Cardiffians

Meet the people behind the account each week. What makes them tick, and if you’re lucky, what makes them tock. Become a Cardiffian here.

@LeonjWard

Project manager for a youth leadership charity called UpRising, which recently expanded to Wales. A VERY keen tweeter and lover of brunch; also new to Cardiff – I’ve only been here 8 months, so I’m still exploring!

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: The Early Bird bakery in Cathays. It’s ethical, small, new, cosy and pays the living wage. It’s also the only bakery of its type in Cathays that I’ve found.

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@leightonhugh

I am 48 years old and live in the Heath area of Cardiff. I have lived in Cardiff all my life and could not possibly contemplate living anywhere other than our beautiful city. I work with  the resettlement of offenders from prison and have done for the past 12 years, which I really enjoy.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: I adore Brains beer and miss it terribly when abroad. I like the diversity of Cardiff and it’s lure that now brings a variety of differing cuisines to City Road.

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@amydavies

I’m a freelance photographer and journalist living in central Cardiff. Although I’m English (don’t hate me), I’ve lived in Cardiff for over 10 years, so I’m pretty sure I’ve been naturalised by now. I spend my days working on different projects for work, but I love to make time in my day to walk around our fair city to take pictures (not just for my job…). You can find me on Instagram at @amydavies.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: It’s a close run thing between Bute Park, which I visit almost every day, and the castle, which I visit a bit less frequently – probably once a month. I love the gold room, and the fact that it’s free for us Cardiff residents! I also love the arcades – I’m the owner of the Cardiff Arcades Project… which I’m trying to decide whether I should start up again 🙂

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@tcols & @elizadays_

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@fourfoot

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@Simonreah

I grew up in Shrewsbury but moved to Cardiff aged 18 for Uni and never moved back. I’m freelance for a marketing company and enjoy films, gadgets, music (anything from Primal Scream to the Moldy Peaches), sport and chocolate milkshake. I cook quite a bit, grow my own veg and spend too much money on clothes. I read a lot, paint and can play the drums. I want a dog but am currently learning how to look after a cactus.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian:  Pontcanna!

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@steviephil

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@HungryCityHippy

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@jessmagness23

Hiya! I’m Jess: Welsh-speaking, coffee-loving, shopping-addict originally from the Valleys but converted to Cardiff almost 10 years ago. I work as a Marketing and Communications Manager for Keep Wales Tidy, an environmental charity. We do a lot more than tidying up… In fact we do some really cool stuff that helps the environment all across Wales. In my spare time- I keep up with the he Kardashians (sorry not sorry) volunteer with the Commonwealth Games, a bit of gym and generally hang out. Oh, and I’m OBSESSED WITH CHRISTMAS.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: Pontcanna! Why? It’s super cool. Also… Tonnes of awesome coffee places! BENDIGEDIG

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@bigmoosetweets

Supercool non profit doing supercool stuff, changing peoples lives for the good and leaving a great legacy.

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@JadeTambini

Big on marketing, spirituality, yoga, fun, cake and coffee and cultural side of Cardiff – like arts and food.

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@edtownemdcdf

Born and raised in Cardiff. Dad, live sound engineer and creative. Founder of @CDFMusicAwards. Obsessed with music and Cardiff.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: Clwb Ifor Bach, my favourite music venue, both as somewhere I work and where I enjoy all kinds of ace music.

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@NewLinkWales

NewLink Wales is a charity specialising in supporting people who have had substance misuse problems.  We find that people who have experienced social exclusion and other problems such as homelessness or mental health conditions can become more susceptible to developing other issues including addiction.  We strive to help break that cycle and promote wellbeing in our communities.  Our work includes building the resilience of young people, reducing crime, tackling addiction, preventing relapse, improving the health of the population, tackling exclusion and improving people’s chances of gaining employment.  We believe in challenging stigma and turning negative pasts into positive futures.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: St Fagans – they provide a healthy positive environment where our volunteers can try their hand at learning trades that have nearly died out.  They pick up new skills but most importantly, the opportunity to feel a part of the community.

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@rubicondance

I’m Adam, 42 years old, lived in Cardiff all my life. I work in Splott for Rubicon Dance (a community dance charity), looking after the premises (dance studios), and the social media / publicity on a tiny budget. I enjoy most forms of the arts, socialising, and generally enjoying life.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: Chapter is pretty hard to beat, though I’ve just discovered Pipes Brewery & Bar in Pontcanna and absolutely LOVE it…

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@cardiffbites

Splott-based former food blogger with an obsession for cats, cheese and Jarvis Cocker and an irrational hatred of Nicholas Cage. Currently fundraising for Llamau’s #sleepout2015 on November 12th.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: Nothing makes me happier than spending all my money at Wally’s Deli and munching it before I even get home.

