Axis magazine, August 2022 issue

The independent, intelligent guide to everything that matters locally August 2022

INSIDE YOUR BEST GUIDE TO LOCAL LIFE FILM STUDIOS ARE GO

Sunset Studios plan given the go-ahead by Broxbourne

GREAT SUMMER READS Three local authors publish their debut books

BACK ON THE MARKET Lea Wharf apartments available for sale again

THE BEAT IS BACK

Hertford’s Musical Mystery Tour returns this month

NEW LOOK FOR PUB

The Goffs Oak opens its doors after refurbishment

Your leading high quality local news magazine since 2003

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WELCOME

AUGUST 2022 | NO. 235

What’s inside this issue ABOUT AXIS

05-11 y Briefing Find out about the latest major news developments across our area

13 y Reading time Three local authors release new books this summer

Axis magazine was founded in 2003 by two award-winning former local newspaper editors who still own and run the business today.

We are the independent, intelligent guide to everything that matters in and around eastern Hertfordshire and we aim to provide a concise, useful guide to local life.

Our editorial content is targeted towards readers’ interests, to maximise readership and gain the best exposure for our advertisers.

The magazine is delivered to homes and businesses in selected areas and copies can also be picked up free from venues across the area.

CONTACT US

Axis Magazine, Lyric House, 6b St Andrew St, Hertford SG14 1JA 01992 500198 info@axispublications.co.uk axismagazine.co.uk

PUBLISHERS:

Aaron Gransby & Justine Woods

DIGITAL EDITION: Read us online at axismagazine.co.uk or issuu.com (search axis magazine)

20-24 y What’s on Enjoy life in the open air at a series of major events this month

25-27 y Food & drink The Goffs Oak reopens with new look and Lussmanns wins national award

18-19 y PROPERTY NEWS Chase New Homes put Lea Wharf apartments in Hertford back on the market Front cover images (clockwise from top) The Railway Children Return (p24); Lea Wharf in Hertford (p6&19); Axis publisher and author Aaron Gransby, whose new novel is out now (p13/picture by Edmond Terakopian); The SGs, who will play at Hertford’s Musical Mystery Tour (p21/picture by Charles Hoggarth); Hertford Open Air Cinema (p22); Peace Cottage in Hoddesdon (p6).

SUBSCRIBE For just £25 per year we’ll send you your own copy of Axis by post upon publication each month.

Call us on 01992 500198 with card details to start a subscription or send a cheque made payable to Axis Publications Ltd to the address in the Contact Us section above.

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BRIEFING

NEWS WORTH KNOWING

Lights, cameras, action: Film studios approved A plan for a £700million film and TV studio by the A10 at Waltham Cross has been approved by Broxbourne Council.

A special meeting of the council’s planning and regulatory committee unanimously agreed to approve the application on Monday 18th July.

The development by Los Angelesbased Sunset Studios will create a major new film and TV studio complex including stages, workshops, backlot and ancillary facilities on land north of Junction 25 of the M25 at Theobalds Park Farm on Great Cambridge Road.

The 91-acre site, known by the council as Park Plaza West, is on land south of where the A10 meets the B198 Lieutenant Ellis Way. The land was purchased in August last year by funds managed by investment company Blackstone and studio owner and operator Hudson Pacific.

Broxbourne granted planning permission for seven different applications including for works to three historic listed buildings, demolition of some later-built

An artist’s impression of the new studio site in Waltham Cross

structures related to farming and the refurbishment of a farmhouse, large barn and smaller thatched barn. A further application related to the proposed construction of an artificial sett for badgers to enable them to be relocated from the development area.

Sunset Studios say construction will begin next year and that they hope to begin filming on the site in 2026.

It is anticipated the studios will contribute £300million annually to

the local economy and create up to 4,500 jobs.

Cllr Lewis Cocking, the leader of Broxbourne Council, said: “This represents a fantastic opportunity for the people of our borough. The creation of thousands of new jobs and the associated boost to the economy is welcome and we look forward to working with Blackstone and Hudson Pacific to help deliver significant positive change in Broxbourne.”

Ware Library will move from its Grade II listed home Ware Library will be moving to a new location after Hertfordshire County Council approved a change of use of the former Peacocks Store at 43-45 High Street to allow the service to be re-provided there.

Axis reported last month how the council wants to move the library from its home next to Ware Priory to enable it to escape the restrictions it faces within the Grade II listed former maltster’s house.

It says the current building is too small to allow it to serve the number of people wanting to access the service, inflexible in terms of layout with a set room structure, and lacking adequate accessibility.

For example, some technology and books are on a mezzanine level only accessible by a staircase

This former maltster’s house is the current home of Ware Library

and there is no public toilet.

A move to the retail unit farther along the high street would mean it could provide more books and services as well as increase the capacity of popular regular activities such as Baby Rhyme Time sessions.

While most planning applications

are dealt with by East Herts District Council, county councils have the power to determine them themselves where they relate to the provision of a service area for which they are responsible such as schools, libraries and roads.

East Herts Council objected to the change of use application saying a library was not one of the approved uses that its policy would normally allow within a primary shopping frontage where retail is the preferred occupant.

However, councillors on Hertfordshire’s development control committee felt that a modern library could be a community hub that could encourage footfall during the daytime which would benefit neighbouring town centre shops.

The application was approved unanimously.

Fire service ‘tested to limit’ in heatwave Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service found itself tested to the limit over two days of high temperatures in mid July.

The service said the 48-hour period from Monday 18th to Tuesday 19th when temperatures across the United Kingdom broke records, had been the busiest in its history.

It declared a major incident in the county on the Tuesday alerting other forces, emergency services and local leaders to the pressures it was under.

Crews responded to multiple largescale incidents across the county including road traffic collisions, fires close to major motorways and crop and field fires.

Among the incidents the service attended were a blaze at a 200-acre field near Park Lane in Cheshunt, a combine harvester fire in Buntingford and field fires in Rushden, Hemel Hempstead and Codicote.

The service also helped other fire and rescue colleagues across borders in London, Buckinghamshire and Cambridgeshire.

Chief Fire Officer Alex Woodman said: “The scale of the service-wide challenge has been huge, and the response of all staff has been incredible. Under extraordinary conditions we were able to keep our residents safe.”

Stortford’s bid to house rail HQ fails The shortlist of towns and cities to have made the shortlist in a bid to be home to the new headquarters of Great British Railways does not include Bishop’s Stortford.

The Shaping Stortford team led by East Herts Council had answered a call for entries in a competition hosted by the Department of Transport to be the out-of-London location for the HQ of the organisation that will run Britain’s railways from 2023.

The shortlist features six locations: Birmingham, Crewe, Derby, Doncaster, Newcastle and York. axis magazine 5

BRIEFING

Open day to highlight Peace Cottage Project An open day in August will allow the public to find out about Hoddesdon’s Peace Cottage Project, a plan to turn the town’s Grade II listed Quaker meeting house into a new community centre and garden.

