Tag: culture

Culture

Student Drag Show Review: Sly’s Self-Conscious Slay Was An Elitely Executed Lesson in Camp

A night of naughtiness, raucous laughter and pure queer joy, Student-run drag show Sly landed with a bang on the 25th of April in the Student’s Union. The university’s first-ever drag show and held in support of Mind Mental Health Charity, Sly’s triumph represented a landmark feat for Cardiff’s queer communities. Creative polymath Josh Salisbury created, hosted and performed as a part of Sly. Since … Continue reading Student Drag Show Review: Sly’s Self-Conscious Slay Was An Elitely Executed Lesson in Camp

juliabottoms
Culture

Behind the magic: an Interview with Oliver Tabor

Distinguished magician and producer, Oliver Tabor is celebrated for his captivating performances and innovative contributions to the world of magic. His flagship production, West End Magic, is London’s longest-running magic show. This theatrical spectacle combines mesmerising illusions, comedy and a diverse lineup of talented performers. From being president of the IBM British Ring or FISM Champion, in this interview, he shares insights into his journey … Continue reading Behind the magic: an Interview with Oliver Tabor

Charlotte Hardie-Watts
Culture

Toxic Masculinity vs Movember

Words by Megan Philip We have all heard the phrase toxic masculinity often used to describe men displaying aggressive behaviours and in relation to sexual harassment. However, what is rarely discussed is the internal, negative effects it has on menÔÇÖs mental health and the ways in which it influences how men view their own masculinity.┬á What is toxic masculinity?┬á The dictionary defines toxic masculinity as … Continue reading Toxic Masculinity vs Movember

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red and yellow fireworks
Culture

Celebrating Diwali

Words by Hansa Tote Diwali is known as the ÔÇÿfestival of lightsÔÇÖ (coming from the Sanskrit word ÔÇÿdipavaliÔÇÖ┬ámeaning row of lights) and is celebrated by over a billion people all over the world, all gathering to honour the triumph of good over evil and the victory of light over dark.┬á The significance of Diwali in religion  It is the biggest festival in India, being observed … Continue reading Celebrating Diwali

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Culture

Communal Living: growing up, moving out, and moving in with others

Words by Rhiannon James Picture this: sunny blue skies, students lounging on picnic blankets on pristine lawns in front of a stately manor house with an entrance hall filled almost entirely by a glittering chandelier looking down from above. You duck as the overbearing-yet-motherly receptionist tries to smother you with a hug and a ÔÇÿgood morning dearÔÇÖ as you pass through into a grand dining … Continue reading Communal Living: growing up, moving out, and moving in with others

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photo by Fred Moon on Unsplash
Culture

Sober October vs Oktoberfest: Drinking Culture at University and Alcohol-Free Things To Do in Cardiff

Words by Ellie Young It is an indisputable fact: drinking is embedded in our university culture. Week after week of society events, StudentsÔÇÖ Union nights and irrefusable pub deals foster a social life rotating around alcohol. Of course, it feels like the natural path to follow: a new place, new people and complete freedom are reason enough to point one towards the ÔÇÿsocial lubricantÔÇÖ of … Continue reading Sober October vs Oktoberfest: Drinking Culture at University and Alcohol-Free Things To Do in Cardiff

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Literature

(Not So?) Happily Ever After: The Depiction and Evolution of Marriage in Literature

Words by Anushka Kar Whether itÔÇÖs in Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility or any of her other novels, you can always rely on Jane Austen to advocate marriage, love, and the intermingling of the two in a taboo-esque manner of the nineteenth century. For Austen, marriage could not simply be an economic ordeal; it had to have that mutual attraction in order for it … Continue reading (Not So?) Happily Ever After: The Depiction and Evolution of Marriage in Literature

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Food

Cardiff’s Cocktail and Breakfast Tour

We’ve all got a lot of celebrating to do as the academic year draws to a close and there’s surely no better way to celebrate than over a cocktail. So, we asked our contributors for their Cardiff cocktail recommendations. Plus we like to cover all bases here at Quench, so we’ve got your hangover breakfast covered too. words by Floss Harrison Who says that Cardiff … Continue reading Cardiff’s Cocktail and Breakfast Tour

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Food

Parents Know Best: Inheriting a Love of Food

My father speaks almost exclusively in the form of food. His green, coconut curry with marlin means ÔÇÿI love youÔÇÖ. We were a basmati rice household, but I didnÔÇÖt like basmati rice, so he broke out the jasmine rice just for special occasions. The curry was always simmering far before I would come home from school. Little tidal pools of chilli oil accumulating in the … Continue reading Parents Know Best: Inheriting a Love of Food

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Food

Simple But Hearty: The History of Welsh Cuisine

words by Megha Roy Wales is a country of rugged landscapes and wild coastlines, and it is a place where traditions still run deep. One of these traditions is the rich and varied cuisine that has been enjoyed here for centuries. Welsh cuisine holds a fascinating blend of influences from the ancient Celtic tribes who first settled on the land to more recent English, French, … Continue reading Simple But Hearty: The History of Welsh Cuisine

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Columnist

The Most Heartbreaking Line of Dialogue Ever Written : How Arthur MillerÔÇÖs Death of A Salesman Reveals the Human Tragedy of Late Capitalism┬á

Over the course of just six weeks in the Spring of 1948 Arthur Miller produced, in my opinion, the greatest play of the twentieth century. Centred on the Loman family of New York, Death of A Salesman serves as the psychological post mortem of a man who dared to buy into Capitalist dreams of success. MillerÔÇÖs subject for this dissection comes in Willy Loman, a … Continue reading The Most Heartbreaking Line of Dialogue Ever Written : How Arthur MillerÔÇÖs Death of A Salesman Reveals the Human Tragedy of Late Capitalism┬á

charlotteharris
Features, Interview, Music

In Conversation with Opera Director, Daisy Evans

It is an interesting time for Opera.┬á What audiences nowadays expect and desire from the arts has meant that the elitism associated with Opera, along with its outdated themes and morals, are no longer accepted by a new wave of arts fans.┬á The recent decision made by Arts Council England to slash funding of leading Opera organisations such as Glyndebourne and English National Opera proves … Continue reading In Conversation with Opera Director, Daisy Evans

sophierevell
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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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

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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

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Travel

Think Local While Global: Shopping Small Whilst Abroad

words and image by Eve Davies While it is comforting to see familiar chain companies or franchises whilst in a foreign country, it is important to consider their impact on the local economy of your destination of choice. I get it: youÔÇÖre tired, sweaty, and starving after a long journey and the idea of a McDonaldÔÇÖs really hits the spot, but itÔÇÖs not always the … Continue reading Think Local While Global: Shopping Small Whilst Abroad

evedavies
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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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

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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

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