Latest news with #StephColderick
Wales Online
10-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
In a narrow gap you've never noticed on one of Wales' most famous streets is a restaurant unlike anything else you'll find
In a narrow gap you've never noticed on one of Wales' most famous streets is a restaurant unlike anything else you'll find Grantsvale has opened in Cardiff, bringing Georgian cuisine to Wales for the first time The restaurant has opened on St Mary Street in Cardiff Good food, good drinks, good company? What more do you want from a Saturday evening? I had all this more when I tried Wales' first Georgian restaurant. Genatsvale has opened on St Mary Street in Cardiff, serving traditional Georgian food which includes blinis, pkhali, dolma, ojakhuri, kupati, lamb kababi, khinkali, and more. We went along on their first Saturday of opening, and it is totally stunning inside. There is a grand piano, exposed brick walls, a lemon-lined ceiling, wicker lights, and artwork showing Georgia hanging on the walls. It feels fancy and sophisticated, instantly somewhere you would book for a special occasion. The restaurant was fairly busy, which was great to see the people of Cardiff embracing Georgian food and culture, as we perused the extensive menu. I opted for a mojito, for £8, which was very refreshing. It was strong, with a good taste of rum, zesty, tangy, and light enough to go well with the meal. We had the four starter plates, for £21.95, which included pkhali, blini, aubergine, and dolma. Blinis are thin crepes filled with seasoned beef and pork. The crepe was light and fluffy, left in the pan long enough to have a crisp outside, and well packed with the beef and pork. There was definitely more of a strong beefy taste which was rich, hearty, and worked very well with the softer texture of the crepe. The aubergine was pan-fried aubergine rolls with a walnut paste, which had a curried taste and texture. It was musty and very nutty, with a slight spicy kick and overall smooth to eat. Dolma is seasoned beef and rice wrapped in grape leaves, which has a strong, fragrant, and fruity taste. This also comes accompanied with yoghurt, which at first I was unsure why it was needed, but the dish very cleverly built up the spice bit by bit, so by the last bites, you were reaching for the yogurt, which was smooth, silky, and delightfully cold to complement the spice. This was a brilliant starter platter (Image: Steph Colderick) The highlight of the starter platter for me was the pkhali, which is four vegetable pates; spinach, carrot, beetroot, and green bean, with mjadhi, Georgian corn bread. These pates were delicious and really lightened the starter platter. The spinach pate was rich, deep, and earthy, the green bean pate was light and fresh, the carrot pate was packed with flavour, crisp with a clean sweetness, and the beetroot pate was rooty, earthy, and firm. The bread was served golden brown and had a soft and chewy texture. It was simple and sophisticated in taste, highlighting the flavours of the pate. Onto the mains. We had beef and pork khinkali for £15.90 and lamb kababi for £20.50. Beef and pork khinkali are dumplings, and you are served a very generous portion of five huge dumplings. The dumplings (Image: Steph Colderick) As my eyes were bigger than my stomach, I also ordered the akhali kartopili, which was butter-roasted baby potatoes dressed with dill for £6.95. A massive portion of these arrived too, it felt like an entire Georgian field of potatoes had been dug up, and I had to take some home with me, along with two leftover dumplings. I did not need the potatoes as well (Image: Steph Colderick) The dumplings were smooth, herby, meaty, and chewy. The savoury, juicy filling, which was very flavoured with a good herby hit, complemented the silky texture of the dumplings well. The pork and beef work well together to create a hearty core, creating a very comforting and warming dish. The lamb kababi was also a standout and arguably the best choice of the two main dishes. Succulent, soft lamb was paired with onions, pomegranate seeds, a side salad, and two sauces: tkemali sauce, which is a sweet-sour plum sauce and a tomato sauce and bread. Well-cooked this lamb was not raw and not overdone, it was juicy and well seasoned making it incredibly moreish. The plum sauce was sweet and tangy, and the tomato sauce had a rich and deep flavour, reminding us of a relish. Served with warm light bread, which again there was plenty of, this dish did not disappoint, and I would happily return to try again. Georgian food has come to Wales (Image: Steph Colderick) For dessert, despite feeling totally full, we just had room to squeeze in a slice of cake. We opted for the honey cake, £5.50, and the chitisrdze, £5.80, which was a chocolate sponge cake. The