The distinctive building in Lord Street was designed by architect William Alderson and built in 1829 to serve as a venue for Quaker meetings but has been unused for some years.

Now two organisations, Quakers and Churches Together, supported by a steering group made up of representatives from Broxbourne Council, local housing associations, charities and arts groups, have joined together to explore how it could be turned into a community hub for Hoddesdon and the surrounding area.

The building has several rooms and a community garden which, after a little repair, love and attention, could all be put to good use for a range of activities focusing on health and wellbeing, support services and creativity and the arts.

Volunteers have been working on the garden over the past two years with it having provided a safe

Enterprise is key word for renamed business centres

Peace Cottage could become a community hub for Hoddesdon

outdoor space for activities during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Now the project organisers have launched a GoFundMe page and hope to raise £10,000 to relaunch Peace Cottage in its new role.

The Summer Open Day on Saturday 13th August between 12noon and 4pm will be a chance for other local people to find out about the building and the project and potentially get involved.

Zoe Hudson, the project coordinator, said: “Responding to the needs of our community is at the heart of

our project. We hope that local people will join us for our open day, to visit our new garden space and to help us develop our plans.

We have lots of opportunities for new volunteers to get involved.” l The meeting house is at 55 Lord Street, Hoddesdon EN11 8NE. For more information visit peacecottagehub.org or email peacecottagehub@gmail.com.

You can donate to the fund by visiting gofundme.com (search for Peace Cottage Community Hub).

Broxbourne rethinks recycling sites as 75% of recyclable plastics go to landfill or incineration Recycling sites in Broxbourne are to be overhauled after it was found that contamination of waste means as much as 75 per cent of plastics and tin cans and 25 per cent of paper deposited at them is ending up in landfill or being incinerated.

The majority of Broxbourne’s recycling is carried out through kerbside/home recycling collections, with 85 per cent of homes in the borough now having access to home recycling services.

The council is working towards making this 100 per cent.

In addition to the home recycling service Broxbourne has 11 public sites where people can take items.

A meeting of Broxbourne Council’s Cabinet on Tuesday 12th July heard that sites are suffering from high levels of deliberate and persistent fly tipping by people disposing of surplus waste, recycling and bulky household items.

6 axis magazine

As construction of its new business and technology centre next to the A10 in Waltham Cross continues, Broxbourne Council has decided to rebrand its business centres and is looking to bring them under the same management.

The new centre, at Maxwells West, (pictured above) is due to open later this year and will now be known as Theobalds Enterprise Centre. The existing Ambition Broxbourne Business Centre in Pindar Road, Hoddesdon, will change its name to the Hoddesdon Enterprise Centre.

The Ambition Broxbourne centre is currently managed by Basepoint, whose contract is due for renewal.

On Tuesday 12th July, the council’s Cabinet agreed to seek tenders from companies to run both centres so it can then compare the cost to running the service in-house.

Lea Wharf apartments back on the market Rubbish is still being dumped at recycling sites, including at M&S, Brookfield

One of the 11, located in the Grundy Park car park at Windmill Lane in Cheshunt, has been closed since September last year following an arson attack.

The council has now decided to permanently close that site due to the persistent levels of misuse.

Another recycling site, at the V&E Club by the Goffs Lane/ Lieutenant Ellis Way roundabout near Cheshunt, will also be closed.

It had become a regular fly tipping site for people from outside the borough.

Its facilities are to be added to those in Hammondstreet Road, Goffs Oak instead.

The council intends to improve and extend, where possible, all of the borough’s remaining nine sites, with the addition of new signage and bins to drive down misuse and contamination.

The 98 apartments at Hertford’s flagship Lea Wharf development are back on the market for private sale again.

Developer Chase New Homes had decided earlier this year to withdraw them from sale and focus on renting them instead.

But it has now decided to return to its original plan for the high-specification one and two-bed apartments on the site of the former Bircherley Green shopping centre. See Property news on page 19 for more.

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BRIEFING

East Herts sets out its vision for Old River Lane development Council explains what it would like to see at flagship site in Bishop’s Stortford East Herts Council has made public its aspirations for its planned Old River Lane development in Bishop’s Stortford with the release in July of a first draft of the document which will be used to assess future proposals for the site that includes the former Causeway and Charringtons car parks.

Old River Lane: Background The council wants to see the area of land behind North Street, close to Waitrose and bordered by Link Road and Bridge Street, redeveloped to provide new retail, leisure, community and arts facilities and new homes.

Originally its vision for the site had included an arts centre with 544seat auditorium along with four cinema screens.

But while an arts building is still to be provided, spiralling cost forecasts post-Brexit and the pandemic have seen plans scaled back.

The auditorium was dropped and an additional cinema screen added but with the flexibility for cinema spaces to be used for live events such as single person shows, comedy and musical performances.

Despite this change the council believes the redevelopment of the site, which will be undertaken by its development partner Cityheart, will bring benefits to the town beyond the boundaries of the site itself.

It has paved the way for works to begin with the opening of a new multi-storey car park at Northgate End, thus freeing up the site for redevelopment.

Once finalised the ‘supplementary planning document’ (SPD) which was the subject of a public consultation during July, will be used to guide proposals for the site and to assess any planning application from the developer.

The SPD document doesn’t lay down specifics in terms of what goes where on the site or name potential future occupiers but in general terms offers guidance and suggestions on what would be deemed appropriate and desirable.

8 axis magazine

East Herts Council wants the new development, including an arts centre (top left) on the site of the Causeway car park, to retain views to Waytemore Castle motte and St Michael’s Church and complement the town’s retail offer

Heritage and environment The site falls into Bishop’s Stortford Conservation Area and, East Herts says, buildings, streets and spaces should be high quality and sensitive to the town’s historic setting and its heritage assets.

Views from within the site to St Michael’s Church and the motte mound of Waytemore Castle and open spaces should be retained and enhanced.

Environmental sustainability should be key – with materials and techniques used to ensure this, and buildings designed in a way to minimise overheating in the summer and reduce the need for heating in winter.

What could be included?

The continued growth of the town is likely to boost existing retail and the case for new retailers in the town but the council says the developer should ensure the scale of retail offer at Old River Lane is “proportionate” and “complementary” to ensure the town centre’s continued vitality.

Office space would be deemed appropriate for inclusion and health care facilities that complement those already on offer in the town “will be looked on favourably”.

The development should both complement and extend the “strong

tradition of civic, community and leisure activities in Bishop’s Stortford which continue to have a positive impact on the town centre offer, creating diversity and bringing a different audience to a town centre location,” the document says.

New homes should be a mix of types suitable for all age groups and sited carefully so that the night time economy possibilities at the site are not restricted.

Parking and pedestrians On-site parking, including for residents, should be significantly reduced compared to usual standards although it is understood that Waitrose, which has a lease on its car park, will retain its parking close to the store, albeit in a reconfigured layout.

To enable this and the wider site redevelopment, the United Reformed Church Hall could be demolished.

