MonmouthshireBuildingSociety offersexpertadvicetohelpmake ourmoneyworkharder
Discover how to lose a stone in a monthaswellasbeingpartof somethingincredible
Stepintoabygoneeraaswe indulgeinthevibrantflavoursof the Mediterranean
Fromkitchenstobathrooms,wetakealookatthesepicture-perfect homesthatinfusewarmthandpersonalitythisautumn
The queen of cosy has recently launched her new and exclusive homeware range.
Managing Director - Donna Goodall
Email: donna@lifestylewales.co.uk
Mob: 07482 312 435
Tel: 029 2089 4831
Media Sales Director - Cathy Parsons
Email: cathy@lifestylewales.co.uk
Mob: 07977 967 777
Tel: 029 2089 4831
Welcome to the October issue of LifeStyle Wales. For those who are looking for inspiration to transform their homes this autumn - this is the issue for you!
Aside from taking a look at the fabulous new range of homeware by Stacey Solomon (with items priced from just £1 - crazy!), we take a peek inside a variety of picture-perfect homes that infuse warmth and personality.
We were very lucky to work with some fantastic design teams this issue, and it’s always a pleasure for me to set those pages - seeing their hardwork brought to life by the extremely talented fitters is truly a sight to behold! For example, the talented team of designers at The Tap End take us through some of their favourite projects, and we also feature Chalkhouse Kitchens, who recently had the task of refurbishing the heart of the home within a former public house.
Within our family section we pay a visit to not one, but two amazing schools - St Clare’s, Porthcawl and Oakleigh House, Swansea. Both schools are multi award-winning, and as you would expect, have fantastic Estyn inspection reports. I also have a chat with the newly appointed Headteacher of Oakleigh House, Mrs Nicola Hill, who brings a wealth of experience in both teaching and school leadership to the role.
For those who found it difficult to shed the pounds for the summer, I discover a way to lose a stone within a month with Sarah Stanton - a LighterLife Mentor, who helps people throughout the UK with their weight-loss goals. Read all about her own incredible journey on pages 50 and 51.
Another great way to shed the pounds and keep fit is by learning a martial art. I was invited to the grand opening of Abergavenny Family Tang Soo Do to try my very first class for FREE.
In our food and drink section, Donna pays a visit to The Sultan - a fabulous Mediterranean inspired restaurant located at Cardiff Bay, to sample its new breakfast menu (the food here looks amazingvery lucky lady!). Also, Roy Roberts of Celtic Wines, guides us on a journey of matching the perfect wine with a selection of roast dinners on page 63.
This is just a taste of what’s available within our October edition, all that’s left for you to do now is to simply turn the page and enjoy!
Mike
Editorial & Design - Michael Williams
Email: michael@lifestylewales.co.uk
Tel: 029 2089 4831
FIGHT FOR SURVIVAL - P57
Sherman Theatre’s Odyssey ‘84.
WASTE DISPOSAL - P37
This professional team is not afraid to get their hands dirty to get the job done.
NURTURING ENVIRONMENT - P42
With over a century of dedicated commitment to education, its teachers focus on nurturing the development of young minds.
FAMILY FUN - P49
Korean Martial Arts club aims to get people of all ages fighting-fit at new location.
CARING PARTNERSHIP - P55
Bluebird Care is now a part of the Boots Hub, which aims to help simplify your health journey.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE - P64
Known locally for his Italian food and big personality, Giovanni Malacrino thrives on being different.
FESTIVE CELEBRATIONS - P65
TAP INTO YOUR POTENTIAL - P16
The Tap End designers show us ways to make our bathrooms more personal.
SOFA, SO GOOD! - P22
Liz, Felicity, and Freja, tell us what’s trending in the world of home furniture.
AFFORDABLE LUXURY - P25
Family-run business, spanning over 40 years, is proud to launch its ethical new collection.
CELEBRATING 73 YEARS - P26
Anniversary event sees massive reductions across all departments with great deals to be had.
A PEEK INSIDE - P32
Take a look at these picture-perfect homes that infuse warmth and personality this autumn.
NEW AVENUES - P34
Cardiff-based estate agent is proud to expand the team as business continues to grow.
Fabulous venue for Christmas Parties and to see in the New Year..
THE PERFECT PAIRING - P61
Wine specialist selects their favourite tipples to accompany our favourite roasts.
Comprehensive support for digestion
•For everyday use alongside meals
•25 billion friendly bacteria per two capsules
•Contains a full spectrum of digestive enzymes and calcium1 to support digestion
Calcium contributes to the normal function of digestive
Available from
Hernewrangeincludesaselectionofspooky Halloweenandho-so-cosyChristmaspieces
Stacey Solomon, the queen of cosy, has recently launched her new and exclusive Autumn/Winter 2024 collection of homewares in collaboration with George Home.
Inspired by Pickle Cottage, her idyllic country home, Stacey shares her beautiful collection for the cosy Autumn and Winter months.
Exciting new ranges for the season see Stacey enter the kitchen space with brand new cook and bakeware pieces –as well as gorgeous additions for those key seasonal events which we know Asda customers will love.
Stacey Solomon said: “I am so excited to launch my third homeware collection with George Home.
“Autumn and Winter have always been my favourite seasons, and the range is perfect for anyone like me that wants to make their indoor space feel cosy and warm in preparation for the darker nights.
“Even more excitingly, I’ve always said that the kitchen is the heartland of my home, that’s why I’m so excited to be introducing cook and bakeware to the collection.
“This is such a magical time of year in my house, and at such great value, I really hope this range brings you as much joy as it does me.”
OPPOSITE
Stacey Solomon Ruff le Gingham Cushion - £12
Stacey Solomon Knitted Pumpkin Cushion Oatmeal - £17
Stacey Solomon Knitted Pumpkin Cushion Black - £27
Stacey Solomon Black Beaded Tray - £14
ABOVE
Stacey Solomon Pumpkin Tealight Holder Cream - £7
Stacey Solomon Pumpkin Ornament Cream Wax Resist - £8
Stacey Solomon Pom Pom Knit Cushion - £15
Stacey Solomon Pom Pom Knit Throw - £40
Stacey Solomon Shaped Gingham Pumpkin Cushion - £15
Stacey Solomon Textured Vase Black - £15
Stacey Solomon Storage Box Books - £10
Stacey Solomon Get Cosy Bouclé Cushion - £10
ABOVE
Stacey Solomon Black Beaded Dinner Set - £35
Stacey Solomon Black Beaded Platter - £10
Stacey Solomon White Washed Coasters 2pk - £2.50
Stacey Solomon Hiball Glass - £7
Stacey Solomon Champagne Glass - £7
Stacey Solomon Gold Wine Glass 2pk - £8
Stacey Solomon Black Beaded Pasta Bowl - £4
Stacey Solomon Black Beaded Nibble Bowl - £2
Stacey Solomon Black Tablecloth - £16
Stacey Solomon Black Napkins 4pk - £7
Stacey Solomon Black Runner - £8
Stacey Solomon Black Candlesticks 3pk - £14
Stacey Solomon Pumpkin Tealight Holder Black - £7
Stacey Solomon Pumpkin Ornament Black Wax Resist - £8
OPPOSITE
Stacey Solomon Hammered Glass Table Lamp - £28
Stacey Solomon Bobble Fur Cushion - £12
Stacey Solomon Bobble Fur Throw - £25
Stacey Solomon Snuggle Up Cushion - £10
Stacey Solomon Knitted Pumpkin Cushion Oatmeal - £17
ABOVE
Stacey Solomon Ditsy Floral Pillowcase - £3.50
Stacey Solomon Ditsy Floral Single Fitted Sheet - £8.50
Stacey Solomon Ditsy Floral Double Fitted Sheet - £9.50
Stacey Solomon Ditsy Floral King Fitted Sheet - £10.50
Stacey Solomon Ditsy Floral Super-king Fitted Sheet - £11.50
Stacey Solomon Ditsy Floral Frill Duvet Set Single - £16
Stacey Solomon Ditsy Floral Frill Duvet Set Double - £20
Stacey Solomon Ditsy Floral Frill Duvet Set King - £24
Stacey Solomon Ditsy Floral Frill Duvet Set Superking - £28
Solid Wood
A solid wood worktop is not only beautiful to look at, but with good care it can last for many years. An ideal choice for both a traditional and contemporary style kitchen.
A fast and cost effective way to refurbish your existing worktops. The quartz overlay fits over the top of your current work surfaces and transforms the whole look of your kitchen with minimum fuss and time, plus they’re stain and liquid resistant.
Laminate
A laminate kitchen worktop is a low-maintenance worktop choice, and is both highly durable and easy to clean. Transform your kitchen for less with a strong laminate work surface.
Granite
Tough, rugged and yet still aesthetically pleasing, a well-made granite work surface will become the centrepiece of your kitchen. And will withstand the test of time.
WechattoaCardiffpropertyexpert whooffersimpartialadvice
When it comes to letting a property for the first time it can be quite daunting, as there are many things to consider.
Director of Capital Apartments, Jason Griffin, is no stranger when it comes to renting properties, as he has more than three decades worth of experience as a landlord.
His business located in the Welsh capital offers residential property management and luxury serviced accommodation, which is exclusive to Cardiff home owners.
Jason said: “As a landlord, here are just a few of the responsibilities that must be strictly adhered to - keeping your property safe and free from hazards; making sure all gas and electrical equipment is safely installed and maintained; provide an energy performance certificate; fit and test smoke and carbon dioxide alarms; make repairs; settle tenant disputes; follow strict fire safety regulations for properties that have been adapted into flats; pay income tax and class 2 national insurance - this is just the tip of the iceberg!
“If there’s a problem with your property that is in need of repair, and you fail to solve that problem, tenants can start a claim in the small claims court for repairs under £5,000. And in some circumstances, tenants can carry out the repairs themselves and deduct the cost from their rent.
“I’m not trying to deter anyone who’s thinking about going into the property sector, I’m just reiterating how important it is to have all the correct and relevant paper work in order, as well as maintaining your property to a high standard for others to live in.
“For those who have been landlords for many years, they will agree with me when I say how tasking it is keeping up to date with legislation changes, which is why my team and I offer property management.
“So why not, let us take the stress out of maintaining your property, as well as dealing with any tenant issues you may have? My team and I have many years experience in such matters and we offer very competitive rates.”
