Author: Contributing Writer

Food

5 Things You Need To Know About The New Popeyes In Cardiff

words and image by Omo Ifabua If you havenÔÇÖt heard the great news already, American fast food giant Popeyes have just opened up in Cardiff! The fried chicken restaurant is now on Saint John Street, just a short walk away from Principality Stadium. The CEO of Popeyes UK, Tom Crowley, shared that they couldnÔÇÖt wait to bring ÔÇ£a taste of Louisiana magic to this buzzing … Continue reading 5 Things You Need To Know About The New Popeyes In Cardiff

Contributing Writer
Food

Review: The Ivy Asia

words by Evie Lisk The Ivy is notorious for its lavish decoration and exceptional food, and its sister restaurant The Ivy Asia does not disappoint. The ambience of the Ivy Asia is next to none. The dim lit room with an extravagant, illuminating floor resembling uniquely intricate green gemstones stuns you the minute you step in. Staying in touch with its original roots as an Ivy restaurant but adding an … Continue reading Review: The Ivy Asia

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Literature

Colleen Hoover – Worth the Hype?

By Mia Coley Colleen Hoover. If you are on TikTok or have any interest in books you will have heard her name. She is a number one New York Times bestselling author of seventeen novels and novellas (as of Jan 2023) and has sold millions of copies globally. Her books tend to fall under the romance genre, filled with steamy sex scenes complete with intimate … Continue reading Colleen Hoover – Worth the Hype?

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Interview, Music

In Conversation with DMA’s Tommy O’Dell

The release of DMAÔÇÖs brand new fourth album How Many Dreams? is just around the corner. This 12-track album seamlessly fuses elements of electronic, rock and pop music to create a sensational album where every track is a hit in the making. Songs such as EverybodyÔÇÖs Saying ThursdayÔÇÖs the Weekend showcase the trioÔÇÖs ability to create something truly special with this upbeat, nostalgia-infused track that … Continue reading In Conversation with DMA’s Tommy O’Dell

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Travel

How to Spend 48 Hours in Cape Town

Words by Mahala Gainer There is no shortage of things to do when youÔÇÖre visiting Cape Town. Spending 48 hours in this city will only leave you wanting to return!  Day 1  Morning  Kick off your first day in Cape Town by snorkelling with the Cape Fur Seals at Hout Bay. Grab yourself a delicious breakfast wrap or croissant from The Pelican and take the … Continue reading How to Spend 48 Hours in Cape Town

Contributing Writer
Love

Are Student Union Nights the Heart of Cardiff StudentsÔÇÖ Dating Scene?

Cardiff UniversityÔÇÖs student union club nights can be deemed an incredibly favoured aspect of Cardiff University culture. Simply walk along Park Place or Senghennydd Road between approximately 8-11pm on a Wednesday, or Saturday night and youÔÇÖll get a feel for the sheer popularity of these events. Aided by an endless flow of VKs, students enjoy mingling with other likeminded people, but how successful are these … Continue reading Are Student Union Nights the Heart of Cardiff StudentsÔÇÖ Dating Scene?

Contributing Writer
Album Reviews, Arts Reviews, Music

Review: ‘All Things End’ by Hozier

In the early hours of 17th March, Irish singer-songwriter Hozier released his latest EP ÔÇÿAll Things EndÔÇÖ. The release day for this EP is very on-brand for Hozier, being both his birthday and St. PatrickÔÇÖs Day. Well-known for his soulful and reflective musical style, Hozier delivers a cluster of three tracks on this EP highlighting his distinct blend of evocative melodies, lyrical depth, and impressive … Continue reading Review: ‘All Things End’ by Hozier

Contributing Writer
Arts Reviews, Live Reviews, Music

Cardiff Bands @ Ale and Cider Fest

The Ale and Cider Festival (ran by CardiffÔÇÖs own Ale and Cider Society) was the perfect event for the Live Music Society to show off their finest acts in Cardiff UniversityÔÇÖs Student Union main stage. With drinks flowing throughout the day, the festival goers couldnÔÇÖt be happier to watch some fantastic sets. The Poached gave a powerful performance off the bat with a refreshingly eclectic … Continue reading Cardiff Bands @ Ale and Cider Fest

Contributing Writer
Arts Reviews, Live Reviews, Music

Cardiff Bands @ Tiny Rebel

The most immediate thing I noticed when entering Tiny Rebel Brewery was the quirky and uniquesetup. The entire room was illuminated by the soft red glow of the eye-catching Tiny Rebel neonlogo, front and center of the room, coupled with the vine leaves hanging from the walls, it left anethereal, pleasing aesthetic for the eye. The excellent mixing and acoustics provided an excellentdegree of clarity … Continue reading Cardiff Bands @ Tiny Rebel