The new vehicular access to Old River Lane is likely to be to the east of the site, off Link Road just to the north of Castle Gardens.

The aim is, however, to encourage walking and cycling as ways of navigating the site and it is here that the council hopes that the development will do more than stand in its own right but serve to link to other

areas and features of the town.

A new crossing point for pedestrians who have parked at the new multi-storey would enable easy access to and from Old River Lane, and beyond the site by means of signposting to the town centre – including to Bridge Street and Jackson Square Shopping Centre and to North Street.

The central part of the site running from the north down to Bridge Street would be pedestrianised while Bridge Street itself could benefit from being reduced eastbound to a single lane (it is currently two) just east of Water Lane down to Link Road and the footway widened to improve the area for pedestrians.

Link Road itself is described as a very poor, car dominated environment and the council says the redevelopment could substantially improve this with active frontages along the road and the potential for new crossing points close to the entrances to Castle Gardens and the wider park linking the park and its heritage assets to the town centre.

What happens next?

Once any revisions have been made the SPD document is expected to be adopted in October. A planning application is expected from the developer in November.

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IN THE NEWS

IN THE NEWS

We keep you up to date on the major local stories

Herts Rapid Transit System proposed to cross county

SHOPPING

SUPPORT OUR INDIES

All you need to know as town centres bounce back

We showcase some great independent businesses

PROPERTY

PROPERTY

WHAT’S ON

WHAT’S ON

FOOD & DRINK

FOOD & DRINK

An update on the market and new developments

The best events, arts and films to enjoy this month

The best of July’s events, arts and films to see

The new restaurant that waited six months to open

New pizza restaurant takes over Hertford landmark

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BRIEFING

HERTFORD & STORTFORD MP JULIE MARSON’S MONTHLY CONSTITUENCY UPDATE

JULIE MARSON MP FOR HERTFORD & STORTFORD

I supported Boris but in the end he was right to resign The contest to choose the new leader of the Conservative party and the next Prime Minister will now take place over the summer.

The final two candidates were chosen by MPs last month and now Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss will go around the UK seeking the endorsement of party members at a series of hustings.

We are lucky to have two very talented and experienced people who want the top job, so I know we will be in good hands, whoever wins.

I was very sad to see Boris Johnson resign. I have been a supporter of his and I believe he achieved a great deal.

However, his resignation was the right course of action for the country.

I made my views known to the whips as ministers started to resign. My view was that standards in public life are important and the circumstances of the appointment of the Deputy Chief Whip fell short of those standards.

It is important to remember the Prime Minister won an 80-seat majority. He is the man who got Brexit done when many said it couldn’t be done.

He has shown great leadership during the pandemic and he has been steadfast in the face of Russian aggression in Ukraine.

These are real achievements.

The key now is for us to move quickly forward as a party and a government in the best interests of our country. We need stability and real energy applied to tackling the challenges we face with the costof-living and the war in Ukraine.

Much work has been done already but that needs to be built on by the new inhabitant of Downing Street.

My new ministerial role I accepted a request from the Prime Minister to serve the Government and my country as Employment Minister and Assistant Whip.

The majority of my ministerial time will be at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) but

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I was briefed on the Way2Work campaign at Hertford Jobcentre Plus

I will help out the Whips’ Office when I am asked.

It is an honour and privilege to do so. The DWP is at the frontline of helping with the cost-of-living challenges we face and I will do my utmost to support the Secretary of State and her team.

We have record employment in this country. Much of this success has come because of innovative government programmes like Kickstart and Way2Work that have led to many thousands going into good jobs, training and apprenticeships.

Just before my appointment as Employment Minister, I visited Hertford Jobcentre Plus to be briefed by staff on the Way2Work campaign.

So far, the scheme has seen 547 starts into work in Hertford, Ware and Bishop’s Stortford. Across Hertfordshire the figure is 5,397

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starts into work. I am really looking forward to building on this sort of success in my new role.

Visit my jobs fair next month Locally, I’ll be holding my own free jobs fair at Ware Priory on Friday 9th September from 10am to 2pm. There will be something for everyone at the event in the shape of jobs, apprenticeships and volunteering opportunities.

The local job centre will have a stand there along with other organisations.

This shows that my focus remains on my brilliant constituency of Hertford and Stortford where I will continue to undertake my important work helping constituents. l If you need my help on any subject do not hesitate to get in contact via email at julie.marson.mp@parliament.uk.

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SHOPPING & BUSINESS NEWS: SUMMER BOOKS SPECIAL

Axis publisher writes debut novel set in the near future One of the publishers of Axis magazine has just released his debut novel, which is set partly in Hertfordshire.

Outside, by Aaron Gransby, has been published in hardback by Gerard Books and is also available in paperback and as an ebook on Amazon.

The book is set in a near future society where the economic powerhouse of The City, administered by an unelected government called The Board, dominates the nation.

When journalist Rory Kennet begins to investigate the disappearance of a blameless civil servant on behalf of a friend he finds himself Removed from The City.

He has to adjust to a new life on the Outside, away from the riches of the 24/7 metropolis, where he vows to uncover the truth behind The Board’s Removals policy.

It is an investigation which in turn sheds a new light on his whole existence.

Aaron said: “I’m hoping that Outside will make people think a bit about where our society is heading, particularly after the last few difficult years. But anyone buying the book will find it’s a

highly readable thriller which can be enjoyed on that level too.”

The striking cover artwork is by the renowned London-based artist and printmaker John Duffin.

WHERE TO BUY YOUR COPY A limited edition hardback of Outside can be ordered direct from Aaron via his website (aarongransby.com) at £14.99.

It is also available to buy now from stock at The Book Nook, 65 High Street, Ware and it can be ordered through other bookshops including Waterstones.

A paperback (£7.99) and ebook (£3.99) are available on Amazon.

Author Aaron Gransby, photographed by Edmond Terakopian

Former bookshop owner turns author with new Sherlock Holmes story

Ex-journalist swaps news for ewes in memoir on her new farming life

The former owner of a bookshop in Sawbridgeworth has just published his new novel.

Neville Twitchell, who writes under the pen name Simon Trelawney, has written a Sherlock Holmes book called Sherlock Holmes and the Ciphered List.

Neville, who lives in Harlow and used to run the former Sawbridge Words bookshop in Bell Street from 2015 to 2018, wrote the book chiefly during lockdown.

He has always been interested in Sherlock Holmes, having read all the books, and says he is “steeped in Sherlock Holmes-lore,” adding: “I had an idea for a story that I really wanted to write so I went for it.”

In the book, Holmes looks into the case of a woman who holds

A journalist who swapped her office-based life in Hertfordshire for a cow-milking career in Northern Ireland has written a book about her adventures.

Former Hertfordshire resident Holly Crawford (née Kernot) moved away in 2020 when she married Paul Crawford, a vet and sheep farmer from Northern Ireland. Her new book, called Stuck In The Middle With Ewe, details how she went from city journalist to a milker of cows, freelance writer and a lamb and sheep foster-mum.

