Latest news with #BethanyGavaghan
Wales Online
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Oasis shop opens in Cardiff with queues snaking around the shopping centre
Oasis shop opens in Cardiff with queues snaking around the shopping centre People were lining the shopping centre when it opened at 10am on Thursday, June 26 A first look inside an Oasis Live '25 Fan Store (Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News ) If you can't wait until Oasis hit the stage at Cardiff's Principality Stadium in a fortnight's time, then it might be music to your ears to hear that a pop-up shop has just opened in Cardiff city centre in St David's Centre selling all of the merch you could dream of, from £1-£85. Queues were snaking around the shopping centre as it opened for the first time at 10am on Thursday, June 26, with fans eagerly counting down the minutes until they could go in and pick up the much-anticipated items. The atmosphere was buzzing when WalesOnline headed over, with people buying handfuls of merchandise for themselves, family members and friends. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here Lots of shoppers were browsing for the perfect piece of clothing, mug or vinyl to take home, taking their time to pursue what was available. Shoppers in Cardiff have been loving the range of merch that is available (Image: JAY MAWSON 2024 ) A huge number of customers were also on video calls with people from further afield who could not attend the store themselves, showing them all around the shop to see if they wanted them to pick anything up. Article continues below The Oasis Live '25 tour will include 17 dates across the UK and Ireland, with stops in Cardiff , Manchester, London, Edinburgh, and Dublin, before heading off to North and South America, Asia and Australia later in the year. From parkas with pockets and shell jackets, to polo shirts and bucket hats, the Gallagher brothers have left an indelible mark on British fashion. Ahead of the concerts, fans can dress in Oasis-inspired outfits and purchase a variety of other merchandise from the official Oasis Live '25 Fan Stores. Alan Edwards, from Rhondda (Image: Bethany Gavaghan ) Chatting to fans pursuing around the store, it was clear there was a huge amount of excitement bubbling amongst people who are going to the show, as many of the people in the pop-up shop had been one of the lucky ones to get tickets. Alan Edwards, from Rhondda said: 'It's a great atmosphere. I'm going to the concert so it's feeling more real now. 'I've got a t-shirt for my wife and I'll have a look at the rest of what's here as the prices are really good as well. 'I really like the look of the Adidas things so will have a proper look at those too.' Mia Friederich and Zara Mboue (Image: Bethany Gavaghan ) Mia Friederich and Zara Mboue, who are from Germany have travelled to Cardiff to see Lana Del Rey and although they aren't going to the Oasis concert in Cardiff, the shop caught their attention as they were passing by. Mia said: 'We were just walking past and we like their songs. I think I might go for one of their bucket hats.' Zara said: 'The atmosphere is very nice and the fans are definitely dedicated, and there's loads of people in here.' Article continues below The official Oasis Live '25 merchandise collection, which includes menswear, womenswear, children's wear, and accessories - such as tees, hoodies, jackets and more - will be available both in-store and online. The Oasis pop up shop is located in St David's Centre - directly opposite (Image: JAY MAWSON 2024 )
Wales Online
21-06-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
The incredible deli hidden in Cardiff city centre with holiday in the Med vibes
The incredible deli hidden in Cardiff city centre with holiday in the Med vibes If you want to embrace the joy of southern Italian food, long lunches and a friendly atmosphere then look no further Gloria Serena Arcerito, originally from Sicily is the owner of Khione (Image: Bethany Gavaghan ) If you've not tried out Khione Sicilian Delicatessen in Duke Street Arcade in Cardiff, you're definitely missing a trick. Italy is my ultimate favourite destination to travel to, partly because of their different attitudes to food and they have the cutest little shops which are way more fun to browse in and pick up your daily essentials than the standard UK supermarket. But as I found out recently, you don't actually have to travel to Italy to soak up the glory of Italian food culture. Khione first started out running at the market in Pontcanna before opening up in Canton and they have now been operating in the city centre for over six months. Owned by Gloria Serena Arcerito, who is originally from Sicily, she started working on the business and idea during lockdown with the intention of bringing the experience of traditional Sicilian cuisine to Cardiff. All of the products at Khione are all carefully selected and shipped directly from Sicily itself. They're also produced by small businesses and farmers who believe in upholding the traditional family recipes many generations of Sicilians have grown up with. For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here Gloria Serena Arcerito, who moved from Sicily seven years ago and has built up a thriving Italian business in the centre of Cardiff (Image: Bethany Gavaghan ) Gloria moved to the UK seven years ago, and lived with a family in Wales where she learned to speak English. Article continues below 'It was hard at the beginning', she explained. 