Cardiff Life - Issue 269

YOUR ULTIMATE INSIDER’S GUIDE

12 PAGES OF CLINQUANT CHAOS

ALL THE WINNERS!

ALL THE SURPRISES!

ALL THE FROCKS!

FOR ONE SPECIAL NIGHT, CARDIFF BECAME WORLD CAPITAL OF COOL

Welcome to an unusual issue of Cardiff Life. Unusual in that I’m here – more on that in a moment – and unusual in that it’s one of those issues we put together in something of a shaky fog, as the long hangover of the Cardiff Life Awards gently drained from our bodies, to leave us happy, satisfied, but perhaps a little numb.

Back in late February, you see, the famously cold, short month was made immeasurably more pleasing by the annual arrival of the Cardiff Life Awards, that most dynamic celebration of the city, and of the people and businesses that make it up, and we’re still suffering the consequences. Read more about it on page 11, to see who won what and, perhaps just as importantly, who wore what too. (Seriously, there were some outfit goals on show this year, alright.)

Also this issue, it’s time to check out the best in interior design, as practiced in Cardiff this season, and over the seasons going forwards. From page 40, we talk to some of our favourite inside women (for they are all women this time around, to our mild surprise) on the coolest, most on-trend ways to present and reinvent our homes in 2023. Happily, it seems, the rules are that there are no rules – except for pink, there must always be at least a little bit of pink. (Don’t ask us why, there just has.)

Oh, and about my ugly mug at the side there? Hi, I’m Matt, and I’m just the fill-in guy, here for an issue or two while long term (and ongoing) editor Lisa is unavoidably detained elsewhere. (Don’t worry: she’s not actually in jail.)

Please enjoy the magazine and, while reading about the Awards especially, consider the city too. What a place to live, and what a time to be here.

#CardiffTogether, always

Croeso i rifyn anarferol o Cardiff Life. Mae’n anarferol oherwydd mai fi sydd yma –cewch glywed mwy am hynny yn y man – ac mae’n anarferol hefyd oherwydd ei fod yn un o’r rhifynnau a luniwyd pan nad oedd ein meddwl yn hollol glir. Mae wedi cymryd amser i ni ddod dros seremoni Gwobrau Cardiff Life, a roddodd lawer o fwynhad a boddhad i ni ond sydd wedi gadael tipyn o wacter ar ei hôl.

Ddiwedd mis Chwefror, cafodd y mis bach hwnnw sydd fel rheol mor oer ei wneud dipyn yn fwy pleserus wrth i seremoni flynyddol Gwobrau Cardiff Life gael ei chynnal, sy’n ddathliad bywiog o’r ddinas, ei phobl a’r busnesau sy’n gymaint rhan ohoni – ac rydym yn dal i ddioddef y canlyniadau. Gallwch ddarllen mwy am y seremoni ar dudalen 11 a gweld pwy enillodd beth a phwy oedd yn gwisgo beth – sydd yr un mor bwysig efallai. (Ond o ddifrif, roedd rhai o’r gwisgoedd yn wirioneddol wych.)

Yn y rhifyn hwn hefyd, cawn gyfle i weld yr enghreifftiau gorau o waith cynllunio tai yng Nghaerdydd y tymor hwn, ac yn ystod y tymhorau sydd i ddod. O dudalen 40 ymlaen, rydym yn sgwrsio â rhai o’n hoff fenywod sy’n gynllunwyr tai (maent i gyd yn fenywod y tro hwn, na ddylai fod yn syndod efallai) am y ffyrdd mwyaf ffasiynol o gyflwyno ac ailwampio ein cartrefi yn 2023. Yn ôl pob tebyg, y rheol yw nad oes yna reolau, sy’n newydd da – ar wahân i’r ffaith bod yn rhaid cael ychydig o binc. (Peidiwch â gofyn pam, ond fel ’na mae hi.)

Ydych chi wedi gweld fy ngwep salw i wrth ymyl y rhagair hwn? Matt ydw i, ac rydw i yma dros dro am rifyn neu ddau tra bydd Lisa, y golygydd hirdymor (sy’n dal yn ei swydd), yn absennol am gyfnod. (Peidiwch â phoeni: dyw hi ddim wir yn y carchar.)

Mwynhewch y cylchgrawn ac, wrth ddarllen am y seremoni wobrwyo yn enwedig, meddyliwch am y ddinas hefyd. Am le i fyw ynddo, ac am adeg i fod yma! #CaerdyddYnghyd, bob amser

From oval mirrors to acres of brown, this Tap End bathroom rocks the latest interior trends; see page 40

ON THE COVER Who are this little lot? Only the great and good of Cardiff, with host Sian loyd and Special chievement winner Giovanni Malacrino at the top of the pile. It’s the Cardiff Life Awards, of course. ictures by Christian Stone hotography. or more, page

FEATURES

40 INTERIORS What are the new rules for interior design? A selection of local decor deities weigh in

ARTS AND EVENTS

11 CARDIFF LIFE AWARDS We came, we imbibed, some of us conquered. Once again, the Cardiff Life Awards were a night to remember – if only we could do so properly, that is. Here are all the winners and plenty of faces, to jog those tired memories

30 WHAT’S ON Music, comedy, exhibitions, festivals, arty happenings, and so much more

FOOD & DRINK

53 JANE COOK Our food and drink columnist takes a tour, and discovers a whole new side to her home city

55 RECIPE Gethin Rees of Laguna Kitchen & Bar with a carrot that looks like a salmon. Amazing!

TRAVEL

56 AZTEC HOTEL & SPA Cracking grub and relaxing treatments, just an hour or so from Cardiff

BUSINESS

63 CARDIFF WORKS Crazy golf at its absolutely craziest, plus new uses for old buildings, and more

PROPERTY

66 RESIDENCE Rising star writer Carole Hailey welcomes us to her none-more-colourful Laundry Quarter retreat

72 SHOWCASE Quirky living up in the eaves

REGULARS

37 WYBURN AND WAYNE Where have the boys been this month? Where haven’t they, is the better question…

74 CARDIFF LIVES Dr Jayne Forrester-Paton, Penarth’s own maven of the menopause

Acting editor Matt Bielby matt.bielby@mediaclash.co.uk Managing editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash.co.uk Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Graphic design Megan Allison Cover design Trevor Gilham Contributors Nathan Wyburn, Wayne Courtney, Jane Cook, Wendy Lyne, Paul Marland, Deri Robins Commercial manager Mark George mark.george@mediaclash.co.uk Business development manager Jordan Chambers jordan.chambers@mediaclash.co.uk Production/Distribution manager Sarah Kingston sarah.kingston@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy production manager/Production designer Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Cardiff Life MediaClash, Carriage Court, 22 Circus Mews, Bath, BA1 2PW 01225 475800 www.mediaclash.co.uk @The MediaClash © All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without written permission of MediaClash

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CARDIFF LIFE AWARDS

12 PAGES OF THRILLED WINNERS CHEERFUL LOSERS POSH FROCKS POPPED CORKS

CARDIFF LIFE AWARDS 2023

Your Ultimate Morning-After Guide

Cardiff put on its glad-rags. Long serving pillars of the city were rousingly celebrated. Worthy winners looked shocked, unlucky losers clapped through the tears. Well-watered individuals struggled to remember their tables on the way back from the loos. Oh yes, it was all going on at City Hall one night back in February. Here’s what we can remember…

Photos by Christian Stone Photography & Jon Berg Photography

Sian Lloyd played host, and truly excellent she was, too

Not that anyone wanted to rein it in, of course.

Now very much back to its fighting-fit best after those strange Covid years, the 2023 incarnation of the capital’s most respected gong show had it all: much loved veterans, out-of-nowhere heroes, an uncommon cavalcade of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. And fashion, glamorous fashion, so much fashion other cities could just bow or curtesy in respect at the shimmering glory of it all.

Respect to Cardiff for that. This is a town that knows how to dress to impress, alright.

For the first time, Sian Lloyd joined Greg Ingham – Cardiff Life’s proprietor – up on stage to co-host the awards: whether by accident or design (they’re saying accident; we’re unconvinced), the pair sported matching burnt-orange outfits, giving a slick and eyecatching Hi-de-Hi! meets Buddhist monk vibe to proceedings few would have predicted on first entering the majestic City Hall. Sian’s day job ranges from presenting BBC One’s Breakfast show to Radio 4’s Today programme; she’s known for Crimewatch Roadshow across the whole of the UK, and fronting her own documentaries more locally on BBC Wales. It’s a rich tapestry of experience, giving her way more of the presenting chops, quick wit and good humour than was strictly needed to corral Cardiff’s best and brightest at their most tired and emotional.

It was a night of great bustle and greater glamour captured ably by the guys of Christian Stone Photography and videographer Callum Prince. The awards themselves were also stars, becoming more fascinating the longer you look at them, all of a style but each one unique, hand-made monoliths of slate that are half dry stone wall, half 2001: A Space Odyssey alien slab. Each made by Mark Cooke of Tondu near Bridgend, they may just have the nurturing powers of Arthur C Clarke’s enigmatic inventions too, so creative and dedicated and persistent have the people of South Wales proved to be in their presence. Alongside their awards, each winner also got a bottle of unique Winner’s Gin, small batch beauties direct from Hensol Castle Distillery, just outside the city; it would be a struggle to identify just which of the two the lucky recipients

clutched most jealously to their breasts.

So much went on, so many emotions were spilled, that you’d forgive anyone for heading home afterwards, shattered and exhausted, but it turns out Cardiff’s made of sterner stuff – hey, was there any doubt? – and the afterparty rocked on till the wee small hours at Kuku at Park Plaza, the Moroccan themed hotel bar just across the way. With plenty of polished copper on display here, Sian and Greg blended right in. And on the raised bit at the end? Only Green Street, the Cardiff covers band – everything from Arctic Monkeys to Taylor Swift a speciality – with no less a luminary than Mark George, Cardiff Life’s very own commercial manager, on drums.

