In Brief
Trojan Warrior
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One of our favourite eateries and, according the The Times no less, one the UK’s best place to eat middle eastern cuisine is having a makeover. There are a few changes to the menu, such as the addition of lemon sole, but the main focus of attention has been the décor, with new furnishings, complete redecoration and new furniture. Some things won’t change though. The quality of the food and the great welcome from Eirsin and his team.
Troy Restaurant,
192 City Road,
Cardiff, CF24 3JF,
Tel: 029 2049 9339,
Shop Rugby ‘til you drop
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The boys at Shop Rugby on Duke Street, Cardiff have been busy this year with Autumn Internationals and sales of Wales kit. So much so, they’ve ordered loads of extra stock for Christmas so if you want to treat your nearest and dearest (which could well be yourself), head down there before they get low on stock.
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Not only has Wales kit been flying out the door but they’ve noticed an uptake in the sale of regional kit too. Some of this can be explained by the success of the Blues and Ospreys but more unusual is the level of interest in kit for English teams. What’s going on? Perhaps it’s simply the result of the huge range carried in-store. All the major English clubs are stocked, as are regional team kits from Ireland and France – guess it’s a bit like wearing a Barcelona or AC Milan kit if you’re a footie fan. Does this mean rugby kits are becoming fashionable – we think so.
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And lastly, they’ve got Lions kit aplenty too. Get in quick to make sure you get yours before they sell out.
Shop Rugby,
8 Duke Street,
Cardiff, CF10 1AY,
Tel: 029 2066 4466,
Pitch perfect
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The guys at Pitch in Mill Lane have been busy with their paint brushes and a whole lot more. Owner Ben, with the help of bar interior designer guru Tim Rice, has totally refurbed the two storey restaurant and bar to create a sophisticated, funky, sumptuous environment that’s perfect for a lunch, pre rugby meal and evening dining not to mention a late evening drink or cocktail. Food is proudly local, with a Welsh feel to the cuisine. They seek the best, most mouth-watering ingredients that can be found locally from farmers, growers, makers and markets, fusing them together to create innovative flavours and fresh, vibrant, sumptuous dishes.
Pitch, 3 Mill Lane,
Cardiff,
Tel: 029 2022 8882,
Good times at Lexus
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There are exciting times ahead at Lexus Cardiff. Plans are afoot to move to a new site a short distance from their current location on Hadfield Road. Owners Motorline have big ambitions for Lexus in Cardiff and strongly feel that a bigger site will enable Dealer Principal Darryl Evans and his team to achieve them. The new showroom will be about twice the size and will allow them to showcase far more of the ever expanding Lexus range. Though ground hasn’t been broken yet, they’re hoping to be in around Spring time 2017.
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Coming some is a new Lexus IS, showcasing sharper lines, revised interiors and more than a few engineering tweaks to keep it on top of the premium compact pack.
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Lexus,
Cardiff,
Hadfield Road,
CF11 8AQ.
Tel: 029 2034 8500.
Hospitable Clayton
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With the Autumn Internationals, Christmas not far off and Six Nations looming in the distance why not check out the Clayton Hotel for a stay, or at the very least, a rather pleasant drink and meal? It’s got to be the best located hotel in the ‘diff, situated next door to the station, which means you can let the train take the strain and leave the car at home and properly enjoy a few drinks with your meal or before/after the match. They also do a good line in hospitality packages at very reasonable costs which means you can push the boat out without breaking the bank.
Clayton Hotel,
St Mary Street,
Cardiff, CF10 1GD.
Tel: 029 2066 8866,
Lounge around in Santiago
If you’ve been inspired by our travel feature about Chile this issue and you’re a Oneworld Emerald or Sapphire Member or travelling Premium Business on LAN, TAM or any Oneworld alliance airline or travelling in LAN’s Premium Economy class - make a beeline for the brand new VIP lounge at Santiago airport in-between flights. It features fine wines and food, heaps of space to relax, showers and even an entertainments and videogame zone. It’s a wonderfully airy, relaxing space - the perfect place to recover after a long flight or to get some work done before boarding. There’s a similarly comfy lounge at Sao Paulo – ideal if you’re changing planes here between Santiago and London.
See www.lan.com and www.tam.com.br
Lovable Rogues
The Brogue Trader, stockists of Loake, Sebago, Joseph Cheaney and Oliver Sweeney amongst others and owned by father and son team, Chris and Keiron Macnamara, has been awarded New Independent Footwear Retailer of the Year for 2015 by the British Footwear Association. “Ultimately, our customers are our biggest critics, but the Footwear Industry Awards are especially important because winners are voted for by members of the footwear trade. It is a completely independent endorsement, and recognition of the success of our business, by our peers.” said a chuffed Chris.