'I decided to do a full immersion so the family was a Welsh-English family. 'So the lady, Jenny, who's my friend and who owned the house, wanted to learn Italian so we taught each other. We created a community and they helped me start the business because they gave me space which I could use for storage. 'During Covid I also used to work at the City Arms - just because I still wanted to learn and be a part of it all.' Before meeting Gloria and speaking to her properly I tried out the food the night before to get a sense of how the business flows of a typical day and I fell in love with the atmosphere, décor - as well as the amazing flavours straight away. Olives, bread, lemonade and a pizza slice from Khione (Image: Bethany Gavaghan ) I arrived just before they were set to close at 6pm and as it was a hot summer's afternoon and went for olives and bread which was totally perfect, and a great, light evening snack. Inside, the vibe is warm and welcoming, and the space invites you to experience a slice of Italian culture in a mix of ways. Downstairs is where the shop sits, where you can stock up on proper Italian food. The décor and layout definitely makes you feel like you've been transported to a Sicilian village rather than the arcades of Cardiff, and when you're browsing through the different products and ingredients - I'd say you feel much more inspired to get creative in the kitchen than picking up food from a chain store, so it acts as a simple reminder of how nice it is to support small businesses. You can look out onto the arcades from some of the seats (Image: Bethany Gavaghan ) But if you thought that Khione was just a shop then think again. You can also order from their wide-ranging menu and be served food upstairs, where they have one of the loveliest, homiest dining spaces I've come across in the city - or you can dine on the seating located outside the deli. The olives were zesty, with loads of flavour and it was genuinely the best bread I'd eaten since stopping at a deli I haven't stopped thinking about in Ventimaglia, in Italy itself. My partner got a small slice of pizza which was in his words 'a delectable choice for a quick bite and actually very filling', and we both opted for bottles of lemonade which were lovely, and tasted gorgeously organic. Also on the menu is a selection of Italian favourites including Pinsa Romana, Tiramisu', Honey and pecorino cheese, full size pizzas and much much more. Upstairs in Khione Considering how food is central to her identity and culture, and what it means to her to bring something she is so passionate about to Cardiff, Gloria said: 'My Dad had a company producing preserves, so my dad and the rest of my family are very into food. 'I used to help my mum when she was cooking and making desserts and I would help make cakes or tiramisu. So I just learned by watching. 'It's nice to cook for the family, and eat together as a family. For example at lunch time we'd always try and wait for each other, of course that's not always possible. There are some gorgeous corners inside the deli which create plenty of room for warmth and connection if you're eating there with friends or family (Image: Bethany Gavaghan ) 'Nowadays it's not always easy if you work all day but if you have a break in the day to get everyone together and talk about what's going on it's a way to release stress and reset for the other half of the day. 'There is maybe a bit less of that in life day to day. Even in the north of Italy, people work all day, finish earlier but there is no break. 'In the south, people are still taking a little break, one hour or two is a way to reset.' But could these values be picked up by people in Cardiff? Gloria has also found that because of the way the business runs in Cardiff, it might already be encouraging people to slow down a little. She explained: 'Some people who are coming in do seem to be staying a little longer than just for a quick lunch. One of Gloria's goals for the business is to provide a range of authentic Italian food to people in Cardiff and build more connection with what they are eating (Image: Bethany Gavaghan ) 'We do serve pizza and paninis to take away. Maybe the fact it is a shop it's slightly confusing, and not just somewhere you go to eat. People are surprised that you can come in and especially go upstairs, where there are completely different vibes. 'The idea is if you want to come here and have a nice lunch, or take home and prepare a dinner if you have a special event, or even daily with the tomato sauce - someone else took care of the food for you, so you can have a nice meal, quicker.' Article continues below