This isn’t the place to list all the winners – check them out over the next few pages – except to give special kudos to Forage Farm Shop & Kitchen out at Cowbridge (a double winner, as they topped off their Sustainability category award with the-best-of-the-best Platinum gong too) and Giovanni Malacrino, the celebrated restaurateur, who got a Special Achievement Award and seemed to know at least half the people in the room. Once of Calabria, now of Cardiff, he’s spent 40 years keeping our faces smiling and our bellies full.

An amazing night, then, and a big thank you due to all our winners, but also to our amazing judges, everyone shortlisted, the crowd who turned up to witness proceedings on the day –you’re stars, each and every last one of you – as you are too, of course, for reading this.

Perhaps you’ll be in a position to enter next year? (We hope you do.)

After all, Cardiff may boast an astounding location, a rich history and a bright future, but it’s nothing without all the good folk living and working, struggling and succeeding, in the city right now.

Here’s to all of them (which is to say, all of us), and to next year, when we’ll do it all over again…

#CardiffTogether, always For more, cardifflifeawards.co.uk

PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN STONE PHOTOGRAPHY & JON BERG PHOTOGRAPHY

At the 2023 Cardiff Life Awards. It couldn’t be contained

CATEGORY WINNERS

ARTS & CREATIVE

Sponsored by

WINNER: E&W COUTURE

WINNER: CRAFT REPUBLIC

BUSINESS SERVICES

Sponsored by

WINNER: ORCHARD

CHARITY

Sponsored by

JOINT WINNERS: BIGMOOSE & TY HAFAN

CIVIC

Sponsored by

WINNER: MEDIA ACADEMY CYMRU

EDUCATION

Sponsored by

WINNER: NESTLINGS

ALL PHOTOS BY CHRISTIAN STONE PHOTOGRAPHY & JON BERG PHOTOGRAPHY BAR

FINANCIAL

WINNER: PENGUIN

EVENT

WINNER: CITY OF ARCADES

WEEK BY FOR CARDIFF

HAIR & BEAUTY

WINNER: KEEP THE FAITH SOCIAL CLUB

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Sponsored by

WINNER: OASIS

CARDIFF

LEGAL

Sponsored by

WINNER: ALUN JONES

FAMILY LAW

HOMES & INTERIORS

WINNER: THE TAP END

CARDIFF LIFE AWARDS

LEISURE & TOURISM

Sponsored by NEW BUSINESS

Sponsored by

WINNER: THE PARKGATE HOTEL

WINNER: CORA

PEOPLE SERVICES

WINNER: HOOP RECRUITMENT

PROPERTY

Sponsored by

WINNER: DESIGN MANAGEMENT PARTNERSHIP

RETAIL

WINNER: CARDIFF FARMERS MARKETS

RESTAURANT

WINNER: MATSUDAI RAMEN

SUSTAINABILITY

Sponsored by

WINNER: FORAGE FARM SHOP & KITCHEN

WELSH LANGUAGE

Sponsored by

CARDIFF LIFE AWARDS

TECHNOLOGY

WINNER: WALES INTERACTIVE

WINNER: TAFWYL

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT

WINNER: GIOVANNI MALACRINO

Sponsored by PLATINUM AWARD

WINNER: FORAGE FARM SHOP & KITCHEN

AWARDS 2023

ALL

BY CHRISTIAN STONE PHOTOGRAPHY & JON BERG PHOTOGRAPHY

It was glam-rags a-go-go all night

Phones were everywhere, many hopping between social and reality and back again

Sian Lloyd

Richard Dring, David Banner

PHOTOS

Good to see ties making a comeback

Nathan Wyburn, Ivan Jenkins-Jones

Food was topnotch too

Misa Harada

The Cardiff City team

right now

See what we mean about ties?

We think he’s leaning away from that hand behind

Great outfits everywhere we looked

Misty Ardouin and pal, of Nestlings Nursery

Helen A’Bear: rarely sartorially in the shade, except perhaps for

Lidi Staffurth

him…

Charlotte Correa, Noah Stevens and Jordan Chambers

A table to remember, with Matt Feane-Jones, Richard Thomas and the crew

Kelly Reardon-Brown, Jay Page

Striking stole adds vintage glamour

Damien Martin, Rhian Robinson, Rachel Phillips

Mark George

Joanne Channock, Vicki Edwards

Lesha Neah, Rick Yala, Emma O’Donnell

Red and green should always be seen

Ash Heath, Alex Roberts and the gang

Oddly enough, Gareth Southgate was here

Taslima Ali, Tasha Carroll Catherine Richards is suitably thrilled

Amongst the best-dressed of the night, we’re saying

Helen A’Bear of Cora makes her way on-stage to collect her award

loves

Steph Dodd

Gemma Roberts looking good in green, plus chum

Ash Heath, Alex Roberts

Jenny Hall and pals rock hats and other headwear

Lucas Prichard, Sophie Creed

Everyone

a sharp dressed man

Hannah Lambadarious, Josh Lee

Josie Starkie, Chloe Smith, Alex Jamieson

Juliet Gamlin, Richard Field

It’s the waiting that hurts…

As with our interiors feature this issue, green and

Who doesn’t love playing with the giant letters?

The team from Alun Jones Family Law

brown were in…

Carol Adams

Richard Pring

Pink was in too, of course

Giovanni Malacrino

Melissa Williams, Lewis Turner

Matt Eales, James Freeman

REDUCE COSTS AND GO GREEN WITH A GREEN BUSINESS LOAN

Local businesses are able to reduce their energy costs by making a change towards a greener future.

Launched by the Development Bank of Wales and the Welsh Government, the new Green Business Loan scheme is helping businesses in Wales to cut their energy costs by taking steps to become more energy efficient.

Projects which can be supported by the scheme include:

• Investing in renewable energy technology;

•Improving the fabric of premises and energy efficiencies within the building;

•Upgrading systems or machinery to reduce energy use;

•Water usage and waste reduction/ improvements

ABOUT THE GREEN BUSINESS LOAN SCHEME

Businesses trading in Wales can apply for a Green Business Loan from £1,000 up to £1.5 million for projects that support energy saving or reduction. Upfront repayment holidays are available along with flexible loan terms depending upon the nature of the project.

Nick Stork, fund manager at the Development Bank of Wales said: “Rising energy costs coupled with the responsibility that we all have to tackle climate change means that there has never been a better time to go green. Working with the Welsh Government and colleagues at Business Wales, we can offer a package of support that helps reduce carbon emissions and allows businesses to save on future energy bills by taking positive action now.

“Decarbonisation is going to take time so we need to make a start. Reducing energy usage is a win-win financially and for the environment which is why we’re helping businesses to make the first step. Small changes can make a big difference, particularly in sectors like catering, leisure and manufacturing that are facing big energy costs.” n

WHAT’S

r ar wards

PLAYS, SHOWS & CONCERTS

On now, until 15 April CABARET’S INAUGURAL SEASON

New venue Cabaret’s inaugural season features local collaborations with Cardiff Cabaret Club, Glitter Cymru and The ueer mporium, as well as hot-ticket touring acts Big and urlesque and T ’s aulus, who plays the music of Victoria Wood. Cabaret, Wales Millennium Ce re Cardiff ay www.w . r .

23 – 25 March

TREASURE ISLAND

Based on the famous Robert Louis Stevenson novel, this new adaptation by Ken Ludwig is a breath-taking piracy yarn. e a e s e ar www. ds e ar . r

24 – 25 March

MINI-CAF 2-23

mini-edition of Cardiff nimation Festival celebrates all things miniature, including viral animation sensation i y C ef, 2023 scarnominated film ar el e ell wi es , and ardman’s series The ery all Crea res C a er a d li e www. ardiffa i a i .

28 March – 1 April

MOTHER GOOSE

Ian Mc ellen, ohn ishop and Mel Giedroyc star in semi-pantomime

er se. ritten by onathan Harvey ( i e i e i e , the show follows Mother Goose (McKellen) and her husband ic ( ishop , who run an animal sanctuary and live a wholesome life inside an abandoned Debenhams. ut when a goose (Giedroyc flies in, will fame and fortune get the better of them? Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff ay www.w . r .

8 April

THE BREAKUP MONOLOGUES

Award-winner comedian and ‘Queen of Breakups’ Rosie Wilby shares her funny, bi arre, poignant tales of heartbreak and recovery. C a er www. a er. r

28 April – 13 May

ES & FLO

lesbian love story of later life, ennifer unn’s new play s l has already won script awards; boasts an all female cast and crew; and will later move to London. It deals with all sorts of hot topics too dementia, se uality, generational conflict, love. es di ales ille i Ce re www.w . r .

COMEDY

Every Friday and Saturday

COMEDY NIGHTS

Four superb stand-ups will keep you laughing until Monday. e lee Cl er aid ay www. lee. .

Every Saturday until

25 March

THE COMEDY CABARET

Award-winning variety stand-up show featuring absolutely oodles of top UK comedians.

ry i l reyfriars ad Cardiff www. ry . .

25 March

RUSSELL HOWARD

As we reel from one global crisis to the ne t, join Russell, the uplifting Comedy ing’, as he puts the world to rights in his own uniquely hilarious way. Cardiff er a i al re a i y e re www. ardi er a i alare a. .

MUSIC & DANCING

On now, until 31 March

AMSERJAZZTIME

R CM ’s riday ja club performs everything from bebop to funk and soul. C Ca ays ar www.rw d.a .

On now, until June

THE CARDIFF CLASSICAL SERIES

Expect 18 properly world-class concerts, featuring the li es of award-winning cellist Laura van der Heijden. a id s all e ayes www.s da ids all ardiff. .