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@CardiffDogs

A motley bunch of volunteers from across Cardiff & South Wales working to support stray & abandoned dogs because “their paws are in our hands”. We are dedicated to enriching the lives of the dogs whilst in kennels & helping them find their forever families! We are all about the ‘happy ever after’!! Some of our activities include dog walking, fundraising, promoting the dogs looking for homes & advocating responsible dog ownership. We are always looking for new faces to join our merry band of #purplepilgrims

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: Wherever we can take our poundies to stretch their legs & get them noticed!!

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@charli008

A animal loving beauty blogger who works in marketing.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: Cardiff dogs home, where I volunteer every weekend. Spending time with the dogs is just brilliant and I couldn’t imagine spending my weekends any other way!

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@charleyycook

Prosecco Drinker, Rugby Lover and a Compulsive Traveler from Lakeside Cardiff. Love all things marketing. Spend my spare time playing touch rugby , as you can see, I’m a rugby addict! And when I’m not doing this I enjoy getting my hands on any theatre tickets that I can, Especially musicals! Tweet about food, parties and reality TV!

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: The Millennium Stadium – nothing shouts great atmosphere more than 72,000 rugby fans!

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@louisateaches

I teach in work based learning at ACT Ltd. and am passionate about making a difference in my young people’s lives, aged 16-19, to gain apprenticeships through innovative techniques and a sense of humour! I live in Roath, cat mad, volunteer at Cardiff dogs home supporting friends of the dogs to make sure our four legged friends feel the grass under their paws. I was a vegetarian for a month once. I have a fine art degree, am a finalist in practitioner of the year at the Wales Apprenticeship awards 2015, awaiting results so I can either do my Sally Field “you love me” or my “I’m happy just to be nominated” face.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: I like to be a Cardifian on my bike, at pop up events (especially if there’s food involved), on my sofa, listening to radio 2, at flea markets, with the pooches, with my students!

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@CathTwo

I’m Cath, I live in Bridgend with my husband, Kev, and am perilously close to turning 35. No kids, unless you count us two 😉 I work for Ty Hafan, a children’s hospice charity based in Sully, which means I get to do a really rewarding job AND see the sea from my desk – win win! I’m a bit of a choir addict, a bit of a tap addict (dance, as opposed to the sort you can buy in B&Q), a bit of a bookworm, a bit of a geek and am prone to occasional outbursts of baking and writing.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: Cardiff Bay. It’s beautiful and it’s where I’ve had some of my most memorable and enjoyable experiences in Cardiff, Ignite Cardiff, gigging with SUPERCHOIR (including THE wedding proposal flashmob) and countless shows at the WMC to name just a few 🙂

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@lizmrawlins – she #RanTheDiff!

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@DuffyEricka

I work in flavour and olfaction with some of the world’s best bars, liquor companies, cafes and perfume houses. I have created sensory events for the likes of the Milan Film Festival, the Edinburgh Film Festival, the Edinburgh Science Festival amongst others. I am a part of the Street Food Cardiff collective and presented Kooktails at the recent Street Food Circus in Cardiff, and I also have put on some tea and cocktail events with Waterloo Tea in Cardiff.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: Divided between City Road (the culture! The foods on offer), The National Gallery of Wales, and Roath and Bute parks.

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@duncpowell25 (AGAIN for the return of #sandwichworldcup)

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@fuudblog

Food and drink obsessed textual show-off with a penchant for comedy hyperbole and a good swear (but I’ll behave if you give me the keys, I promise). 

 

Uni comms officer by day, boozehound and gourmand by night, unless there’s something good on telly. Owner of http://fuudblog.wordpress.com, less a food blog, more a thinly-veiled excuse to write dumb things to make people laugh.

One half of Canton’s finest amateur fancy dress costume construction team alongside the wonderful @scruffyduke, the only other human being I’ve ever found who’s (almost) as neurotic as me, who I am also lucky enough to live with.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: Safely ensconced in the corner of a Canton/Pontcanna pub (Lansdowne/Romilly/Conway/The Halfway) with good company, good beer and good food. Because what else do you really need? Other than a day off afterwards…

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@zoewestermanblb

Originally from Tenby, now a Pontcanna local, I’m the corporate relationships manager for The Wallich, a small Welsh charity supporting homeless and vulnerable people. Lover of nonsense and wonder, books, shoes and lego. I’m most likely to be found jogging in Pontcanna fields, eating pancakes in Brava or sipping cocktails at Holm House.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: Penarth Pier. Total calm. Total beauty. I’m all about the view.