Morgan Arcade, Cardiff. 0843 658 1812
Meat your Heart Out
The Meating Place, informally known as the Carnivore’s Retreat, is in every veg-eschewing foodie’s top ten of good grub grottos. If you count yourself among those foodies, you’ll be pleased to know that the Meating Place is prepping for a big menu relaunch. Don’t be too scared, the classics are safe and the place is still going to be the Meat Eater’s Delight, they’re just freshening up the menu a bit with some new options to impress the regulars.
Book tables by phoning 029 2022 4757
Swing By and Tee Off
Have you ever been so sick of shopping that you start to daydream yourself away? You imagine somewhere warm, somewhere tropical… maybe a rainforest? Well, it just so happens that St David’s Cardiff has found itself housing a mini slice of paradise in the form of Treetops Adventure Golf. There are two 18-hole courses; the first is the ancient Explorer, set in ruins; the other is the Tropical Trail, set in the luscious rainforest. Take a break from your overburdened shopping bags and pop by for a bit of midday relaxation.
adventuregolf.com or phone 029 2022 6590
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Going Green
Release your inner hippie this summer at the Green Man Festival up in the Brecon Beacons. For three days (August 20-23) you can whisk yourself away to a world of music, drink and goodhearted fun. The guys at Green Man organise ten areas that specialise in different entertainments, from countless live musicians, such as headliners Super Furry Animals, to the stunning collection of 99 ales, ciders, and perries sourced from all over Wales. Sleep under the stars (or in a tent if you don’t trust Welsh summers) surrounded by the most beautiful mountains in the country and remember how it feels to be that relaxed.
greenman.net
Zooming into Cardiff
Motorline are continuing to take Cardiff by storm as they have done the past few years. One of their best names is the Italian heavyweight Maserati. If you’re looking into getting a new car right now, I’d be shocked if you haven’t considered getting one of these beauties. The Maserati brand has been blazing paths for just over a century now and that’s a lot of time to be able to perfect car models! You’ve heard of the classics, Gran Turismo and Gran Cabrio; you might consider the newer Ghibli or Quattroporte as well!
Find out more at motorline.co.uk/maserati
Pointe you in the Right Direction
It’s that time of year when people start sniffing about for a new home – summer always seems to bring change with it. If that’s how you’re feeling, it’s worth having a look at what Cardiff Pointe has to offer. They’re in the business of beauty; their luxury apartments and homes all have perfect finishes and are based in Cardiff Bay with views you really can’t beat. So if you’re considering upgrading your life a little, these are the guys to go to when you’re browsing for a new pad.
cardiffpointe.co.uk or 029 2034 3473
Yaki-tasty
Get your chopsticks ready and poised to strike, because Cardiff’s favourite independent Japanese groove, Yakitori #1, is looking at a huge menu overhaul. Old gems will be safe, but the focus is on expanding dining options. Their reputation for fresh sushi and perfectly crafted bento boxes has spread all over Cardiff in recent years, especially as they’re one of the few independent food joints in the chain-littered Bay. Well, they’re jumping from strength to strength now as they plan on revealing their re-imagined menu soon! Get ready to bib up and chow down.
yakitori1.co.uk or phone to book on
029 2049 5050
Your New Pal
While we’re on the subject of vehicles, there’s a new gadget making waves in the autosphere. Seeing as filling up your car is the single most boring chore on the planet, it’s only right to give you a recommendation that will fix this issue! The Pump Pal is a new gizmo that fits around petrol pumps and keeps the fuel latch engaged to allow you the luxury of jazz hands level of freedom. But you can say goodbye to that irritating sore hand, at least!
More details available at pumppal.co.uk
Whodunit?
Stradey Park Hotel and Llanelly House have teamed up to create the weekend getaway to die for: a luxury three course meal, an overnight stay and breakfast. Did I forget to mention the murder? Yes! The package is a Murder Mystery evening and you get to fulfil your Sherlockian dreams of becoming a smart arse detective. After a splendid meal, a scream will be heard and from then on it’s up to you and your brain to find out which of your dining partners is actually a cold-blooded killer. Hopefully it’s all pretend, but regardless you should check it out!
Book your tickets by emailing
reservations@stradeyparkhotel.com or
phoning 01554 758171