New and returning customers can take advantage of our fantastic introductory offer, where landlords get three months property management for FREE when signing up for a year with Capital Apartments.
That’s not all, as part of the package landlords will also receive three months plumbing cover (labor only - subject to inspection) for FREE, as well as a full check of your property to ensure compliance with Rent Smart Wales legislation.
So, if you’re a Cardiff landlord looking to enjoy the benefits of renting a property without the workload, why not give Jason and his team a call?
capitalapartment.com
2047 1512
The fantastic Tap End designers once again showcase their incredible work within LifeStyle Wales, showing us all how to make our bathrooms more personal to truly enhance our homes and in turn, our lives!
From colourful cloakrooms to sleek bespoke master ensuites, everyone’s brief and budget differs from client to client.
Taste is different for all of us, and the Tap End designers feel that your home should reflect this.
Here is what Justine, Zoe, and Joanna have to say about some of their recently completed projects...
Justine Bullock Director & Designer
“Enhancing clients homes and in turn their lives is such a rewarding career and being able to do that through my business The Tap End in my home town and beyond is extremely fulfilling.
“We have multiple designers and each designer gets allocated the most suitable project for their skill set and style.
“Myself, I love to work on modern homes with quality fixtures and fittings - simple doesn’t have to mean boring, and I am partial to a neutral scheme.
“Working with other designers every day pushes us all to be better year on year and the more The Tap End grows the better our designs get, we are aging like a fine wine!”
justine@tapend.design
Zoe Curtis Designer
“Design is my passion and my favourite projects to date have been ones where the client also share this passion and care about the design of their room beyond the purely functional.”
“The most memorable transformations are ones where I have been able to use a rich assortment of finishes as shown in this recent Bridgend based family bathroom featuring dark greens and real terrazzo; or projects where the layout has been creative and unusual like this Cowbridge based bathroom that I won a design award for in 2023.
“A personal highlight for me is that I have designed bathrooms for clients throughout the UK and further afield, including a long-distance project where the client was based in Dubai, but needed a bathroom for a home that they were renovating in Penarth!
“I love to encourage clients to add an interest to their scheme, and I am really drawn to natural stone for high-end results.
“Natural stone is a wonderful product for floors and walls, especially in a soft to touch honed finish.”
zoe@thetapend.design
Mr & Mrs W Bridgend
“We are probably the biggest fans of this company, because how can you not be when they design you a bathroom like this?
“I cannot recommend the team enough. We had the absolute pleasure of working with Zoe who took my ideas and turned them into something magical.
“You can tell the team pours their heart and souls into their work and genuinely care about every single detail. They were an absolute pleasure to work with and 5 stars doesn’t even seem enough! “
Mr & Mrs H Penarth
“The Tap End team designed and managed the renewal of an ensuite, with the work being undertaken by one of their suggested expert fitters.
“We are delighted with the outcome and particularly with the design solution produced by Daniella.
“Without doubt The Tap End are a 5 star company: excellent showroom, innovative design solutions, faultless project management, professional and very approachable staff as well as value for money!”
Daniella Fantini-Griffiths Designer
“For me there is nothing better than a returning client, what a testament to how happy they must have been to come back for more!
“During my work, I like to build a great relationship with my clients, so that when I get to see them again for any future project, it is always lovely to reconnect.
“Bathrooms that I have loved working on are where clients are not afraid to embrace colour!
“Colourful rooms are always statement rooms, especially when the colour is in the tiles or on the walls.
“I’m always open to embracing colour, pattern, and texture when it comes to bathrooms, and all at once if the client is brave enough!”
daniella@thetapend.design
Joanna Prosser Designer
“Rooms where I am able to inject some dark elements are my thing, even just hints of black or darker tones work wonders in providing a bit of contrast to a scheme. Dark and moody would be my prefect client brief!
“Since being with The Tap End seeing clients homes transformed and seeing my designs in reality has been a real highlight of mine, I love to meet new people and clients.
“During client presentations it is lovely to get to know how people use their homes and how we can be of assistance to help them improve their space.
“I love to be busy, the busier the better so having a never ending stream of client projects is ideal for me, the more bathrooms the better!”
joanna@thetapend.design
If you’d like to have one of the Tap End Designers create a truly bespoke bathroom tailored to your individual needs and tastes, don’t hesitate to contact using the details below:
57 Llantrisant Road, Pontyclun CF72 9DP www.thetapend.design 01443 449056
Mr & Mrs B Caergwent
“A stunning transformation designed by Joanna at Tap End for our odd shaped en-suite.
“The attention to detail and her vision on taking us away from just a standard refit to a luxury bathroom was amazing.
“From start to finish she managed the whole process from the mood board and CAD designs at the start to suggestions on colours and what fixtures and fitting would look best.
“Working with Joanna and the ladies was a pleasure and also for their fitter Mark who did an incredible job of making the plans come to life.
“We would highly recommend Tap End for their exeptional workmanship and professional approach.”
According to new research from UK Radiators there is one room homeowners are increasingly concerned about cosying up this winter - finding searches for the term ‘Autumn Living Room’, ‘Living Room Inspiration Cosy’ and ‘Cosy Living Room Warm’ are soaring as winter approaches.
Rob Nezard, Managing Director of UK Radiators, said: “A cosy living room is a sanctuary where you can relax, unwind, and connect with loved ones. The right design elements can create an inviting atmosphere where family members want to linger.”
Key to creating a warm living space is the home’s heating system. And if existing radiators aren’t hitting the mark on both the aesthetic and functionality front, now is the perfect time to upgrade.
Rob added: “The right radiator with efficient heat distribution and stylish design will create a welcoming living space this winter.”
UK Radiators has a wide range of radiators to suit all interior styles. From contemporary pieces that will add a modern touch to classic Victorian-inspired designs that evoke a timeless feel, all of which offer exceptional heat output.
To add a bold statement to living spaces, the sleek Typhoon Anthracite Vertical radiator is an uber modern design with incredible heat output thanks to its large radiator tubes and surface area.
Made from powder-painted steel, these vertical radiators are easy to maintain whilst looking ultra-stylish.
The Alpha Anthracite Column Radiator has echoes of classic period radiator design and it will command attention wherever it is placed. Used in a living room it will help anchor the design scheme and cement the cosy feel.
Both are available now from UKRadiators.com
Portento features soft padding for unequalled comfort which is matched by its incredible beauty for an extraordinary visual impact. The luxurious style of the seating areas makes this model perfect for the living area of the homeowner who demands a tailor-made comfort also guaranteed by the Human-Centred Design certification.
LifeStyleWalesmeetsthe wonderful team from Natuzzi Editions
Natuzzi Editions is a multicultural, cosmopolitan and dynamic brand. The products reflect the human being in all its ‘editions’, and continually feeds on the world, its ferments, and its emotions.
A Natuzzi Editions sofa is designed to bring comfort into life. The quality is in the skilled hands of its craftsmen. Unique experience and extraordinary know how sown and harvested over 60 years of history. In this Way, Natuzzi Editions gives life to quality products that meet the desires of beauty and comfort through passion and innovation.
LifeStyle Wales recently caught up with the team from its Cardiff Gate store to find out more about this highly sought after furniture brand. Retail Manager Liz Mynett, Sales Manager Felicity Skinner, and Sales Advisor Freja Peat were on hand to answer our questions. Here’s what they had to say:
What would you say that your team is renowned for?
Liz: We have built up a large, and extremely loyal customer base over the past two decades, and we are extremely grateful that more than 90% are returning customers. Our team is proud to assist anyone and everyone who walks through our doors to find the best products to meet their needs, guiding and supporting them as best we can through the process. Many of our customers have become part of the Natuzzi family, and we have shared personal moments of joy and sadness over the years.
What are your 3 most loved items currently in store?
Freja: Portento - featuring soft padding for unequalled comfort which is matched by its incredible beauty for a stunning visual impact.
Baltimora - is inspired by the clean and defined forms of architecture that houses the National Aquarium of the same name, the most iconic and recognisable building of this great Italian seaside city.
And, last but not least, Adrenalina - a masterpiece of softness combined with solid design, featuring a mix of round edges and statement stitches.
What do you predict will be popular for 2025?
Felicity: We’re predicting that a lot of neutral colours will still be very popular next year, as well as a selection of warmer tones such as tans and minks. Leather and textured fabrics that feel different from the norm will also be popular.
What Natuzzi item do you have in your own home?
Liz: The Porento Sofa - as we are a family of mixed heights, this model is comfortable for all. We chose a wipeable fabric, which is perfect for our dog Nel.
Who’s the most famous person you’ve had in your store and what did they purchase?
Felicity: Natuzzi Editions Cardiff Gate has had numerous stars pur chase furniture with us over the years, including Warwick Davis, Sam Warburton, Jamie Roberts, plus many more - all choosing something unique, tailor-made to suit their individual style and taste.
Finally, why should people visit Natuzzi Editions?
Liz: Natuzzi is the world’s best-known furniture brand - designing sofas, chairs, tables, beds and more, to create harmony throughout the home. As previously mentioned, my team and I will go above and beyond to help you choose the right items, as buying furniture is a considered purchase.
Cardiff Gate Retail Park, Dering Road CF23 8NL 029 2073 3331
natuzzi.com
cardiffgate@natuzzigroup.co.uk
Family-runbusiness,spanningover40years, isproudtolaunchitsethicalnewcollection
Its sole Welsh store, which is located within the Cardiff Gate Retail Park, plays host to the finest furniture brands from Italy and around the world.
Years of experience in design and choosing the right product, means that the quality, look and feel of all the furniture on offer is unparalleled.
Ultimately, its mission is to deliver comfort and style with the highest levels of customer service and care, alongside unique products that offer the best value for money in the market that will stand the test of time.
As the seasons change, so do our moods and colour pallets to reflect this, which is why LifeStyle Wales recently visited to take some photos of what’s new for autumn.
We spoke to Store Manager, Angela Coles, who told us: “We’ve got some fantastic new additions to the store, with many more arriving very soon. All of us are very excited to share with the world our latest collection, and it is just a taste of what’s to come over the next few months.
“Our wonderful new sofas are available in a wide range of sizes and configurations, all of which can be tailor-made in your choice of leather or fabric to suit your individual style and taste.
“High-quality made sofas in great designs means that we’re able to bring affordable luxury to Wales.