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@MissEmmaHarris

I’m based in Grangetown and work in the city centre. I’m a solicitor who loves exploring the lesser-known things that Cardiff has on offer. Whether it’s a hidden away coffee shop or a new pop-up restaurant, a gallery or an interesting gig. I’m a fan of cats, tea, books, music, cake, craft beer, good food and spending time with friends. I’m also capable of becoming more than slightly addicted to tv box sets.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: Bute Park. You’re walking through the heart of a busy and bustling city but you would never know it. True escapism. I’ve also just discovered the florist/cafe-bar @Sunflower&I in Mount Stuart Square and it’s just magnificent!

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@SadieOlivia_

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@binkirees / @thelansdownepub

Binki is the award winning Landlady of the Lansdowne pub. She enjoys hunter my out the best beer in town and loves great hospitality. As a former art teacher Binki loves the art and culture of Wales’ capital city.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: I love spending time at the Museum in Cardiff. Their permanent art collection is incredible as are their rotating exhibitions of both art and Welsh culture and history. I can happily while away a few hours with my headphones on an be totally submerged in to another world.

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@GlamHamm

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@niamunna1

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@pip_says

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@whungparliament

Hi there! My name is Will and I am korfball coaching, West Brom supporting, journalist in training! Currently engaged in a running battle with a mouse in my house and coach Cardiff Raptors Korfball Club. Mainly tweets about politics (and elusive mice). Views are slightly middle of centre.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: The arcades. Not just beautiful and really cool but a place to shelter from the endless rain.

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@pickettywitch

Living in Splott with my husband, one year old daughter and pesky cat, I’m a part-time charity admin bod and dance with @SambaGalez in my spare time, when I’m not busy discovering all the fun stuff Cardiff has for toddlers to do!

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: Can’t beat an ice cream and a visit to the ducks at Roath Park. Or our wonderful National Museum on a rainy day (not that we get many of those in Cardiff…)

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@_TheDeck

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Will – @willdotbarker

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Biv – @Bivlar

Take a look at Biv over on @WeAreCardiff

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Hannah – @hannahjones_x

I am (almost) 25 & a creative writer at heart. I have been working in Marketing but have just quit my job on a whim: I’m an impulsive person & if I feel something isn’t right I do something about it! Through my eyes you’ll see Cardiff as people, music, art, nature, rugby, & lots of food, drink, happiness & love. 

My favourite place(s) to be a Cardiffian are: Roath Park & Chapter Arts Centre. They are my go-to places to read, write, relax, people-watch, listen to music and be inspired.

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Andy – @ACrispix

I’m Andy, an English exile who moved to Cardiff because I met a Welsh girl and, being from Essex, just really, really wanted to be Gavin & Stacey. I’ve even been to Barry Island – at least 3 times.

Outside impersonating a fictional couple, I spend my working hours as a PR Consultant and the rest of the time playing football at a mediocre level, doing CrossFit at a more mediocre level and watching movies and TV shows at an exceptional level. I love being outdoors, laughing at people falling over (You’ve Been Framed is genuinely my favourite TV programme) and eating at Cardiff’s many brilliant pubs and restaurants.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: the Millennium Centre. The way those words inspire me every time I drive down James Street and see it in front – “In These Walls Horizons Sing”. Sends shivers down the spine.

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Hannah – @HanMCWilliams

I’m Hannah. I run two twitter feeds @shine_theatre and @shinedramamusic both of which are my very own start up groups based and set up in Cardiff. I have a lot of great things to thank Cardiff for. I came here in 2001 for Uni, met my husband, graduated, got married, qualified and worked as a solicitor and then gave that up to start my own business! Cardiff people have been very kind to me and I’ve been nominated for and won some awards including “They’re the business” award from SW Echo in 2011. I really do love it.

A standard week for me includes dressing up, dancing around, making props and costumes, meeting tech people and sometimes working as a support artist on TV and film set.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: the Millennium Centre for brilliant shows and being in the centre of the vibrant goings on down Cardiff Bay!

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Elin – @loladventures

Tea drinker, people watcher, yoga doer, make up obsesser, mulberry addict, gin sipper, teeth fixer, christmas crazy, Cardiff liver, life lover. Workaholic, shopaholic, teaaholic. Life’s too short for in between words. Lola is my shadow (rescued from Cardiff pound 3years ago) she goes everywhere with me (that’s she’s allowed)and helps me watch people and eat cake.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: There’s no way I could pick one outright, so I’ve got a short list :

• Wyndham tea gardens, I love the arcades, supporting small chains, people watching and tea (and the lovely staff!)
• Roath park, we are so lucky to have such a beautiful lake and gardens right in the middle of our lovely busy city
• The Lego shop, one simply does not grow too old for Lego
• My living room at Christmas

Currently if I had to pick one it would be the tea gardens. It will take months to work my way through all those teas.