Holly said: “I realised that being able to take a shorthand note or report on a news story wasn’t too helpful when standing in the middle of a field surrounded by ewes.

So, I learned to deliver lambs and

herself responsible for the death of a blackmailer Holmes believes to have been an aide to the head of a German spy ring. Set against the backdrop of the mounting tension in international affairs in the 1890s, it is one of Holmes’s most politically sensitive cases.

The book costs £10.99 in paperback and can be bought from the publisher at breesebooks.com or on Amazon.

went to milk cows and I love it.

“I hope my story will make people laugh, smile and remind them that it’s never too late to make a fresh start, find true love or learn to lamb.”

Stuck In The Middle With Ewe is published by The Conrad Press at £9.99 and can be ordered from bookshops. It is also available in paperback and ebook format from Amazon. axis magazine 13

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Our selection this season includes casual classics like T-shirts and sweatshirts made from 100% organically grown cotton, colourful wool sweaters and stylish go-to smooth leather

Swirl stripe sweater, £250

sneakers featuring the stripey pattern and Paul Smith signature.

Our absolute favourites are the beautiful leather handbags, which are perfect for every season, adding a pop of colour and eclectic feel to every outfit.

Don’t miss out on the feminine and playful navy pattern that comes in both a gorgeous shirt dress and an elegant blouse.

Mix and match these timeless pieces for the ultimate capsule wardrobe that will take you from summer to autumn on repeat!

Black embroidered Swirl heart sweatshirt, £130

Happy T-shirt, £75

Left: Printed dress, £330 Right: Printed shirt, £210

Lapin trainers with Swirl In Black or White, £165

Join us for Instagram Lives at @thewomenssociety every Wednesday at 9.30am to be the first to know about new pieces and brands.

Need a little advice? Drop us a message or visit us for a chat with one of our friendly Stylists. Enjoy our generous loyalty scheme every time you shop local. Thank you for supporting small businesses!

Shop Local, Shop Independent Celebrating 15 years Love Hertford Awards 2021 Fashion Winner

The Women’s Society Boutique 2 St Andrew Street, Hertford, SG14 1JA 01992 500122 www.womens-society.co.uk Open Mon-Sat 10-5pm axis magazine 15

SHOPPING & BUSINESS NEWS

SPONSORED CONTENT

Where to park in Bishop’s Stortford Bishop’s Stortford BID offers a helpful guide after recent changes to local car parks There have been a few changes to parking in Bishop’s Stortford lately with the opening of the new Northgate End site, plus the closures of Charringtons and the Causeway.

To help you plan your next visit to our vibrant market town, here’s a quick guide to the six centrally located car parks, all of which are managed by East Herts Council.

NEW Northgate End car park – now open This new multi-storey car park has 573 spaces, including 31 disabled bays and 54 electric vehicle charging points. Short and long stay parking are available from 7am to 11pm and there are two lifts and stairwells for quick and easy access to the town centre.

Link Road car park With 100 spaces, of which two are blue badge bays, this car park is now short stay only and is a surface car park. If you used to park in the Causeway this is a great alternative option, as it’s just over the road.

Jackson Square car park This short stay, multi-storey car park has 708 spaces, including 36 blue badge bays and designated parking for motorcycles. The cinema, restaurants and central

If you’re visiting Bishop’s Stortford, there are many places to park, including (clockwise from top left): The new Northgate End car park, Jackson Square, Basbow Lane, Elm Road and Apton Road

shopping area are nearby. It closes at midnight so is ideal for parking in the evening.

Elm Road car park A few minutes’ walk from the town centre, this long stay car park has 47 spaces. There is a short cut into town via a footpath (just past number 17) that leads to Half Acres. At the end of Half Acres, cross the road and turn right and then left into North Street.

Basbow Lane car park This surface car park has 71 spaces – both long and short stay.

Tucked behind North Street, it is ideal if you work in town or are visiting in the evening to enjoy one of the many centrally located pubs, bars and restaurants.

Apton Road car park With 86 spaces – including two for blue badge holders and several designated motorcycle bays – this long and short stay

car park is popular with shoppers and workers alike. It is a few minutes’ walk from South Street and close to Church Street Surgery.

We hope this helps plan your journey into Bishop’s Stortford and we look forward to seeing you soon.

For more information, including parking tariffs, visit: discoverstortford.co.uk/ parking-transport/parking/

Keep up to date with all the latest news: @DiscoverStortford

@StortfordBID

@DiscoverStortford

www.discoverstortford.co.uk 16 axis magazine

SHOPPING & BUSINESS NEWS

SPONSORED CONTENT

Love Hoddesdon BID re-election ballot nears

How the BID supports local businesses

The BID board meets

Local businesses are regularly kept updated about issues associated with the town through weekly email updates and monthly networking breakfasts.

These are free to both BID levy payers and voluntary members.

The next networking breakfast is on Tuesday 16th August in the Brew Bar at Morrisons.

If your business is interested in attending or becoming a voluntary member please email lovehoddesdon@outlook.com to find out more information.

Love Hoddesdon BID Ltd, the not for profit-making company responsible for managing the Business Improvement District covering Hoddesdon town centre, is seeking re-election by local businesses for a further five-year term this Autumn.

Last month Broxbourne Council, at its Cabinet meeting, supported renewal of the BID and instructed its officers to vote ‘Yes’ on behalf of its properties within

the BID area. It also agreed to independently run the election process.

In addition, at the full council meeting, a motion was approved calling on all the town centre businesses to similarly vote ‘Yes’.

Meanwhile, the BID’s board recently approved the final version of its Business Plan 2023-2027 which will be circulated to all BID levy payers, both large and small, along with

the BID ballot papers.

The board also agreed an election campaign aimed at encouraging all local businesses to cast their vote.

The next stages are that the council will issue a Notice of Election in August and ballot papers in early September.

The official polling day will be Thursday 6th October, with the outcome announced the following day.

Successful events are attracting people to visit the town Last month the Vintage and Classic Car Day drew an estimated 8,000 people in the town to view the 150-plus vehicles on display in the glorious weather.

This month we host the return of Rock Around the Clock Tower on Sunday 21st August (from 11am to 7.30pm) when local bands and artists will provide a live music event in support of Great Ormond Street Hospital and local causes. There will also be an array of funfair rides and street food stalls. A number of local businesses are sponsoring

Royal Charter plaque to mark our heritage Love Hoddesdon is looking to fund and install a commemorative plaque to mark the 1253 granting of a Royal Charter for the holding of a weekly market and annual street fair in the town.

It is to be installed on the Clock Tower and will be unveiled as part of a small event on Friday 21st October.

Improving pedestrian routes to the town

this free event. Meanwhile, invitations have been issued to a variety of food operators to take part in the Love Hoddesdon Food and Drink Fest on Saturday

17th September. If you know anyone who would be interested in taking part, ask them to e-mail lovehoddesdon@outlook.com for an application form.