“As a LifeStyle Wales exclusive, we are currently offering 20 per cent off the new collection. And for those people who may be saving their pennies for Christmas, we also offer interest free credit options, where customers can spread the cost over a variety of terms (subject to approval). We offer up to 5 years interest free credit.”
So, if you’re looking to transform your home this autumn, why not pay a trip to Cardiff Gate Retail Park and see what’s on offer at Designer Sofas?
Cardiff Gate Retail Park, Dering Road CF23 8NL 029 2073 5901
info@designersofascardiff.co.uk designersofascardiff.co.uk
Anniversaryeventseesmassivereductions acrossalldepartmentswithgreatdealstobehad
George St Furnishers is celebrating its 73rd anniversary, and to commemorate its birthday this family-run business is saying a huge ‘Thank You’ with some exclusive bargains.
For seven decades the Sheppard family have been offering immense style and sophistication to their customers combined with excellent customer service, which the family has built the business upon.
Over the year’s people have learned that George Street Furnishers is a name that they can trust, and also associate with high quality furniture and great value for money prices.
“We offer a relaxed atmosphere for you to browse through our three floors of quality furniture at our store in Newport,” said Martyn Sheppard
“As well as our customers, we treat our staff as part of our family.
“The majority of our colleagues have been with us for many, many years – they look after our loyal customers with passion and care, hence why we see generations of families returning to us year after year.
“We have a fabulous new range of leather sofas from our Italian supplier Nicoletti this autumn - very stylish and well-priced.”
George Street Furnishers have some fantastic items in their 73rd Birthday Celebration Sale with big savings available throughout the store.
Popular brand names involved in the sale include Hypnos, Natuzzi, Stressless, Parker Knoll, GPlan, Ercol, Tempur, Brintons, Duresta, and many more.
So, if you’re looking to refurnish a room in your home this autumn, why not choose a well-established independent business that has years of experience and a long list of happy customers?
19-24 George St, Newport NP20 1EN georgestreet.co.uk 01633 214241
Design-ledapproachhelpstogeneratefunctional andbeautifulroomsthatareasindividualasyou
It’s always interesting when we get to design and make something a little different. With this lovely project our client was passionate about design and had done lots of research to make sure her new open plan kitchen and dining room included all the features she had spotted in her searches. The house in the Vale of Glamorgan was at one time the village pub and being very old had lots of character with small rooms, low ceilings and an unusual room layout.
The couple who bought the former pub took on a real project property, with work needed throughout the building to create the stylish and welcoming home that it is today. With a new baby arriving during the extensive renovations their crucial project was adding on a large family space with room for a kitchen, dining room, utility and play area for the soon to arrive addition to the family.
With the property being so old the new extension had to be sympathetic to the original building from the outside so the windows at the front couldn’t be too large and had to feature angled window reveals to match the rest of the house. However, adding large skylights in the new apex roof meant the space is still flooded with light.
The kitchen was also designed to reflect the age of the building in style whilst incorporating the modern features that are considered essential nowadays. American fridges, whilst storing huge amounts of fresh food can dominate a room, so the kitchen was designed for the fridge and larder to be set back into a recess, created by stealing a small amount of space from the cloakroom behind. This gave the entire kitchen a feeling of openness, accentuated by the lack of wall cabinets in the room.
A beautiful Lacanche range cooker takes pride of place in the centre of the kitchen flanked on either side by practical pan drawers for saucepans and baking trays. Rather than try to squeeze the Belfast sink in under the window, which would have been too close to the range cooker, we opted for it to be centred under a long decorative shelf with beautiful brass support brackets and three brass stork lights above, the perfect space to display a few treasured pieces.
The worktops, in a marble type quartz, reflect the light and are also used to create a feature splashback behind the range, finished with a bullnose detail that is picked up in the edge of the freestanding island. Tongue and Groove on the apex ceiling is brought down onto the range cooker wall to add an additional of texture
The island is a real feature, with sturdy oak legs and cabinetry, all stained a rich plummy brown colour to complement the Atelier Ellis Sadhika painted cabinetry on the main run. Cute cupboard latches have been used on all the doors on the island to add a further design detail. Matching twin dresser units have been fitted in the dining room area providing extra storage, flanking the utility room door.
9 Bessemer Close Workshops, Cardiff, CF11 8DL 029 2023 3308 or 07713 812345
chalkhousekitchens.co.uk
ceri@chalkhousekitchens.co.uk
Aninvaluableadditiontoanyproperty,ensuring yourhome,yourfamilyandyoustaysafe
Crime is often cited as a stand out reason for homeowners to move property, so it’s important that you get a door design that protects you from potential intruders. The Secured by Design (SBD) scheme has been put in place as an initiative to ‘design out crime’, responding to modern statistics and techniques to ensure cutting-edge protection.
Secured by Design composite doors offer a standard of protection that ensures the property they are installed into are 75% less likely to be burgled, showing a reduction of 25% in criminal damage.
SBD doors are glazed with 4mm toughened safety glass, either double or triple glazed. This glazing design meets BSEN1279 standards for complete door protection.
These doors are renowned for their strength and security, a 48mm thick cross-bonded veneered laminated solid timber core delivers unrivalled strength and dimensional stability and is a natural choice for high security, providing our customers with peace of mind.
Many composite doors on the market utilise a traditional ‘stile and rail’ internal subframe, which offers inferior performance when compared to the solid LVL core. This is important to note when you are looking for a new door for your home.
The team at Vale Composite Doors understand the importance of feeling safe in your home, which is why they only offer the most secured designs that will not only protect, but compliment the aesthetic of your home too.
Why not have a go at designing your own dream composite door using their exciting HomeView Door Designer? Simply upload an external photograph of the door you wish to replace and add your chosen design to the image. This is a great way to see what the finished product could look like.
Visit valecompositedoors.co.uk to find out more.
Vale of Glamorgan 01446 310 103 Rhondda Cynon Taf 01443 504 004
Industrial creativity has always been the passion of Peppermill Interiors. At the heart of Staffordshire, an idea was born at the dinner table which unlocked the idea of Peppermill Antiques Ltd.
Scott and Fiona Humphreys, the founders of Peppermill, began to source and sell antiques across the UK over 20 years ago.
With a strive to stand out from the crowd, the family-run business and product lines evolved with an abundance of unique furniture ideas, Peppermill Interiors as it is today was born. The home of unique furniture for homes and businesses.
With over two decades of industry knowledge under their belt, a twofloor showroom, a warehouse and in-house workshop, Peppermill understand the importance of excellent customer service, high-quality furniture, and quick lead times.
To this day, Peppermill Interiors are now a leading supplier of unique furniture for bars, restaurants and homes, based in the UK.
LifeStyle Wales takes a look ar the new autumn ranges available. As the leaves turn and the cooler seasons approach, Peppermill Interiors are embracing the trend of peeking inside beautiful homes.
The Madison Counter Stool in a sophisticated Oatmeal shade, encapsulates the very essence of this season’s homely trends. Its dark weathered oak legs lend a touch of rustic charm, the perfect addition to any modern farmhouse kitchen. Takealookatthesepicture-perfecthomesthatinfusewarmthandpersonalitythisautumn
In perfect alignment with the Autumn trend, the Mulberry Dining Chair and Mulberry Round Table, brings a sense of natural grace. Handcrafted from solid ash wood, this Scandinavian-inspired piece accentuates earthy tones in the space, creating a warm and welcoming dining atmosphere.
Immersing its warmth into the core of this home, the Castle Double Pedestal Coffee Table is the epitome of Autumn elegance. This distinguished piece adds a modest yet captivating statement. Made from reclaimed pine with a characteristic diamond and star design, the coffee table showcases the beauty of nature in every groove and knot.
This Shard Vintage Style Leather Armchair is based on a 1950s classic American car seat – you will feel like a King of the Road in this really comfortable seat. The natural leather has a sought-after, lovely worn, authentic appearance, which will only get better with age!
Taking a peek inside this industrial style home brings you the Boden Bespoke Pine Kitchen Table. This one-of-a-kind piece of furniture has defied time with its timber, once used in a large cheese company. Each table - characterized by these distinctive imperfections - narrates its unique story, ensuring your home isn’t just stylish, but also filled with conversations.
Perfect for the cosy autumn ambience, this Belfry Side Chair brings simplistic elegance and contemporary charm. Its natural oak frame is the perfect contrast to the dark black boucle fabric, ideal to stand out against neutral colour schemes!
As
Cardiff-basedestateagentisproudtoexpand theteamasbusinesscontinuestogrow
Lettings2Sales is an independent estate agent based in the heart of Cardiff Bay. With more than 30 years’ of experience, a professional bespoke service is offered to suit your needs.
This professional team pride themselves in using their valuable expertise to guide you through any property transaction, so whether you are a landlord, contract holder, home buyer or seller, their local knowledge and negotiating skills can be relied on to see you through the process from beginning to end - making the entire process as simple as possible.
Its dedicated estate and letting agent team is made up of Sales Director Michael Taylor and Associate Hannah Poole - all of whom are always prepared to ‘go the extra mile’ to make sure clients are delighted and satisfied.
The latest member to join the team is Associate Sarah Ashley. After spending many years working within the hospitality sector, Sarah hasn’t looked back, as she embraces her new role wholeheartedly as an estate agent.
Sarah told LifeStyle Wales: “I’ve always had a passion for the property industry and really couldn’t be doing this in a better place.
“Mike and the team are amazing, imparting their many years of knowledge and experience in and around the Cardiff Bay Area, allowing me to give the same 5-Star service that they are already renowned for.
“As a team, we are here to give clients advice and guidance on how best to present a property, leading to a sale or let in the shortest possible time.
“Whatever your lettings or sales needs may be, please don’t hesitate to get in-touch, as I would be more than delighted to help and support you.”
To arrange a no obligation valuation of your property either for sale or for rent simply fill out the form on our website.
Alternatively, if you wish to put a property on the market in the Cardiff or Cardiff Bay area call the Lettings2Sales team on the numbers below:
22 James Street, Cardiff Bay, CF10 5EX
lettings2sales.co.uk
Sales: 02920 493 900
Lettings: 02920 493 900
Thisprofessionalteamisnotafraidtogettheir handsdirtytogetthejobdone
Valleys Waste Services is a successful family run business, which is based in Brynmawr at the heart of the South Wales Valleys.
They are leading experts within the Waste Management, Demolition, Hazardous Waste, Environmental, and Bulk Excavations service.
