My CD collection is pretty eclectic; everything from Led Zeppelin to Lemar and Stereophonics to the Sugar Babes. So, being a selfconfessed fan of all genres of music, it didn’t take much encouragement by my friends to get me along for a themed night of Swing at Hamptons in Penarth.

I spent the best part of last year trying to get hot tickets for these events, to no avail, due immediate sell-out success. So when given the opportunity, I jumped at the chance. It was a tough choice mind you, as I had decided to forgo Saturday night watching the John Barrowman show and, as my friends know, I am his biggest fan. Never mind, Sky+ duly set to record, I was hot to trot for a night of swing.

Normally I grab a snack in the daytime at Hamptons, while secretly coveting their array of trinkets and soft furnishings, but this was a different experience. Weird some might say; café, music and wine in the middle of a furniture shop.

But in true Andy and Peter style, this is no ordinary furniture shop and that’s what I love about it. It’s a lifestyle – an emporium. I love its quirkiness and the way they make the best use of space.

Transformed to an art deco stage set, with the candles lit and a welcome greeting from our hosts, we were introduced to the cocktail menu. I went for the Dragonfly, a gin-based cocktail while my friends chose the vodka spiked Bay Breeze and the rum inspired Cuba Libra.

Cocktails were accompanied by Italian antipasti of olives, breads, prosciutto and salami. I should mention here that each course is presented on large platters, emphasising the idea that food is for sharing with your nearest and dearest whether that be a couple or a group of friends.

By now, Penarth local Neil Lashley Craven had started to warm us up with his rendition of Sway. Neil is a young, talented and thoroughly affable guy who sings with a passion to please and brings into the mix his perfectly honed musical theatre style voice, which my friend and I spotted immediately.

Certainly, I would advise that an empty stomach on arrival is a prerequisite as, after a brief interlude, we were presented with dips and crudités followed by the main event of spring chicken, seasonal salad and baby potatoes. What struck me was the lovely simplicity of the food, which is all too often lacking these days.

As the chatter increased by a few decibels, Neil matched it in true Rat Pack style belting out some of the more upbeat favourites, while we anticipated the arrival of our chocolate affogato. By now I was fit to bursting but found room for the concluding home made mini desserts. Each mouthful was met with a satisfactory nod of the head and noises resembling ‘yummy’ and ‘wow’.

As coffee and liqueurs were served, this afforded the opportunity for everyone of all ages to get up on their feet to swing and smooch to more Buble greats before the final curtain. Andy and Peter are the perfect hosts, who have created stylish themed evening events with that perfect combination of a live music performance, five-course dinner, convivial company and superb ambience.

What I loved most was the opportunity to experience a night out akin to those in days gone by. It offered the right degree of ‘niceness’ in an otherwise mad world, where guests were able to shut out the worries of the day. All in all good clean fun sharing music, dance and food aplenty with an old fashioned community spirit.