24 March FATBOY SLIM

His latest tour arrives on the heels of album, i ere i e Cardiff er a i al re a i y e re www. ardi er a i alare a. .

26 March

MICHAEL BUBLÉ: HIGHER TOUR

Multi-platinum selling global superstar Michael Bublé has added an e tra date, at Cardiff International Arena. Cardiff er a i al re a i y e re www. ardi er a i alare a. .

Most Fridays NUKE

arty anthems, cult classics and dance floor bangers. Clw f r a a y ree www. lw . e

Most Saturdays

CARDIFF LATE NIGHT TICKET

ne of the biggest parties Cardiff has to offer, with banging anthems and bartenders who know how to get the party started. Ticket includes a cocktail and tequila shot. e C ail Cl ary ree Cardiff www. e ail l .

ARTS, EXHIBITIONS & CULTURE

Green Man rocks the Black Mountains

© PATRICK GUNNING

On now, until 25 March

Portraiture and quotes document the experiences of Afghan interpreters who recently resettled to the UK.

Saturdays, and Riverside Farmers Market on Sundays. There is also a monthly market at St Fagans and pop-up mar ets at Cardiff Met University, and The Riverside night market takes place on the last Wednesday of the month. r ss Cardiff www.ri erside ar e . r .

SPORTS & ACTIVITIES

On now, until 17 April

artists at Albany Gallery, ranging from Welsh landscapes to childhood Albany Gallery; www.albanygallery.com

THE VOICE OF THE RED WALL art of the G yl Cymru estival, this exhibition shines a light on some of the people and communities of The Red Wall. a a s a i al se f is ry Cardiff www. se .wales

3 – 16 April

Artist and musician Leo Robinson explores future world-building in e i y Card, his largest solo exhibition in Wales. Chapter Arts, Canton; www.chapter.org

On now, until 16 April

BBC 100 IN WALES

We’ve had a century of the BBC in Wales; this celebration stars items from Doctor Who and Sherlock a i al se Cardiff Ca ays ar www. se .wales

On now, until July

THE WILD ESCAPE

The largest ever collaboration between the UK’s museums, this project aims to inspire thousands of children to visit and get involved. a i al se ales Cardiff www.ar f d. r

24 – 25 March

DIFFERENT STROKES

fine art collaborative e hibition featuring Sadlier Art, Christopher Langley Original Art and Mo Ghrá Fine Art. a id Ll yd swi ad Cardiff www.da idll yd. .

Most weekends

CERAMIC WORKSHOPS

Matthew Jones’ workshops cater for groups of up to four, all making pottery items on the wheel. a ew es Cera i s arry ds eds www. a ew es era i s.

FOOD & DRINK

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

BRICKLIVE DINO DISCOVERY TRAIL

Fiftten dinosaurs, made of over half a million toy bricks, are invading central Cardiff. ne velociraptor is 2 feet long! a id s Cardiff www.f r ardiff.

OTHER

Until April, various dates

CARDIFF CASTLE GHOST TOUR

Explore the majestic castle at night –brrrr! Cardiff Cas le Cas le ree www.dar wales rs. .

26 March

WAG THIS WAY

Dogs and their servants enjoy a fun day out in aid of charity City Hospice. e ar ww. i y s i e. r .

Every Friday

BINGO LINGO

They’ve taken bingo, shaken out the dust and turned it into one exhilarating, raving-mad event. C rra a e www.de ardiff.

15 – 17 May

WALES SCREEN SUMMIT

A great industry event for those working in film and T , or just interested in it, with speakers from the BBC, C4, Paramount and more. ar a e el waless ree s i .

COMING

SOON

1 April

SARA PASCOE: SUCCESS STORY

She’s back with a brand-new show. a id s all e ayes www.s da ids all ardiff. .

TOP: Doreene Blackstock and Liz Crowther reinvigorate the love story in Es & Flo;

LEFT: Rosie Wilby, self-styled ‘Queen of Breakup’, channels Calamity Jane

BELOW: Moody street scenes by Malcolm Murphy, at Albany

10 – 15 April

THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW: 50TH ANNIVERSARY

Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ’n’ roll musical celebrates 50 years of non-stop partying with this special anniversary production. New Theatre, ar la e www. ew ea re ardiff. .

11 April

HIS LORDSHIP

Rock ’n’ roll duo His Lordship is the new project from guitarist James Walbourne (The Pretenders, The ogues, The Rails and ristoffer Sonne (Chrissie Hynde, Willie Nelson). It’s a riot of raging guitars and perverted drums. Clw f r a a y ree www. lw . e

22 April

PETER HOOK & THE LIGHT

‘JOY DIVISION: A CELEBRATION’

A founding member of the seminal Joy Division and New Order, Hooky will be revisiting Joy Division’s trailblazing debut w leas res, plus its equally iconic follow-up Cl ser, live and in their entirety. ra s ed Clare ad www. ra s ed ardiff.

11 May PULSE

From the National Dance Company Wales comes PULSE, a double bill which includes two brand-new pieces: Waltz from award-winning creator Marcos Morau, and ay e i by Sarah Golding & Yukiko Masui. er a ea re e e ydd ad Ca ays Cardiff www.s er a ea re. .

15 May

BEN FOGLE: WILD

Broadcaster and adventurer Ben Fogle is taking his latest walk on the wild side to Cardiff with a new tour full of hair-raising and uplifting stories from a life of amazing encounters. New Theatre, Park Place; www. ew ea re ardiff. .

17 May

BEYONCÉ: RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR

This will be Bey’s third visit to Cardiff’s home of elsh Rugby. ri i ali y adi es a e ree www. ri i ali ys adi .wales

27 May

LET’S ROCK WALES

The UK’s biggest retro festival brand has announced the headliners and performers for Let’s Rock Wales, at Cardiff’s ute ar . njoy Soft

If all dinosaurs were this cute, we couldn’t run away from them so much!

Cell, Wet Wet Wet, Tony Hadley, Imagination, Nik Kershaw, Go West, Heather Small, Heatwave, Hue & Cry, Five Star and many more. e ar Cardiff www.le sr wales.

28 May

JACK SAVORETTI

Multi-chart-topping indie superstar ac Savoretti brings a special one-off outdoor performance to Cardiff’s Bute Park. e ar Cardiff www. e ar .

6 – 7 June

COLDPLAY: MUSIC OF THE SPHERES WORLD TOUR

Since the band’s record-breaking tour began this year, more than four million tickets have been sold. ri i ali y adi es a e ree www. ri i ali ys adi .wales

16 June

BLONDIE

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame icons will play at the iconic outdoor venue, Cardiff Castle. Cardiff Cas le Cas le ree www. ardiff as le.

20 June

HARRY STYLES

LOVE ON TOUR

Iternational superstar Harry Styles has announced the continuation of Love On Tour with 19 newly announced dates in Europe, including a show in Cardiff. ri i ali y adi es a e ree www. ri i ali ys adi .wales

22 – 25 June

AROUND THE WORLD

IN 80 DAYS

Circus meets theatre in a brand-new adaptation of Jules Verne’s iconic story. Cast members multi-task as a rag-tag band of travelling circus performers who embark on a daring mission to recreate Phileas Fogg’s race around the world. New Theatre, ar la e www. ew ea re ardiff. .

2 July

STING: MY SONGS WORLD TOUR

Rock icon Sting is bringing an exuberant and dynamic show, featuring his most beloved songs. Cardiff Cas le r ds www.de ardiff.

3 – 8 July

ANNIE

Craig Revel Horwood will star as Miss Hannigan in a smash-hit production of the musical Annie ales ille i Ce re Cardiff ay www.w . r .

7 July

THE LUMINEERS BRIGHTSIDE WORLD TOUR

The Lumineers are being brought to Cardiff by T ive, the live-events arm of The DEPOT, one of Cardiff’s most successful events venues. Cardiff Cas le r ds www.de ardiff.

8 July

BASTILLE

This Saturday night set headlines DEPOT in the Castle. Cardiff Cas le r ds www.de ardiff.

21 and 24 July

SIR TOM JONES:

AGES AND STAGES TOUR

Music icon Tom ones has confirmed an e tra date at Cardiff Castle this summer. This will be Sir Tom’s first headline concert in the Welsh capital in over two decades. Cardiff Cas le Cas le ree www. ardiff as le.

27 – 30 July

WOMAD

The ‘world in a weekend’ returns to Wiltshire (okay, not s ri ly Wales, but it’s worth the trip) for a 41st summer, with headliners including Afrobeat dynamo Femi Kuti and his super sharp jazz-funk band the Positive Force, the recently reinvigorated Bombay Bicycle Club, and three-time

Latin Grammy winning singer Susana Baca. C arl ar al es ry www.w ad. .

17 – 20 August

GREEN MAN FESTIVAL

Wales’ largest music, science and arts festival, Green Man’s ever-growing line-up brings First Aid Kit, Devo, myl The Sniffers, Young athers, Spiritualized and Slowdive to the Black Mountains. www. ree a . e

7 – 9 September

THE BAY SERIES

This is Wales’s biggest open-air concert series, delivering music, food and culture to Cardiff ay with the help of some great musical names. The custom-built site at Alexandra Head will play host to The Streets on the 7th, N-Dubz on the 8th, and The Chemical Brothers on the 9th. le a dra ead Cardiff ay www.li e a i . .

10 – 15 October

IRIS PRIZE

The ‘Oscars’ of the LGBTQ+ short film world are now open for submissions. They have 14 awards to hand out, including the internationally coveted £30,000 Iris Prize. www.iris ri e. r

20 – 22 October

S N FESTIVAL

S n 2023 earlybird tic ets are on sale now. The festival is focused on new music, emerging artists and homegrown acts, and rocks assorted venues and spaces across Cardiff. www.sw fes .