Director Stuart Hill told LifeStyle Wales: “We operate with the ethos of safety, training and skills, with the wellbeing of our workforce and sustainability within the communities we work within and support are vital to our success.”
“Our highly trained team operates a variety of modern plant machinery, along with a fleet of tippers, grab lorries, and RoRo skip lorries.
“With more than 20 years experience behind us, and a network of clients stretching from the west coast of Wales to the far north of England, we’re competent at completing projects on time and within budget across many different sectors.
“Our services include Waste Clearance; Fly Tipped Waste Clearance; Grab Hire; Demolition; Asbestos Removal; Contaminated Land Removal; Hazardous Waste Removal; Top Soil and Aggregate Supplies; Muck Away; Plant Hire; Skip Hire; Transport; and Haulage.
“We provide our services for both domestic, commercial, public sector bodies, and national organisations across the length and breadth of the UK.
“We work to environmental policies, which have a huge bearing on our industry and with growth year on year, look to new ideas and techniques to always improve.
“We’re also proud members of safety compliance organisations and undertake regular training provided by the NDTG (National Demolition Training Group), ATAUK (Asbestos Training Association), along with CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) and many others.
“Don’t hesitate to contact us about all your muck away needs today!”
Barlyfields Industrial Estate, Brynmawr NP23 4YF
valleyswasteservices.co.uk
info@valleyswasteservices.co.uk
01495 360517
07531 791626
Areyoursavingsworkingashardasyou?
The average savings by age in the UK has fallen in recent years due to the global pandemic of 2020 and the continuing rising costs of living.
It’s, therefore, even more important to consider whether you’re putting enough money away for an emergency and also to support yourself when you retire along with your pension.
It’s a well-known fact that ‘rainy day’ savings are important. These rainy days can be anything from financial and medical emergencies to weddings, home repairs, or perhaps moving home. Despite the importance of savings being well-known, when looking at the average savings by age in the UK, will you be ready for that rainy day?
Not only is it a good idea to have a pot of money set aside for emergencies, the mental health and well-being benefits of having savings is usually more positive than those who don’t.
Most evidence finds that those with savings are generally less anxious about money, and have greater life satisfaction overall. Savers were more optimistic about the future too, and sleep better at night – among a range of other positive wellbeing outcomes. For example, while 47% of non-savers were ‘mostly’ or ‘completely’ satisfied with their life, this rises to 63% among those saving £300-399 per month.
Unsurprisingly, people’s attitudes toward savings differ vastly depending on their age and financial situation. The results of a survey published by Finder concluded that the average savings for 25-34 year-olds had £3,748 ; 35-44 year-olds had £6,751 ; 45-54 year-olds had £14,591 ; and 55-73 had £18,425
And those who do save might not be making the most of their money. There is around £250 billion sitting in accounts earning no interest and 24% of adults in Wales never compare the interest rate on their savings accounts to others available.
It’s always important to review your savings accounts are still suitable for your needs, as when life changes, the role of your savings may change too - a new car, a new roof, retirement plans or additional pots of money can all play a part in needing to review your savings.
The Bank of England has started reducing interest rates with a 0.25% cut in August with more likely to come, but the significant rise over the past few years has meant that many older accounts may be on low rates and therefore need reviewing.
The amount of people with a substantial savings pot not working as well as it could for them is quite surprising. LifeStyle Wales recently spoke to Joni Bale, a widow for more than a decade, who had to learn about how to look after her finances after years of her husband managing them for her.
Like many people, Joni’s confidence levels are quite low when it comes to finance and she often gets afraid of paperwork arriving through her letterbox.
A family relative suggested that she see an advisor at Monmouthshire Building Society, which helped them to get a better return on their savings investment.
After reviewing all her accounts, Joni was shocked to discover that her money was only earning 0.01%, which meant that she earned very little interest on it over 5 years - coming to the realisation that the real value of her money had fallen during that time.
Joni also had money in an easy access account with her current bank that was offering 2%, but she didn’t need access to it and hadn’t realised that she could fix it away for a better rate.
By moving some accounts around and setting up new building society accounts, Joni should receive an additional £1,200 in interest next year.
Whilst she’s still not comfortable with understanding her finances fully, Joni now knows the importance of checking them every year.
Sally Williams, Cardiff Branch Manager for Monmouthshire Building Society, told LifeStyle Wales : “Whatever you’re saving for, we’ll take care of your money while you watch it grow.”
“Joni’s case is more common than you think, with usually one partner looking after the financial side of things within a relationship - communication is key, especially when looking after savings for the future, which is why we urge people to shop around to find the best rates for themselves.
“No matter where you are in life, we have a savings account to help you meet your goal. Whether you’re looking for instant access, locking your money away, or tax-free savings, we could have an account that will help your money work for you.
“We’re a mutual building society. This means that, unlike traditional banks, we don’t have any shareholders - so our main purpose is to benefit our members. Any profits we make are re-invested into the Society, so we can offer you a better range of products and an improved service.
“It also means we invest our time and profits into the communities we serve, with thousands of volunteering hours, offering our offices for community groups, and a proudly running a charitable foundation that has helped hundreds of local worthy causes.
“As a building society, we operate in our members’ best interests. In addition, our personal savings accounts are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
“Details of our savings products can be found on our website www.monbs.com/savings
“Plus, we’re committed to the high street and the changing needs of people who prefer to deal with their finances on a face-to-face basis.
“We’re therefore opening an Abergavenny pop-up venue early in November. It will be situated within the Town Hall as a onestop-shop, providing access to people who need it, without the commitment of a fully staffed high street branch. We’re commited to extending our reach and being in locations where our existing and new members can readily access our services.”
So, if you’re unsure if your savings are working for you, why not pop into your local branch and speak to one of our colleagues who will help you review your savings.
Moneyfacts is a great site to compare current savings rates. www.moneyfactscompare.co.uk/savings-accounts/
Withoveracenturyofdedicatedcommitmenttoeducation, itsteachersfocusonnurturingthedevelopmentofyoungminds
Are you searching for a school that feels like a second home for your child? Look no further than Oakleigh House Independent School and Nursery, the only independent preparatory school in Swansea for children aged 2½ to 11.
Nestled in a quiet residential area of Uplands, next to the scenic Cwmdonkin Park, Oakleigh House offers a unique blend of peaceful surroundings and stunning views of Swansea Bay.
The location provides a beautiful setting for learning, both indoors and outdoors, taking full advantage of its proximity to Cwmdonkin Park, incorporating daily outdoor learning experiences that help children connect with nature from an early age.
Celebrating its 105th birthday this year, Oakleigh House Preparatory School has a rich history of providing exceptional education.
Originating as a private institution with a modest class of 25 pupils, it has evolved into a thriving community of 160. In 2007, the school joined the Cognita Schools Group.
Launched in 2004, Cognita has more than 100 schools in Europe, Latin America, Middle East, North America and Asia. Oakleigh House benefits from the support that being part of a global group brings, which has a network of more than 18,000 colleagues worldwide, covering 12 academic curricula.
Throughout its 100 year journey, Oakleigh House School has established an enviable reputation for academic excellence, shaping confident and enthusiastic learners who carry their childhood memories into adulthood, fostering a robust work ethic and a lifelong love of learning.
Nurturing the development of young minds, beginning at the age of 2 ½ in its Nursery programme, pupils are guided through the dynamic and challenging primary years until the age of 11, where they are prepared for the transition to secondary education.
Nicola Hill, Head Teacher of Oakleigh House School, told LifeStyle Wales: “We take pride in our family-centred ethos and holistic approach to education. We are dedicated to fostering a warm, welcoming environment where children are encouraged to reach their full potential, and we’re committed to building confidence, character, and resilience in every student.
“Through a caring community, we instil values of respect, consideration, and support, fostering an environment where every child’s voice is heard and individual needs are met.
“As much emphasis is put on the wellbeing of our pupils as their academic achievement. Unless children are happy, they will not fulfil their potential, therefore, we put significant effort into ensuring all pupils are well cared for, emotionally, as well as academically.
“With small class sizes and a team of experienced teachers, we offer personalised learning that ensures every child receives the support they need to excel.
“Our strong pastoral care means that your child will be guided and encouraged every step of their learning journey with us. Pupils are positively engaged and focused in lessons with enthusiasm for the myriad of other opportunities that school has to offer.
“We understand that a good education is not just about success in the classroom - we pay equal attention to our children’s happiness, sociability and sense of belonging.
“Everyone at Oakleigh House learns the value of respect and consideration for others, using good manners and helping one another from a very early age.
“To support busy families, we provide a comprehensive extracurricular programme and wraparound care for all children, from Nursery to Year 6.”
Oakleigh House Nursery has been recognised as a ‘Top 20 Day Nursery in Wales’ by daynurseries.co.uk - a testament to its commitment to providing exceptional early years education.
The Nursery programme is designed to embrace a love for learning through educational and play-based activities, encouraging curiosity and social development, laying the groundwork for essential skills, encompassing early literacy, numeracy, and social development.
By embracing a philosophy that champions learning through play, pupils can actively engage with their surroundings at a pace that suits their individual needs.
With the ethos of blending structured activities with the freedom to explore, the aim is to instil a sense of curiosity and joy in the learning process, setting the stage for a solid educational foundation.
Experience the warmth of Oakleigh House for yourself by arranging a private tour with the friendly admissions team. During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the fantastic facilities, meet the teachers, plus witness firsthand the school’s happy, engaged students in action.
38 Penlan Cres, Uplands, Swansea SA2 0RL admissions@oakleighhouseschool.co.uk oakleighhouseschool.co.uk 01792 298537
Mrs.Hillbringsawealthofexperience inbothteachingandschoolleadership
We recently caught up with Mrs Nicola Hill, Headteacher of Oakleigh House School and Nursery, to find out more about this multi award-winning school.
How long have you been headteacher?
I have been Headteacher at Oakleigh House School and Nursery since June 2024. I first started teaching over 25 years ago and have been a Headteacher twice before. I still love being able to support children to grow and develop and feel privileged to be in this role.
What is your favourite subject to teach?
I love teaching most areas of the curriculum to be honest. If I had to pick one, it would probably be English or Drama.
Who was your favourite teacher at school and what impact did they have on you?
My favourite teacher was my Y6 teacher. He had an excellent way of explaining things, a great sense of humour and really brought learning to life!
What’s the best thing about being head teacher for Oakleigh House?