Love Hoddesdon are grateful that Hertfordshire County Council have now completed improvements to all of the subways on both Dinant Link Road and Charlton Way to get them ‘fit for purpose’, although a couple still require a lighting upgrade. Broxbourne Council is aware and will seek to keep them maintained as that is one of their responsibilities.

Then make sure you…

Do you…

Hoddesdon

SHOP LOCAL EAT LOCAL SPEND LOCAL

www.lovehoddesdon.co.uk axis magazine 17

Unlock Your Future

with Shepherds

01992 440 044 enquiries@shepherdsestates.co.uk

www.shepherdsestates.co.uk

PROPERTY NEWS

Lea Wharf apartments are back on the market The 98 apartments at Lea Wharf, the new development replacing Bircherley Green shopping centre in Hertford, are back on the market and already selling fast after a change in direction by developer Chase New Homes.

The apartments were originally intended for sale on the open market before Chase decided earlier this year to keep hold of the portfolio and rent them out instead.

But the company has now chosen to return to the original plan.

A mix of one and two-bedroomed apartments, they come with a residents’ concierge service and rooftop terrace, stunning views across Hartham Common from the upper floors and high-end specification throughout, with designer fitted kitchens with German appliances, contemporary flooring and fully fitted bathrooms.

Lea Wharf is on the banks of the River Lea and will offer modern

First affordable homes at Cheshunt Lakeside completed

A residents’ roof terrace is among the attractions of Hertford’s Lea Wharf

living with shops, restaurants and leisure facilities, together with a new central piazza, also part of the development.

Selected apartments will benefit from private balconies and allocated parking, and all come with

a 10-year New Build warranty.

Prices start at £304,995.

For more information visit chasenewhomes.co.uk or contact selling agents Lanes Exclusive Homes in Hertford on 01992 940955.

Inland Homes has handed over 46 apartments at Cheshunt Lakeside to Broxbourne-based housing association B3 Living, providing local residents with high quality affordable homes.

This first stage of the development will see 195 affordable homes provided across two buildings.

The 46 homes handed over are for affordable rent and the first residents will move in shortly. The remaining 149 apartments are due for completion in January and will include 83 shared ownership and 66 rental properties.

AVAILABLE TO RENT – £4000 PCM Munns Farmhouse is a large Grade II listed family home in the semi-rural hamlet of Cole Green.

The property is steeped in character and has been sympathetically refurbished. This three-storey farmhouse offers an entrance hall leading to the principal reception kitchen, utility room, walk-in pantry, storeroom, and WC. used as up to six bedrooms. The principal bedroom has a dressing room and en-suite, whilst there is a large family bathroom and an additional bathroom.

MUNNS FARMHOUSE

The property has views across farmland to the front and rear and is located in a gated setting alongside Hertford Barns Day Nursery. The Cowper Arms and Cole Green Way are both a short walk away and the mainline railway stations at Hatfield and Hertford are a short drive away.

To view this property online and see all our other properties visit:

PLEASE CALL 01707 287 000 FOR MORE INFORMATION

axis magazine 19

SAVOUR THE SIGHTS, SOUNDS AND SCENTS OF SUMMER. HATFIELD HOUSE, PARK AND GARDENS ARE OPEN TO VISITORS NOW.

Explore the park & gardens

Indulge at the Stable Yard Shops & restaurant

Book an exclusive experience in the park

SPACE TO LIVE, WORK, MEET & RELAX

WWW.HATFIELDPARK.CO.UK | 01707 287010 | VISITORS @ HATFIELD-HOUSE.CO.UK

WHAT’S ON

THINGS TO DO, PLACES TO GO

Hertford’s Musical Mystery Tour is back!

The Real McKoys and The SGs are among the acts at the Musical Mystery Tour / Pictures: Charles Hoggarth

Hertford’s Musical Mystery Tour returns to the county town on Sunday 28th August.

One of the annual highlights of living in Hertford, the Musical Mystery Tour sees hundreds of performers playing live across a swathe of venues – with more than 30 already confirmed by the time Axis went to press – from noon to bedtime, and it’s all free.

It features a wide range of music, from rock to reggae, folk to funk and punk, classical and jazz in pubs, clubs, restaurants and even municipal buildings.

Co-chairman Kev Saunders said: “We’ve got some great venues on board, including some that haven’t been involved before – Lomo, The Great Eastern and Mr Tanaka’s for example; one

that’s had an inspirational renaissance – The Corn Exchange; and McMullen’s Brewery Yard – a fabulous new outdoor, but covered, venue in the heart of Hertford and home to Rivertown Brewing.”

The McMullen’s Yard line-up was being finalised as Axis went to print but The White Hart in Salisbury Square will feature The Real McKoys headlining with their infectious punk versions of power ballads, plus Mag 7 featuring Terry Lee Miall formerly of Adam and the Ants, The SGs, original ’77 punks The Bleach Boys and Clash tribute The Trash.

For the latest information on who’s playing where visit hertfordmusicfestival.co.uk.

ROCK AT THE CASTLE Rock at the Castle, Hertford’s free outdoor music festival, is on Sunday 7th August in the grounds of Hertford Castle.

There will be performances by local musicians across three stages with genres including rock, indie, pop, acoustic and folk, as well as fun activities for children.

The event runs from 12.30 to 7pm and refreshments are available thoughout the day.

It’s August, which means it’s time to start booking for Xmas The height of summer may feel like an odd time to be thinking about Christmas, but the popularity of festive events means if you don’t book early you might miss out.

One event for which tickets have already gone on sale is a new illuminated trail at Hatfield Park running between 25th November and 31st December.

The gardens and parkland surrounding historic Hatfield House are set to be transformed into a winter wonderland with glistening trees drenched in

jewel-like colour and sparkling tunnels of light as well as illuminations choreographed to a soundtrack of seasonal music.

The trail runs between 4.30pm and 10pm each day with timed entry and limited capacity so early booking is advised. Last entry is at 8.15pm.

Early tickets are £24 for adults, £17 for children or £78 for families (2+2). Free entry for carers and the under 2s. Parking £7 per car.

Find out more and book at christmasathatfieldpark.co.uk.

Paddy Lennox

Daytime food festival evolves to include evening music and comedy Here is advance notice of a food, comedy and music festival that will take place in Bishop’s Stortford at the beginning of September.

Grove Cottage in the Park will be held on Sworder’s Field from 12noon until 8pm on Saturday 3rd September and is organised by the charity Grove Cottage, the home of Mencap in Bishop’s Stortford.

The festival is an extension of the charity’s already popular food festival and aims to offer something for everyone, with the daytime events from 12-5pm featuring the food festival, live music from local bands and a kids zone to entertain the youngsters.

In the evening, Grove Will Rock You, a music and comedy festival, will run from 6-8pm, starting with local band The Lackies before stand-up comedian Paddy Lennox, who runs two local comedy clubs including the Laughing Bishops Comedy Club, takes to the stage.

