Cardiff character: Mathew Healey
Working behind a bar is not easy at the best of times, but when Cardiff’s Millennium stadium hosts the series of international rugby matches, serving food and drink to thousands can be hellish. This is something Mathew Healey, manager at the Prince of Wales pub on St. Mary’s Street, is all too familiar with. After... Read More
Cardiff character: Lyndon Bradford
It’s not every day that you get invited to compete against the best chefs in the business at a nationwide competition, but one chef from Newport has done just that. Lyndon Bradford is a junior sous chef at Bacaro, a restaurant on the outskirts of Newport, and has recently become a finalist in the Pizza... Read More
Cardiff character: Julian Bigg
His old teacher said a budding conductor needs two things: a degree in psychology and an iron constitution. After 30 years it seems Julian Bigg has both but he sees the start of his career a bit differently. Conducting “Laziness,” was what appealed to him. “I liked playing in orchestras but I got bored quite... Read More
Cardiff character: Alex Williams
Margaux Smale chats tea, drums and the decline of the live music scene in Cardiff with musician Alex Williams. A member of the eclectic four-piece band, Islet, Alex is a well-known and much-loved character in Cardiff. With trendy wide-rimmed glasses, a twirly mustache and a bubbly personality, it’s easy to see why. But being an... Read More
Cardiff character: Juliette Llewellyn
In an age where the internet provides a multitude of online communities, Juliette Llewellyn has created one of flesh and blood right in the heart of Canton, geared towards discussing the intricacies of social media. Canton Social Media Surgery, a voluntary drop-in service for those wishing to learn more about social media, is part of... Read More
Cardiff character: Christina Thatcher
Bright, bubbly and full of energy, the American-born and Cardiff-based Christina Thatcher is convinced that creative writing can be an important means of empowerment. “I’ve always had a really strong drive to do what I do,” she says, referring to her multiple roles... Read More
Cardiff character: Christian Amodeo
I Loves The ‘Diff creator talks about the pocket sized city that holds a special place in his heart Dressed appropriately in his I loves The ’Diff hoody, Christian Amodeo explains how his love for “pocket sized city” Cardiff means that he may travel but will always return to his hometown. Christian, 36, grew up... Read More
Cardiff character: Simon Riordan
It takes time, money and an awful lot of determination to set up your own theatre company but Simon Riordan did just that, with very little training and a self-confessed lack of business knowledge. Two years on Bare Knuckle Theatre is consistently producing profit and well-satisfied audiences. 29-year-old Simon picked up his directing abilities while... Read More
Cardiff character: Amy Davies
In her High Street flat lined with handmade bunting, a few seconds walk from the Castle and High Street Arcades, Amy Davies unravels the story behind her unique photography project. The Cardiff Arcades Project, which began in February 2011, is a photography project that profiles Cardiff’s Victorian and Edwardian shopping arcades. Since it started it has... Read More
Cardiff character: Ellie James
18 year old Ellie James admits she isn’t a typical teenager. Having taught herself guitar and beaten off competition to win the accolade of best emerging songwriter at Cardiff Music Festival this October, others might be inclined to agree. Ellie, however, takes it all in her stride. Appearing pleasantly pleased by her successes, she seems... Read More
Cardiff character: Manuel Vigario
Wearing both a black tailored suit and a welcoming smile, Manuel Vigario appears from his office for a rare break. Style and friendliness, the two qualities that are most apparent upon first meeting Manuel. They just so happen to be the same qualities that come... Read More
Cardiff character: Sion Llywd
Sion Llywd is a busy man. What with touring as part of Wales’ most upcoming band and balancing an MA workload and social life, it’s amazing he has time for an interview at all. If his face seems familiar, you may have seen Sion playing at Gwdihŵ as part of Sŵn, the Cardiff music festival.... Read More
Cardiff characters: Allen & Kevin Rees
Allen and Kevin Rees are a father and son duo who have had great success running their butchers shop A&K Rees family Butchers on Cowbridge Road, Canton, managing to survive for over thirty years when so many independent local shops have come and gone. Alt Cardiff met the pair at their store on a Friday... Read More
Cardiff character: Jay Shah
Koko Gorilaz will soon be host to a huge fundraising event set up in aid of Karina Menzies and other victims of the recent tragedy in Ely Jay Shah, is seated in the corner of his venue, Koko Gorilaz, ready to greet Alt.Cardiff with a chilled pint of Coke. He... Read More
Cardiff character: Colour Doomed
The street artist who is responsible for a part of the new graffiti on the Cardiff Fashion Quarter walls and who goes under the alias of Colour Doomed, arrived by pushbike wearing paint-covered jeans to The Full Moon bar on Womanby Street to talk to Alt.Cardiff. The 26-year-old artist, who is originally from... Read More
Cardiff character: Rachel Shepherd
You might have heard of the Word Virus Essay but not even known it. Stickers of their logo, a cartoon robot, are scattered all over Cardiff in pubs and clubs. Musical Roots Singer Rachel Shepherd has always loved music; that much is apparent from her wide-eyed enthusiasm when she talks. Her musical manifesto is... Read More