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Adam – @AdamKClarke

TV presenter & Youtuber, been in a few films over the years! Ambassador of Cardiff, run my own company Suave Promotions.
Known for making viral videos around the diff. Recently recieved international recognition when I put my sister on the freeads for a fella, Date My Sister! Now a hot TV show in Germany and soon to come to the UK.
Wear shades and tagline is Stay Lush, check out my my Facebook page.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: The Willows pub St Mellons!

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Stephen – @stephenbrooksUK

Vintage antique lover. Design devotee. Cocktail drinker. Pop monger.  Gluten dodger. Clinton fanboy.  Resentful gym-goer. ENFP. Annoyingly positive.  Wanted to be Radio 1 DJ; ended up working in politics. Held hostage by my crazy cat in North Grangetown. Send help

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: The look, smell and feel of Jacob’s Antiques

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Chelsey – @ChelseyEdmunds

New faces & new places are my favourite things in life. I try to be that person that makes you try something different, whether it be munch, mantras or makeup (and hopes you won’t hold it against me if it’s terrible – ha!). You can catch me consistently tweeting from @ChelseyEdmunds or @elfstorecardiff. I work in town, in the lovely Royal Arcade, so being bettween here and Fairwater, the sights and delights of Cardiff are always available to me, especially when travelling on the 61 bus and especially after living her for 23 years!

I spend my days surrounded by lipstick, blushers and eyeshadow – ideal for a 23 year old young lady! Although I’m not your usual cosmetics junkie you’d expect! Out of hours, I’m planning my next venture, mocking up business ideas and just generally trying to things exciting but simple I guess, a happy medium is key!

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: Bunk House Cardiff hands down is my favourite place!  Bunting, beds and bloody brilliant people – What more could you ask for?! If you’re looking for somewhere to escape on your lunch break or fancy a quiet but cool tipple! Head over, you won’t regret it!

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Nathan – @hintofsarcasm

Lifelong Cardiff resident, for my sins. Computer programmer, single father to a toddler, coffee addict, always out and about.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: @UrbanTapHouse, because of the three B’s. Beer, Burgers, Banter.

Andy – @viallia6

Originally from Aberystwyth and very proud of the old town. After a university education of sorts at Swansea, I spent 16 years in North London, before seeing the light  and heading back west. I moved to Cardiff 3 years ago with 2 daughters and my lovely wife. Having had a 3rd daughter (a true Cardiffian!) and re-built a house it’s time to get more involved in Cardiff life – restaurants, sports events, comedy, pubs, cinema and anything else really. I just need a strong supply of babysitters!

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: Either Roath Park lake, Bute Park (love the walled garden tea room) or Llandaff Fields. I love being outdoors and Cardiff is blessed with city centre beauty you’ll not find in many places.

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Katie – @Katie_Chappelle

I grew up in Whitchurch and now live in Radyr with my husband and 3-year-old son. I work as Communications Manager at the deafness charity Action on Hearing Loss Cymru and blog about my favourite things to do in Cardiff at https://cardiffgirl.wordpress.com/. I’m most likely to blog or tweet about yoga, jogging (slowly), family activities and good food (especially afternoon tea).

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: Bute Park. We love to cycle or walk along the Taff Trail and stop in the park for a picnic in the shadow of Cardiff Castle or for coffee and cake at Pettigrew tea rooms. We’re so lucky to have such beautiful green spaces right in the centre of town and I hope this never changes.

 

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Gemma – @getyarockon

I’m a teacher, live music photographer, mummy to two Chi’s and Welsh/Cardiff City football blogger. I love all things hot in the city and scouting out new (and old!) bands in our funky nightspots. My blog – Welsh Girl On The Ball – comes live from Cardiff City/Wales games. It’s not just a sports report, it’s what girls really think about at games. I like my balls round!

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: Cardiff City Stadium, surrounded by my mates, family, a band and our team. Nothing beats a Saturday at the City.

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Laura – @laura_deaves

Originally from Dorset, I moved to Cardiff after graduating from Swansea University 6 years ago and have never left. Now with a master’s degree from Cardiff University, a house in Splott, a Whitchurch raised husband and full time job here, I consider myself a proper Cardiffian. Living in Splott but still day dreaming about that house in Whitchurch, I can usually be found eating in Juno Lounge, Joes Ice Cream and Chapter, at a gig on Womanby Street, yoga-ing at Yoga Fever, jogging at Roath Rec or chilling on the sofa.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: Chapter Arts. Good food, drink and the best place in Cardiff to find French films. What’s not to love? I find myself here often. I also love The Norwegian Church and Pettigrew tearooms, which is why I chose those venues to hold my wedding reception.

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Owen – @Owen_Barry

I have lived in Cardiff mostly all of my life, in various places around the city! I am currently studying to be an Educational Psychologist at Cardiff University. I am always on the lookout for good coffee and the ‘occasional’ craft beer, where the @urbantaphouse, @chaptertweets and @porterscardiff are my usual haunts. I try to shop/eat in as many independent places as I can. I am a big follower of Cardiff Blues, Wales and most things rugby.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: This isn’t easy to answer, but my favourite place in Cardiff is a toss up between the Cardiff Arms Park and Llandaff Village.