I am loving getting to know the children and working with both staff and parents to find ways to help them develop and excel.
What is the school’s ethos and how do you uphold those values as headteacher for the school?
At Oakleigh House School we encourage children to be the best they can be through challenge, differentiation and support in a safe and nurturing environment. I ensure that I act as a role model for the children in upholding these values.
The school is no stranger when it comes to winning awards - can you tell us more about your success?
We’ve recently won two awards: Top 20 Nursery in Wales by daynurseries.co.uk. We have won this for the past 3 years, offering full and part-time sessions open from 8am until 6pm. National Association for Able Children in Education (NACE) award. The school has been accredited with this for the 4th time and is given in recognition of school-wide commitment to high-quality provision for more able and talented learners, within the context of challenge for all.
Finally, why should parents send their children to school at Oakleigh House?
This is a nurturing environment where the approach to supporting children’s development is balanced carefully between academic excellence and valuing the holistic nature of childhood. The best way to get a sense of the school is to come to visit us for yourselves.
Every day is an open day at Oakleigh House School! Contact the Admissions Team on 01792 298537 or alternatively at admissions@oakleighhouseschool.co.uk
Find out more at www.oakleighhouseschool.co.uk
FriendlybacteriawithvitaminsC&Dshownto reduceabsenteeismfromschoolby30%
Pro-Ven Biotics is a research-led brand, which is supported by more than 30 years of research and development into the gut microbiome, as well as the use of probiotics to support it’s composition and function.
Its parent company (Cultech Ltd) is a key manufacturer of probiotics for companies based all over the world and runs a full-service facility, fermenting their own strains, manufacturing and packing their own supplements, distributing and marketing them globally.
The company’s aim has always been to produce efficacious products based upon comprehensive primary research and development –this is where they started and continues to be the focus today.
The ProVen research and development team have published more than 100 peer-reviewed publications supporting the health benefits of the products they make.
ProVen Probiotics Fit for School chewable tablets have been specially formulated for children aged 4-16 years old.
Each tablet contains 12.5 billion of the unique Lab4 acidophilus and bifidus friendly bacteria combined with vitamin C to provide support for your child’s immune function.
ProVen Probiotics Fit for School was used in the ProChild study, which took place over a six-month period throughout autumn and winter.
The product is also available in stick pack format, with each stick pack containing vitamin D and prebiotic FOS in addition to the 12.5 billion friendly bacteria and vitamin C.
ProVen Probiotics Fit for School are provided as one-a-day chewable tablets with a delicious strawberry flavour that can be taken straight after a meal or snack. They contain no added artificial colours, flavours or preservatives.
Visit provenbiotics.uk to find out more - there’s an expert on hand to answer your questions via online chat who are there to help find the right probiotic for you and your family.
Designed specifically for children, Fit for School chewable tablets taste delicious and have a superior ‘mouth feel’ that kids love.
Developed with research-backed levels of friendly bacteria, Fit for School contain 12.5 billion live bacteria per chewable tablet with vitamin C to support immunity.
Just one tasty tablet every day can help to keep your child(ren) ‘fit for school’.
Atailorededucationalexperiencethatempowers pupilstotakeownershipoftheirlearning and their future
Nestled in 11 acres of magnificent grounds, and tucked away from the hustle and bustle of city life is St Clare’s, a unique non-selective, independent school which welcomes boys and girls from 2 ½ to 18 years old.
At St Clare’s, pupil wellbeing is at the heart of everything they do. They encourage pupils to develop critical thinking and leadership skills within a supportive and challenging environment. They are by your child’s side every step of the way, from Nursery to Sixth Form.
The benefits of being an independent all-through school are allencompassing. As well as deliberately smaller class sizes to provide individualised attention, St Clare’s provides an outstanding holistic education filled with rich and varied experiences that focus on social, emotional, physical and cognitive learning. All of these result in excellent academic outcomes.
There’s the added reassurance of being part of the Cognita global schools’ group, which has 100+ schools in Europe, Latin America, Middle East, North America and Asia. As a Cognita school, St Clare’s provides a uniquely global education that goes beyond grades to help develop all-round academic excellence, building resilient minds and encouraging positive international perspectives on a firm foundation of wellbeing.
St Clare’s celebrated yet another year of incredible GCSE results with an overall pass rate of 100%.
Excellence was demonstrated within the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) related subjects with 100% A*/B in Chemistry, Physics and Computer Science, and 100% A*/C in Biology, Maths, Art and Graphic Communication.
Excellence was also achieved with 100% A*/B in Business Studies and Geography, and 100% A*/C in PE. Over 97% of grades were A*/C compared to the UK national average of 68% (secondary) and 91% (independent).
The school extends a huge congratulations to them all, but equally well done to all pupils who have worked so hard during the GCSE courses and whose grades truly reflect their ability and dedication.
Every pupil has unlimited potential for growth at St Clare’s with great importance on Value-Added performance, with pupils attaining on average two grades higher per subject by the end of A-Levels, compared to the national average for a child of their ability.
In the top 5% of top-performing schools for A-Level Performance since 2018, St Clare’s recently celebrated its track record for outstanding results with 35% A*/A and 100% pass rate. 100% of students secured their first-choice universities and competitive industry apprenticeships such as KPMG.
Helen Hier, Headteacher of St Clare’s, told LifeStyle Wales: “We are so proud of this year group and the journey they have been on.”
“They have truly lived out our school values of Achievement, Challenge and Excellence.
“The cohort have been incredibly successful and have all been able to take the next step into their chosen university or a gap year.
“Their success is testament to the close-knit community here at St Clare’s with dedicated students and hard-working staff. St Clare’s will remain part of their family, forever their school.”
From your child’s first moment at our Nursery and Pre-School, they become part of the St Clare’s family, with access to eleven acres of magnificent grounds and all the facilities and resources available at an independent school.
St Clare’s Nursery holds Daynurseries UK Top 20 Award 4 years in a row with enviable 10/10 parent-review scores.
High-quality early education provision is essential to children’s development. Deliberately smaller classes and experienced subject specialists give your child the best possible start. By the end of KS1 and KS2, on average, St Clare’s pupils are +12 months ahead in their reading.
St Clare’s Prep and Nursery benefit from weekly onsite Forest School, Spanish/French and PE with enviable sporting facilities and eleven acres of idyllic grounds to focus on play, exploration and discovery. Not forgetting Newton Beach on their doorstep!
So, if you are searching for a school that feels like a second home for your child within the Bridgend County or Vale of Glamorgan, look no further than St Clare’s School for children aged 2 ½ to 18 years of age.
Helen Hier added: “We warmly welcome families throughout the year, offering tailored personal tours on a day that suits you, including school holidays.
“Enjoy a guided tour around the school by a member of our friendly Admissions Team who can answer any questions you may have.
“We look forward to welcoming you through our doors.”
Newton, Porthcawl CF36 5AS admissions@stclares-school.co.uk stclares-school.co.uk 01656 789966
CardiffDogsHomeneedshelpinfindingforeverhomesfortheloveableanimalsintheircare
Dogs boarding at Cardiff Dogs Home have been there for many, many months and they’ll stay there too, being well looked after and cared for, until the team can find them the right match with a suitable new owner.
There are several steps you can take if you are interested in re-homing a dog:
Cassius, the lovable and adventurous 4 year old Bulldog, is a sweet and strong boy who loves to explore and go on long adventures.
With a goofy personality and a knack for making people laugh, he would thrive in a family home.
He could potentially live with a neutered female dog of similar size and energy.
While he requires training classes to improve his socialisation skills, he’s already mastered the “sit” command and will proudly hold his paw up for treats.
I need an active home, and I don’t like to be left alone.
I would need my new owner to take me to training classes.
I need an owner who is home most of the time.
I prefer to live with adults only, I may be suitable to live with older children.
What’s most important is finding a human who can provide stability and companionship.
Cassius will benefit from someone home most of the time due to his past abandonment.
1. Research breeds, age, and size to see what dog might best suit your lifestyle.
2. Decide on the dog that you are interested in re-homing.
3. Complete an Application form online.
If they think you are a good match, they’ll contact you to discuss more about your application. The team will then make two appointments for you to meet.
This beautiful lady is Pamela, she is Staffie Labrador mix. She’s a sensitive girl who wants nothing more than love.
We would expect Pamela to take some time to get know her new humans. Once she has established trust, Pamela will hold on to it.
Pamela is a fast learner and will excel at everything that she is challenged with.
She has the sweetest temperament and the biggest Staffie smile. She is an athletic girl and does enjoy a good adventure. Pamela will need to work on her dog socialisation manners, she is working hard with consistent support.
Pamela has a playful nature, she likes a bit of rough and tumble. Pamela will use noise as an expression in play.
She will require humans who are well associated with the staffie breed.
Pamela is best suited to a quiet home with someone around most of the time to ensure she receives the necessary training and where she is able to settle down at her own pace.
Based on Pamela’s energetic rough play she is suitable for a home with humans 18+.
If these introductions go well, they will re-home the dog with you permanently.
Visit the Cardiff Dogs Home website for more information about re-homing a dog. Below are three of the dogs in their care that are looking for a new home.
cardiffdogshome.co.uk
029 2071 1243
Beautiful girl Phoenix arrived in our care through no fault of her own. Phoenix has such a wonderful temperament, she greets everybody with a waggy tail, she is always a pleasure to be around.
Phoenix shows good doggy manners around her canine friends, she is able to play and be respectful when needed.
Phoenix walks well on the lead, she can sometimes be a bit pully if something interesting takes her fancy! Phoenix is very bright and is very responsive to positive training methods.
She will require daily grooming to help maintain her beautiful German shepherd coat.
We would be happy to place Phoenix in a home with dog savvy children, ones who are used the large breeds and able to listen to instructions.
As Phoenix possess the skills and knowledge to respectfully be around other canines, we would love for her to have her own neutered canine companion, they will need to be calm.
Phoenix is the most loving girl and she deserves so much.
KoreanMartialArtsclubaimstogetpeople ofallagesfighting-fitatnewlocation
For the past eight years, Heads of the Valleys Tang Soo Do has been a fixture in Brynmawr, offering quality martial arts training to the community. Now, due to its ever growing popularity, the group has expanded, establishing a second location in the historic market town of Abergavenny.