Tribute band Queen II had been scheduled to play from 8pm before circumstances forced a cancellation. To book tickets, visit mencapgrovecottage.org. axis magazine 21

WHAT’S ON

The best open air theatre performances this month

4 SUMMER HOLIDAY IDEAS

Enjoying open air theatre is now an essential part of an English summer. Here’s our pick of the best productions this month...

KNEBWORTH HOUSE The Sunken Garden at Knebworth House will host The Lord Chamberlain’s Men performing Shakespeare’s As You Like It on Sunday 7th August at 6.30 for 7pm. Adults £17, children £10.

Then Immersion Theatre will present Oscar Wilde’s wittiest comedy, The Importance of Being Earnest, on Tuesday 16th August, also at 6.30 for 7pm.

Adults £14, children £12.

Finally this month, on Thursday 25th August, a new musical adaptation of children’s classic Rapunzel – again from Immersion. 5.30 for 6pm start.

Adults £14, children £12.

Visit knebworthhouse.com for full details.

ST ALBANS ROMAN THEATRE St Albans’ Roman Theatre of Verulamium festival continues this month, presented by Ovo theatre company. Highlights include Louisa May Alcott’s Little

New exhibition at Parndon Mill gallery The Gallery at Parndon Mill in Harlow hosts an exhibition

by Chris Seaber called Gates and Walls and Carnivals, from Thursday 4th August until 11th September. The artist’s work includes assembled drawings and paintings inspired by the Roman gates of London, ‘walls’ in Cornish seascapes and a carnival made from tents. For more information, call 01279 426042 or visit parndonmill.co.uk.

22 axis magazine

Little Women is at St Albans’ Roman Theatre / Picture: Pavel Gonevski

Women with 16 performances from 3rd to 14th August and the Wilkie Collins thriller The Woman in White from 17th to 21st August.

Tickets range from £7.50 to £23.50 for Little Women and from £11.50 to £23.50 for The Woman in White, with evening performances at 7.30pm and matinées at 2.30pm.

Visit ovo.org.uk for tickets.

HATFIELD FOREST The National Trust’s Hatfield Forest near Bishop’s Stortford

is hosting open air theatre again this year. On Saturday 13th August at 6pm, Quantum Theatre presents an adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s The Reluctant Dragon – perfect for all the family. Tickets are £15 for adults, £10 for children. Then on Saturday 3rd September, Illyria present The Pirates of Penzance with tickets at £16 for adults and £8 for children.

Call 08454 505157 to book for The Reluctant Dragon – Pirates is online booking only – or visit nationaltrust.org.uk.

Experience Nickelodeon live

Knebworth House is hosting a fabulous new immersive outdoor experience for all the family, the Nickelodeon Experience.

Put together by The Luna Cinema team, it allows children aged from 2-14 to explore the worlds of their favourite Nickelodeon TV shows and visit 10 activity zones in which, from multi-sensory and interactive adventures to creative and skillbased challenges, kids get to map

out their own fun journey.

They can go behind the scenes of shows such as The Thundermans School for Superheroes and learn how to acquire their own superpowers, or step into an episode of Henry Danger and navigate Henry Danger’s Maze.

Tickets start at £29.50 for children (under-2s free) and the event runs from Sunday 14th to Saturday 27th August. Book at thenickelodeonexperience.co.uk.

OPEN AIR CINEMA Open air cinema returns to the grounds of Hertford Castle on Friday 19th August. There will be three films shown during the day, starting with Raya and the Last Dragon and Encanto for family audiences at 10am and 2pm respectively. Then, in the evening, The Bodyguard will be shown at 7pm for an older audience.

Gates open one hour before each screening and you can take your own food and drink or buy some from the on-site concessions.

Take your own chair or blanket.

Tickets are £3 for each of the daytime screenings and £7 for The Bodyguard. Buy online at hertford.gov.uk/events or from Hertford Town and Tourist Information Centre in The Wash (01992 584322).

HAVE A GO AT ARCHERY Children can have a go at archery at a free event at Ware Priory in Ware High Street from 12noon to 4pm on Thursdays 11th and 18th August. Just roll up and shoot those arrows!

MODEL RAILWAY DAY Lowewood Museum in Hoddesdon is hosting a Model Railway Day on Wednesday 10th August from 10am to 4pm, featuring models and layouts from the Hoddesdon Model and Railway Club. Admission is free; suitable for all ages. The museum is in High Street, Hoddesdon EN11 8BH. CRAFTS AT MUSEUM Hertford Museum has a series of drop-in events for children during the summer holidays. They are every Tuesday from 10.30am to 3.30pm with a different craft theme every week. Last entry is 3pm and the cost is £3 per child.

The museum is at 18 Bull Plain, Hertford SG14 1DT. Call 01992 582686 for more details.

SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS

FANTASTIC EVENTS COMING UP

PREBOOKED TICKETS DISCOUNTED FOR SUMMER 2022

SARAH & DUCK’S BIG TOP BIRTHDAY

Wednesday 10th August, 1pm & 3.30pm Packed full of puppetry, storytelling and music (one hour, no interval) Tickets: £14, £12 child Family of 4 £49

ENJOY A SUMMER OF FILM AT WYLLYOTTS Thor: Love and Thunder Minions: The Rise of Gru (U) Lightyear (PG) The Railway Children DC League of Super-Pets (U) Tickets: £6

SUMMER AT KNEBWORTH HOUSE, PARK & GARDENS

BOX OFFICE – 01707 645005

WYLLYOTTS THEATRE, WYLLYOTTS PLACE, DARKES LANE, POTTERS BAR EN6 2HN www.wyllyottstheatre.co.uk

entertainment for all

Arrival – The Hits of Abba Psychic Sally Islands in the Stream – The Music of Dolly Parton & Friday 16 September, Thursday 22 September, Kenny Rogers 7.30pm. All tickets £25.50 7.30pm. All tickets £26 Sunday 11 September, 7.30pm All tickets £25, Spotlight Lost in Music Friends £22.50 Saturday 24 September, 7.30pm Eban Brown’s Stylistics All tickets £29, Spotlight Friends Songbook Tour £26.10 Friday 23 September, 7.30pm All tickets £25

Jongleurs The best live stand-up comedy Friday 9 September, 8pm.

All tickets £15. This is in the bar lounge with unallocated seating

Project2_Layout 1 08/03/2022 14:10 Page 1

Find out more about these events and what else is coming up by visiting www.thespotlightvenue.com To book online, visit: www.thespotlightvenue.com Call the Box Office on: 01992 441946 (Mon-Fri 10am – 2pm) The Spotlight, High Street, Hoddesdon, Herts, EN11 8BE

EM220749

From Thursday 1 September 2022, the Spotlight will be a completely cashless venue.

axis magazine 23

WHAT’S ON

Theatre development work gets underway as we ponder future name Hertford Theatre’s Rebecca Pegg with the latest of her quarterly updates Hello! Quite a lot has happened since my last update!

Our contractors GPF Lewis have begun work inside our building.