Wales Online
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
This is why huge tents have appeared in a popular Cardiff park
This is why huge tents have appeared in a popular Cardiff park You can really get a feel for how the space is going to change if you've been to the area recently The Padel tennis centre is really coming into shape in Llandaff fields (Image: Bethany Gavaghan ) A cutting-edge sports hub, featuring a tennis centre, padel courts, café, and community space, is set to grace one of Cardiff's largest and most frequented parks, and recent pictures have shown it is coming along nicely. The existing tennis courts are already open and are in use, and the rest of the development also looks to be coming along well, with lots of work evident - and although there is no date confirmed for when it will be opening, it's easy to get a feel for what the space will be like if you have visited Llandaff Fields in Cardiff and seen the site recently. Work is underway and several white structures have been put up. Never miss a Cardiff story by signing up to our daily newsletter here . Another exciting development for the space is that a brand new sandwich shop, Square + Fair, soon to launch in Cardiff's Royal Arcade selling loaded focaccia sandwiches and freshly roasted Welsh coffee has also announced that it is opening a second location in Llandaff Fields later in the summer. Announcing the development back in 2023, Cardiff Council said that the site will "transform" the communal sports amenities at Llandaff Fields. The Padel centre being installed in Llandaff fields, Cardiff (Image: Bethany Gavaghan ) Once completed, the Padel Tennis centre, contemporary café, and community space - which will also be opened will join the existing tennis courts which are getting resurfaced. The plans also outlined the creation of a tennis facility accessible to all demographics and skill levels as well as cricket practice nets. An artist's impression of what the site will look like once it is completed. (Image: Cardiff Council ) Article continues below Padel Tennis is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK - and blends elements of squash and tennis, is played on enclosed courts without overarm serves.
Wales Online
26-05-2025
- Wales Online
I went to Britain's 'smallest town' and I couldn't believe how cool it was
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Llanwrtyd Wells in Powys is surrounded by hills and gorgeous open countryside, but what I didn't know when passing through it until I saw the sign was that it's also the 'smallest town in Britain'. Around 850 people live there, making it the smallest town in Wales by population - with some people claiming that also makes it the smallest in the UK, even though Forwich in Kent also has a claim to be the smallest. Everything in Llanwrtyd Wells revolves around a short high street with the river Irfon running through the middle, but what I loved most is that it's a complete paradise for pastel coloured houses. Every road features gorgeous pastel shaded buildings which was a stunning surprise and a few brightly coloured homes also dotted around as well, but until visiting I had no idea what it looked like or what to expect. For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here (Image: Bethany Gavaghan) Wandering around, there's an old stone bridge which seems to link up both sides of town for cars and pedestrian and there are plenty of benches beside it which I could imagine being the go-to spots if you were a local and wanted somewhere to stop and chat or sit with a takeaway coffee. It's also in no way touristy, which I actually love, as it definitely feels like it's shaped by the people who live here - so even though it's notably quiet- you can say you've officially visited the smallest town in Britain without marching your way through a sea of selfie takers if you're heading there. The pace feels steady and visitors blend in with locals easily, as anyone I saw seemed super friendly and content to be there. It definitely feels like somewhere where people have quite a strong connection with the outdoors as it's positioned right next to all you could want when it comes to country walks. (Image: Bethany Gavaghan) I was staying at the amazing Victoria Wells Motel site up the road which was genuinely like nowhere I've ever been before (but that's a story for another day), and the open countryside up there, close to the town is also just to die for, so