top of page
All Features
The South Wales Magazine


10 fabulous festive ways to say it with a bottle
From luxe limited editions and gorgeous wine gifts to snazzy spirits, these drinks are full of Christmas cheer. Raise a glass to Christmas celebrations with these liquid gifting ideas (Ron Santiago De Cuba/PA) With the holiday season coming into full swing and twinkling lights signalling it’s time to think about what to tuck under the tree, liquid gifts can be a lifesaver. Especially if you’re pressie buying for that hard-to-please person, know they love all things wine, or l


James Martin’s Welsh rarebit with bacon and chutney
Perfect autumnal comfort food. James Martin’s Welsh rarebit with bacon and chutney (Dan Jones/PA) “One of the greatest chefs of the modern era was Gary Rhodes. People really underestimate how good he was and how he revolutionised the food scene using top-quality UK produce,” says James Martin. “One of his trademark dishes was a smoked haddock Welsh rarebit with confit tomatoes. Bettys Tea Room in York does a Welsh rarebit on toast with tomato chutney and it’s bloody delicious


James Martin’s sticky toffee pudding with miso caramel sauce and clotted cream
A classic dessert with a twist. James Martin’s sticky toffee pudding with miso caramel sauce and clotted cream (Dan Jones/PA) “There are loads of variations of sticky toffee pudding, and I love to put my own spin on it,” says James Martin. “Miso is a brilliant savoury ingredient and when added to caramel it’s amazing, but it has to be high-quality miso!” Sticky toffee pudding with miso caramel sauce and clotted cream Ingredients: (Serves 6) 290ml boiling water 200g stoned dat


James Martin: It would be ‘really weird’ to watch myself on Saturday Morning
The popular TV chef talks to Lauren Taylor about the ITV show, not rehearsing, and meeting famous guests. Chef James Martin talks about the buzz of cooking live on TV and creating recipes that anyone can whip up at home (Dan Jones/PA) James Martin may have been on TV since the mid-Nineties, but that doesn’t mean he wants to see it back. “I’ve never watched myself in 34 years of doing it. I can’t watch it, I just can’t – it’s really weird,” says the 53-year-old. The chef made


5 trending festive themes for Christmas decor
From ‘nonna holiday’ to nutcrackercore and gothmas, here’s what’s shaping the holiday season. By Sam Wylie-Harris. Deck the halls and showcase your festive flair with these seasonal schemes (Meri Meri/PA) One of the wonders of Christmas is putting up the decorations… and foraging for those sentimental trinkets, glitzy trimmings, garlands and twinkling lights galore. But what if you’re rethinking your Christmas aesthetic; fancy a shift in style and theme, and have your heart s


Clodagh McKenna’s seeded cheddar sunflower bread recipe
This recipe is inspired by traditional Irish soda bread. Clodagh McKenna’s seeded cheddar sunflower bread recipe (David Loftus/PA) “Beautiful, isn’t it? This recipe is based on the wonderful traditional Irish soda bread that the whole world should know how to make,” says This Morning resident chef Clodagh McKenna. “I’ve added Cheddar for flavour, but leave that out for the classic recipe. This loaf is cut into wedges, so every person can tear off their own, and they make it l


Festive kitchen makeover ideas to get ‘Christmas ready’
It’s not too soon to start thinking about entertaining on the big day, says Sam Wylie-Harris. Kit out your kitchen with these quickie makeovers and festive finishing touches (Alamy/PA) With the festive season fast approaching, it’s time to get your skates on if a stylish kitchen refresh is on the cards. Especially if you’re hosting, and entertaining family and friends over the holidays – with a focus on seating everyone comfortably and choosing decor as twinkly as the tree. N


Movember: 8 of the best moustaches throughout history
If you’re looking for inspiration this Movember, here are the famous people to look to. Jacob Elordi makes it into the top eight best moustaches (Alamy/PA) Once written off as a relic of the 1970s, the moustache is staging a confident return, fuelled by a new generation of style-savvy men reclaiming the upper lip. From Jacob Elordi to Timothée Chalamet, celebrities are starting to sport this contentious facial hair more and more on the red carpet. But getting a moustache righ


5 best beauty advent calendars of 2025
From best for affordability to trend discovery – here are the top recommended beauty advent calendars of the year. (Cult Beauty/PA) Choosing a beauty advent calendar isn’t always straightforward. There’s the worry of make-up shades that don’t suit, products you’ll never use or scents that miss the mark. Still, that uncertainty hasn’t dampened the nation’s enthusiasm for these festive countdowns – in fact, they’ve become one of the beauty industry’s biggest indulgences of the


How to make Gaucho’s churrasco de chorizo
A simple sirloin that will become a staple dish. Gaucho’s churrasco de chorizo (Sam A. Harris/PA) “One of Gaucho’s original offerings, this steak borrows the word churrasco from the Brazilian equivalent to asado,” explains Gaucho culinary director Anthony Ekizian. “It is a butterfly- cut, marinated sirloin and delivers a bold, smoky South American char. For the best results, choose steaks that are around eight centimetres thick.” Gaucho’s churrasco de chorizo Ingredients: (Se


