Axis magazine November 2022 issue

AXIS

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

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.

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

Lyric House,

BRIEFING

Retirement flats planned for what was to be hotel site at Lea Wharf development

Churchill Retirement Living have acquired the land in Hertford previously earmarked for a hotel as part of Chase New Homes’ Lea Wharf development and have announced plans to redevelop it with 36 one and two bedroom retirement apartments.

The site, on the corner of Railway Street and Bircherley Street, is currently vacant.

Centurion House, a retail and office block that had stood there and which had been home at ground floor level to branches of Lloyds Bank and Halfords, was demolished some years ago by previous site owners.

Chase New Homes had originally included the land within their mixed use redevelopment of the former Bircherley Green shopping centre site where new retail and restaurant units, a new medical centre and apartments are currently under construction.

As part of the overall development Chase had obtained planning

permission for an 86-bedroom hotel and restaurant on the site which was intended to be home to a new Premier Inn.

But with the economic climate altered by the Covid pandemic, Premier Inn’s owners Whitbread decided not to progress with expansion into Hertford and Chase said it had not been possible to secure an alternative hotel operator for the site.

Churchill say their plans for an attractive, high quality retirement

living development will bring the site back into beneficial and attractive use.

They have been consulting local residents on their scheme with a view to putting a planning application into East Herts Council by the end of this year.

The Hertford apartments are already being promoted on Churchill Retirement Living’s website (churchillretirement.co.uk) with expressions of interest being accepted.

County seeks permission to enforce box junctions

Hertfordshire County Council has confirmed it is to go ahead with plans to seek powers from Government to enforce moving traffic contraventions – with Ad derley Road in Bishop’s Stortford identified as the first location for cameras to be installed.

Once cameras are in situ and the relevant back office systems set up, motorists who stop in either the yellow box junction close to the exit from Jackson Square shopping centre or another at the junction where Adderley Road meets The Causeway, could face a fine.

The Government expects local authorities to keep traffic moving within their boundaries, reducing congestion and therefore pollu tion. But until recently only coun cils in London had the powers to enforce moving traffic violations

by the use of cameras and number plate recognition technology. That changed this year and councils can now apply for powers to enforce a whole raft of contraventions including driving up a one-way street the wrong way, executing a banned turn (ie turning right where signs state this is prohibited), driving through a no entry sign or driving in dedicated bus lanes.

They would be unlikely to use cameras to enforce every sign but

instead use the powers to target problem locations.

The application to the Govern ment has to be made based on at least one specific site and with a minimum six-week consultation having been carried out.

But once powers are given, the council does not have to seek approval to add further enforce ment locations. Hertfordshire County Council has identified Adderley Road as the location on which to base its application and is currently running a public consultation until 21st November. You can find it at hertfordshire. gov.uk/consultations (it’s titled Enforcing moving traffic offences).

The intention is for enforcement to be operational by the end of 2023. The council says other locations will follow and will also be consulted upon.

Ware Priory Lido is expected to be back up and running for a full season in 2023 after a loan application to the Government by Ware Town Council to fund urgent works was approved.

The lido remained shut for the entire 2022 season after defects were identified with both the 30-metre main pool and the separate teaching pool.

These included failures in the underground pipe network to both pools and structural defects to the teaching pool that mean it will need to be rebuilt.

The council applied for £835,000 from the Government’s Public Loans Board which it says will be paid back from income generated once the pools reopen.

The application having been successful, specialist refurbishment and renovation contractor Hydrospec has been appointed.

Works were set to begin in October with demolition underway up until Christmas, rebuilding starting in the new year and an anticipated completion date during May 2023.

Churchill’s proposed development is on the corner of Railway Street and Bircherley Street; The Snug bar and restaurant can be seen on the left

Government loan should help Ware Priory Lido to reopen for next summer

Stopping here could get you a fine

Revamp planned around Hertford East station

Both Love Hoddesdon and Bishop’s Stortford Business Improvement Districts were re-elected in October and will now continue working to improve and promote their town centres for second five-year terms.

BIDs can be set up following a ballot of businesses within the area that they cover.

Planned improvements around Hertford East railway station are designed to make the area more attractive, user-friendly and a gateway to the wider Hertford town centre.

Hertfordshire County Council has revealed its ideas for the area in a consultation which runs until Sunday 13th November.

The council says while the station is generally set within an attractive context, the public realm around it is confusing and car-dominated with pedestrians squeezed onto narrow pavements.

If implemented, the proposed scheme would see improved and pedestrianised space around the station entrances.

A redesigned and signalised junc tion between Railway Street and Mill Road would be introduced with four pedestrian/cyclist

crossings enabling crossing in all directions.

The existing car park would be relocated to the north of the station with a new taxi rank provided at the former car park area with direct access to a pick-up/drop off area next to the south portico entrance to the station.

A new central reservation running along Mill Road in front of the station would provide space for people to pause between crossings and would serve as an additional lane for emergency vehicles if needed.

There would also be two secured bike hubs to the north and south of the station.

Claud Hamilton Way just north of the station would no longer be accessible from Mill Road while a bus gate would make it exit only for buses.