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James – @jamesianosborne

I moved to the ‘Diff from Pontypridd in 2002, rented in Cathays for a few years, bought a flat in the bay with my (now) wife Catherine in 2006.

I’m a big fan of social networking among local businesses such as @ILovesTheDiff and @nydelicardiff

And I’m a member of @conceptplayers a Cardiff/South Wales based theatre group.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian:  

1) @nydelicardiff

2) The Barrage, looking back towards town.

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Allie – @brocknroller

Irish born, Cardiff bred. Client Relationship Manager at Box UK (by day), roller derby player with Tiger Bay Brawlers (by night). Self taught amateur video maker (with big dreams). Odd quirk: Every morning I read my social media feeds in the same order: FB/Instagram/Twitter. I like wine.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: Bute Park. I cycle through it most mornings, and it’s a great way to start your day (obviously minus the NATO fence!)

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Matt – @matt_lissack

Matt is part of Capital’s Breakfast Show (Matt, Polly & Geraint).  You can hear him every weekday on Capital FM from 6am – he’s been on the radio in South Wales for almost a decade! As well as hearing him on the air, you can often see him playing at some of Cardiff’s biggest bars and clubs (Tiger Tiger, Ladybird, Pulse, Oceana).  He lives in Cardiff with his fiancé and 2 ‘kids’ (the ‘kids’ being his 2 Yorkie dogs!)

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: Roath Park.  I love to walk to ‘kids’ here on a nice sunny day with a refreshing ice lolly! It’s just a lovely place to chill out.  It’s also my favourite place to run!

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Tasha – @thisistasha

I’ve been masquerading as a Cardiffian since 2007 when I moved here from the Midlands for university, I then stuck around and became what felt like a forever student. I just finished a masters in Arts Management and now work at all the places (well several places) but luckily I hate not being busy. I talk a lot about farmers and films, drink a lot of tea, and wear a lot of scarves. Also weirdly obsessed with lighthouses.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: Going to rebel for my favourite place and choose @PenarthPavilion (close enough to Cardiff, right?), being from the Midlands the sea is a bit of a novelty for me and I’m lucky enough to spend a lot of time near it working with the lovely PPP team in the beautiful pavilion building.

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Jay – @JAYFABPAGE

I’m the Sales & Marketing Manager for @BoutiqueCardiff and I spend a lot of my time with work, friends, family and alcohol. I have a big heart for Cardiff and the improvements of making it a destination. I’m a loose cannon who speaks what I think, ask me a simple question, you will receive a simple answer. Fun & fabulous let me take over Twitter.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: On the streets of the city watching the world go by day or night

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Gethin – @ShotFromTheH1p

Cardiff born and bred, I run a non for profit photography company in Cardiff in my spare time. I worked with and for lots of Cardiff companies and donated to Cardiff charities.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: Cardiff Bay waterfront. For anyone who’s never visited Cardiff, it blows their mind. Apart from the fact it looks like a film set (well, it pretty much is now actually) on a sunny day it could be any European city.

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Jen – @jenthornton01

Moved to Cardiff in 2004 to study Music at @cardiffuni, fell in love with the city and never left. Charity communications and social media person. Lover of music, creating things, singing and good conversation. Geeky and quite political.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: My favourite place in Cardiff is the bay, early in the morning when no-one’s really about yet. The sea has always been my calming place and being able to pop down there on the baycar for a morning coffee and a gaze at the view is wonderful.

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Kirsty – @chaotickirsty

I plan to be twenty one forever and I will probably always wish I was a movie star or a member of the Secret Seven.  A big fan of a cuppa and a piece of a cake: I graduated in Graphic Comms in the summer last year and stuck around to live in beautiful Caerdydd. I can usually be found selling theatre tickets, pulling a pint or two, or laughing out loud with the favourite people in my life with a cocktail in hand.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: I would have to say @ShermanCymru: it’s my second home, a venue and a stage for incredible productions and the workplace of a group of wonderful people.

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Ed – @Ed_Barnett

Ed is an Englishman who considers himself an honorary Welshman, having lived in Wales for 24 years – 10 of those in Cardiff. He owns @cartridgemateuk and @copiermate, and works alongside a stunning team of six individuals. He’s also the operations behind @IgniteCardiff – another amazing team of six people. Friends describe him as: quirky, energetic, loving the centre of attention, optimistic, hardworking, sarcastic, logical, and one of life’s deep thinkers.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: Down the bay, sitting outside the Senedd, reading, smiling, and contemplating life.