Biggest bathroom trends to get on board with now
Spa-style bathroom decor echoes a sense of luxury, says Sam Wylie-Harris. From bathroom sprawl to sustainability, these designs will inspire a makeover (Almay/PA) When it comes to wellbeing and projects around the home, the bathroom is one of the best places to start. After all, setting the scene for some me time, pampering ourselves with some favourite smellies to reduce stress, and boosting one’s overall mood is top of the sensory checklist… especially if you’re hankering a


Anton Du Beke: I sometimes look in the mirror and wonder what’s happened to my face
The Strictly Come Dancing judge talks to Lauren Taylor about feeling good, getting older and his life as a novelist. Anton Du Beke (Nicky Johnston/PA) Anton Du Beke has revealed the most common remark made when he’s recognised in public is how surprisingly youthful he looks. “My favourite comment of all time is, ‘Oh, you look much younger in real life!” says the Strictly Come Dancing judge who turns 60 in July. Although he jokes he is “a bit depressed” about the upcoming mile


Hannah McPake writes & directs Sherman Theatre’s 2025 festive show Alice: Return To Wonderland
Sherman Theatre has today confirmed the cast of its production of Alice: Return to Wonderland (28 Nov 2025-3 Jan 2026), a dreamlike and uplifting new show, written and directed by Hannah McPake and based on Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking Glass. Alice: Return to Wonderland at The Sherman Theatre Sherman audiences will know Hannah as the lead actor in last year’s A Christmas Carol; the highest grossing show in the company’s history. One of the company’s best loved artists,


Sherman Theatre and Theatr Cymru to stage English & Welsh productions of The Frog Prince
Sherman Theatre and Theatr Cymru’s new Christmas co-productions for younger children, The Frog Prince - and the Welsh-language Biwti a Brogs - will tour venues across Wales November 2025-January 2026, including a six-week run at the Sherman in Cardiff. The Frog Prince at The Sherman Theatre These brand-new productions are written by Gwawr Loader and directed by Elin Phillips - both familiar to Sherman audiences as actors in countless past productions, including The Lion, the


Restaurant Review: Hickory's Smokehouse Cardiff
Cardiff just got a serious flavour upgrade with Hickory’s Smokehouse, serving up an authentic taste of the Deep South. Hickory's Smokehouse Cardiff From the moment you walk in, it’s all rustic wood, twinkling lights and the hum of blues and barbecue. The vibe? Straight out of Louisiana with a dash of Tennessee swagger. Hickory's Smokehouse Cardiff We kicked off with a round of appetisers that hit harder than a Southern sunrise. The Brisket Popcorn Bites were melt-in-your-mout


Cardiff Christmas Festival is Back, Bigger and Better!
Cardiff’s iconic Spiegel Theatre returns to Sophia Gardens this year, with 12 mesmerising shows in the schedule for 2025. Spiegel Theatre returns to Sophia Gardens Cardiff Christmas Festival kicks off from 4th December, where Jack Frost: A Magical Christmas Musical will take centre stage for the whole month. But if toe tapping hilarity isn’t your thing, there’s a whole variety of acts also on offer - making it the perfect place in the city to enjoy some festive theatrical ma


Experiences at The Vale Resort make the perfect Christmas gift
Make the season sparkle at The Vale Resort with the gift of time well spent, think indulgent escapes, gourmet feasts and one-of-a-kind experiences designed to delight everyone on your list. The Vale Resort Overnight stays Midweek Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Break (from £190 for two) The perfect midweek retreat, including a delicious three-course dinner, a restful night’s sleep in a beautifully appointed room and a hearty Welsh breakfast. Spiced Rum Making B&B Break (from £299 for


Santa’s coming to Techniquest!
Get ready to sprinkle some science into your Christmas, Techniquest is turning up the festive fun with Santa visits, live experiments and dazzling after-dark adventures. Christmas at Techniquest E xperience even more magic at Cardiff's science discovery centre this December as Santa will be making special appearances in the lead up to the big day (6-7, 13-14, 20-23 December). As well as hands-on exhibits and plenty of space to play and explore, Techniquest's team will be perf


Christmas at Gower Fresh Christmas Trees
From tree shopping to Santa spotting, Gower Fresh Christmas Trees is everything Christmas should be, magical, heartwarming and unforgettable for the whole family. Christmas at Gower Fresh Christmas Trees Step into a Winter Wonderland, a sparkling world bursting with joy and imagination. Wander through scenes filled with polar bears, talking trees and busy elves crafting toys for children around the world. Every corner is alive with festive cheer, leading you to the man of the


Simply the best Tina Turner Musical comes to Wales Millennium Centre
November marks what would have been Tina Turner’s 86th birthday. So, it’s the perfect moment to celebrate the extraordinary life of a woman who redefined music, style and strength for generations. TINA – The Tina Turner Musical comes to Wales Millennium Centre B orn Anna Mae Bullock on 26 November 1939 in the small town of Nutbush, Tennessee, Tina Turner’s journey to global stardom is the stuff of legend. With her unmistakable raspy voice, high-octane performances and unshak
bottom of page