it's totally worth the walk down the river until you reach the open fields. On the path I went down, which leads along the river, I didn't see another soul for the entire walk. Even just after a brief wander around I was intrigued to learn more after visiting Llanwrtyd, and found out it's known for its odd annual events from bog snorkelling in August, the mountain bike chariot racing, and the man vs horse marathon in June. The Heritage and Arts Centre is small and open most days. It covers the town's history from its time as a Victorian spa resort to the arrival of their railway line. Almost everywhere you go, you're met with incredible long views across the valley, but it's not just nature which is on your doorstep. If you're keen to head out for a bite to eat, The Neuadd Arms Hotel is one of the older buildings, with a bar, rooms upstairs, and a small brewery on site. It's also apparently where a lot of the town's events are organised. (Image: Bethany Gavaghan) Coffee wise, you've also got Caffi Sosban is a café on the high street that serves hot meals, cakes, and drinks - I was really eyeing this up and it's on the list to pop in one day as it looks like the perfect place with a mix of cute and cosy vibes which I always crave after a long walk. The Drovers Rest is another place to eat or have a drink and is slightly quieter and is set just beside the river. There's even a bike hire place (Llanwtyd Wheels) that caters to the many cyclists who pass through, so all things considered - what's not to love? Have you visited Llanwrtyd Wells? Let us know what you made of it in the comments section below.
Wales Online
21-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Viral London burger chain famous for 'smicken fries' to open first Welsh venue
Viral London burger chain famous for 'smicken fries' to open first Welsh venue The viral burger chain which has soared in popularity in the UK is opening its first ever Welsh branch Work has already begun on their brand new site, located in Cardiff's Wood Street (Image: Bethany Gavaghan ) Viral hamburger chain Smacks is going to be opening its first store in Wales - and work has already begun on their brand new site, located in Cardiff on Wood Street. There is currently signage advertising the burger chain's arrival in the unit between Black Sheep Coffee and Burger King, and is in a prime spot for commuters, being so close to Cardiff Central station. Announcing their arrival to the city, they describe the chain describes itself as a 'viral trending brand' which has gathered over 23.6 million 'organic views' on social media on their signs outside. No date has been confirmed yet, but the chain has shared that it is 'coming soon' on the signs placed around the building where work is already being carried out to prepare for their launch. So what can you eat there? They are known for offering a range of freshly made beef and chicken burgers, as well as a veggie patty option and various other alternatives, which look insane judging by their menu. Smacks will open up just next to Black Sheep Coffee (Image: Bethany Gavaghan ) Their classic cheeseburger is a go-to for a lot of people according to TikTok but the Big Smack which is stacked with four beef patties is also a popular option and for chicken lovers, there's also the spicy chicken burger and the 'Smicken' (fried chicken drenched in house hot sauce). Article continues below More inventive options include The Don, which layers spicy chicken with Angus beef, and a rich brisket burger made with slow-cooked meat. Sides aren't an afterthought as they also do loaded fries which come piled with beef, cheese sauce and crispy onions, while the Smicken fries give chicken fans something to get excited about. They also do breakfast, with egg muffins, bagels and more available for an early start, and they also offer a number of saver meals as well as a kids menu, and also a range of desserts and milkshakes. For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here Smacks Hamburgers started out in South London, with its first location opening in Thornton Heath in 2021. The idea behind it was to offer fresh, quality fast food like burgers made from freshly ground Angus beef and daily-prepared fried chicken and the brand quickly gained attention, thanks to a lot of social media buzz on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. The company itself was officially registered in 2020, and since then, Smacks has expanded to other areas, including places in England like Preston, Brighton and Southport, Article continues below According to the Smacks Hamburgers website, they will soon be launching in the USA, and have also just opened up their first Scottish branch in Glasgow. The chain is also growing through dark kitchens and delivery services, making it easier for people to try their food even if there's no physical location nearby.
