cath Ayers

Gwenno Penrhyn and Mark Lewis Jones (AKA ‘Mr Kiti’) Amy Wadge

Lowri Davies

Rhian Rhys and Awen Iorweth

Sian Naiomi, Elin Pinell, Sharon Morgan and Sharon Roberts Bethan Humphreys and Eleri Gibbon

Einir Davies, Efa Gruffudd Jones and Elen Rhys

Tracey Thomas, Nansi Thomas and guest

ROS MEDICS MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING

On 26 September, Pontcanna-based aesthetics clinic Ros Medics, headed up by founder Dr Ros Jabar and executive assistant Leigh Jones, hosted a Macmillan coffee morning. The event, held at their neighbour’s venue Love Live Light Healing Hub, raised £450 for Macmillan Cancer Support in Wales. www.rosmedics.co.uk

Photos by Kate Start Photography

Prys Jenkins

Victoria Owen, Seth Edwards and Sian Gunney

Rico Zulkarin and Tessa Maria

Laura Anderson and baby Isabella

Tazmin Proctor and Lisa Hardy

Friends of Ros Medics

Ultan O’Reilly and Alison O’Reilly

Dr Ros Jabar and Leigh Jones

Nic Allen and Louise Ash Ultan O’Reilly and Alison O’Reilly

It’s the city’s business

CARDIFFWORKS

WHAT’S UP, DOG?

Cardiff head uartered digital marketing agency Spindogs has ac uired Pembrokeshire firm nited Studios in a deal that will bolster the company’s development capabilities and put the business on track to reach a targeted m turnover.

The team at nited Studios, which specialises in e-commerce website solutions and Wordpress development, will now transfer to Spindogs with immediate effect. Established in Cardiff in 2 , Spindogs moved into a new 3, s ft H in Cardiff ay at the start of the year and has staff members.

nited Studios is a great cultural fit for us and there are some clear similarities in the work we deliver and the skills and technical abilities within the team, says managing director of Spindogs, iam Giles. It’s great to be adding brands such as Pinarello ikes to our already exciting roster of clients from Triumph Motorcycles to Oxford niversity .

Spindogs has grown significantly, both organically and through ac uisition, and we are excited to have the incredibly talented nited Studios team on board to help deliver some ambitious growth plans over the coming years.

For more: www.spindogs.co.uk

ICE, ICE, BABY

One of the ’s leading independent insurance brokers, Towergate Insurance rokers, has renewed its sponsorship deal with the Cardiff Devils for a further two years.

The agreement coincides with the start of the new season and sees Towergate’s branding featured across the Devil’s hockey kit, the team’s website, programmes and rink-side at Ice Arena Wales.

Towergate, which has over 1 offices nationwide, has a hefty Welsh presence and a strong relationship with ice hockey, having been one of the Devils’ key sponsors since 2 1 .

For more: www.towergate.com

FEMALE EMPOWERMENT

PW Insurance, one of the largest independent insurance brokers in Wales, has promoted Alison Philips and Alisha Edwards to its board of directors.

PW is passionate about promoting diversity and gender parity in the insurance industry by championing e ual rights and opportunities for both men and women. Since a management buy-out in 2 8, Paul Wiggins, MD, has worked to challenge the traditional stereotypes that the financial service sector faces and instil a core culture centred around people first, and increasing female leadership.

It’s not breaking news that women are underrepresented in the financial services industry, but PW’s new management structure is key to business development and future growth plans.

It’s important to change the traditional stereotype of the middle-aged man in a suit and reinvent the image of the financial service sector to represent today’s society and the talented workforce at PW, properly, says Paul.

PW’s shift in culture and efforts towards gender inclusion have been externally recognised by Chwarae Teg, a charity leading gender e uality in Wales. ast year, PW was awarded a ‘Fair Play Employer’ with Chwarae Teg, whose mission is to promote women in the workplace. This was a significant achievement for the firm and a recognition of their cultural shift.

For more: www.bpw-insurance.co.uk

Liam Giles of Spindogs and Byron Rees of United Studios

Alison Philips and Alisha Edwards have been promoted to the board of directors at BPW

Towergate’s Howard Phillips with Devils Ryan Penny and Mark Richardson

BY OWEN MATHIAS PHOTOGRAPHY

Cardiff Life Awards 2023: entries are open!