17 December –

14 January 2024

ALADDIN

One of the true Disney greats of recent decades hop-skips from roadway and the est nd to Cardiff as part of its first ever tour. ales ille i Ce re www.w . r .

WYBURN & WAYNE

Well, we’ve just about recovered from the Cardiff Life Awards… But when we say ‘we’, we actually mean Nathan and Ivan, as Wayne still isn’t quite up to certain events yet, due to recent illness. The awards, however, were a phenomenal evening – as per. Congrats to everyone who won in their retrospective categories; there was strong competition, once again. This night out really does celebrate the very best that our city has to offer – but, actually, is only one of very many amazing social events we’ve been enjoying over the past few weeks.

For instance, Ceri Dupree and his sister, Ria Jones, performed their award-winning West End show Miss-Leading Ladies at Cornerstone on Charles Street. We attended the opening evening – and what a spectacle. There’s a reason they’re both so renowned and respected in their fields. That’s one talented family, right there!

Then, at our Cardiff Theatre Caf down at St Andrew’s United Reformed Church, we put

on a fundraising concert for the Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal, with performances by the CTC founders – that’s Sophie Baker, Ivan Jenkins-Jones and Nathan Wyburn – plus local musicians Amelia Francis, Drew ThompsonBestwick, Travis Smith and Zoey Allen. Joining us were regular supporters Maisie Bryant and Ben Joseph; The Voice Kids finalists Gracie ayne and Lacey LV; and Studio 54, who presented ‘Six’ from the hit musical. All-in-all, we raised just over £800 in a few hours – so thank you to all who donated.

Elsewhere, Tenovus celebrated their 80th birthday at St David’s Hall with a huge Welsh Variety Extravaganza, starring the likes of our buddies Only Men Aloud, Sophie Evans and Victoria Scone. (Not to forget the always incredible singer/songwriter Amy Wadge, who ath actually presented with some of his coffee art. He also unveiled a special portrait of Anne, Princess Royal, collaged using images of her and her horses, her number one loves. She was thrilled, and spent some time talking about the work during the reception beforehand.) What else? Well, we can heartily recommend

Côte Brasserie’s ‘Breakfast Complet’ deal, which is amazing: any hot breakfast with juice and a hot drink for just £12.95, Monday to Thursday – you can’t go wrong!

We were a pair of Super Troopers at the press night for Mamma Mia at the New Theatre this month: it’s such a great musical, and (of course!) we were up dancing by the end of the show. The music of ABBA is timeless, so it’s no surprise the musical has become such a firm favourite amongst theatre goers.

Wayne has not been so active on the social scene lately, as mentioned above, but we have been venturing out for dinner in venues near to home. There’s so much on our doorstep, and we’ve been rediscovering old favourites (and discovering a few new ones) to lunch, or just chill with a cuppa, in central Cardiff. ur arcades, in particular, are so special – and full of quirky and stylish eateries. We especially loved visiting New York Deli and Barkers Tea House, plus the fab new café/shop Yellow The Social Enterprise in Morgan Quarter, so chilled and full of amazing gift ideas and sustainable products.

Living so close to Pontcanna is also fabulous, and we’ve enjoyed our Saturday afternoons lately exploring the area. In fact, we especially recommend a visit to Kings Road Market, where you can enjoy locally brewed beers, home made pizzas, and delicious bread from le Gooch. 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 s i al f ales. ey are als adi Cardiff s wi eir w s w a d ey r drew s C ffee C r i Cardiff. ll w e s ial @wyburnandwayne / @wyburnwayne

FAMOUS FIVE

Five upcoming Cardiff events we just can’t wait for…

• Pontcanna Farmers Market, Kings Road Yard; 18 March

• Fatboy Slim, Cardiff International Arena; 24 March

• Mother Goose, Wales Millennium Centre’s Donald Gordon Theatre; 28 March-1 April

• Zoey Allen and support live in concert, St Andrews Church Hall; 7pm, 31 March

• The Rocky Horror Show, New Theatre; 10-15 April; Sherman Theatre; www.shermantheatre.co.uk

“We’ve been rediscovering old favourites (and discovering a few new ones)”

Wayne’s been a little quiet on the social scene of late, but Wyburn’s more than been making up for it: from variety to musical theatre, the Cardiff Life Awards (yes!) to a bargain breakfast recommendation, there’s little he hasn’t tried and enjoyed…

The Tap End bathrooms are proud winners of the Cardiff Life Home & Interiors award 2023!

We are thrilled to have won such a prestigious award for our Pontyclun based Bathroom Design Studio and the work that we do for our clients.

We love to showcase our completed projects, and all of the projects shown here are award nominated projects in their own right!

It is our unrivalled passion for creating beautiful spaces which sets us apart from other bathroom stores. For us a bathroom is not just another room; it is a space which requires careful planning and consideration

so that you can relax after a hard day at work, wash away your worries or prepare yourself for the day ahead.

It is about so much more than a necessary room. It is about how form and function meet to create personal and unique spaces that our clients will love for years to come.

Put simply... we love Bathrooms.

If you are embarking on a cloakroom, ensuite or bathroom project contact us to see if we would be a good fit for you, we would love to hear about your project whether it is bijou or big!

We have something for everyone here at The Tap End.

THE NEW FREEDOM

Lines are blurring, the trends blending together – or stepping aside entirely, in favour of personal taste. It’s the new feeling in interiors in 2023: anything goes (as long as you include just a little pink)

Though inevitably slower moving than fashion trends, the world of interiors is nevertheless constantly on the move, offering a thrilling (if oft-confusing) patchwork of overlapping styles and themes, some long-established, others just finding their feet. If we’ve identified one overriding direction of travel for 2023, however, it’s that the trendy is becoming a little less important, and the individual much more so.

Right now, you see, it’s all about personal e pression. Rather than growing wildly or going out of favour in the traditional way, trends are merging and mutating, so modern minimalist (clean lines, neutrals, tasteful splashes of black) sits happily alongside more ma imalist flavours, all layered te tures, bright colours, and vintage pieces – often in the very same house. The two overlap, especially, through a shared enthusiasm for natural materials: wood, stone, wool, linen.

eople are becoming increasingly confident, and braver with their interiors they want them to reflect their personalities, not some here today, gone tomorrow style or trend, says one of the e perts we’ve gathered on these pages, anessa Garrett of roadleaf Timber in Cowbridge. Rooms don’t need to match any more.

ith the lines between all the different decor styles blurring, a fresh freedom to create your own ta e on whatever spea s to you is revealed. To find out what this means in practice, and to identify 22 trends to ignore or modify as you see fit, we spo e to some of our favourite Cardiff interiors professionals

Trend 1. Oversized is King

Big and bold is where many things are heading in 2023, and this often means finding a way to incorporate elements you may hitherto have considered just too much for the space available. I love an oversi ed’ anything, says ustine ulloch of top bathroom specialists The Tap nd, so if a room is big enough to ta e an oversi ed tub, mirror or tile, that’s where my head automatically goes.

The Amalfi H Line in onyx –that’s black, to most of us – from Sigma 3: modern, handle-free, and doubtless a favourite of Wednesday Adams

Cool tiles on both floor and walls in this bijoux bathroom from The Tap End

Trend 2. The Dark is Rising

“Typically, after a period in which beautiful neutrals were in the ascendancy, we’ll start to see darker hues coming through,” says Justine of The Tap End. “Navy, rich red, sumptuous burgundy and deep, dark green are all on the rise.”

Trend 3. Return of the Paint

Look up and what do you see? Vast swathes of plain white ceiling? But perhaps no longer, as we’re starting to see more and more people take advantage of all that surface area. “Coloured paint on ceilings is increasingly popular, even in bathrooms,” says Justine of The Tap End. “We had the rise of the arch in terms of alcoves, doorways, windows and furniture in 2022, and for 2023 this will morph into more ceiling details. If you’ve a high ceiling, especially, you should benefit from it by making a feature of it.”

Trend 4. That Seventies Show

If one decade is kicking ass right now, it’s the tricky – but ever-popular –1970s. “The Seventies vibe is a favourite of mine, and has been for the last five years, says Hayley er ins, interior design consultant at ewels Canley Interiors in enarth. That era’s rich colours, shapes and mi of materials can really make a room sing. Think a bold, colourful feast for the eyes that brings joy as soon as you walk into a space, especially if you manage the neat trick of clashing patterns with elegance. The great thing about this loo is that you can mi in e isting pieces you might already have, as matching isn’t allowed here: it’s more about enjoying each item in its own right.”

Trend 5. Commitment Issues

ot sure about a loo o worries these days it’s fine to just dip your toe into the water. “The great thing about the new way of decorating is that you don’t have to commit completely to a trend,” says Justine of The Tap nd. ust a few simple, ine pensive touches can go a long way – and if you get bored of a particular style, you can easily switch it up in the future. or instance, flirt with the ongoing Seventies trend through organically shaped mirrors and accessories: even simple round ones are more interesting than the typical rectangular choices.”

Trend 6. Think Pink

“We’ve a lot of love for pinks at the moment,” says Justine of The Tap End. “They actually looks amazing in a bathroom, especially paired with greens and golds. You can bring more unusual colours into your scheme with paint, accessories or tiles.”

Trend 7. Don’t Frown at Brown

Here’s another hip colour that might seem attractive, but a little intimidating to use. “When it comes to introducing brown into a scheme, the safest way is via wood, so a wooden storage unit can really come into its own,” says Justine of The Tap End. “At the moment people are still a little cautious about the rise of brown in interiors, so for us to push a brown bathroom suite on someone right now might seem a bit too ahead of the trend – but everyone loves wood! A wooden tile will stand the test of time, as it’s a spa-like choice as well as a trend driven one.”