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Welsh Girl – @problemaumerch

I’m your typical twenty something Welsh girl, who wants the same thing as any other Cardiff girl, a huge bouncy pony tail, new nails every fortnight, and to marry a Welsh rugby player. The problem is, the weather means my hairs always flat, my nails chip and my boyo hasn’t gorra contract from the WRU. Consequently, I spend most of my time either tampin, fumin, or ragin.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: Sat in the grounds of Cardiff Castle, NY Deli hoagie in hand, replenishing the calories I just lost darting around the Hayes, where I’ve accidentally managed to spend my entire months rent.

(You know how hotels give you a credit card shaped piece of plastic to get into the rooms? Yeah, well I always pretend that my Castle Key is unique to me, and that I have to use it to get home – Cos I’m a princess obv. So I’d deffo say the Castle is my fave place in Cardiff)

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Tom – @TheCardiffYP

My name’s Tom and I’ve been living in Cardiff for just over a year now (originally from Newport but please don’t hold that against me!). I’m a financial adviser with Niche, a small specialist firm of Chartered Financial Planners. I also run Cardiff Young Professionals (@CardiffYP), a networking group for young entrepreneurs and business owners in and around Cardiff. Our mantra is Networking With A Twist and our events are very laid back and informal, with a running theme of, ahem, drinking (cocktail making, champagne tasting, rum tasting…).

Interests: gastronomy, mixology, filmology and egg chasing spectatorship.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: Has to be @Lab_22. Partial to the odd Martini and Old Fashioned, and personally haven’t found anywhere else in Wales that makes better cocktails or gives a better service.

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Laura – @laurahd

Mother, arts producer, book-reader, cooker, city-lover, TV-watcher, gig-goer, northerner (in heart if not in body), casual cycler. Moved to Cardiff in summer 2012 from oop north and have loved finding my feet personally, professionally and with my family since we arrived.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: The Millennium bridge over the Taff in Bute Park: the view down the river past the stadium to Cardiff Bay, with the possibility of a glimpse of the Aquabus; and on one side, home, and on the other, the promise of acres of parkland and refreshment at Secret Garden cafe.

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Ben – @BenjaminJames27

A PR bloke with a love of wordplay. Ben can often be found spouting his love of Tim Westwood on stage, writing about Cardiff City or on the telly, having a go at Vincent Tan.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: @chaptertweets. A real hub of creativity and discovery.

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Dean – @Pearcey149

I’m a big sports fan, travel around watching sport a lot and keep a blog about it at pearceysblog.wordpress.com. I’m also a keen runner and like to explore Cardiff on foot that way. Finally, don’t mind a pint or two and would like to explore more Cardiff pubs.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: The Cowbridge Road bridge in town where you can see the Arms Park, Millenium Stadium, Cardiff Castle, Bute Park, and the Taff. Some of the best things Cardiff has!

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Sean – @fattysleg

I’m a huge cricket fan, love hip hop, football, real ale, good food and all the usual stuff.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: Any of: @Thelansdownepub, Victoria Park or Llandaff village.

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Ben – @gingeniousben

Video director, business owner, DIY’er, fan of blues music and surfing.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: Roath. Such an interesting place – great old doors (I know – I’m weird), beautiful treelined streets, the “DIY” church – great pubs and restaurants – the park and there’s always something to do!

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Ian – @DirtyPopCardiff

My name’s Ian and I’m the founder of @DirtyPopCardiff; a club night @clwbiforbach which has been running for five years every Saturday night at Cardiff’s oldest nightclub. I came to Cardiff from North East Wales in 1991 to study in Uni and have been here ever since.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian:  The Packet in the docks because of every thing single about it.

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Jenni – @JenniPh

I came to Cardiff 18 years ago to study Philosophy and never left. I was a Cardiff Ambassador for the 2012 Olympics, have worked with local arts organisations through Arts & Business and recently did my first Photomarathon. I live in Roath and work for a large insurance company. My interests include researching family history – I’ve unearthed some surprising Cardiff connections. Love food despite having Crohn’s disease (currently avoiding dairy & gluten). I’m also a big Formula 1 fan, very average piano player and aspiring writer.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: Roath Park – with honorary mentions to the lovely independent shops on Wellfield Road & the farmers market on Keppoch Street.

