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The South Wales Magazine


Gennaro Contaldo’s filled brioche recipe
This tear and share brioche is filled with sweet apricot jam. Gennaro Contaldo’s filled brioche (David Loftus/PA) “This ‘tear and share’ brioche cake is a popular sweet treat from the Alto Adige/South Tyrol area of Northern Italy and is a typical example of how the cuisine of this region has been influenced by its border neighbour, Austria,” explains chef Gennaro Contaldo. “It takes a little time to prepare but is very simple to make and is really worth the wait. Delicious fi


5 must-have beauty products to use over 60
Here are the five non-negotiables that should be in your skincare routine, according to dermatologists. Here are the five products over-60s should have in a make-up bag (Alamy/PA) Skin in our 60s behaves very differently to skin in our 30s or 40s. Collagen levels decline, elastin fragments, oil production slows and the skin barrier becomes more fragile. These changes can result is dryness, dullness, increased sensitivity and a gradual loss of firmness. “By our 60s, the skin h


Annie Sloan CBE: ‘Cloud Dancer was basically a sort of rather dull white’
The colour expert and creator of Chalk Paint discusses Pantone Colour of the Year 2026 – and her colour palette of the year. By Sam Wylie-Harris. Time to embrace bold, uplifting hues for a sense of wellbeing (Annie Sloan/PA) Fearless when it comes to colour, and a leading authority on decorative painting, it’s 36 years since Annie Sloan revolutionised the way we paint furniture with her Chalk Paint™. One of the most important designers of her generation, and author of 27 book


Gozzle hatches this spring at WWT Llanelli
This spring, WWT Llanelli is teaming up with Macmillan Children’s Books to explore the wonderful world of wetlands with Gozzle, a freshly hatched gosling discovering what it takes to grow up. The Gozzle wetland adventure at Llanelli Wetland Centre amilies are invited to enjoy a season of firsts this spring as WWT Llanelli is teaming up with Macmillan Children’s Books to explore the wonderful world of wetlands with Gozzle, a freshly hatched gosling discovering what it takes to


‘I’m obviously going to be awful’ – Claudia Winkleman jokes about her new BBC chat show
The TV presenter reflects on the longevity of her career and the chat show hosts that inspire her, ahead of the launch of The Claudia Winkleman show. Claudia Winkleman during filming for the Graham Norton Show, at BBC If the first-look teaser trailer for Claudia Winkleman’s new chat show is anything to go by, it’s going to be all of the elements that have become her trademark: quirky, self-deprecating, funny and classy. A short video released last week (February 27) shows the


Discover London’s best with London City Guide
Planning a trip to London? Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, London City Guide is the ultimate companion for exploring the capital. This free guide highlights the very best things to see and do, helping visitors make the most of every moment in the city. Tower Bridge at sunset. Must-Visit Attractions and Hidden Gems From iconic landmarks like the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace to quirky hidden corners and local favourites, London City Guide brings tog


The best Easter days out in South Wales
Easter in South Wales is bursting with egg-cellent attractions the whole family will love. Folly Farm Go wild at Folly Farm Easter is the perfect excuse to dust off the picnic blanket, grab the kids and make some memories at Folly Farm in Pembrokeshire. Part farm, part zoo, part amusement park, it’s a one-stop adventure that keeps little (and big) ones entertained from morning to evening. Spring brings the farm to life, fluffy lambs, bouncing bunnies, and a host of animals th


Claire Sweeney’s Wickedly Fabulous Cardiff Takeover
Get ready Cardiff, stage and screen favourite Claire Sweeney is bringing her deliciously devious Miss Hannigan to the capital when ANNIE arrives at the WMC from 7 July for a limited two-week run. Claire Sweeney as Miss Hannigan. Beloved by generations, Annie is the ultimate feel-good family musical, and this new UK and Ireland tour promises all the sparkle, sass and heart that have made it a global sensation. Set against the backdrop of 1930s New York, the story follows brave


Don't miss Under Milk Wood at Sherman Theatre this spring
“To begin at the beginning…” Few opening lines are as instantly recognisable or as richly woven into Welsh cultural identity as those from Under Milk Wood. Under Milk Wood in the Sherman Theatre, Cardiff Theatr Clwyd brings Dylan Thomas’s lyrical masterpiece back to the stage in a bold new production at Sherman Theatre from 30 April to 9 May 2026, promising humour, heartbreak and a beautifully eccentric portrait of Welsh life. Directed by Kate Wasserberg, the production inv


Cardiff Speed Puzzle Championship: My First Attempt at Speed-Puzzling
There are hobbies you do to relax and then there are hobbies you suddenly attempt under pressure, surrounded by strangers, a ticking clock and the creeping realisation that two hours disappears far faster than you ever imagined. That’s how I found myself staring down at 500 scattered cardboard pieces at Cardiff’s first ever speed-puzzling championship. Competing in the UKJPA Speed Puzzle Championship Cardiff 2026 Hosted at Cardiff City House of Sport, the buzzing event brough