Contributing Writer
Features

All the Mental Health Problems I Have According to TikTok

Words by Lucy Beetson Have you ever found yourself scrolling through TikTok, thinking you’ll only watch one video, and before you know it, you’ve spent hours on the app? Or maybe you’ve noticed that your For You page is constantly showing you content that seems eerily accurate to your interests and personality. Trust me, you’re not alone. As a fellow TikTok addict, I know just … Continue reading All the Mental Health Problems I Have According to TikTok

Contributing Writer
Fashion

Where Would You Really Wear That? The Point of Runway Fashion

Words by Bethan Gwynne Have you ever looked at a piece of art in a museum that you really liked and thought ÔÇÿthat piece is nice but totally impractical, it would never fit in my living room!’ No? It would be a bit strange to bring a piece of art into your home that was never intended to sit on the wall of a normal … Continue reading Where Would You Really Wear That? The Point of Runway Fashion

Contributing Writer
Arts Reviews, Live Reviews

Review: Welsh National Opera’s The Magic Flute at Wales Millenium Center

Words by Cyntia Sudomir MozartÔÇÖs fairy tale with subversive symbolism comes to life once again at the Wales Millennium Centre, this time with Daisy EvansÔÇÖ contemporary twist. In a nutshell, we follow Prince Tamino and the bird-catcher Papageno on a mission to retrieve Princess Pamina from Sarastro, the King of Day and PaminaÔÇÖs cerebral-celebratory father, who whisked her away from The Queen of the Night, … Continue reading Review: Welsh National Opera’s The Magic Flute at Wales Millenium Center

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Film & TV

The Power of Unity: Why Unionionised film crews are essential to the industry

Words by Katie Storrie Have you ever wondered how certain films can become so successful? Or how do films become nominated for awards? This is due to the power of unity in the industry. The power of working in unity brings success in the film industry, as it allows for the honour and achievements of people to be recognised. Unity promotes a positive environment in … Continue reading The Power of Unity: Why Unionionised film crews are essential to the industry

Contributing Writer
Food

The Science Behind Food and Drink Pairings

words by Lucy Matthews Why is it that certain foods are more friends than foes with some food more than others?  As you swill your glass of Pinot Noir and prepare yourself for a heavenly slice of Gruyere that is about to titillate and take over your taste buds in a passionate and full-flavored combining, you find yourself in an omniscient relaxing state. You do … Continue reading The Science Behind Food and Drink Pairings

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Literature

Chivalry Is Not Dead: The Image of the Knight

By Ellie-Anne Davies The picture of a lush green landscape, blue skies and a while stallion mounted by a glimmering suit of armour is not an unfamiliar concept to us today. The knight is often branded as the hero, a protagonist and the pinnacle of masculinity in many a tale, but now we see the character in conflict with so many social changes and ideas … Continue reading Chivalry Is Not Dead: The Image of the Knight

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Interview, Music

In Conversation with Safari Gold

Imagine the Welsh Valleys in the early noughties. Two teenage brothers and their neighbour are playing Blink-182 covers in a cabin at the bottom of the garden. ÔÇ£ThatÔÇÖs basically how it all started,ÔÇØ says Morgan, one of said brothers, and nowadays a lead singer in the alt-pop quartet Safari Gold. Fast forward a couple of decades and the band has just released their second album, … Continue reading In Conversation with Safari Gold

Contributing Writer
Album Reviews, Arts Reviews, Music

Album Review: Ten Stories High by The Bouncing Souls

Like many bands, The Bouncing Souls found themselves at a bit of a loose end at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Stuck at home and unable to continue touring, they turned to online fan-communities, and began to work on new material in an exciting new way: connecting with fans via Zoom, hearing their stories, and drawing on these in their song-writing process. The result … Continue reading Album Review: Ten Stories High by The Bouncing Souls

Contributing Writer
Food

A Dive Into the History of Coffee Shops

words by Eva Castanedo Artisan coffee shops are all the rage at the moment, popping up everywhere to cater for catch ups with friends over delicious brunch and study days fuelled by coffee. But how and when did they become so popular? Venice served as the entry point for coffee when the drink first came to Europe in the early 16th century. The Venetian merchants were the … Continue reading A Dive Into the History of Coffee Shops

Contributing Writer
Features

Coming Out and Coming Together: Part 4

Words by Genevieve Gunn IÔÇÖve known that I was gay ever since I understood what the word ÔÇÿgayÔÇÖ meant. I must have been, what ÔÇô about 13? Or maybe 14? Realising that I liked girls was the easy part. Realising that I didnÔÇÖt like men, however, was so much harder to accept. Following this, I spent many a night mourning the life I had envisioned … Continue reading Coming Out and Coming Together: Part 4

Contributing Writer