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Steve – @thedimmick

Steve yearns for a return to Renaissance ideals.  He’s disillusioned with our ever intensifying commitment to specialisms and niches and wants more of us to do more stuff, to be more than we currently are.  This, the desire to learn and know more, is the main reason he rarely says no. As a result Steve’s a busy man.  A human compendium you could say.  From running recruitment consultancy dimmicks.co.uk, to compering and growing ignitecardiff.co.uk (that sold out all 400 tickets for it’s latest event in less than a minute), from hosting the city’s most successful monthly book club cardiffread.co.uk, to curating the Instagramers Wales and Instagramers Cymru accounts and monthly competitions, from prototyping a mobile app for BBC Radio 3 with a bunch of other Cardiff dwellers, to launching smalljoys.co a visual ideas and story based design company, from volunteering at Chapter Arts Centre, to, most importantly of all, being a father to 3 amazing children and 1 spectacular wife, Steve doesn’t do down-time.  Here’s hoping you might like the idea of doing something new yourself, just for the hell of it, after a week of his tweets.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: I love being in the city’s lungs; Bute Park.  My office  overlooks the Castle walls, so within seconds I can escape the mental fug of work and be surrounded by greenery with the Taff flowing by.  If I’m not lunching, I’ll usually be off with the fairies on a stroll between the Pettigrew Tearooms and Blackweir Bridge; you should try it too.

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Duncan – @duncpowell25

Upbeat ex-Londoner, with 12 years Cardiff living under my belt but still with a voice & figure like James Corden. Twice failed TV food contestant. Co-own Yolk Recruitment and love business. One Grangetown wife & two babies keep me young (and tired). Love football – Chelsea & Cardiff, pork products, real ale, restaurants from posh to grubby, Peppa Pig and indie music. Love Cardiff as a city to bits – can’t imagine returning to dull suburban London life.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: Hard to answer as it depends on mood and changes all the time, but I think I’d stay loyal to @KittysCardiff. Not the best beer, certainly not the best chairs, not even the friendliest staff or the best music. So why’s it my favourite place? I have no idea. It just is.

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Neil – @neilingham

Neil was born in Heath hospital, grew up in Llanedeyrn and now lives in the actual Heath with lots of travel and a degree in Social Anthropology at Manchester Uni in between. Neil is Communications Director for Seren Group in Newport (shock horror) and has previously worked as a spin doctor for the Liberal Democrats and as a senior executive till operative at Lakeside SPAR in Cyncoed. When being un-professional Neil is father to one little girl with another due (in weeks!), fading parks footballer, cyclist, food-lover and maker who thinks the rest of the world should slow down to about the pace at which Cardiff moves.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: Beyond the obvious…I like the lanes between streets in Penylan and even Cathays in the spring/summer – they’re not just access for burglars – they’re beautiful, quiet streets with no cars and a surprisingly vibrant plant-life. On a hot day you can take a route weaving through Penylan, Albany and Cathays that will uncover a city most people just walk past.

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Lindsey – @lindz24778

I work my magic with figures for a wonderful arts charity that acts as an advocate for volunteers engaging in artistic activity across the UK. I love walking my dog in the lovely Cardiff parks, trying out all of the amazing tea and cake shops Cardiff has to offer, and I am particularly enjoying the tea renaissance over coffee! I enjoy eating out and I’m always on the lookout for new restaurants, particularly ones that mix a good cocktail.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: So hard to pick a favourite place in Cardiff, but I do love St Fagan’s; such a great place to visit as there is always something new on, and the view changes week by week.  Also Garlands tea house, just for the cake.

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Louis – @LouingtonAckbar

English Man in Wales. Head of I.T. at @SourceInsurance, Photographer & Owner of @LSR_Photography.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: Love Penarth Pier as it’s a wonderful place however you might not class this as Cardiff… If so then Cardiff Bay, great architecture and photo opportunities!

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Jack – @jackpickering74

Studying geography and planning @cardiffuni. Bit of a hipster- big fan of ales and cider, good coffee, vegetarian food, and vinyl. Also keen on kickboxing!

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian:  Bute Park, though I don’t go there enough. It’s so big and different in different places and at different times of the year, and it feels good to have such a big park in the centre of town.

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Nina – @the_littlenomad

22 year old Masters student and blogger (oh the cliché). German at heart but unofficially adopted British. Living in the UK since 2004. Dreaming of a job in HR. Penchant for tea, gin, corgis and shoes.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian:  I can’t possibly choose one place! Live Lounge after 11 for the killer Long Islands followed by a recovery brunch @BarkerTeaHouse or @ThePotCafe with friends.  Then a walk in Roath Park to shake the hangover.

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Rhys – @rhys_phillips

I am originally from Bridgend but moved to Cardiff in 2005 to study maths & physics at Cardiff University. I am now a Research Engineer for Airbus Group where I am part of the team designing lightning strike protection for their new aircraft. I also present breakfast, science and jazz shows on Radio Cardiff, run my own Cardiff based jazz band Imperfect Tenth and am one of the founders of Cardiff Science Festival. I volunteer for the Institution of Engineering & Technology and am also a STEM Ambassador, volunteering to make science, technology, engineering and mathematics exciting to school children.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: Cardiff Bay because it is the home to both Techniquest (and who doesn’t like Techniquest?), the Millennium Centre and the radio studio where I spend a huge amount of my time each week.