At the time of writing, a team of archaeologists were about halfway through excavating a series of trenches.

Permanent bird and bat boxes have been installed on the trees that are remaining on site, whilst other trees are being replaced at a later stage. When our planting is complete, we’ll actually have more trees and a richer mix of native plants than before, which is great news.

Perhaps by the time you read this, our hoarding artwork will have been installed and demolition across the site will have started, working in sections to minimise disruption.

We found out recently that nearly all of the debris from our demolition will go back into the construction industry, through recycling or reuse, which is important for our sustainability credentials.

What’s in a name?

At the end of June, we held our naming conversation with

FREE SUMMER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

IN WARE

Thursday 11th & 18th August

Have a go at archery at Fletcher’s Lea Friday 19th August

Circus skills workshop with Doody’s Circus in Priory Play Park Thursday 25th August

Tuesday 30th August

Italian chalk art in Tudor Square

Sand art in Priory Park

All activities are free and from 12 noon to 4pm – just come along!

Organised by Ware Town Council www.waretowncouncil.gov.uk

24 axis magazine

our branding and marketing consultants Hemingway Design, alongside creative and industry professionals, including a few local faces to discuss our future name. We can’t reveal anything just yet – but it’s safe to say that we’re seeking a name that truly reflects everything we’ll be doing in our future building, that also demonstrates our new mission and values. Our conversation was so interesting as we challenged a few ideas and looked for opportunities. We’ll share more as soon as we’re able!

ROH Bridge Project Our Royal Opera House Bridge Project is about to move into the next phase with our partner schools, as we prepare to develop our new Learning and Outreach department. We’re taking the time to find out exactly how we’re best placed to help students and teachers really engage with the arts and have already worked

with Sele School, Haileybury, Mill Mead School and Hertford Regional College on different aspects of the project.

Our Christmas show In the meantime, our school slots for our 2022 Christmas show The Snowsmith with Half A String at Ware Drill Hall are filling up! We have a few available performances left, so if you’re looking for that perfect Christmas treat for your class or key stage, drop me an email to rebecca.pegg@hertfordtheatre.com to get booked in. We’re also, for the first time, delivering dedicated performances for elective home educated families on 21st December, so get in touch if you’d like more information.

Tickets for all other general shows, including our Relaxed performances, can be booked online at hertfordtheatre.com.

Book soon as the best seats are starting to disappear!

4 films for the summer holidays DC League of Super Pets (PG) Now showing Perfect summer holiday fare to kick us off this month. When the Justice League are captured

by Lex Luthor, Superman’s dog Krypto forms a team of shelter-pets given superpowers.

These include a squirrel named Chip who gains electric powers.

There’s no news yet on whether he qualifies for an energy rebate.

The Railway Children Return (PG) Now showing Jenny Agutter reprises her iconic role in this enchanting adventure for a new generation. It is 1944 and, as Britain’s cities become increasingly perilous, three evacuee children are sent from Salford to a Yorkshire village.

Tad the Lost Explorer and the Curse of the Mummy (TBC) From Friday 5th August A clear contender for the longest film title of the month, and a family-friendly animated bundle of fun to boot. Tad would love his archaeology colleagues to

Superman and Krypto

accept him but his repeated messups make that unlikely. When he accidentally destroys a sarcophagus and unleashes an ancient spell endangering the lives of his friends, he sets out on an adventure that will take him across continents to put an end to the curse of the mummy and put him back in everyone’s good books.

Fisherman’s Friends: One And All (TBC) From Friday 19th August This is the sequel to the hit comedy inspired by the true story of a group of singing fishermen who secured a record deal and national fame. Picking up where the first film left off, this covers the period that led to the group performing alongside Beyoncé at Glastonbury.

FOOD & DRINK

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL RESTAURANTS

The Goffs Oak reopens with a smart new look The Goffs Oak re-opened in July revealing a smart new look after a three-week refurbishment.

The pub in Newgatestreet Road, Goffs Oak has undergone a full makeover with a new internal layout to accommodate more seating for customers, new bar layout and a revamped garden with additional seating added in perfect time for the current spell of good weather.

The revamp has given the popular eating and drinking spot a modernised, stylish and contemporary feel.

New summer menus have also been launched, inspired by warmer weather and modern world-food trends, and feature plenty of healthier and lower calorie options.

Grill items include a maple-glazed rotisserie pork belly with scallops; rotisserie half chicken with fries, gravy and aioli; and a selection of expertly aged steaks.

There’s also fresh fish which is delivered daily, burgers, sourdough pizzas, salads and classic pub fare such as the freshly battered line-caught cod and chips and a buttermilk chicken, Somerset Brie and bacon pie.

A good value lunch menu includes dishes that are under 650 calories, hand-stretched stonebaked pizzas and freshly prepared sandwiches.

There’s a small but dedicated vegan menu, a children’s menu with reasonably priced mains all at £5.95, and a Sunday menu that includes roast beef, pork and chicken along with roast potatoes and all the trimmings.

General manager Jansen Curry and head chef Richard Peffer have been familiar faces at The Goffs Oak for more than three years now and, along with the team, they began welcoming

customers back to the pub on 2nd July.

Jansen said: “I’m delighted with the new look of the pub; I can’t wait for our regulars to see it – and to welcome new guests through our doors for the very first time!”

Those doors are open from 11am to 11pm daily with the exception of Sundays when the pub closes at 10.30pm.

The Goffs Oak also offers a

takeaway and delivery service for evenings when you don’t feel like cooking but still want restaurant quality food.

There’s currently a 20% offer off click and collect when ordering via the website.

The Goffs Oak Newgatestreet Road, Goffs Oak EN7 5RH 01707 873354 thegoffsoak.co.uk

The Hummingbird in Hertford celebrates its first birthday with award shortlisting The Hummingbird, Hertford’s self-proclaimed Most Instagram-able venue, has just celebrated its first birthday.

It has also just been shortlisted for the independent Good Food Awards in the Best Gastropub in Hertfordshire category.

The Hummingbird, which is located in a Grade II listed town house in Fore Street, first opened its doors under its current ownership in July 2021 and has thrived

throughout a challenging year for the hospitality industry.

In its first 12 months it has welcomed more than 24,000 visitors who have consumed over 10,000 of its signature ‘Love Is’ cocktails, 4,000 afternoon teas and 1,000 kg of roasted Aberdeen Angus beef.

The Hummingbird is at 130 Fore Street, Hertford SG14 1AJ. Call 0333 344 6495 or visit welovethehummingbird.com. axis magazine 25

FOOD & DRINK

Lussmanns is Best Sustainable Restaurant Group in the UK

Ritchie’s wine notes

By Ritchie Tough of Cavavin

The sparkling wine method you’ll soon see everywhere

Some highlights from Lussmanns’ new summer menu

The Hertfordshire-based independent restaurant group Lussmanns, which has an eatery in Hertford, has won the Marie Claire Sustainability Award for Best Sustainable Restaurant Group in the UK. The award is a national one run by the women’s magazine in recognition of “the brands, organisations and products that are genuinely implementing change and building a better tomorrow”.