Entries are now open for the Cardiff Life Awards 2023! The excitement is real. It’s free to enter, so what are you waiting for?

The Cardiff Life Awards are coming back – are you ready? Planning is well underway for theglittering, vibrant, joy-filled 2023 ceremony, the business highlight of the city, at which pretty much any and every local organisation – big or small, from shops to restaurants, salons to galleries, and charities to schools – can win one of our 23 coveted awards.

Last year we had a record-breaking number of nominations from local businesses of all descriptions; the total hit 350, and our judges had their work seriously cut out for them.

If you are a part of this amazing community of businesses, enterprises and organisations and want to showcase your venture, talent and efforts, along with supporting and meeting other top business people, then nominate yourself – it’s free after all!

There

are a

number of ways to get involved:

• Enter the Awards

It’s free to nominate your business; just head online, choose what categories you’d like to enter, and you’ll find a Q&A asking you all about your business or organisation – your biggest achievements over the past year, your highlights, and what you are most proud of. This is not a

CATEGORIES

You can enter your business into one or more of these categories… Arts Bar Business services Café Charity Civic Creative Education Event

Hair and Beauty Health and Wellbeing Homes and Interiors Legal and Financial Leisure and Tourism New Business People Services

Property Restaurant Retailer Sustainability Technology and Innovation Welsh Language (And then the ultimate Winner of Winners is chosen by us!)

time for modesty; you are encouraged to blow that trumpet and shout about yourselves! Please remember, your business cannot be nominated by an outside party; the entry must come from the business itself.

• Sponsor the Awards

With more and more interest in being closely associated with the most prestigious event in the Cardiff business calendar, sponsorship opportunities are going fast. Already signed up are: Genero, Bupa, ReRecruitment, 13Fields, Lexus Cardiff, Crumbs, Entreconf and of course Cardiff Life. Sponsors reapthe benefits of powerful marketing and exposure in the build-up to the Awards, and they also bag guaranteed tickets. To find out more, please contact mark.george@ mediaclash.co.uk

•

Get tickets

Nothing beats being there! Anyone can attend the event, whether up for an award or not.

With the company of 500 people, the networking and collaboration opportunities are on another level, and the party, well, that speaks for itself. What goes on at the Cardiff Life Awards stays at the Cardiff Life Awards.

For more: www.cardifflifeawards.co.uk

PHOTO

Will you be at one of these tables?

PHOTO BY AGA HOSKING PHOTOGRAPHY

Previous winners, from Cardiff Distillery

A NEW CHAPTER FOR LAKESIDE

Something special is stirring beside the rippling waters of ROATH PARK LAKE, and Cardiff’s independent businesses have the chance to be part of it.

Nestled just a stone’s throw from Roath Park in leafy Lakeside, Clearwater Parade has housed a variety of independent businesses over the years.

First built in the 1960s, the area has most recently been home to popular local café Waterloo Tea, alongside an independent collective of pop-up businesses selling a wide range of goods and services, from doughnuts and chicken wings to houseplants, vintage clothes and bike repairs.

Now Clearwater Parade is about to undergo an ambitious, high-end transformation in the form of Amber Vista: a new destination where the local community can eat, drink, shop and socialise in the heart of Cyncoed, one of Cardiff’s most appealing suburbs.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDEPENDENTS

Amber Vista will comprise of nine high-quality retail spaces and 27 luxurious apartments, ideally placed amongst Lakeside’s desirable mix of green spaces and nearby thoroughfares for shopping and dining.

Four of Amber Vista’s retail units have already agreed tenancies: Cardiff favourites Waterloo Tea café and Alex Gooch artisanal bakery, plus local essentials in the form of a Tesco convenience store and Lakeside Pharmacy.

The remaining five units offer an ideal

opportunity for any new or growing independent business that wants to benefit from Lakeside’s excellent location, community and transport links (with easy access to the M4 and Heath Hospital).

A VIBRANT DESTINATION

Clearwater Parade recently proved itself to be the perfect home for a varied selection of Cardiff-based businesses. Cardiff Dough & Co, The Dropbar Workshop, The Elephants Ear, Indie Superstore and Wing Stack all enjoyed short-term residencies in 2021, providing a vibrant destination for the local community to eat, shop and enjoy free time on the outskirts of the city.