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Tom – @clwbcardiff

I’ve studied for the past two and a half years at Cardiff University, and like to think of the Welsh capital as the hometown I’ve chosen for myself.  I love the musical culture of Cardiff, from the big gigs of Solus and Motorpoint to sweaty raves in Moon Club and in my quieter nights can be found frequenting one of many watering holes around the city. I’m a huge fan of Steak, Sartre and Synthesizers and like to write about the Welsh Capital and music in general on my blog!  I’m a Diff lover, not by birth but by choice.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: I’d probably have to say Lab 22, it’s a truly unique cocktail bar that manages to incorporate some of the best drinks I’ve ever tasted with some very reasonable student prices during the week.

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Stacey – @thatcardiffgirl

My name is Stacey, however most are blissfully unaware and often refer to me as ‘That Cardiff Girl’ (My Twitter handle). I am based in Cardiff Bay and work as a full time features writer and Social Media Marketing Coordinator for @itsoncardiff. I also freelance writing for local in print and online publications – including the oh so impressive Cosmopolitan Magazine.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: One of my favourite places has to be Cardiff’s best kept secret – Bunker! Mostly because I enjoy beating men at boardgames.Never, ever challenge me at Frustration!

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Ruth – @ruthwalters

After seven years exiled in London and too many hours spent carving up the M4 I returned home to South Wales in summer 2013 – hoorah! Every day needs to start with the strongest of coffees and usually takes a series of exciting twists and turns from there. As a PR freelancer retraining to be a nutritionist I get up to all sorts. I’ve done some crazy things in my time (like running 3 marathons in 3 months in 2012) and I’m at my happiest after a sweaty CrossFit workout.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: Seriously tough question… But it would probably have to be Waterloo Tea Rooms because, despite its name, serves the best cup of coffee in the whole of Cardiff.

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Jess – @keepingitwelsh

Meet Jess – @StDavidsCardiff resident food and drinks blogger.  Jess is 23 years old and a retail manager in the city centre. Originally from Reading, she followed her Welsh family roots and made the move to Cardiff in 2012. Since moving here, Jess spends her days searching out the best that Cardiff’s social scene has to offer.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: The barrage across Cardiff Bay just as the sun is setting.

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Ai-Lin – @AilinKee

Originally from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Wales has been my home the last 12 years and Cardiff my adopted city. I live, work and play in the city and have been privileged to have worked in promoting the city professionally too. One the things I do a lot of is trying to capture bits of Cardiff.. the city, the bay and all the lovely parks and countryside and share them with friends. Cardiff to me is compact and we have the best of both worlds – a beautiful city with countryside right on our doorstep.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: I love my morning runs to the Cardiff bay wetlands. There’s a lovely spot where there’s such serenity.

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Dale – @daleo_

(to the tune of Craig David)

Designer and doodler on Monday

Lecture at the Uni on Friday

I’m usually working late on Tuesday

and on Wednesday, and Thursday and Saturday

I’m hungover on Sunday

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: Metros. So wrong, but so right…

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Kirstie – @kirstiemccrum

Moved from Northern Ireland in 2008 and am a journalist who likes travel, sport, books and cooking.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: I used to live off City Road in Roath which is still my favourite part of the city – it’s always full of life, has a really wonderful array of nationalities and cultures and is home to two of my favourite restaurants in Cardiff (Shaam Nights and Mezza Luna if you’re interested!)

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Neil – @chewyuk

Shwmae, my name is Neil Mansfield. I am a photographer based in Cardiff. I am married and have a four year old little boy. I’m old enough to have seen Concorde fly and young enough to know that Astro Wars, Texan bars and choppers should still be on sale on the high street. I spent many years in London, but reside now in my hometown of Cardiff. I love folk music and Dylan and the more I write this bio, the more I feel it would actually be better placed on a lonely hearts column. Mountains are my love, so any ad would probably be misplaced unless any potential partner existed in the form of large sloping mounds, perhaps it is best if I stop there!

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: I have many favourite places in Cardiff, the cricketers for a beer, the mill stad for rugby, Llandaff fields for exercise and @thepottedpig for food.

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Lloyd – @LloydMorganLMP

Video Producer by day, food connoisseur and limbo champion by night. Tweets consist of a generous handful of filming, a heaped teaspoon of cooking, a drizzle of exercise and a pinch of rugby.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: Millennium Stadium – all about the atmosphere.

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Gareth – @Captain_Gareth

Runaway Gog in #CDF hoping to encourage people to start businesses for fun. Captain/CEO of @Welsh_ICE and Explorer of @CDF_5.

Favourite place to be a Cardiffian: Porter’s for the community/atmosphere, my balcony for a read or Cardiff Bay Barrage for the Easter eggs and open air.