chitisrdze was chocolatey, light, and sweet. It wasn't heavy at all and stacked with fine, thin layers that created a lovely, sweet treat. The honey cake was crumbly and had a good amount of honey, so it wasn't too sweet and overpowering, but instead a delightful dessert. The perfect sweet treat to finish the meal (Image: Steph Colderick) We had a fantastic time at Genatsvale, and although the service was a smidge slow and they did forget the bread originally for the pate, once we asked for the bread we were offered complimentary drinks, the staff were kind, friendly, and attentive, and clearly just getting used to the new restaurant. It is so great to see Cardiff offering a massive range of cuisines and now proudly able to offer Georgian on the list. I would thoroughly recommend a trip to Genatsvale for a delicious, well-cooked meal and something a bit different. Article continues below
Wales Online
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
List of places to eat near Cardiff's Principality Stadium where you don't have to book ahead of Oasis
List of places to eat near Cardiff's Principality Stadium where you don't have to book ahead of Oasis If you haven't booked a table before heading to see a gig at the Principality Stadium there are still plenty of options From takeaway options to cosy pubs, you can enjoy some good food before a gig (Image: Steph Colderick ) Oasis, Kendrick Lamar, and Stereophonics are just some of the big names coming to the Principality Stadium this summer, with Oasis kicking off their Oasis Live '25 tour in Cardiff on Friday, July 4, and Saturday, July 5. If you've left booking somewhere until the last minute, or maybe you fancy going with the flow, we've got you covered. While some of the best city centre hotspots, which you can read about here, may already be fully booked there are lots of options for you to grab a bite before the gigs. And if you didn't get tickets, then enter our compeitition to see Oasis at Wembley here. Here are some of the best places for food near the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, that you don't have to book: Pie Box Cafe The Pie Box Cafe, nestled just in the city centre at the top of Tudor Street, is a totally vegan cafe. They sell amazing pies, which you wouldn't know are vegan, and change regularly with the seasons, as well as brunches and sweet treats. The Pie Box Cafe is open until 5pm on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and while you can book you can also pop in to get a delicious pie to takeaway. Ceylon M8 Ceylon M8 on Penarth Road serves up incredible Sir Lankan food and even better, they are open until 9pm. Selling traditional Sri Lankan food, such as koththu and fried rice, these dishes are a taste of South Asia right in the Welsh capital. The portions from Ceylon M8 are massive: you are easily getting your money's worth and are so good. You can read our review, here. Wingstop Wingstop is located on the iconic Chippy Lane (Image: John Myers ) If it is fast food you are after, there are plenty of places near the Principality Stadium, including Wingstop. Located on the famous Chippy Lane, Caroline Street, Wingstop offers fantastic chicken wings and remains open until 11pm or midnight, meaning you could even get food after the gig. Dorothy's Fish Bar While we are on Chippy Lane you are simply spoilt for choice from all the great options, as this is literally a street of takeaways. One of the highlights is Dorothy's Fish Bar, and it is a Cardiff institution, selling everything you would want from a traditional chippy. Again, open until 4am and closed only on Mondays, this could be your perfect pre or post-concert snack. Donald's Another pie not to miss is Donald's. You can find them on Quay Street, right near the Principality Stadium and these pies are simply delicious. The pastry is so so buttery and simply melts in your mouth and all the pies are fully packed with filling and amazing flavours. The meat used is such high quality and they compliment the flavours they go with well. Donald's is open every day until 5pm. Burger King One of the closest fast food restaurants to the Principality Stadium is Burger King. Located on Wood Street, you can grab your burger and go, quite literally under the shadow of the stadium. Shahin Shawarma If it is a kebab you are after, Shahin Shawrma slightly further along Tudor Street is where to go. Open until midnight every day other than Mondays and Tuesdays when it closes at 10pm, this is a great option. JCR Global Buffet You will be spoilt for choice at JCR Global Buffet (Image: Richard Swingler Photography ) If you really want to fill up before your concert, head to JCR Global Buffet. This massive buffet hall offers cuisines from all over the world and you pay £25, then it is unlimited. A win, win. JCR