Trend 8. Going Green

“Our customers love green, be it soft sage green, earthy New Forest green or jewel-toned hunter green,” says Cassie Jones of kitchen specialist Sigma 3. “Classic blue now has a serious rival!” And lead designer Ceri Hill of Chal house itchens agrees. s well as pin s and browns, a particular shade of dense blue-green is having a bit of a moment, she says. My current favourite is aint and aper ibrary’s Squid Ink, a gorgeous colour that changes with the light and adds real warmth to any room. In fact, it’s featured prominently in all our most recent projects.”

RIGHT: Seventies style from Jewels Canley; BELOW: Or their pile of pebbles, maybe?

Brown is one of the hero colours of the moment, and perhaps easiest to incorporate through wood in a kitchen or bathroom; this one’s by Chalkhouse Kitchens

“People are cautious about the rise of brown, but loveseveryone wood”

Trend 9. Fifty Shades of Greige

“Warmer colours are getting a lot of attention this year, and while grey is still the most popular neutral, the tone has changed,” says Ceri of Chalkhouse Kitchens. “We’re seeing less hard, bright grey and silver, and more soft, dark, earth-tones.” Angela Coles of Designer Sofas concurs. “By no means feel you have to get rid of all your grey,” she says, “but choosing warmer versions or adding natural stone and ceramic finishes, plus pin s, rusts and browns, will ma e everything feel fresh this year.”

Trend 10. Game of Stones

“Natural stone is amazing for creating a spa-style bathroom,” says Justine of The Tap End. “Textured tiles, whether stone or porcelain, also work really well when paired with ambient lighting for an instant texture injection. As natural stone is often softer, much more neutral in tone, it goes beautifully with either a bold colour or a contrasting dark tone. Don’t be afraid to use black with a neutral for maximum tonal contrast either.”

Trend 11. Metal Gurus

e love to mi metal finishes, says ustine of The Tap nd, and brushed bronze is a favourite, looking gorgeous with a black metal accent. Brushed brass is much requested too, and we often suggest a polished gold for luxe schemes. Is there anything better than gold for a bit of glamour?”

Trend 12. Meet Jet Black

Notice a certain non-colour being mentioned a few times here, one you may mainly associate with goth teens’ bedrooms? “The rise in moody home interiors has brought a demand for the dark and dramatic: jet black, in particular, has many smitten, thanks to its ability to create a minimalist or a maximalist look,” says Cassie Jones of Sigma 3.

“Warmer colours are getting a lot of attention this year”

Trend 13. Crazy For You

“Crazy paving hasn’t seen the light of day for a long time – at least not in terms of high end interiors – but it’s now making a comeback, and indoors too,” says Justine of The Tap End. “When done well, with a terracotta or limestone, it can look amazing. I saw a scheme recently where a wavy edge of white limestone was paired with a lime wash wall and oversized bath, and wished I’d come up with the idea myself! For clients who’ve had a bad experience with crazy paving in the past, stick to herringbone or Brick Bond, which works just as well.”

Trend 14. Shake It Up

“Nearly everyone falls in love with our handmade Shaker kitchens,” says Ceri of Chalkhouse Kitchens. These are minimalist, functional, vaguely 18th century. “But less traditional country cottage, more elegant simplicity. Living in Penarth, a Victorian town, I know there are lots of old family houses here where a sleek, shiny, modern kitchen just won’t loo right – so a classic Sha er fits the bill perfectly. e li e to design kitchens that are sympathetic to the period when a house was first built, but in a modern, pared bac way, with fewer fussy details.

Trend 15. Home Alone

“Being forced to stay indoors during Covid made us look at our homes in a different way, and home o ces – plus all sorts of cosier spaces, allowing you to get some peace away from the rest of the family – have become increasingly desirable,” says Ceri of Chalkhouse Kitchens. “As entertaining at home is now the norm for many, home bars and glamorous wine storage have acquired a new appeal – but forget the tac y el oy image today’s home bars are glamorous affairs, built around two-temperature wine coolers and specialised glassware.”

Trend 16. A Private Functionality

“Ultimately, kitchen design will always revolve around functionality –which increasingly tends to include hidden internal storage that can neatly file away the wee ly shop, says Cassie of Sigma 3.

ABOVE: Designer Sofas? Desirable sofas!; BELOW: Pink in here? Yes, says The Tap End

“Cosier spaces have become desirable”increasingly

Trend 17. Soothing Nature

The great outdoors has always been a source of inspiration in interior design, but of late designers have made special effort to replicate its soothing effects. ature-inspired features continue to ta e centre stage, in the form of natural stone, wood and earthy hues,” says Cassie of Sigma 3. ut you don’t have to brea the ban to create a naturalloo ing space. Instead of solid materials, opt for wood- or stone-effect finishes in your wor tops, doors and shelving. anessa Garrett of roadleaf Timber agrees. Te ture and character are strong themes, alongside earthy tones and natural materials. This has been the inspiration behind our new uances Te ture Collection – beautiful solid plan and parquet, combining soft te tures and rich patina with our well loved uances colours.

Trend 18. Pantry Panic

Cassie ones of Sigma 3 as s, Isn’t having a itchen pantry the ultimate goal nd she might just be right thin a dressing room, but for food. It’s hardly a new phenomenon, but having a place for everything in the itchen is such a lusted-for thing.

Trend 19. Reflections in a Golden Cushion

e’ve a selection of soft touch fabrics with an almost reflective finish, which both loo and feel ama ing, says ngela Coles of esigner Sofas at Cardiff Gate Retail ar . Team with a splash of bold colour through a feature wall, and perhaps metallic accessories too, and you’ve got quite the loo .

Trend 20. Light Fantastic

Great lighting adds the perfect finishing touch to any piece of interior design, really bringing it to life, says ngela of esigner Sofas. The designs and range of options available now are super impressive, and can elevate an elegant piece of furniture to another level. The utterfly glass table is already a statement piece of furniture, for instance, but with added lighting becomes a show stopper.

Trend 21. Roaring Timber

e’ve seen some beautiful timber walls made out of our flooring lately, which have completely changed the loo and the acoustics of the rooms they were in, says anessa of roadleaf Timber. In fact, we were so impressed, we’re adding some to our head o ce.

Trend 22. Be Objective

In other words, the more time you can spend in the initial design stages, the more li ely it is you’ll reach a solution that wor s perfectly – for you. fter all, it’s you who has to live here, so it’s your tastes and needs that count. n

YOU HAVE BEEN READING…

Broadleaf Timber

www.broadleaftimber.com

Chalkhouse Kitchens chalkhousekitchens.co.uk

Designer Sofas designersofas.com

et’s finish with the overall theme of this whole piece – and it’s not so much a stylistic trend at all, more a state of mind. I love loo ing at spaces and reimagining them, says Ceri of Chal house itchens. ’ ut it’s always so much easier to be objective when it’s not your home. eople find it hard to envisage changes when they’ve been using a space in a certain way for years. The simple, quic solution would be to stic to the same layout and replace li e for li e, but for me the challenge is to loo at the project holistically, and suggest changes that could be made to the building itself that would allow for greater functionality and beauty.

Jewels Canley Interiors jewelscanley.co.uk

Sigma 3 www.sigma3.co.uk

The Tap End thetapend.design

Hardwick Shaker kitchen from Sigma 3, rocking all the greige and green

“Nature-inspired features continue to take centre stage”

We are the first Designer Sofa store in Wales with a large selection of the finest Italian brands including Calligaris, Callia Italia, Cattelan Italia, Franco Ferri & Italia living.

If you are looking for inspiration, we have a wide range of choice known for their Italian quality. Create your sofa, your way, to suit your home. Our sofas are available in many combinations of size, colour and material.

DESIGNER SOFAS. CARDIFF GATE RETAIL PARK, CARDIFF, CF23 8NL.

T: 02920 735 901

E: INFO@DESIGNERSOFASCARDIFF.CO.UK

THREE THINGS I LOVED EATING THIS MONTH:

IN GOOD TASTE

You’d put money on local grub guru JANE COOK knowing everything that’s worth eating in central Cardiff, right? Wrong, so wrong, as she found out on a recent walking tour…

Last summer, I spent a delicious couple of days eating and drinking my way around Malaga – a brilliant city if, like me, you love great food, good weather and friendly locals. One of the highlights of the trip was a three-hour walking food tour; I loved getting under the skin of the city via its favourite foods, with a life-long local to guide me from place to place.

But I’d never thought of taking a food tour in my own home city. That is, until last month, when Loving Welsh Food asked if I’d like to try out their Cosmopolitan Cardiff Food Tour on a crisp and sunny Friday afternoon. Originally created when international travel was off the cards due to Covid restrictions, the

Cosmopolitan Cardiff ood Tour offers the chance to sample a wide variety of international cuisines without leaving the wal able confines of Cardiff city centre.

Under founder Sian Roberts’ guidance, we nibbled and grazed in some of the best indie cafés, delis and restaurants in the city, with tutored tastings at each stop – sampling everything from Portuguese custard tarts (@nataandco) to Keralan fried chicken (@agtukkatuk) and German blue cheese (@wallysdeliandkaffee), and sipping on Spanish cava (@Bar44tapas), Italian wine (@pregowinebar) and great coffee.

Taking place over a leisurely four hours (with a little time for shopping , the tour also offered

plenty of opportunities to learn about Cardiff’s varied and lively history – even for someone like me, who was born and raised here. (Until now, for instance, I didn’t know that Cardiff Museum is home to the largest collection of renaissance paintings outside of Paris – that’s one to save for the next pub quiz!)

If you fancy getting to now a different side of the Welsh capital, the Cosmopolitan Cardiff Food Tourtakes place every other Friday and prices start at £65 per person. To find out more, visit lovingwelshfood.uk.