Amber Vista is set to be an even more attractive proposition: a thoughtfully planned transformation with covered walkways, sustainable materials and attractive architectural touches, bringing new life to this popular part of Lakeside and Cyncoed.

BE A PART OF IT

The remaining five retail units at Amber Vista won’t be available for long. With growing interest from independents around the city, as well as nationals, Silver Crescent is now taking applications for tenancies from businesses who wish to be part of this vibrant community n

The project is being managed by Silver Crescent Developments, in partnership with Principality Building Society. With previous successful redevelopment projects including Noya Falls in Maindy, Pen Y Garth Mansion in Penarth and Arbour Edge in Heath, Silver Crescent’s mission is to provide exceptional homes for people and businesses, fostering a sense of community spirit and local wellbeing for neighbourhoods around Cardiff. ALL ENQUIRIES: hello@silvercrescent.co.uk www.ambervista.co.uk. Tel. 02920 001 224

MILTON JONES

One

the

Forget James Bond, Jason Bourne and Ethan Hunt –there’s a new spy in town. And he’s not dressed in a neat tuxedo or head-to-toe camouflage. He’s wearing a garish Hawaiian shirt. Milton Jones – Mock the Week’s resident oddball, wildhaired Live at the Apollo star, Radio 4 regular and king of the surreal one-liner – is back on tour, and this time he’s an international man of mystery. We caught up with him ahead of the Cardiff leg of his UK tour…

We’re looking forward to seeing Milton: Impossible at Cardiff’s New Theatre; what made you decide on the spy theme?

Basically, I came up with the title before the show. I thought:

“That sounds good!” So I made a rod for my own back by theming it. But sometimes it’s easier to write to a theme than have a completely blank page. The show is based on Mission: Impossible, but Mission: Impossible has a huge budget and lots of special effects. My show is just me and some hats and about 250 jokes. It’s lowtech instead of high-tech.

Do you end up with a lot of great jokes that just don’t fit into the theme or narrative of the show?

I do. A lot of them are then used somewhere else – in the next tour, on radio, on oc the ee – so they’re never wasted. And if they’re particularly brilliant then I might go out of my way to include them in the show.

Have you ever thought of doing a show of just the off-cut jokes that didn’t make it into the final version?

Yes, I could even call it off cuts”, couldn’t I? In fact, some would argue that that’s what I do anyway!

What do you think makes the perfect joke?

If a gag works, it makes a cartoon in someone’s head – a very brief picture where they think they know where it’s going, and then you pull the carpet from under them and it was all about something else all along. It’s reverse engineering from an idea or a phrase.

Your last tour played to more than 100,000 people, and you’ve appeared on Mock the Week over 40 times. What’s more fun to do: a live show or a TV appearance?

They’re both good in different ways. Going to a small place on a Saturday night where they’re all determined to have a great laugh – I don’t think that can be beaten, in one sense. With radio or television, you’re as good as the edit, and it’s out of your control.

How do you cater for different generations in the same audience?

I am aware that if I make a reference to Instagram or something I’m going to lose everyone over . ut that’s fine

because overall my references are quite general, and even if you didn’t get it, the joke’s only going to last 20 seconds, so there’ll be something else along soon enough.

You have another Radio 4 series in the works, the tour, and more Mock the Week episodes. What’s next after that?

I don’t have anything else planned! But who knows what will turn up. Sometimes the unexpected things that come along are the most interesting – other quiz shows, a corporate event abroad – things you wouldn’t have predicted, doing Celebrity Mastermind or something, you know?

What was your specialist subject when you went on Celebrity Mastermind ?  Potatoes.

Potatoes?!

I mean, if I’d have taken it seriously I’d have done something like Arsenal. But when he announced it – “your specialist subject is potatoes” –the audience all laughed, and I thought: in a way, I’ve chalked up! I came last, obviously. But I’m employed as a comedian. It’s entertainment. If I get to do it again, I’ll choose carrots. n

See ilton at New Theatre Cardiff on 20 November; www.newtheatrecardiff.co.u

of

UK’s biggest-selling comedians is on his way to our city; here we have a laugh with Milton Jones…

“The show is based on Mission: Impossible, but my show is just me and some hats and about 250 jokes”