A New Era in Patient Care at St Joseph’s Hospital Newport
St Joseph’s Hospital has successfully performed its first robotic assisted surgical procedure, marking a significant milestone in its continued investment in advanced patient care. Robotic-Assisted Surgery from Mako SmartRobotics™ at St Joseph’s Hospital in Newport. Following a recent investment of over £1 million, independent private healthcare provider St Joseph’s Hospital in Newport is now able to offer all patients considering hip and knee replacement surgery even more ac


Hand crafted Furniture in South Wales
The BOX Furniture and Chunk Monkey are redefining handmade furniture with premium, handcrafted pieces designed to fit homes of every shape and size. The BOX Furniture and Chunk Monkey hand made furniture. South Wales is home to two sister furniture brands making big waves with hand-crafted, premium pieces, The BOX Furniture and Chunk Monkey. Both began with a passion for quality craftsmanship and have grown into distinct brands, each offering a unique approach to modern livin


Restaurant Review: A vegan feast at Mowgli Cardiff
We were invited to try the brand-new vegan menu at Mowgli Cardiff, a fresh plant-based addition to the restaurant’s vibrant Indian street food offering. Mowgli Cardiff Tucked along the bustling stretch of Church Street, Nisha Katona’s much-loved Indian street food concept has built its reputation on bold flavours, playful interiors and a fresh take on home-style Indian cooking. Known for small plates designed to share rather than the traditional curry house format, Mowgli pro


Climbing for Aled: A Mother-Daughter Mission to Machu Picchu
Sian and her mum Sylvia are taking on an 11-day trek through the Peruvian jungle in memory of Sian’s late son Aled. Battling altitude, splints and age, they’re walking to raise funds for Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice. Climbing for Aled: A Mother-Daughter Mission to Machu Picchu Trekking at altitude through the Peruvian jungle to the lost city of Machu Picchu would be a challenge for most people. But Sian Milligan, 44, who will be heading for Machu Picchu with her mum Sylvia Wal


Buddy, the biggest rock & roll musical comes to Wales Millennium Centre
Mega-smash musical Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story comes to Wales Millennium Centre from 14-17 May 2026. Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story comes to Wales Millennium Centre Buddy – the original ‘jukebox’ musical – has enjoyed phenomenal success, playing a record-breaking 4,900 performances over 614 weeks on tour in the UK and Ireland, as well as 5,822 performances over 728 weeks in London’s West End. Featuring a multi-talented cast of actor-musicians, Buddy presents two terrific hou


All New Priscilla! Bigger, Bolder and More Fabulous Than Ever
Dust off the sequins and prepare to party, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert The Musical is strutting into the Wales Millennium Centre this spring in a glittering, feel-good spectacular you won’t want to miss. Priscilla, Queen of the Desert The Musical is at Wales Millennium Centre Celebrating 30 fabulous years since the iconic film first captured hearts, this dazzling new UK and Ireland tour promises bigger laughs, bolder costumes and more sparkle than ever before. Based on the


Upside Down House comes to Cardiff
Cardiff is no stranger to bold new openings, but this spring the city is quite literally turning things on its head. Upside Down House, Cardiff Upside Down House UK is bringing its gravity-defying experience to Cardiff, making it the brand’s very first Welsh location and adding a playful new landmark to the capital’s ever-evolving visitor scene. Opening on Queen Street, the attraction places itself firmly at the heart of the action, just moments from Cardiff Castle, the bustl


Future-focused New Homes in an Idyllic Heritage Location
Nestled in the picturesque grounds of The Vale Resort and historic Hensol Castle, Hensol Grove is an exclusive collection of sixteen sustainable new homes by independent housebuilders Acorn Property Group. Hensol Grove is an exclusive collection from Acorn Property Group This impressive scheme is set out over two phases with The Mews offering ten 2 & 3 bedroom homes, while The Villas will consist of six 4 & 5 bedroom detached houses. An exceptional setting, The Vale Resort is


Llanmoor Homes at 60
A trusted, family-run Welsh housebuilder combining heritage with modern, sustainable homes. Llanmoor Homes, Tondu For six decades, Llanmoor Homes has been a trusted name in housebuilding across South Wales, combining the reassurance of a family-run business with a progressive approach to modern living. Founded in 1966 by Chartered Accountant Brian Grey, Llanmoor has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality new homes in sought-after locations, from Neath Port Talb


The best luxury Easter eggs
Luxury Easter chocolate, tried and tasted, for those who truly savour the art of chocolate. Jacob the Sheep or Jenny the Sheep Easter Eggs by Bettys Jacob the Sheep or Jenny the Sheep Easter Eggs, £19.95 each, Bettys Two utterly charming Easter eggs, handcrafted by Bettys’ expert chocolatiers. Jenny, the White Chocolate Sheep, is made with rich, creamy Swiss white chocolate, indulgent yet balanced, melting smoothly without being overly sweet. Jacob, the Milk Chocolate Sheep,
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