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

CLOCKWISE: Bloody Mary and Mimosa from Twenty Six; warm buttermilk roll at Gorse/Ground; Bar 44

1Crispy vegan seitan ‘beef’ bao buns from Bao Selecta’s new stall on the ground floor of Cardiff Central Market (@baoselecta)

2A spicy Bloody Mary from Twenty Six, Canton’s new weekend brunch spot at The Bone Yard (@twentysixcardiff)

3A warm buttermilk roll with umami seaweed butter from the Gorse Restaurant pop-up at Ground Bakery (@ gorserestaurant)

H T’S C I G

PRESSING OF CARROT, COCONUT AND GINGER

Serves 3 or 4, as a starter

Prep and cooking time 45mins

This elegant and flavoursome recipe comes from Gethin Rees, head chef at aguna itchen ar, ar la a, Cardiff. The aguna menu offers a mi of the finest ingredients from elsh suppliers, alongside a few carefully selected imports, to create a fusion of flavours to suit every palate, and here lovingly prepared by their award winning chef.

Ingredients

Coconut and ginger velouté

finely chopped banana shallot

2 cloves of chopped garlic

tbsp grated fresh ginger

tbsp parsley, chopped can coconut mil

orange ested juiced

Seasoning

Pressed carrot

thyme sprigs, pic ed

cloves finally chopped garlic

inch of nutmeg

30g butter

30ml cream

30ml mil

g peppercorns carrots

Seasoning

Decoration

Handful of shiita e and eno i mushroom

Handful of ale

tbsp tru e oil range est chives

Method

For the pressed carrot . eel your carrots, thinly slice them using a mandoline, and put to one side.

2. In a pan, mi cream mil together and add two sprigs of thyme, peppercorns, and two cloves of garlic. ightly heat until it starts to boil. Then add butter and heat until it’s melted, switch off the heat, and leave to infuse.

3. Get a deep ba ing tray and line it with parchment paper. Start layering the carrots, one on top of the other, and sprin le with nutmeg, seasoning, the remaining thyme, and garlic. nce the carrot is stac ed, drain the cream infusion, and pour it over the carrots. . a e in the oven at 0C for mins, until the carrots have softened. Then lightly press carrots and chill till set. (If you are vegan, substitute cream mil with veg stoc and veg gelatine powder.

For the coconut and ginger velouté

. In a pan, sweat the garlic and shallots and add white wine until it evaporates. Then add coconut mil , fresh ginger, freshly squee ed juice from the orange and leave to simmer for - 0 mins.

2. dd the parsley until it’s soft and tender.

3. dd to a mi er and blend until smooth. Sprin le in the est and season.

Plating

. Ta e out the pressed carrot and trim the sides and ends to see layers to the carrot. lace the pressed carrot in the centre of your bowl.

2. Shita e and eno i mushrooms are added for their earthy smo ed flavours. Slightly pan fry these in a little butter, then pat dry on a cloth and place on top of the pressed carrot.

3. ale, in season in the spring, adds te ture to the dish. eep fry the ale for around 0 seconds at 0C in hot oil until crisp, then leave to drain off the oil on a cloth and season with a pinch of salt. lace ale ne t to the mushrooms on the pressed carrot. . arm up your velout and pour around the carrot and dri le with tru e oil. To finish, sprin le fresh chives and orange est for a refreshing flavour.

www.lagunakitchenandbar.com

AZTEC HOTEL & SPA

Deri Robins chills at an award-winning retreat an hour from Cardiff

Sometimes, you need to slow down and… just… stop.

It’s not always that simple; not when you have a full-on, full-time job, a house that seems to accumulate fresh layers of dirt and clutter the second you turn your back on it, three energetic dogs, and a partner who has, shall we say, very different ideas on what constitutes an acceptable level of domestic order. t least the ids are grown and flown I have no idea how I used to juggle the demands of small children with all of the above. I suspect I drank slightly more heavily in the evenings.

Which rather lengthy preamble explains why I found myself at the Aztec Hotel and Spa in Almondsbury last month, hellbent on a full day of R&R. Because that’s the beauty of a spa day; it removes you from the hectic diurnal whirl, and virtually compels you to switch off. Sure, nobody confiscates your phone at reception, there’s nothing that actively prevents you from checking your work emails every few minutes, but somehow, if you have any sense, you don’t.

The Aztec Hotel is doing rather well for itself at the moment, having

been named the UK’s Best Boutique Spa in the Good Spa Awards 2022. Photos on the website show attractive young couples smiling away in the relaxation suite, but I knew there was no way on earth I’d get Your Man through the doors of a spa. To misquote Raymond Chandler, he’d have looked as inconspicuous in towelling slippers and a bathrobe as a tarantula on a slice of angel food cake. Instead, I invited the daughter, whose company I actively seek out now that she has reached an interesting age.

Even its architect wouldn’t describe the exterior of the Aztec Hotel exterior as a thing of beauty; it looks pretty much the same as all the other lowlying brown-brick buildings that make up Aztec est. This, however, has the effect of positively enhancing the pleasurable surprise on entering the reception area, where everything is really rather comfortable and appealing. The staff are welcoming, the dining areas e tensive and glamorous, and in case you were in danger of forgetting where you were, colourful canvases of Bristol landmarks and framed black-andwhite shots of the city are all over the walls.

We were instantly won over by the seriousness with which the food

“Just Christmas,likespa days abide by differe r les

and drin is ta en here. There are a mind-boggling number of menus, from brea fast and brunch, with or without coc tails, to all-day lounge menus, and something called, for reasons I have failed to discover, the lac Sheep evening menu.

It would have been so easy for the itchen to rest on its laurels and send out merely adequate food, given the captive customer base – there really aren’t many dining alternatives up at tec est – but e ecutive head chef Marc ayne does not do this not at all. In his restaurant The Curious itchen, the chefs are busily pushing the boundaries of classic dishes they also create as much as possible from scratch, smo ing, curing, pic ling, preserving and so on in-season.

Rather prodigally, we’d boo ed ourselves in for lunch before our sojourn in the spa as well as dinner afterwards. ven the lunch menu has sub-menus, offering a wide and eclectic selection. I waited with interest to hear what the daughter would order. She tends to regard menus as a ind of rough guide, a wor -inprogress rather than a done deal rather li e Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally. Sure enough, she went for a little something from one menu, a couple of plates from another, while I stuc conventionally to a starter and mains.

plate of salted heritage beets with pic led berries, blue cheese and crunchy ha elnuts was beautifully balanced and a visual delight. ess comple , but still vastly enjoyable, was a comfort-food classic fish fingers bundled with mushy peas into a brioche bun. eeling unusually louche for a Thursday lunchtime, I also noc ed bac a margarita. ust li e Christmas, spa days abide by different rules.

The spa itself offers a serene chillout rela ation room in which you can either do e or gossip ( eep the noise down before and after treatments. fter prising bathrobes (though not spa shoes, they’d run out from the busy receptionist, the daughter and I whiled away an hour or so here, enjoyably dissecting the shortcomings of her brothers, before being separately whis ed off for our facials – a five-stage affair using vinotherapie products by Caudalie. These had a lovely almondy scent the e foliant felt a little li e being rubbed ever so gently with

amaretti, leaving my s in notably plumper and firmer. My therapist was e cient and s ilful I am not a fan of overly mindful treatments, which just ma e me giggle, so I was grateful that nobody struc a solemn little gong at the end.

e briefly inspected the pool area, which had a familyfriendly vibe, with ids frolic ing about on foam swimming aids we also po ed our heads into the sauna and steam rooms. Then we hied ourselves bac to the rela ation room, partly because among the blamelessly healthy herbal teas, fresh fruit and trail mi we had espied a bowl of donuts.

eing irredeemably greedy, we were already e cited about dinner, and headed bac to the restaurant as soon as decently possible ( pm to disport ourselves on curved ecoesque curved banquettes. I probably shouldn’t say we were surprised at the e cellence of the food and service – there’s no reason on earth why a restaurant in tec est shouldn’t be at the top of its game – but both really are delightfully good, and could hold a confident candle to the best in ristol. fresh-tasting ha e tempura came prettily tangled with shallots and chilli with pic led rhubarb, followed by a generous bowl of wonderfully plump mussels in a classic white wine sauce per ed up with crispy chori o. long with frites, which never really do the job of sauce-mopping e ciently, I was furnished with a large slice of garlic toast, which did. aughter did her usual bit-of-this, bit-of-that thing, including thic slices of cured salmon, and roasted breast of duc served blushing pin another hefty offering, from a itchen that seems hellbent on feeding you well, and to hell with the rising cost of ingredients.

e rounded off a thoroughly indulgent few hours with e cellent puds of panna cotta and home-made orange custard tart, and for me, I regret to say, a totally unnecessary but e cellent Mudslide coc tail. ecause the daughter was driving – and, well, you now, spa day . . . n

Spa days start at £45; a one-night break with use of the spa, a 25-minute treatment, dinner and a stayover costs £155 pp. Aztec Hotel and Spa, Aztec West, Almondsbury BS32 4TS; 01454 201090; www.aztechotelbristol.co.uk

NIPT AND ME LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR PREGNANCY

Although many pregnancies are unplanned, there is an opportunity prior to getting pregnant for women to optimise their health and the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Consider issues such as stopping smoking and alcohol consumption, adopting a healthy diet and managing your weight, taking folic acid, checking your blood pressure and talking to your GP about any health issues like diabetes, epilepsy etc.

PRENATAL SCREENING IN THE UK

Currently in the UK all pregnant women are offered an ultrasound scan and a hormone blood test (Combined Test) around 11-13 weeks of pregnancy to screen for Down Syndrome, Edward Syndrome and Patau Syndrome. These are genetic conditions due to an extra copy of a chromosome e.g. chromosome 21 in Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21). These conditions are associated with learning difficulties, heart and structural developmental problems, miscarriage and stillbirth. They are also more likely to occur in babies born to older pregnant women.