Global Buffet is also so close to the Principality Stadium, you are practically in the stadium when you sit down for dinner. You can read our review, here. Square + Fair If it is a quick sandwich you are after, you can't miss out on Square + Fair. Having only opened this month in the Royal Arcade, Square + Fair is open until 5pm. They offer up chunky focaccia sandwiches with fillings such as The Notorious PIG (pulled sticky cola pork), What the Cluck (shredded roast chicken with truffle cream cheese), and Sunday Best (roast Welsh beef with a gravy dipping tub). Not only do Square + Fair serve big sandwiches, but they also offer a crisp option you may have not come across before. The cafe is home to a crisp station where you serve yourself plain crisps, add in the flavouring of your choice which includes options like chip shop curry, doner kebab, and southern fried chicken, shake, and away you go. You can read our review, here. The Cottage Cosy pub The Cottage now offers a Welsh grazing board, packed full of locally sourced Welsh goodness. From artisan cheeses to delicious meats, chutneys, and fresh-baked breads this is a brilliant option. The Cottage is located on St Mary Street, very close to the stadium. Stay updated with everything you need to know about the gigs here. Need a ticket? Article continues below Oasis has announced that more tickets could be released to fans in the coming days. Tickets come available on Ticketmaster for Oasis tickets for Friday, July 4 here and for Saturday, July 5 here.
Wales Online
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
I went to Wales' biggest free Welsh-language festival and one thing really stood out
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 I moved to Wales four years ago, not knowing a word of Welsh. Now my Welsh is still very limited but when I first moved here, never did I imagine I would be attending Welsh language festivals. Welsh seemed a language I would never wrap my head around and certainly one I never thought I'd immerse myself in. I was also worried I wouldn't even be welcome at the festivals, being English and that being immediately identifiable as soon as I opened my mouth. How wrong I was. It turns out Welsh festivals are a bucket load of fun, get it, a reference to the famous Welsh bucket hats? And not something to be missed. Last year I attended three Welsh festivals, you can read about my first Eisteddfod here, and this year I returned to Tafwyl, ready to experience more. It is running in Cardiff's gorgeous Bute Park, the perfect setting for it, this weekend on Saturday, June 14, and Sunday, June 15. There is so much to enjoy at Tawfyl, from the two music stages, endless food options, children's area, and more. As soon as you enter you are hit by the delicious smell of a range of street food and nearly overwhelmed with the Instagram opportunities, as two lovely signs declaring Tafwyl welcome you in. After that, you can mingle and mooch around the trade stalls which are all Welsh artists, designers, and makers, selling everything from prints to jewellery and more. (Image: Steph Colderick) From there the festival opens up wider with the Tafiliwn stage to the left and the main stage, Prif Lwyfan, bang in front of you. Here Welsh artists from across Wales take to the stage bringing everything from rap to even renditions of Dolly Parton and Abba in Welsh. Lining the sides of this are the amazing food traders including Hoggi Hoggi Hoggi, Greek options, vegan and vegetarian options, paella, and more. Walk on past the main stage and past more incredible food vendors and you come into the children's section which has its own smaller stage and plenty of activities to keep the little ones occupied, such as the sports area and sensory tent. This is where Tafwyl really comes into its own, as it really is for everyone. (Image: Steph Colderick) Welsh speakers, non-Welsh speakers. Old, young, and everyone in between. Families, couples, friends, and every combination possible. It is truly joyous to walk past families spread out on picnics with little ones running around, young people grabbing drinks at the bar, elderly couples, and every walk of life in Wales, in one place, celebrating Welsh culture. You don't need to be fluent in Welsh to bob along to the music and it's impossible not to see how much joy it brings and how it brings people together. And it is totally free. It really is accessible for everyone and you can bring your own food, unopened soft drinks and reusable water bottles, so you literally don't have to spend a penny. Welsh culture should never be hidden away and really is there for everyone to enjoy and Tafwyl I feel is the perfect example of this. Free, accessible, welcoming, and incredibly good vibes - I couldn't ask for more from any festival. Diolch Tafwyl.
