Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream – Science Cream – Cardiff

Ice cream isn't exactly a winter warmer, but when it's made right in front of you by scientists and with liquid nitrogen you know it's something you have to try, whatever the weather.

I visited this unique parlour in Castle Arcade just before Christmas, when eating three puddings in one day was considered normal and replacing lunch with ice cream was just another celebration of the season. Craig and Alicia ordered a chocolate orange cookie concoction and I watched and took photos of the geeky-cute men making ice cream in a matter of minutes right in front of us. It was very cool.

Made with fresh, local ingredients, the ice cream is whipped up in these food mixer type machines – I'm sure they're much more technical than that – and -6° liquid nitrogen is added to turn the cream into ice cream. The white smoke billowing out of the bowl added to the science-lab atmosphere, without it feeling clinical at all.

 

I worried that the focus on this novel idea might detract from the product itself, but the ice cream was fantastic. It was rich and creamy, not too sweet, and full of flavour, and the cookies were crispy-chewy-delicious too.

Is this the latest gimmick doomed to fail? I hope not. Science Cream is fun, cute and the product tastes great. Unsurprisingly, it's a little on the pricey side, but you get what you pay for and more. It's the whole experience – the aesthetic of the place, watching the ice cream being made right in front of you, the scientists in white lab coats. Maybe the novelty will wear off, but this parlour is bound to thrive in the summer months, and I'll be going back for sure, if only to get my fix of that indescribably delectable ice cream.

Sencha at Waterloo Tea Gardens – Cardiff

Nothing will replace my desire for a strong cup of coffee in the morning, but there are times when I am in the mood for something a bit more refreshing, clarifying... soothing. I got into herbal teas a few years ago while at university. Having never understood the hype over regular black tea, I was surprised that I actually loved all other kinds. There's something so relaxing about drinking tea, and finding a cafe that offers a whole range of flavours was lovely. There are only so many coffee shops a girl can take.

I visited Waterloo Tea Gardens in Cardiff with my brother and his girlfriend one Saturday before a day of shopping, eating and work's Christmas party. We walked into an inviting, open space with the friendliest staff, and were seated at one of the 'sharing tables'. 

I'm not sure about this style of dining, particularly when drinking tea or coffee connotes relaxation – and to me, that doesn't involve sitting with strangers. But it wasn't a huge issue – there was more than enough space and it didn't feel like the people sitting with us were actually with us.

The menu offered seemingly hundreds of options, but my eyes went straight to the Japanese greens. Having heard numerous rave reviews about matcha - the health benefits being the main appeal - I told the waiter that was what I wanted, very willing indeed to pay £5 for a single pot. But he quickly warned me that matcha tastes like crushed paracetomal. I found his honesty charming, especially when he recommended I try the slightly cheaper sencha.

While we waited, my brother, Craig, got his sketchbook out and I couldn't help but take a few photos of his bizarre drawings. He's a strange creature, but very creative, and he has a YouTube channel which you should check out if you have a few minutes. If he wasn't my brother I might find him mildly more amusing than I already do.

It wasn't long before our drinks arrived, with different coloured hourglasses for different brewing times. Of course I had to order something to eat, and toast was just what I fancied. Two thick doorstop slices of soft white bread arrived, toasted to golden perfection and served with a generous helping of unsalted butter (it's generally better, but I do prefer Lurpak slightly salted). I asked if I could have some jam to go with it, to which the waiter happily obliged (seriously, very nice staff).

Although I love my hot drinks hot, the fact that my sencha was verging on warm didn't bother me so much. The taste – and colour – more than made up for its cooler temperature. It was honestly the nicest cup of green tea I have ever tried and I'm sure I could have drank another pot immediately after I had drained the first. 

Have you ever seen such vibrant green tea? It was so delicious – sweet, and not at all bitter like many green teas are – and served in a fantastic grey teapot and cup with a cute saucer (although I'm not sure what that was for).

Visiting Waterloo Tea Gardens reignited my love for tea and gave me that warm feeling of wanting to buy lots of new infusions, tea pots, strainers and cups and hide away in a little cottage with a stack of books, with just a crackling fire and an animal – dog, cat or rabbit – to keep me company, as winter wind whips its way through the day and night outside. Isn't that what everyone dreams of once in a while?

Uni Reunion at Urban Taphouse – Cardiff

I don't know what it is with me and my uni friends – I seem to go months and months without seeing any of them, despite how close some of them live to me. Is this what being an adult is?! I hope not. Beth and I finally decided to set a date, however, and on Saturday we met up in Cardiff for a day of shopping, eating and catching up.