The Abergavenny branch, led by Garen Kong - a second dan Black Belt with two years of teaching experience, and Geane Delos Reyes - a first dan Black Belt, are based at the School Gym of Abergavenny Leisure Centre, with classes held every Tuesday at 6pm.
This new club, aptly named Abergavenny Family Tang Soo Do, emphasizes family-oriented training, welcoming students of all ages to learn and grow together.
The club’s opening night was an overwhelming success, attracting an impressive 18 new members - many of whom were families keen to train together.
This inclusive atmosphere is at the heart of what Garen and Geane aim to foster. They believe in creating a space where families can bond, improve their fitness, learn self-defence, and work toward shared goals in a fun and supportive environment.
If you’re interested in experiencing Tang Soo Do for yourself, why not come along for a FREE first class? Discover the benefits of martial arts by forming increased confidence to stress relief, whilst being part of a community-focused club.
For more information visit www.hovtsd.com
Discover how to lose a stone in a month andbepartofsomethingnew
If you’d just passed your driving test, would you immediately enter a Formula One race? Hopefully, you’re shaking your head, saying no, of course not! And it’s the same when you lose weight.
It’s a fantastic achievement to celebrate reaching your weight loss goal, but it’s all too easy to fall into old habits that led to the weight gain in the first place.
If only there was someone to help you keep on track...
Sarah Stanton lives in Tenby, Pembrokeshire and is a qualified Life Coach, with a diploma in coaching mindful eating. She is your local LighterLife Mentor, and although being based in West Wales, Sarah helps people all over the UK via online video calls .
Sarah has experience of losing weight with LighterLife and maintained that weight loss since 2013. She offers FREE support during your weight loss journey and beyond.
LifeStyle Wales Recently caught up with Sarah to find out more. Here’s What she had to say:
How did you find out about LighterLife?
In 2013 I was talking to a friend about how she had lost weight and looked amazing, her self-confidence had also noticeably improved, so I asked her for her secret. She introduced me to her LighterLife Mentor who immediately inspired me to sign up there and then.
Why was LighterLife special to you?
I had a history of yo-yo dieting since I was 17 and nothing had worked long-term, I lost the weight and then once I returned to ‘normal’ eating I put it all back on, and usually more!
Having a Mentor, weekly meetings, and the support of a group of people who were on a similar journey meant that I was more accountable for myself. There was no naming and shaming, no judgements, just a group of people just like me.
The real difference was the Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy approach, as it taught me so much about myself, and also my relationship with food. Even when I had achieved my goals, I continued to attend the group sessions for over a year, which was definitely the secret to me being able to keep the weight off and living a healthier life, both in body and in mind.
What has changed for you since starting the LighterLife Total Fast Programme?
There has been so much change. I am a lot more self-confident and have more motivation and energy to try new things.
When I was in the group meetings, I used to hear a lot of noise from another room in the building where our meetings were being held, I investigated, and found out it was an aerial hoop class.
When I had reached my goal and lost almost 4 stone in just over 16 weeks, I had the confidence to join the ariel hoop class and found my inner trapeze artist. This then led to an interest in learning Burlesque dancing, and even taking part in a world record while in burlesque costume, walking around East London to promote the event!
I went from a person who could barely walk a mile, to completing several ultra-walks of over 50km in a day. I travelled solo to South East Asia several times, joining projects to build homes for Land Mine survivors in Cambodia, visiting elephant rescue projects and learning about other people and cultures.
On January 1st of this year, I took part in the New Year’s Day Swim at Saundersfoot to help raise funds for local charities - something else I would never have dreamed of doing!
Because of the personal benefits I gained from attending the group sessions I decided to train as a Life Coach, and gained my diploma in Life Coaching, with an additional diploma in coaching Mindful Eating.
At the same time the opportunity arose to become a LighterLife locum counsellor, and then a Mentor, and the rest, as they say, is history!
What do you like about being a mentor?
The best part for me is seeing the personal transformations of my clients, their growth in self-esteem and confidence. To see people shining.
Being able to work in partnership with them to facilitate that change and help my clients become their best selves is so rewarding.
Losing weight and keeping it off is a life-changing experience. To see and share the joy of clients who have reversed pre-diabetes, lowered their cholesterol or who can walk more comfortably is the most rewarding experience.
The personal benefit I get is I am able to keep myself in check, as I am reminded time and again where I have come from, and where I am now.
What are the benefits that LighterLife can offer?
At LighterLife, we believe that true transformation goes beyond what you see in the mirror. It’s about changing how you think, feel, and respond to the challenges life throws your way. That’s why we combine Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with mindfulness practices in a supportive group setting, all led by Mentors like me, who are here to walk with you every step of the way.
One of the most valuable aspects of LighterLife is the strength of our client community. In my groups, you won’t be alone, you’ll be joined by people who understand your journey because they’re on it too and as your Mentor, I’ll be there to provide personalised support every step of the way.
If you’re ready to lose a stone a month and learn how to maintain the weight loss when those pounds have melted away, and be one of the first to join our brand-new plan, let’s start this journey together.
We are currently launching a new closed group programme, providing new tools to help you on your weight loss journey and beyond, and I would be delighted to offer you a place in my exciting new groups.
Contact Sarah now for a FREE, no obligation consultation.
07966 529712
sarah.stanton@lighterlifementor.com lighterlife.com/sarahstanton Facebook: @LighterLifeTenby Intagram: @lighterlife.tenby.with.sarah
Enjoyandtreatyourselftoamuchneededbreak withnickybrightholidays.com
WaterfallCountryEscape YnysArms
Once a working Welsh pub, now the perfect place for families and groups to hire.
Set in the Welsh mountains on the edge of the “Bannau Brycheiniog” National Park know as the Brecon Beacons. A short drive away and you’ll discover “Henryd Waterfalls” - the highest waterfalls in South Wales.
Our venue offers four open plan self contained apartments on the first floor, large kitchen, bar, lounge and restaurant.
Outdoor activities can be found all around you, from walking, cycling, mountain biking, off roading, Zipworld, Dan yr Ogof Showcaves, the Monkey Sanctuary, Walters Motorsport Area, Bike Park Wales, Henryd waterfalls, and not forgetting Pen-y-Fan “Bannau Brycheiniog” Brecon Beacons.
After a day of adventures you can return to your venue and enjoy a relaxing evening with a BBQ or a quiet beer relaxing around the log fire.
38 Station Road, Coelbren, Neath Valley, Powys SA10 9PN 02920 001 480
An intimate venue suited to all your needs from celebrations, gatherings, coaching seminars, business meetings, crew filming, weddings and extended large families.
Licensed Wedding Venue - Entire private hire of the property which is enclosed within a large private garden over looking fields.
Our venue offers accommodation sleeping up to 26 people.
The venue includes breakout areas, dining area, lounge, kitchen, outdoor undercover patio, outdoor play area, BBQ area, bicycle storage, pet kennels, WiFi, 75” SKY Sports TV and ample free parking.
Ynysmeudwy Road, Pontardawe, Swansea SA8 4QJ 02920 001 480
The Old Stables
The Old Stables a beautiful luxury cottage facing south over looking green fields. Every detail of the property has been carefully thought through with only you our guest in mind.
When you enter the property, you will notice a hammock covers an open space in the above ceiling, a great relaxation place. Take time out to read, sleep, listen to music, watch TV or gaze at the dark skies stars which illuminate the stars.
Pembroke is a peaceful tranquil paradise with million of years of history for you to explore.
“The Old Stables” is within a 10 minute walk of Pembroke Castle, with a shorter walk in to town. You will find independent retailers, bars and a night club.
When you enter the cottage you will feel instantly at home, everything you require for your stay is awaiting you - wine fridge, dishwasher, Kadai, BBQ, fire-pit along with a beautiful bath tub to soak away the journey west.
Grove Hill, Pembroke, Pembrokeshire SA71 5PT
02920 001 480
Doesyourbodyrepeatedlyrevealsignsofyourbad health?ThisPenarthacupuncturistteachesyouto interpretwhatyourbodyistellingyou.
Alternative Medicine considers the person, i.e. the body, mind, and environment in which the person lives, and his or her daily habits.
Holistic healing bypasses the ‘Band-Aid Solution’ approach of conventional medicine. It looks beyond the physical state of a person and sees the wholeness of their state of being or functioning. It recognises that the root cause of a physical illness may in fact be non-physical.
We usually treat our physical, spiritual, and our mental problems separately, as if they were not related. For example, we see our doctor for our physical health, a healer for our spiritual health, and a psychologist. But is it possible to separate physical health from mental health and even spiritual health? Can we maintain our physical health when struggling to cope in other areas of our life?
Nerve Connect Treatment Clinic is the only place in the U.K. that provides holistic treatment of your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Owner and Alternative Medical Practitioner, Louise Downey believes in a holistic approach to healing and considers the whole person. She understands and emphasises what her patients go through, and is passionate to help them to get their life back, the same way she got hers back.
Louise told LifeStyle Wales: “I believe we’re the only clinic in Wales that uses Electromagnetic Acupuncture without needles to treat our patients’ ailments and illnesses. Our therapy is a unique combination of Acupuncture, Electric Cupping and Massage Therapy.
“Electromagnetic acupuncture allows for a more intense and deeper flow of energy, resulting in a rapid decrease in pain. This technique is particularly effective in the case of chronic pain.
“The electromagnetic fields act by stimulating the functioning of the cells. They also activate blood circulation, which promotes the supply of oxygen and nutrients around the body and the location of the organism. The iron in the blood acts as a conductor of this magnetic energy.
“Our alternative holistic treatment can be used to treat spinal pain, muscle pain, rheumatic pain, menstrual pain, migraines, neuralgia, allergies, stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, as well as injuries from sports and accidents
“A few treatment sessions are enough to help alleviate these problems and improve your quality of life. No drugs are administered during our interventions. We encourage and stimulate the body to heal itself.
“Our holistic approach is considered more effective because change occurs at all levels. Therefore, positive changes are more likely to be long-lasting and improve a person’s overall quality of life.
“The goal of aligning body, mind, and spirit promises a happier, healthier and more balanced state of being.
“But don’t just take our word for it, just take a look at the numerous testimonials from the people we have helped via our website and social media pages.”
So, if you’re suffering with any of the problems mentioned above, why not give Louise and her team a call?
Find out more by visiting the official Nerve Connect website.
nerveconnect.co.uk louise@nerveconnect.co.uk 07826 598287
ToveyBros.havebeenservingthepeopleofSouth Walesandsurroundingareassince1860
Our team is comprised of long-standing and caring professionals who have served the people of Newport and South East Wales for many years with great distinction.