Companies were judged by a team from the magazine and their guest panel of more than 50 of the most high-profile sustainability experts, business founders, leaders and activists in the field.

Lussmanns’ founder Andrei Lussmann said: “We are over the moon to be recognised as the UK’s winner in the sustainable restaurant category.”

The group, which rebranded as Lussmanns Sustainable Kitchen last year, is proud of its green credentials. It was founded on the fundamental belief that it is possible to be ethical and profitable, while making sustainable dining accessible to everyone and consistently delivering great food, service and value.

It is one of the few restaurant 26 axis magazine

groups in the UK to be completely Marine Stewardship Council-friendly and in addition to pursuing ethical food provenance and using green energy, it recycles everything.

Marie Claire UK features editor and awards judge Jenny Proudfoot described Lussmanns as: “Truly a brand with a purpose”.

New summer menu Meanwhile, Lussmanns’ new summer menu is now available.

Highlights among starters are the stonefruit and Somerset ewe’s curd salad; burrata and sourdough bruschetta with slow roast tomato and Padron pepper; grilled Cornish sardines and Romesco sauce; and the vegan chilled cucumber and chilli soup.

For mains, try the half native lobster and frites; summer pistou and west Somerset goat’s cheese salad; or the organic lamb burger.

For dessert, check out the organic milk panna cotta and strawberries or the black cherry cheesecake.

Lussmanns’ Hertford restaurant is at 83 Fore Street SG14 1AL. Call 01992 929500 or visit lussmanns.com to book.

Its other restaurants are in St Albans, Hitchin, Harpenden and Berkhamsted.

We all know about the Charmat (Prosecco) and Champagne methods of producing sparkling wine, but there is another that is currently very trendy and this is called Pét-Nat! Pét-Nat is short for ‘pétillant naturel’, which is simply French for naturally sparkling, and that is essentially what it is.

This lightly sparkling wine has gained a bit of buzz lately with growing popularity in the natural/organic movement, but people have been sipping on it for ages.

Here is a quick breakdown of what Pét-Nat is all about: Pét-Nat is made using what is known as the ancestral method, which is the oldest way of making sparkling wine and has its origins in France.

This method involves bottling before the first fermentation has finished, allowing the process to complete in the bottle (as opposed to the Champagne method, which commences the second fermentation in the bottle only after the first has completed).

Pét-Nat can be made with red or white wine grapes, and is usually dry and sometimes slightly sweet.

This more rustic approach to making Pét-Nat means it is usually less refined, so each wine varies and will usually be quite aromatic.

It’s getting big in London now so it won’t be long before we start seeing this great sparkling method land in Hertfordshire.

Cavavin is your local, independent wine shop.

It’s at 22 Maidenhead Street, Hertford SG14 1DR. Call 01992 558311 or visit cavavin.co.uk.

Online ordering available.

FOOD AND DRINK: SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL RESTAURANTS

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KHAO YAI Thai

THE GOLDEN FLEECE Pub & Dining

Nestled in the picturesque village of Great Amwell, The George IV is the perfect spot for you to enjoy imaginative, freshly prepared dishes, including traditional pub classics, served in a friendly pub atmosphere or on the fully heated terrace area. The George IV can also be the perfect venue for your next event.

From intimate weddings, birthday parties and anniversaries to baby showers and corporate events, they’ve got it covered with their beautiful function room and variety of dining options.

Khao Yai is the new name for the Hoddesdonbased Thai restaurant formerly known as Omsin’s. Now under new ownership, Khao Yai offers a broad menu of your favourite Thai dishes alongside superb service. Now open seven days a week, Khao Yai also offers both takeaway (with a 10% discount for collection) and delivery through its own website as well as delivery apps. In addition to the welcoming ground floor there is a large first floor dining space with its own bar which can also be booked for events, parties and private dining.

The Golden Fleece is an old English pub with a contemporary twist, and one where the food is so good that it has earned an entry in the Michelin Guide for Hotels and Restaurants.

Set at the heart of the village of Braughing, Jess and Peter Tatlow’s pub offers a menu of fresh, seasonal and delicious locally sourced food and also caters for diners who require gluten-free meals. As a free house at the heart of its community, the Fleece is also able to offer a wide range of real ales, beers, wines and spirits. A takeaway menu is also available.

Cautherly Lane, Great Amwell SG12 9SW / 01920 870039 info@georgeivpub.co.uk www.georgeivpub.co.uk

18 Brocket Road, Hoddesdon EN11 8NZ 01992 445988 www.khao-yai.co.uk

20 Green End, Braughing SG11 2PG 01920 823555 www.goldenfleecebraughing.co.uk

THE BEEHIVE Country Pub

SAFFRON Indian

BAAN THITIYA Thai

This family-run country pub has reopened with a complete new look following a Lockdown renovation that included a major extension, creating new modern facilities which blend well with its historic character. The new look is already proving popular with regulars who enjoy a menu that is heavy on fresh fish and seafood but also includes grill dishes such as burgers and steaks as well as vegan and vegetarian options. It also offers a great Sunday lunch menu.The Beehive is open seven days a week – book now to experience its fresh new look!

The quality of the well-established and award-winning Indian restaurant Saffron in Hoddesdon has been widely recognised.

This stylish restaurant is a contemporary venue in which both traditional and unique Indian dishes can be enjoyed alongside superb service. It can cater for both large gatherings and more intimate dinners and also offers an outside catering service.

If you fancy trying Saffron’s great food at home, both delivery and collection are currently available with a 10% discount for collections.

Baan Thitiya, Bishop’s Stortford’s premier Thai restaurant, is the perfect place for relaxed summer dining. Close to Bishop’s Stortford town centre, it has a beautiful garden and its own parking while, inside, the restaurant is decorated in a contemporary Thai style. The extensive menu features high quality food prepared by Thai chefs with an emphasis on fresh, healthy ingredients and authentic, natural flavours. It also has an excellent wine list. Baan Thitiya is open seven days for lunch and dinner.

A warm welcome and great service await you.

Epping Green, near Hertford SG13 8NB 01707 875959 www.beehiveeppingreen.co.uk

25 High Street, Hoddesdon EN11 8SX 01992 461171 / 01992 461160 www.saffrononline.co.uk

102 London Road, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3DS 01279 658575 www.baan-thitiya.com axis magazine 27

9-13 Parliament Square n Hertford n SG14 1EX

EXPECT MORE n FROM YOUR n ESTATE AGENT

Chestnut Cottage, Newgate Street Village £1,100,000 Thomas Childs & Co are thrilled to bring Chestnut Cottage to market. This beautiful three double bedroom bungalow is situated within the exclusive Ridings Development. Built in 2020 by an award-winning developer, this home is one of just seven high-end properties.

We recommend viewing this property to appreciate the spectacular views.

Call to book an appointment on: 01992 721 321

01992 721 321 n www.thomas-childs.com