Beth was my first friend at uni - we were flatmates in first year and we have so many memories from the last four years. I really miss living with her. We used to have duvet days in the living room with our other flatmate Becky watching Disney films and rubbish chick flicks, as well as cheese and wine nights and days out shopping and lots and lots of nights out. Just writing about this is making me miss our uni times together.

We reminisced on some of these times when we stopped at Urban Taphouse for lunch, as well as exchanging stories about our 'grown up' lives now. It was strangely quiet for a Saturday, but the atmosphere was chilled and pleasant nonetheless. Known for its beers, I imagine Urban Taphouse fills up nicely on a Friday and Saturday night, but we were there for the burgers.

I loved the interior of this place. So many gorgeous photographs hung high up on the walls, and tables with Scrabble letters spelling out table numbers, it was really relaxed and tastefully set up without being pretentious.

Beth ordered The Jerk and I went for The Fish - both served in the most amazingly soft, toasted brioche buns with fries and coleslaw. We had to order the pizza fries too. Just look at them. Absolute perfection.

You get a lot for your money at Urban Taphouse so if you've got a big appetite, this is the place to go. Everything tasted amazing but we were too full to finish it all – our eyes were bigger than our stomachs on this occasion. We spent the afternoon walking off our food babies and looking for bum bags which we couldn't find anywhere :(
 

Have you been to Urban Taphouse? It's situated just opposite the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, a couple of minutes' walk from the city centre, and totally worth visiting for something a bit more interesting than your average pub burger. You can find out more about Urban Taphouse here – and if you do decide to go, tweet/instagram me a picture of your burger @hello_flower

Wardrobe Staples: The Leather Jacket

For years I searched for the perfect leather jacket. Yes, years. It took about four until I found the one, and it was a happy day when I finally did. Everyone needs a leather jacket in their wardrobe. It's a timeless classic, and works with so many different outfits if you get the right one. 

My mum found this in the Whistles section of House of Fraser in Cardiff last summer. I absolutely adore Whistles, and if my bank balance allowed it, I would shop there for all my clothes, shoes and accessories. Needless to say, this jacket wasn't cheap – I think it was about £300 – but you get what you pay for, and I know this classic piece is going to last me for years to come. The quality is unbeatable. It is soft, black leather and seems to get better with age. The black and navy lining is beautiful too. I wear it almost every day – even to work – and I think it makes any outfit look better.

I love the detail of this jacket. There are zips on both sleeves which, if un-zipped, give your wrists a little more space – which, in the first few weeks of wearing, was much needed. When I first got this jacket it was tight, but leather stretches and adapts and now it fits to my body perfectly. There are poppers on the collar if you want a smarter look, and the whole jacket zips right up to the top which is great if you're on a chilly walk home on a night out!

Have you got a leather jacket? I would love to read more posts like this – I think I could save years of searching for the perfect piece – whatever it is I'm looking for. What do you think? Let me know in the comment box below or tweet me @hello_flower

What I'm wearing in this post:

Jacket: Whistles. T-shirt: New Look. Jeans: ASOS. Hair flowers: New Look. Nails: Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine in Prickly Pear.

Photography: Bethan Davies.

Turning Twenty Two

On Saturday it was my birthday. I had a lovely day, spent with friends eating and drinking lots of good food and drink, and even getting a little nap with my best friend Bethan while watching a cheesy film. My family came over to celebrate on Sunday so the fun was extended over the bank holiday weekend which was lovely.

Everyone is smitten with baby Olivia. On my 21st Birthday, she was just a tiny dot in Emily's tummy, and now she's all big and cuddly and it makes me so broody! She wore a very special party dress with rabbits all over it ♥

She even wrote a little message for me in my birthday card.

For my birthday meal I asked for my faaaaavourite – chicken in oatmeal. It's basically fried chicken in an oaty coating, served with a lemony, creamy, mustardy sauce, potatoes and vegetables. Sarah calls it a beige meal, but I love it.

Napkins – Tiger, Cardiff.

My mum makes a beautiful fruit salad.

Then it was time for cake, made by Emily.

It was speckled mocha cake, and it was absolutely divine. The best mocha cake I have ever tasted. It's a Mary Berry recipe, and definitely one to keep for other celebrations.

I was so spoilt with lots of lovely gifts – it was a birthday weekend to remember. I feel fortunate to have had two brilliant weekends in a row and I hope it's a sign of many more to come. I'm kind of glad to leave twenty one behind, and I can't wait to see what twenty two has in store. Thank you to everyone who made my day special ♥