Many of our team have been with us for decades. They have always strived to give a consistent quality of service to families for many, many years.
The family-approach goes far beyond our name and is woven into our team who all understand the importance of giving attentive and a sensitive level of service.
We are proud members of trade associations such as National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD), The National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF) and Selected Independent Funeral Homes (SIFH).
We were the first family-owned funeral business in Wales to obtain Investors In People (IIP), a respected accreditation that is central to the running of our business. This recognises our emphasis on the importance of our team and that they receive appropriate training.
Our staff have achieved qualifications from the NAFD (Diplomas in Funeral Directing), the British Institute of Embalming and SAIF’s Independent Funeral Directors College.
toveybros.co.uk 01633 266848
We can help you say goodbye, your way, with a simple, dignified and local direct cremation. With a SimplyCremation plan from Golden Charter you can say goodbye your own way, with a practical, lower cost alternative to a traditional funeral. To find out more, call now or visit our website.
BluebirdCareisnowapartoftheBootsHub,whichaimstohelpsimplifyyourhealthjourney
We here at Bluebird Care have been providing high-quality care for over 20 years, and by partnering with the Boots Health Hub, who are committed to offering personalised support service, we can share our fabulous services with you all!
This new partnership is a fantastic collaboration that has been designed to hopefully reach more people who need our services. When it comes to your care, we never compromise.
From our highly trained care experts to our highly skilled customer care team, we do everything we can to make your life as effortless as possible.
Our home care services provide the flexibility you need to maintain your everyday independence and regular reviews of your needs help keep it that way.
We all want to live our best life for as long as possible and to help with this, Bluebird Care is there to assist when you need it.
Our kind and compassionate team can help you with everything from household chores to personal care and daily support for complex conditions, or simply popping-in for a good old chat!
We give you and your family the peace of mind to stay in your own home that you love. Home is where the heart is - let’s keep it there.
Bluebird Care has been helping people live in the comfort of their homes since 2004. That’s two decades of learning from the needs of people like you, to get our home care service just right.
Due to the exciting collaboration, Bluebird Care now has a dedicated page on the Boots Health Hub website which has millions of website visitors every month.
You can find the Bluebird Care page within the Boots Health Hub along with other helpful information that’s been reviewed by healthcare professionals at www.boots.com/healthhub
So, if you’re considering home care for yourself or a loved one, find out more about our care services and how we can provide the best standard of care for you and your family, by contacting us today.
Contact us today using any of the methods below, and let us know if you found us through Life Style Wales
We look forward to hearing from you.
bluebirdcare.co.uk/vale-of-glamorgan bluebirdcare.co.uk/Cardiff cardiffandthevale@bluebirdcare.co.uk 02922 671497
Facebook: @BluebirdCareCSTV
Whyshouldretireesconsidertemporarywork?
ByNicholasKiraofIndeedFlex
One of the main reasons retirees are looking to return to the workforce is fairly obvious – finances or rather, for greater financial stability. It may be that by the official UK retirement age of 66, they simply haven’t accrued enough money in their State Pension pot and/or their private pension pot to be able to live comfortably and cover all their expenses.
In fact, the need for an additional income was found to be the primary motivation for returning to work for those aged 50–54, with a whopping 69% citing financial reasons.
Finances aside, there are also the social and mental health benefits of returning to work, for retirees. Retirement jobs can provide social interaction and mental stimulation, which retirees would miss if staying at home.
And it should be considered that retirees have accumulated a lifetime of valuable skills and experience, possibly across various sectors and roles, that can be beneficial to employers. In turn, retirees themselves may well feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction at putting these skills back into action.
So, that’s why retirees may consider returning to the workforce, but what about the type of jobs that might suit them?
Temporary jobs offer a good solution, giving retirees the flexibility that allows them to balance work with other commitments they may have. There are plenty of part-time jobs for pensioners available, and not just jobs, but good part-time jobs for pensioners.
And to prove the point, we’ve compiled a handy list of 5 flexible retirement jobs suitable for retirees who want to both supplement their income and stay physically and mentally active.
1. Bookkeeper
Bookkeeping is the ideal option for retirees or pensioners with financial or accounting experience, allowing them to contribute to businesses in a meaningful way. They can quickly adapt to the role without extensive retraining, allowing them to naturally transition into it.
2. Tour Guide
In terms of jobs for retirees, working as a tour guide can be both fun and rewarding, offering the opportunity to share your knowledge and passion for a specific location or topic, or both.
3. Retail Assistant
Retail assistant roles give you the chance to have increased social interactions, work as part of a team, and stay up to date on new trends and technologies – keeping you mentally engaged and connected with the world around you.
4. Cleaner
Facilities management cleaning roles offer good opportunities for part-time jobs for pensioners or retirees, particularly those with strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
5. Freelance Editor or Writer
A good part-time job for pensioners or retirees with previous experience is freelance writing and editing. Regardless of the type of writing and editing you choose to pursue, this kind of retirement job allows you to work independently, set your own hours, and work on a wide variety of projects/topics.
So here are a few job hunting tips to help you get the ball rolling:
• Use online job boards, like LinkedIn or Glassdoor, or, better still, use an app specifically for finding flexible jobs, like Indeed Flex.
• When using online search engines, use relevant keywords to refine your job search, like ‘temporary work’, ‘part-time’, ‘retirement jobs’, or ‘jobs for retirees’.
• Set up jobs alerts on any jobs boards or apps you use, so you’re notified of new opportunities as soon as they come up.
• Visit the careers pages of companies you’re interested in, as many will post temporary job openings directly on their own websites.
• Start networking – attending conferences, workshops, and industry events, to make new connections and potentially find new roles.
• When going for jobs, highlight your transferable skills from all of your previous roles.
• Consider freelancing or consultancy work, given your previous experience. Use sites like Upwork to land new projects.
If you’re looking for retirement jobs, there are plenty out there, across all different sectors – each requiring different skills and coming with a host of different benefits.
Why not join the Indeed Flex Community Facebook group, once you become a Flexer, to find help find the right temporary work for you.
For more information visit indeedflex.co.uk
A Sherman Theatre production / Cynhyrchiad Theatr y Sherman
By / Gan Tim Price
Directed by / Cyfarwyddwyd gan Joe Murphy
11 – 26 October / Hydref 2024
RhodriMeilirandSaraGregorytoleadcast ofShermanTheatre’sOdyssey‘84
Rehearsals are well under way for the Sherman Theatre’s production of Tim Price’ s Odyssey ‘84; a re-telling of the 1984 Miners’ Strike, inspired by Homer’s Odyssey.
In the 40th anniversary year of the Miners’ Strike, this brand new play tells the story of one of the most explosive chapters of Wales’ history, shining a light on the international support the miners received as well as the role women played in the stand-off with the British government.
The personal and political collide in Odyssey ‘84, which follows the story of a married couple caught up in the conflict, played by Rhodri Meilir (How My Light Is Spent, Sherman Theatre/Royal Exchange Theatre/Theatre By The Lake; Nye, National Theatre & Wales Millennium Centre) and Sara Gregory (Romeo and Juliet, Sherman Theatre; Home, I’m Darling, Theatr Clwyd/National Theatre).
Rhodri and Sara are joined on stage by Matthew Bulgo (The Cherry Orchard, Sherman Theatre; Nye, National Theatre & Wales Millennium Centre), François Pandolfo (The Taming of the Shrew, Sherman Theatre/Tron Theatre, An Audience with Milly Liu, difficult|stage); Sion Pritchard (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Sherman Theatre; Mammoth, BBC), Dean Rehman (Love Letters to Cardiff, Sherman Theatre; The Kite Runner, UK and Ireland tour) and Lisa Zahra (Grenfell: in the words of survivors, National Theatre; The Boy With Two Hearts, National Theatre & Wales Millennium Centre).
As the strike begins, miner John O’Donnell finds himself thrust into a fight for survival, taking him far from south Wales. Meanwhile, at home, his wife Penny goes on her own epic personal journey whilst striving to support her community. When they are finally reunited, they find that their very different journeys have transformed their lives forever.
Domestic meets epic and local meets global in this ambitious work, told through the lens of Homer’s Odyssey and written by one of Wales’ most successful playwrights, whose most recent work was the critically-acclaimed Nye (National Theatre & Wales Millennium Centre).
Writer Tim Price said: “I’ve wanted to write about the Miners’ Strike for nearly 20 years, but never felt ready or had the right story. Then I read about all the international fundraising that went on and I realised the strike was important not just for us in south Wales but for people all around the world.
“The efforts miners went to, to collect this money and build solidarity, made me think of my favourite Greek epic story; The Odyssey. And then I realised I finally knew how to tell this epic battle between Gods and mortals in the longest and most brutal industrial dispute in our modern history.”
Find out more and purchase tickets here: shermantheatre.co.uk/ event/odyssey-84
Stepintoabygoneeraasyouindulge in the vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean
Discover The Sultan - a Turkish/Mediterranean restaurant housed within a revered grade 2 listed building dating back to 1882. Once a culinary haven under the renowned chef Abel Magnernon during World War II, this establishment honours its storied past as a landmark of gastronomy in Cardiff.
The lavish restaurant officially opened its doors in the summer of 2023, and has already won a prestigious food award within its first year of business, along with being one of the Top 10 Cardiff restaurants on TripAdvisor - an incredible feat for this family run business.
Winning Best Middle Eastern Restaurant of Wales at the Welsh Food Awards has been the highlight of the year so far, with owner Kay, Manager Aslan, and Head Chef Kenan being overjoyed at the news. The team were also highly commended as Mediterranean Restaurant of the Year, as they were Runners-Up to The New Olé of Newport.
Owner Kay told LifeStyle Wales: “The 20th of August marked our anniversary, and we would personally like to take this opportunity to thank all of our wonderful customers in making our first year in service so incredible.
“Aslan and Kenan have been the anchors of our business, with the pair ensuring a top-quality service and consistent great-tasting dishes are served to our customers seven days a week - it would be very difficult to operate The Sultan without them!
“My mother Gulsen, who is like the mother of the business too, as she looks after everyone and wants them all to feel included in everything that we do. She has an eye for exceptional customer service and has helped to maintain those very high-standards here at The Sultan.
