This month, as part of our 25th anniversary festivities, we’re celebrating the creative spirit in all its aspects and are hosting a series of talks and workshops on the meaning of creativity and how to best get involved in the creative arts. With this mood of inspiration in mind, we’ve put together this guide to help people get creative.
FOOD
Compiled by ELOUISE HOBBS
ONE MILE BAKERY CLASSES
21 Syr David’s Avenue, Cardiff
If you love bread but can’t tell a sourdough from a granary loaf then the classes at One Mile Bakery are for you. Whether you are in the ‘Introduction To Baking Bread’, ‘Breads Of The World’ or the ‘Festive Baking Class’ you are sure to have a great time. The bakery, which has expanded from Cardiff to Cirencester, with more locations set to open this year, have a simple ethos: they teach to small groups so everyone can enjoy learning, and they make sure everybody leaves with plenty of bakes to take home along with the recipes. Each class also includes a two-course lunch with a glass of wine, alongside snacks throughout the day.
Admission: £125
Info: www.onemilebakery.com
CORNERHOUSE COOKERY
21 Heol Don, Cardiff
Cornerhouse Cookery is located close to the centre of Cardiff and offers a range of classes from ‘Modern Vegetarian Feast’, and ‘Middle Eastern Cooking’, to traditional bread baking and lessons on how to create ‘One Pot Wonders’. Founded in 2010 by former TV director and producer Tina Moss, classes are held in a traditional Edwardian family home in Whitchurch; the kitchen, where lessons are held, is inspired by Tina’s grandmother’s kitchen in Ammanford. The homely atmosphere, though, makes it feel like the dishes could easily be achieved in any kitchen. Set to suit beginners and experienced cooks, everyone is bound to learn something, and better yet, have something tasty to take home at the end.
Admission: £135
Info: www.cornerhousecookery.co.uk
ANGELA GRAY’S COOKERY SCHOOL
Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol
If you love entertaining guests but blush at the thought of presenting your food, then Angela Gray’s Cookery School may be a perfect fit. Formed in 2010, the school is hidden away in Llanerch Vineyard in the Glamorganshire countryside and offers fun and relaxed cookery classes which can help anyone to cook an Instagram worthy dish. Favourite courses include ‘Delicious Supper For Friends’, ‘Skills Builders’ and themed cooking lessons like ‘Spring Italian’, with each course lasting from a few hours to a full day. Alongside their cookery courses, they also host a lunch club, chef nights and are currently the only place in Wales to offer Weber Grill Academy courses.
Admission: prices vary per event
Info: www.angelagray.co.uk
PURPLE POPPADOM
185a Cowbridge Road East, Cardiff
Learn from some of the best. Purple Poppadom has grown quite a reputation under head chef Anand George and in addition to offering tasting menus at both lunch and early dinner, the pièce de résistance is the seven-course evening taster menu, which offers a specially selected glass of wine with each course. Dishes from their sample menu include slow-cooked beef with chunks of tapioca and spices, sea-bass wrapped in banana leaf, and cardamom infused tikka supreme. This tasting menu will allow you go on a journey to discover dishes which experiment with tastes, flavours and ingredients to inspire you for home cooking.
Admission: £45
Info: www.purplepoppadom.com
RESTAURANT JAMES SOMMERIN
The Esplanade, Penarth
James Sommerin is a Michelin-starred restaurant located on the Penarth Seafront, which offers unique dishes inspired by head chef and patron, Sommerin himself, as well as his grandmother and Welsh childhood. A restaurant this high-end is notable for being a family-run business: James cooks everyday alongside his eldest daughter, Georgia. They also offer this family experience to their diners at the chef’s table. Sat in the heart of the kitchen, diners are invited to watch a specially devised 14-course dinner being prepared before them and discover their secrets.
Info: www.jamessommerinrestaurant.co.uk
MADAME FROMAGE
21 Castle Arcade, Cardiff
This French bistro, known for its delicious lunchtime menu, also hosts cheese and wine events and gourmet taster evenings. The cheese and wine events include a talk by a cheese connoisseur who recounts the history of cheese and discusses the ‘new and unusual’ cheeses (and complimentary wines) which are presented to diners. This is followed by music, more drinks and a tapas buffet. The gourmet taster evening, meanwhile, presents guests with an eight-course “taste extravaganza for enthusiastic gastronauts”. The night boasts dishes that are never usually seen on the menu and creative plates with a unique French twist.
Info: 029 2064 4888 / www.madamefromage.co.uk