Wales Online
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
If you care about Cardiff, you will want to know about this
If you care about Cardiff, you will want to know about this If you are looking for all your Cardiff news in one place, this is for you All the Cardiff news in one place, in one newsletter Do you want everything you need to know about Cardiff, from multiple sources across the city, in one place? Fed up with flitting between news sites and popular social media accounts to get all your news? The Cardiff Drop is just what you need. It's an easy way to stay on top of what's happening across the city, all in one spot. From hard-hitting news, like crime and court reports, to updates on new openings, concerts, and sport, The Cardiff Drop keeps you in the loop with everything happening in the city. It is written by me, Steph Colderick, and I moved to Cardiff four years ago and have never left, having fallen in love with the Welsh capital. Cardiff is now where I call home and I think there is so much going on in this fab city, it is nearly impossible to keep on top of and you might feel the same. This is where The Cardiff Drop comes in. All of my friends and family often say to me "where haven't you been in Cardiff" as when walking through town I go "there does the best brunch", "I love the roast there" and "I love it there" but trust me, my to-visit list (yes, I have an actual list) is still longer than my arm. This newsletter gives me the perfect excuse to keep eating, drinking, and dancing my way around this wonderful city and I can take you all with me. While my passion is for what's on, don't worry, there will be plenty of news and sports in the newsletter too. The Cardiff Drop will be your one-stop shop for everything Cardiff and that is one the best thing's about it, I'll be using multiple sources. Me on the zip wire over the Principality Stadium, dropping into your email inbox with all the Cardiff news (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) It won't just be WalesOnline articles, I'll be linking to any trusted and verified source from places such as the BBC and ITV and Instagram and social media accounts. The Cardiff Drop means you get everything Cardiff, straight to your inbox. There will be the latest what's on, news, and sport so you don't miss a single thing and keep up with the beating pulse of this city. You will always know what is going on in Cardiff and instantly get the news that is important to you. Think of us as your Cardiff social calendar and easy conversation starters, all in one place. The newsletter is sent three times a week, every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and best of all? It's totally free. The Cardiff Drop will be published on Substack , an independent platform with no ads, making for a clean reading experience. You can read the newsletter there on your desktop or the app, or simply from your email inbox. So not only do you not have to go searching for the news itself, or wait for the algorithm to decide what you might like to see, you don't even have to search for the newsletter. Once it's live it's sent directly to you, to read at your leisure. Sent at 7am each day, let The Cardiff Drop be the way you kick start your morning and let me tell you everything you need to know. Article continues below Grab yourself a cup of tea, coffee, or ambition, join me, and instantly be up to date with everything you need to know in this city. If you do fancy receiving The Cardiff Drop, please sign up below.
Wales Online
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Sign up to our newsletter The Cardiff Drop
Sign up to our newsletter The Cardiff Drop Introducing our free Cardiff Drop newsletter, and why, if you love the Welsh capital, you need to subscribe Here is Cardiff's latest newsletter (Image: Matthew Horwood ) Do you want everything you need to know about Cardiff, from multiple sources across the city, in one place? Fed up with flitting between news sites and popular social media accounts to get all your news? Then the Cardiff Drop is just what you need. It's an easy way to stay on top of what's happening across the city, all in one spot. From hard-hitting news, like crime and court reports, to updates on new openings, concerts and sport, The Cardiff Drop keeps you in the loop with everything happening in the city. Steph Colderick, who has called Cardiff home for four years and fallen in love with the city, will be writing and gathering all the biggest news and events the city has to offer. With a passion for Cardiff, a love of exploring every nook and cranny, and a desire to stay on top of all things local, why not join Steph and rediscover the city? The newsletter will cover everything Cardiff (Image: South Wales Echo ) What will be in The Cardiff Drop? Sent three times a week, every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday the newsletter covers news, what's on, sport and community events. Article continues below The community noticeboard section allows you to send in any news or events you want featured. No more scrolling through never-ending feeds. Best of all? It's totally free. How do I sign up to The Cardiff Drop? The Cardiff Drop will be published on Substack , an independent platform with no ads, making for a cleaner reading experience. You can read the newsletter there on your desktop or the app, or simply from your email inbox. So not only do you not have to go searching for the news itself, or wait for the algorithm to decide what you might like to see, you don't even have to search for the newsletter. Article continues below Once it's live it's sent directly to you, to read at your leisure. Sign up below for the free The Cardiff Drop newsletter.