Residents and car park users would access and exit Claud Hamilton Way from Mead Lane.

In addition to the road changes, other improvements would see a new community garden or playground space next to The Right Track children’s nursery, new seating and improved lighting to provide a safer environment at night-time.

Hertfordshire County Council says the improvements would be funded through monies secured from developers for public realm im provements along with other costs subject to funding bids by itself and the rail operating company. Subject to land agreements and funding being in situ the works could take place during the 2023/4 municipal year.

You can find out more at hertfordshire.gov.uk/consultations.

Ware Town Clerk Terry wins Clerk of the Year award

Just three years after taking over at Ware Town Council, clerk Terry Philpott has been crowned Clerk of the Year in the National Association of Local Councils’ Star Council Awards 2022.

The awards celebrate the positive impact local councils, councillors, young councillors, clerks and county associations make on their communities and Terry’s award celebrates the significant impact of his hard work in Ware.

Terry’s role at Ware Town Council is to ensure that the organisation conducts all its business properly, that policies are implemented and that his team of 14 officers and staff work effectively to the great est benefit to the town.

He has used commercial acumen gained from his private sector background to generate income for the council through Ware

Priory Trading, the weddings and functions business that falls under his remit.

Working with others to remodel this business has turned it from loss-making to profit-making, help ing ensure the Priory, its grounds and heritage are preserved for the benefit of residents in the future.

He also introduced annual strategic planning sessions with councillors and officers, the first of which set the direction for a fully-costed four-year business plan that stabilised the council’s financ es, rebuilt depleted reserves and launched a range of projects to enhance the community.

Provided a majority of voters vote yes, and the yes votes represent more than 50% of the total rateable value of all votes cast, the BID can then add a levy to business rates which is used to fund a wide range of initiatives.

Since their first election both BIDs have undertaken a vast amount of work to support town centre businesses.

For more see lovehoddesdon.co.uk and bishopsstortfordbid.co.uk.

BT is seeking planning permission from East Herts Council to install five ‘street hubs’ at locations in Bishop’s Stortford town centre.

The company describes the hubs as ‘cutting-edge phone-box replace ments’ which offer the community the ability to make free phone calls, access ultrafast wi-fi, contact emergency services by a dedicated 999 button and charge devices via two built-in USB ports.

These services are provided on a panel on the side of the hub. The Hub comprises two back to back digital screens displaying adverts at 10-second intervals, which BT says funds the free services.

One hub is planned to replace the phone kiosk outside Greggs in South Street while others would be outside B&M in South Street; close to the entrance to Jackson Square in Potter Street and at either end of Riverside at its junctions with Station Road and Adderley Road.

Love Hoddesdon and Bishop’s Stortford BIDs both re-elected

BT seeks to install new ‘street hubs’

The public realm changes are intended to improve the environment surrounding Hertford East station

Terry Philpott at Ware Priory

Sunday and evening parking charges on the way as East Herts tackles its budget deficit

East Herts Council has agreed a package of changes to its parking charges and waste collection services as it seeks to deal with a worsening financial situation that has been exacerbated by ongoing inflationary pressures.

The council’s leading Executive met on Tuesday 25th October to take a fresh look at the authority’s medium term financial plan, which had previously been agreed in March 2021.

Councillors heard that East Herts was now having to operate in a ‘less favourable and fundamental ly more uncertain economic and policy climate’.

Cllr Geoffrey Williamson, the executive member for economic sustainability at the council, said: “Over the coming months, our top priority is to consider how best to meet the scale of the financial challenge that lays ahead; it is a position we share with councils everywhere.

“We know that balancing our budget in the years to come will require tough decisions to be made.”

The meeting was told that the council would now need to make savings of £812,000 in 2023/24; £2.05million in 2024/25 and £2.115million in 2025/26.

The first steps towards this were agreed at the meeting and involve changes to parking charges and to waste collections.

From January 2023, in its three largest towns – Hertford, Ware and Bishop’s Stortford – the council will introduce Sunday charging in the car parks it controls, at a flat all-day rate of £1.50, and evening charges will apply until 8pm, rather than until 6.30pm as at present. However, proposals to remove free parking periods have been deferred until up to June 2024 in response to residents’ concerns received during a public consultation over the sum mer. These will be reconsidered as part of the council’s wider budget process.

From 2025 the council will intro duce a new weekly collection of food waste and will collect black bin waste every three weeks rather than every two at present. The council will also begin to accept soft plastics as part of fortnightly recycling collections and supply a smaller 180L size replacement for black bins when they are lost or damaged. The changes are expected to reduce waste and increase recycling, as well as reduce pressure on budgets, with the council facing an expected cost increase in waste collection of £1.5million.

Councils combine to offer Warm Spaces this winter

With the recent rise in the cost of living, and in particular the cost of fuel, many people will be reluctant or unable to keep their heating on as often as they might need to this winter.

In response, Hertfordshire County Council and the county’s 10 district and borough councils have launched an online directory helping people find libraries, family centres and community spaces near them which they are welcome to drop into to stay safe and warm. Many are council-owned premises but other venues are being invited

to register to be a Warm Space and a number of local churches have already signed up.