Those with an increased chance are then offered a blood test called NIPT which can analyse DNA from the pregnancy which is circulating in the mother’s blood stream. If this shows a high chance of the baby having the condition then amniocentesis would be offered. This is a diagnostic test based on a sample of fluid taken from the pregnancy sac. This test, however, carries a 1:200 risk of miscarriage. This approach to screening can only identify about 85 per cent of pregnancies where the baby has one of these conditions. This is because only those with a more than 1:150 chance are offered NIPT and / or amniocentesis.

NIPT TEST

Some people will choose to have NIPT directly as it is a more reliable test than the Combined Test with a 99 per cent detection rate for Down Syndrome, Edward Syndrome and Patau Syndrome. PANORAMA NIPT can be done from nine weeks of pregnancy and works for twins. Another advantage of the PANORAMA NIPT test is it can screen for a wider range of genetic conditions and identify the sex of both the

baby or babies if twins. Not only can it identify the chance of having extra chromosomes but also the chance of having certain missing parts of a chromosome (microdeletions). One of the common microdeletions is due to a missing part of chromosome 22 called Di George Syndrome. Babies with this condition have an increased risk of heart defects, cleft palate, immune problems, seizures and learning difficulties.

Not all NIPT tests are the same and some of the more advanced tests such as PANORAMA use artificial intelligence and advanced laboratory testing to analyse the results making them even more accurate and allowing them to identify a wider range of conditions. They can also identify some pregnancies at higher risk of placental problems, miscarriage and poor growth in later pregnancy that may benefit from closer monitoring.

THINKING ABOUT TESTING

When thinking about screening in pregnancy, people often consider how frequently the

condition occurs, how it will affect the baby and what it would mean for them and their families. It also helps them to make specific plans of care for babies who might need them.

For more information about NIPT and our testing services, please get in touch or scan the QR code below. n

Innermost Healthcare. Ashtree Medical Clinic, 3 Ashtree Court, Woodsy Close, Cardiff, CF23 8RW

Email clinic@innermosthealthcare.com

Tel: 03331217121

Planning a pregnancy and being pregnant is an important time but also a time of uncertainty and anxiety for many. INNERMOST HEALTHCARE are here to help...

CARDIFFWORKS

WE BUILT THESE CITIES

west of Britain’s new Property Symposium is investigating the future of the metropolis

eep your diaries free for roperty Symposium 23, a new property conference for ales and the South est, featuring an array of top-notch authorities on the cities of the future (and, indeed, the future of the city , this year’s theme. Spea ers include Tim endley, founder and C of pplied Information Group and world class authority on the subject, responsible for the egible ondon roject, and uliet Gamlin, principle o cer of Invest in Cardiff, who will do a special presentation on our city. There are panels too, covering topics li e transport, wor places and mi ed-use versus segmented sites. It all runs am- .30pm at ristol’s M Shed, on riday, pril 2 . r re www. ardiff r er yawards. . r er y sy si

FANG-TASTIC

The first cra y golf courses cropped up in ondon in the years before the irst orld ar Golfstacle’, for instance, which featured coloured balls, hoops, rings and tunnels to negotiate, a bridge to cross and a bo to enter (located, challengingly, at the top of a steep incline . Thrilling stuff

ut then you ta e one loo at Golf ang – a new -hole cra y golf e perience surrounded by gra ti art and paired with s and themed coc tails – and an old phrase springs to mind you’ve come a long way, baby.

The new Cardiff site on Mary nn Street is the si th across the from the fast-growing, iverpool-based operator, founded by ip iper and aniel olger in 20 their initial course made new use of their home city’s old 2 ,000 square-foot Cains rewery. ith new investment

from Imbiba, the entertainment-and-lifestyle venture capital specialist, seven more are planned for the ne t couple of years.

e’re really e cited to grow the Golf ang family, and be bringing the e perience to ales, ip says. Cardiffis a great location for the newest Golf ang, and we love the energy and atmosphere the city has to offer. The newest venue will feature some of our most popular e periential elements, and we can’t wait to see how all our guests interact with the whole gra tiled space.

Golf ang’s open seven days per wee from midday till late, with both boo ings and wal -ins encouraged it certainly loo s worth trying for first dates, company outings, or simply as a ey element in a fun night out.

For more: www.bigfangcollective.co.uk

The

At Golf Fang, crazy golf just got that little bit crazier…

It’s golf – as played inside an acid-trip Mario game

Our teeth are starting to ache from the sugary goodness

Like a chat-show set from some Banana Splits future

Tim Fendley: top thinker on city living

Juliet Gamlin: arguing Cardiff’s case

COPPER CANYON

Cardiff’s hottest new build-to-rent development, The Copper or s on Tyndall Street in the mi ed-use Capital uarter, is named for the city’s rich mining history (Cardiff was the ’s main source of crucial copper during the ron e ge, don’t-cha- now , and, when finished, will comprise 30 new homes – a mi of one-bed, two-bed, and studio apartments, plus top-floor social spaces, including two rooftop terraces and a resident’s lounge.

This first elsh development from Grainger plc, the ’s largest listed provider of private rental homes, will actually be coppercoloured too, and launches this summer.

For more: www.graingerplc.co.uk

MARKET VALUE

Hip new apart-hotel given green light by Cardiff Council

Slap-bang in the city centre, and forming the main entrance to Cardiff Mar et, the Grade-II listed Mar et Chambers at - St Mary Street is an attractive si -storey building, dating bac to . The creation of bus-and-tram magnate Solomon ndrews, it’s a notable e ample of ictorian commercial architecture, with Cadw – ales’ historic environment service – describing it as having one of the most ambitious commercial frontages of mid- ictorian Cardiff, by its most ambitious entrepreneur’.

ow planning permission has been secured to turn it into a 2-bed aparthotel, plus a ground floor caf ohn

otton rchitects will be doing the wor for owners Thac eray Group, with real estate advisors Savills also heavily involved. It will actually sit in a hot area of town, between Thac eray’s recently opened light Club and Howells department store masterplan scheme. ur investment and confidence in Cardiff goes from strength to strength, says Giles Hoare, investment director at Thac eray Group. This scheme will restore another significant heritage asset, and help achieve the Council’s wider vision along St Mary Street. For more; savills.co.uk; www.thackerayestates.com/investments

Meetings, coffees, and a view of the city

We love the mixed bag of people you get in these mock-ups. Where’s the woman with the pink bag going?

EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE

Awash with colour, writer

Carole

Words by Paul Marland

Photography by Nicholas Yarsley; www.nicholasyarsely.co.uk

ach year, the various competing paint companies predict the colours that will shape our lives and homes over the coming months, and often there’s a consensus of sorts: in 2022 it was all about hues of green, from dusky leaf shades and mist-like silver-greens to relaxing avocado. All very calming, all very back to nature. For 2023, things have ramped up a notch. This year, it’s magentas and burgundies, mustards and teals. Rich colour is back – and how. nd here’s a Cardiff house to really ma e the case for colour. Home to up-and-coming author Carole Hailey, it pairs deep blues with dark reds and strong yellows; pinks with oranges; and vivid greens with greys, whites, and yet more green. Wallpapers are alive with ferns and blossomladen branches, and bright birds are everywhere, paired – wittily? I thought so – with bees in the bedroom. The end result teases out grins, whatever mood you were originally in when you walked through the door.

Carole was once a lawyer, but completed her MA in Creative and Life Writing at Goldsmiths, University of London, then a PhD in Creative Writing at Swansea University, before being selected as part of the London Library’s Emerging Writers Programme 2020/21. Her debut novel, The Silence Project, was chosen for the Radio 2 Book Club (as hosted by Zoe Ball on her Breakfast Show and BBC Sounds), and published in February 2023 by Corvus, an imprint of Atlantic Books; it’s their 2023 Lead Debut, and was shortlisted for the Bridport Prize First Novel Award.

It’s also pretty dark, with a strong hook, in a Margaret Atwood-meets-Vox (the Christina Dalcher novel, not the Nicholson Baker) sort of way: a woman stops speaking, moves to the end of her garden, an all-female cult forms around her, and eventually the lot of them burn themselves to death, perhaps in a final act of wanting to be heard; years later, her understandably traumatised daughter starts to investigate.

Carole’s new home in the Laundry Quarter of Cardiff’s leafy ontcanna was completed at the end of last year. Inevitably, we asked for a little nosey…

We can tell you like your interiors, Carole…

I’m originally from Hampshire, but lived in London, France, Japan and Singapore at various stages of my life, before finally settling in ales. or twenty years, I was a solicitor, but gave up the law to write novels around the time that I moved here. My interest in decor was first sparked when I lived in Japan for two years – I loved the precision and clean lines of Japanese interiors.

So why buy a house in Cardiff?

Because it’s the best city in the UK. Seriously, what’s not to love? Culture, sport, bars, restaurants and the vast expanses of stunning parks and riverside, and all right on our doorstep.

Hailey’s Cardiff home can’t help but make you smile

Striking wall art comes via Vanita Barany @artroomlondonltd; INSET: Carole Hailey, lawyer no more

Your book, The Silence Project, was shortlisted for the Bridport Prize’s Peggy Chapman-Andrews First Novel Award in 2020, and highly commended by the judges. When’s it out?

Right now; it was published by Atlantic Books in February this year. It was chosen as a Radio 2 Book Club pick, and I was interviewed by Zoe Ball at Broadcasting House on the actual day of publication, which was very surreal. At the moment, I’m juggling book events while trying to focus on finishing the ne t one.

