11 hours Ago By [email protected] (Kathryn Williams)
The family of beloved Cardiff nightlife legend, Jason Page, have paid tribute after he tragically passed away aged just 39. A key part of the hospitality scene in the Welsh capital, Jason, known as Jay, died at home earlier in February prompting an outpouring of tributes and leaving a huge hole in both his family's hearts and those of the hardworking, passionate group of people who champion the success of bars, restaurants, events and more in Cardiff . As the details of Jay’s funeral are confirmed his family has said: “We would like to thank you all for the overwhelming kindness, love, flowers, cards and support at this heartbreaking time.
We request family flowers only but should you wish to donate anything to remember Jay, we will split the donations between the GoFundMe for Jay's bench and Jason’s chosen charities.” Brought up in Barry , Jay, his brother Chris and parents Lesley and Russ, settled in the coastal town following years of living abroad due Russ' time in the RAF. It was as a youngster Jay’s passion for participating in the local RAF brass band was nurtured from the age of seven, going on to become principle trombonist for the RAF, which saw him lead the band at Eisteddfods and international Wales games for both football and rugby.
After attending Jenner Park school and eventually St David’s College in his hometown, it was the nearby bright lights of Cardiff that drew Jay into a career of hospitality, and if you've had a meal out or a boozy time in the city, you'll have likely partied with Jay or at one of the venues he'd worked hard at to get up and running. After a spell at known menswear store, Slater’s, Jay moved to the hospitality industry to forge a busy and influential career, kicking off with a job in Revolution in 2007. Then in 2011 he opened Ladybird & Kapu Club on Mill Lane alongside good friend Gianluca and under the mentorship of the latter’s dad and well-known Cardiff restaurateur Giovanni Malacrino.
A nighttime hotspot for three years Jay then worked at 10 Mill Lane and Sodabar before then making the transition to New World Trading Co - helping establish the first of Wales' The Botanist locations, before travelling across the UK to set up further venues. During lockdown his creativity and skill in adapting, something the hospitality industry was forced to do during the pandemic, was never more evident than when he opened up roof terrace greenhouses to remain in line with government restrictions - leading to a memorable TV appearance on the local Welsh news thanks to a misspelled job title. A hat wearing legend, Jay hardly ever strayed from his sartorial millinary style, but, as a keen supporter of annual charity night, Drag Me To Church in Roath, the night was never complete without one of his epic fancy dress costumes - 2024's The Grinch made quite the impact.
As did his regular Monday night trips to Mary’s for their Miss Kitty event - which often ended up with Jay as a ‘guest’ backup dancer. In a hat-tip to Jay's place in Cardiff hospitality history, friends have set up a Go Fund Me page to raise funds for a bench in his memory, the fund has already collected £3,600 and if you'd like to donate, click here. Details of Jay's funeral have been confirmed for March 13 at All Saint's Church, Barry, CF62 3NU, from 1.
15pm where all are welcome. This is followed by a smaller service at Barry Crematorium, but this is for family and invited friends only. Wake details will be confirmed in due course and updated here.
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