“By being one of the only independent businesses within Cardiff Bay, we felt that we needed to offer its diners something a little different, which is why we feel that our Mediterranean inspired menu with a modern twist has been such a huge success.
“Making it into the Top 10 of the Best Restaurants in Cardiff was a testament to a job well done - the reviews speak for themselves. In such a short year we have obtained quite a substantial following on our socials too, plus our google reviews boast 4.8 out of 5 with nearly 700 positive reviews already.
“Our menu showcases gourmet dishes that blend tradition with innovation, offering an unforgettable dining experience. We ensure that all of our dishes are consistently fresh as possible, as we prep at least 4-5 times a week. This allows us to have a fresh cycle supply of ingredients at all times.
“Since opening we’ve introduced a lot people to foods that they may never have tried before. I love suggesting dishes based on their individual tastes. It’s amazing seeing them enjoy our food as they explore different flavours. Witnessing them return to try something different shows that we must be doing something right.
“Ultimately, our ethos certainly lies in making everyone feel part of a family. We want everyone to feel welcome and special when they dine with us here at The Sultan.
“We look forward to welcoming you through our doors, whether its for breakfast, lunch, or dinner - we are open seven days a week from 9am until 11pm. Booking is advised during our busy periods, especially on the weekends for lunch and dinner.”
So, if you’re looking for somewhere new to dine this autumn, why not make your way to The Sultan? Get ready to immerse yourself in the opulent ambiance of its meticulously restored space, where you can sample award-winning dishes of the Mediterranean which have been inspired by a modern twist.
The Big Windsor, Stuart Place, Cardiff CF10 5BU 029 2049 7776
Info @thesultancardiff.com thesultancardiff.com
Facebook: @thesultancardiff
Instagram: @thesultancardiff
Established in 2004, we take pride in providing the finest wines and spirits to the trade, restaurants, and bars across Wales. Discover a curated selection of wines, including Organic, Biodynamic, Vegetarian, and Vegan options. Quality that stands the test of time.
Wine and Food Pairing Specialists In-House Design & Printing Corporate Gift Packages
Anexpertselectstheirfavouritewinestoaccompanyaselectionofroastdinners
Do you know your Claret from your Beaujolais? If you don’t, please do not to fret, as wine expert, Roy Roberts of Celtic Wines, is on hand to help!
From organic and biodynamic to vegetarian and vegan options, Roy’s carefully curated selection mirrors the ethos of Celtic Wine’s dedication in offering quality and variety to its customers. Roy said, “Every bottle has a story, and we invite you to join us in savouring the tales within.”
As we draw closer to the Festive Season, and with a range of comfort foods now readily available on menus, Roy shares his favourite tipples to compliment our favourite roasts:
Beef - Verum, Cabernet Franc from South America
Lamb - Carlos Serres, Rioja Crianza from Spain (pictured )
Chicken - Volandas, Chardonnay from Chile
Pork - Michel Leon Gewurztraminer, from France
Gammon: - Blue Bottle, Riesling from Germany
Turkey - Tinamou, Pinot Noir from Chile
Duck - Primitivo, Rocca from Italy
Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Nut Roast - Chenin Blanc, Cape Marlin from South America
Fish Dish: Smoked Salmon - Torrontes Chacabuco f rom Argentina
The incredibly helpful team at Celtic Wines are on hand to offer impartial advice when pairing wine with food, helping numerous restaurants launch new seasonal menus, as well as aiding individuals who are looking to entertain their guests at home with a lavish dinner party.
Please do not hesitate to get in touch to find out more.
Unit 1A Warrior Way, Pembroke Dock, Pembrokeshire SA72 6UB 01646 681369
celticwines.com info@celticwines.com
Although Giovanni Malacrino could retire, his love for the business keeps him going. He finds joy in creating smiles for both customers and staff, making every day at work a passion-filled adventure.
Known locally for his incredible food and vibrant personality, Giovanni thrives on being different. His latest venture is launching a new Italian-style tapas menu at Giovanni’s in the Bay, which will be available all day, up until 2.am on weekends.
with fine wines and cocktails called Plankos, inspired by Claire from the show Come Dine With Me, which Giovanni appeared on. He often says, “A day without wine is like a day without sunshine,” and “At Giovanni’s, having fun is serious business.”
Giovanni’s story is deeply rooted in his family. In the 1950s, his parents, Domenico and Lina Malacrino, arrived in Cardiff with just £20 in their pocket and two suitcases. They worked multiple jobs before eventually opening Malacrino’s Fish and Chip Shop in Grangetown, which became a beloved local spot. Their dedication and strong values shaped Giovanni’s journey. After travelling and working on luxury cruise liners and with(Ron Bird) in the U.S.
Giovanni returned to Cardiff in 1983 to open Giovanni’s on The Hayes. It has since become Wales’ longest-running independent, family-run Italian restaurant, welcoming millions of customers and hundreds of celebrities over the years.
As a visionary, Giovanni played a key role in developing Cardiff’s Café Quarter the first purpose built cafe quarter in the UK and made headlines by purchasing and selling the entire Cardiff Arms Park pitch in just 10 days – delivering it piece by piece in pizza boxes, donating the proceeds to buy kits for young Welsh football and rugby ( clubs ) .
His entrepreneurial spirit extends to his restaurants on The Hayes, Park Place, and Cardiff Bay, as well as co-authoring books such as The Therapy of Cooking, available on Amazon Prime. Giovanni is nearing completion of three more books: The Caterer’s Diary, Your Mind in a Book, and So You Want to Open a Restaurant? (with “WHY” in brackets). He is also on the verge of announcing exciting brand expansion news.
Despite being told in school that he would never succeed due to his lack of academic inclination, Giovanni was determined to prove otherwise. His unique way of learning—combined with a passion for entertaining and making people laugh—has inspired him to help the next generation see that great success is possible. His skill in simplifying complex ideas has shaped his career as a life coach, helping people from all walks of life.
With a heart for philanthropy, Giovanni has helped raise millions for charity, including Princess Diana’s charity for Ty Hafan. He lives by the principles of belief, manifestation, and gratitude, making a positive impact through feeding the homeless twice weekly.
Giovanni also provides pasta to Cardiff’s Street Pastor teams, who help keep people safe in the city centre at night. A supporter of professional sports teams, his saying goes - “They play fasta on Giovanni’s pasta.”
His newest venture includes expanding his homeless outreach across the UK and running a mini-farm that supports children with autism and Down syndrome.
Giovanni attributes his success to vision, belief, and gratitude, acknowledging the invaluable contributions of his long-serving staff, especially his sister Francesca, whose efforts have helped build the brand’s enduring legacy.
Giovanni concludes by thanking his loyal customers, family, staff, friends, and the people of Wales for giving him the opportunity to grow and share his passion. It is their unwavering support that has made all of this possible.
Ciao Giovanni
Fabulous venue for Christmas Parties and to see in the New Year
For those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the busy town and city centres this December, hiring your very own public-house with guest rooms may be a better option.
The Ynys - a former public house in Swansea, is one such venue, and is owned by Entrepreneur Nicky Bright of Nicky Bright Holidays and Nicky Bright Interiors.
Nicky told LifeStyle Wales: “Since originally transforming The Ynysmeudwy Arms into a venue that can be hired for special occasions and short breaks away with larger family and friends groups, it has since struck a chord with people who just want to mingle with family and friends.
“In the past, hiring a function room at a venue would be the norm for celebrations, but then you’re at the mercy of having to deal with strangers and other guests visiting the bar or Lounge. Sometimes venues even double or triple book, due to having more than one function room. For some that may be fine, but for others, we offer a venue that’s exclusively yours.
“We focus on the experience and minute detail from the moment your event starts, ensuring you and your guests can relax to enjoy the festive celebrations. With the wide range of expertise and contacts we have, we’ll try our very best to obtain the things you desire for your Christmas Party.
“Christmas Parties can be quite expensive, which is why we have very competitive rates that are accessible to all.
“The Ynys not only allows you to bring your own beer and wine, but also offers on-site accommodation sleeping 26 guests, a playground to keep small children entertained (weather permitting during the colder months), as well as free parking for you and your guests.
“The Ynys also has a fully working industrial size kitchen, so it’s not a problem for entertaining larger groups with a delicious festive feast!
“Obviously the venue will be dressed for the festive season - with table dressing, along with any other extras such as evening entertainment, available at an extra cost.
“Please do not hesitate to contact me to discuss what your perfect Christmas Party would be, as I’ll try my very best to make this a reality for you.”
nickybrightholidays.com hello@nickybrightholidays.com 02920 001 480
Cut the potatoes into chips and soak in cold water for 5-10mins, . Bring to a simmer, then turn down the heat and simmer gently for 10-12 mins until cooked through - but not falling apart. Drain gently, then place on a tray and chill until needed. (Can be prepared a day ahead
When you’re ready to fry - prepare the batter. Tip the flours and turmeric into a bowl with a pinch of salt, poor over the lager or fizzy water. Mix quickly until everything comes together to the consistency of double cream - do not over beat (a few lumps are fine). Keep chilled. Pour the oil into a deep wide wide pan or pre-heat a deep fat fryer
full with oil. Heat the oil until it is simmering and carefully lower in the chips using a slotted spoon. Fry for 8-10 minutes, gently stirring occasionally until the chips are golden and crisp. Transfer to kitchen
Put a small amount of flour into a dish, then bring the oil that you used to cook the chips up to 185C. Working quickly, dust the fish in the in flour, then dredge through the bowl of chilled batter. Hold the fillet above the batter to let the excess drip back into the bowl. Carefully lower both fillets into the oil and cook for around 4mins, turning once around halfway, to ensure both sides are golden and crisp. Lift onto some kitchen paper to drain. Serve with the chips and plenty of salt and
Whether it’s an office party with colleagues or a family gathering with your nearest and dearest, Giovanni’s Cardiff offers 3 incredible dining destinations to celebrate the festive season! Christmas Menu
3 Course Lunch - £24.95
3 Course Dinner - £29.95
Park Place 029 2022 6299 inparkplace@giovanniscardiff.co.uk 8 Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3DP
The Hayes 029 2022 0077 onthehayes@giovanniscardiff.co.uk
38 The Hayes, Cardiff, CF10 1AJ
The Bay 029 2049 5480 inthebay@giovanniscardiff.co.uk
339 Lloyd George Ave, Cardiff, CF10 4QH