And what about the house?

e bought it off-plan, so had to wait (impatiently for it to be built. It was completed in August 2022, at which point it was handed over to our interior designers to work their magic, and we eventually moved in in October.

What was your vision for the way it should look, and how did this crystallise in your mind?

We wanted the interior to be modern, original – and to have the wow factor This crystallised around the use of bold colours and striking designs. We used Etons of Bath, who’d previously done the interior design for our flat in ondon. They went through a Style inder’ session with us, to understand our likes and dislikes, then presented their ideas – which we loved

What was the benefit to you in using an interior designer?

There is absolutely no way we would ever have had the e pertise to design the interiors that Etons have created for us. We love absolutely everything, and not only did they design every part of it, but they managed the whole project, from ordering everything to delivery and installation –even organising the final clean before we moved in.

Geometric patterns appear throughout: on the rug, subtle wallpaper, bespoke chairs, even the mirror surround

Do you have a favourite part of the finished house?

I adore the wallpaper in the downstairs cloakroom. I also love the pineapple carpet in the living room, which Etons designed and had made especially for us.

In what ways does the house reflect your personality?

The interior perfectly reflects my change of career from lawyer to writer. For years I wore dark suits, and in winter time I’d only ever see our home in the dark, too. This house reflects my journey to find the creative part of myself, and I absolutely love it.

What was the most challenging thing to get right, and why?

The only really challenging thing was waiting for the house to be built!

How do people react on entering? What first strikes them, and what do they end up admiring?

They usually say wow’, because the first thing they see is the fabulous bright pink stair runner. We had to wait for it to be fitted until after we’d moved in, but it was definitely worth the wait – it’s a great way to greet people. Most people end up admiring not only all the colour in the house, but also the way every area has been designed to perfectly suit its purpose.

Finally, whose house would you like to have a nosey at yourself, and why?

As a writer, I’m going to say that I’d love to have a time machine and be able to have a snoop around the Parsonage in Haworth when the Brontë sisters lived there. I may be living in a colourful, modern house, but I’m also a big fan of old properties and I’d love to visit the Parsonage while it was being lived in by three legends of literature. For more: www.etonsofbath.com

Got an amazing local home? Want it to feature in Residence? Contact lisa.evans@mediaclash.co.uk

TOP: Victoria Stainow table lamps; MIDDLE: Chinoiserie Hall by Sanderson, inspired by an archive wallpaper; BOTTOM: Birds N Bees hand-printed wallpaper by Timorous Beasties

HTHMI T

Pontcanna – fashionable, leafy, effortlessly a uent – has long been one of the most soughtafter addresses in Cardiff, a city village awash with cool buildings, ace restaurants, indie shops and green spaces. nd the Cathedral Road conservation area here is especially fancy, pac ed as it is with particularly enviable ictorian and dwardian properties.

By Wendy Lyne

ne such is listed ictorian villa The Hamilton, recently renovated in an old-meets-new style that effortlessly combines cool period character with yet-cooler contemporary chic. Right now there’s one final apartment still unclaimed, and – luc ily – it’s a doo y. This two-bedroom, two-bathroom duple with me anine leads from a welcoming entrance area into spacious ’ ’ living space with high vaulted ceilings. lso down on this lower level are a bedroom with en suite, a large cloa closet and a separate C. ll very attractive, but what ma es this place so quir y and cool is the way it utilises all available space, starting with the steps that lead up to the me anine

e love a clever use of space, and the last remaining apartment at The Hamilton in ontcanna is a superstar for this, offering quir y, airy living under the eaves

landing. From here you can look left, down onto the double-height living room, or head straight on into the master bedroom. This is of a good size – 14’ x 15’ – with built-in wardrobes and a generous en suite, fully tiled and with dual vanity sinks.

Perhaps the quirkiest part of the whole apartment, though, is the vaguely L-shaped kitchen, low-slung and contemporary and tucked under the high gables. It’s unusual, for sure, but generously proportioned – fully 21’9” long – with integrated appliances, cool lighting and top-notch details. Outside, on the mezzanine landing, an intimate dining area for up to four is fun and useful.

Decor throughout is clean and white, with interest coming from beautiful herringbone flooring, intriguing feature walls and a fascinating array of sloping upstairs ceilings. Plus, of course, there’s the apartment’s general sense of light, space and real character.

Outside, there’s secure parking for one car, and, of course, all of ontcanna (and the rest of Cardiff beyond to enjoy, with Bute Park and the River Taft right on your doorstep, and everything from a riding school to an arboretum and the Principality Stadium just short walks away.

HOUSE NUMBERS

Guide Price

In excess of £385,000

Bedrooms 2

Bathrooms 2

Loos 3

Secure parking

Leasehold 250 years

Total interior space

1,026 sq ft

Agent Savills Cardiff; 02920 368900; www.savills.co.uk

DR JAYNE FORRESTER-PATON

per cent of the population will go through it at some point. 41 per cent of medical schools in the UK don’t have mandatory training on it, so over 5,000 GP surgeries have signed up to free training provided by The Menopause Charity, as they are keen to use their own time to improve their skills.

You’re part of the Wales Menopause Network too…

We’re a group of health professionals, passionate about achieving equitable evidencebased menopause care for all women in Wales; we held our inaugural conference at the ICC last October, and have some challenging plans for 2023, including providing education for health professionals and the public alike.

Does the menopause still catch women by surprise?

I think it does, regularly. Symptoms can be subtle initially, and increase over time. One of the earliest changes is worsening or lengthening PMS (premenstrual syndrome). Other common signs can be increased anxiety and changes to your moods, periods, skin and hair.

Dr Jayne first moved to Wales five years ago, pregnant with her third child. “For two years we’d wanted to leave London,” she says, “and visited Cardiff and immediately fell in love.” Small enough to feel friendly, but big enough to have everything her family needed, it was ideal – or nearly. Cardiff had long suffered a lack of menopause care, a situation she wanted to put right…

You got into medicine inspired by your mum…

I was so proud she was a nurse, and loved listening to her stories; her job made her laugh and cry. After my junior doctor years, I moved to London and trained as a GP. I did a rotation in sexual health and loved it: people share

things they wouldn’t tell their best friend! You see a real mix of people, and ma e a big difference to their lives.

At one point you set up an NHS menopause service… It was a huge success, and really valued by patients. But no ongoing funding was identified, and it’s due to close. I now work in Aneurin Bevan’s busy and well-respected menopause service, and set up Your Menopause octor to fill the gap and provide women with the advice, support and treatment they need.

Many doctors seem to know surprisingly little about the menopause themselves… I certainly received very little education related to it. This seems completely crazy, when 50

It seems the stigma around the menopause is finally being broken down. Social media has been pivotal in this change, helping women get their voices heard. There is a menopause power movement, fuelled by celebrities who’ve been blindsided by their own menopausal symptoms, struggled to get appropriate treatment, and want to share their journey to help others. It all helps challenge the ageist assumption that if you’re a woman, you need to be young to be useful. Information is power! With the right support women can approach this next stage of their life with positivity rather than dread.

Are we still learning about the menopause now?

I think we’re always learning. There are so many possible symptoms and every woman’s e perience will be different. e all now about hot flushes, but women can experience tinnitus, pins and needles, palpitations, dry eyes, insomnia, brain fog, low mood, irritability, vaginal dryness, low sex drive, fatigue… The list goes on.

Tell us about Your Menopause Doctor, and what’s different about it. Too often I hear from women about their struggles to be heard or taken seriously. Often they’ve been inappropriately offered antidepressants or told they can’t have HRT. They can wait months to be seen, struggling with symptoms that make it hard to do their jobs and put a strain on their personal relationships and mental health. I wanted to provide a service in both Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, giving women the opportunity to tell their own stories, and providing them with advice and support that’s personal to them.

So, how’ve you been finding life in Wales?

We decided on Penarth, because we dreamed of living by the sea, and we’ve been overwhelmed by how welcoming it is. We found it easy to make friends and become part of the community – despite limited spare time, with busy jobs, young children and a puppy – and we love trying a new restaurant. (I’ve been working my way through a list of the top 50 in Cardiff – it’s going slowly, but it’s a fun ambition!)

Finally, tell us a secret!

I am absolutely terrified of spiders. In the past it has caused me to jump out of a moving car (thankfully, I wasn’t driving!), avoid using my own living room for days on end – and I absolutely can’t ever enter the shed. It’s my worst nightmare. n

For more:

www.yourmenopausedoctor.co.uk

The Penarth doc has started a new service called Your Menopause Doctor, designed to increase women’s access to advice, support and info at this pivotal life stage

“We dreamed of living by the sea”

Special Achievement Award

Giovanni Malacrino

“This was one of the best New Businesses in Cardiff – back in 1983. This – and he – has been ever present since then, delighting and leaving a lasting impression within hospitality in the city. And serving great food to some of the biggest names in entertainment and sport. This is a Special Achievement for an individual and organisation which has done so much for charities and the NHS in Cardiff.”

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS WALES’ LONGEST ESTABLISHED FAMILY RUN RESTARUANT

A minutes walk from St Davids Hall.

Specialist in private parties, celebrations and special occasions. Dine al fresco, Italian style.

For reservations and further information telephone: 029 2022 0077

onthehayes@giovanniscardiff.co.uk

Specialist in private parties,

and

For reservations and further information telephone: 029 2022 0077 inthebay@giovanniscardiff.co.uk

Specialist in private parties, celebrations and special occasions.

For reservations and further information telephone: 029 2022 0077 inparkplace@giovanniscardiff.co.uk

Giovannis in The Bay Opposite the Wales Millennium Centre.

celebrations

special occasions. Dine al fresco, parties from 2 to 200.

Giovannis on the Hayes

Giovannis in Park Place Opposite the New Theatre Cardiff

Left: Giovanni and his sister Francesca