£100,000 of funding has also been made available to local community groups with grants of up to £2,000 to help them provide welcoming indoor spaces this winter and potentially hot drinks and activities too.

The directory can be found at hertfordshire.gov.uk/warmspaces. The grant scheme is being run by Hertfordshire Community Foun dation and details can be found at hertscf.org.uk/warmspaces.

Other support available this winter is being publicised through the council’s Here For You campaign (hertfordshire.gov.uk/hereforyou) which promotes all the ways the council and other council-funded organisations can help residents this winter.

A winter health guide, produced in partnership with the NHS, will also be delivered to all households in Hertfordshire over the next few weeks, offering useful health and wellbeing advice and suggested ways to navigate the rising cost of living.

After securing its inclusion on East Herts Council’s register of Assets of Community Value, Bishop’s Stortford Civic Federation has submitted a formal request to be considered as a potential bidder to buy the Water Lane URC hall.

The hall, used by a large number of community and arts groups, is owned by East Herts Council and there are concerns that the council plans to allow its demolition to make way for parking as part of the Old River Lane redevelopment of The Causeway car park into homes, cinema and shops.

The inclusion of the hall on the register, and now the request to bid, gives campaigners six months during which there is a moratori um on the asset being sold, to see if it could raise the money to buy it itself.

The Friends of Water Lane Hall want to see the building retained for continued use, upgraded and an active part of the Old River Lane redevelopment.

Find out more at stortfordcf.org. uk and waterlanehall.org.

Plans for a redevelopment of Hertford Industrial Estate on Caxton Hill in Hertford have been submitted to East Herts Council.

Caxton Capital Partners have submitted a planning application seeking permission to demolish existing buildings on the site and for its redevelopment in phases to create a range of terraced and self-contained industrial or ware house style units with ancilliary office floorspace.

Under the proposals the main ve hicle access to the redeveloped site will be through Foxholes Business Park off London Road (via John Tate Road) to the south.

Civic Federation could bid to buy church hall Redevelopment plan for industrial estate

Inflationary pressures lead council to look again at its medium term plans

New parking regime to begin in January

Waste and recyling changes to come in 2025

Why Liz Truss had to go and Rishi is the right man for the job

The resignation of Liz Truss as Prime Minister last month was the right deision.

Her position since the mini budget had become increasingly untenable.

She had lost a Chancellor and a Home Secretary, the confidence of the Parliamentary party and consequentially her authority had ebbed away.

Rishi Sunak had my support to be leader over the summer because I feared Liz’s approach to the economy would lead to what did happen.

Rishi is the right man

We have a new leader now and I was proud to back Rishi again. He has a proven track record of steering our economy through turbulent times and supporting the lives and livelihoods of millions of people in the pandemic years.

I believe he will unite our party and country, to lead us through the enormous challenges ahead. However, I remain very frustrated and angry about what has happened economically as well as politically during Liz Truss’s tenure.

I feel this especially for those who

have been affected in Hertford and Stortford by rising interest rates and the falling value of the pound.

I submitted a letter of my no confidence in Liz’s leadership on 17th October.

What we need to do now

The party now needs to unite around Rishi Sunak and go back to our manifesto pledges and deliver on them.

A steady hand and good financial management are the keys to laying the foundations for growth and wealth. I do believe Rishi is the one to deliver.

Support for those really struggling due to the cost of living is key too. Since the pandemic, this government has implemented substantial support with policies like furlough and help with energy prices. This needs to continue and continue to be targeted at those who need it the most.

There is much to do for us to regain the trust of the country following what has happened. I believe we can.

I look forward to a new focus on driving forward Conservative policies until the next general election.

The death of Her Majesty led to the cancelling of my free Jobs Fair. It will now take place on Friday 18th November at Fletcher’s Lea, Ware Priory, High Street, Ware SG12 9AL from 10am to 2pm. We will have 13 exhibitors on the day. Many are big names locally and nationally and will be there to give help and advice or even job opportunities. Companies and organisations coming are: BT, Carmelcrest Group, East of England Ambulance Service Trust, Gu Puds, Home Instead, HRC, JobCentre Plus, MCP Group, Redwood Bank, Stansted Airport, Stansted Airport College and The Silver

Spoon Company/Allinson’s. The fair is aimed at those about to finish education who may need advice, or who want to see what is available career and training wise.

It will also be useful for older workers seeking a job or new skills.

For others it is an opportunity to look at returning to work after illness or having children.

It can be a second chance following redundancy or unemployment.

We have record employment in the country now and there are vacancies and opportunities in many sectors.

I hope to see you there.

My free jobs fair has been rearranged and will offer help, advice and opportunities

Business is blooming as Violet’s moves to new Sawbridgeworth home

Popular Sawbridgeworth florists Violets has moved from its home on London Road to new, expanded premises just around the corner in Bell Street.

Violets was set up in 2013 by Donna Mahoney, an experienced florist and qualified floristry teacher who named the shop after her nan.

As well as running the shop, Donna has regularly taught at local colleges, run evening classes and hosted workshops.

She was joined at Violets in 2016 by her daughter Corin while niece Lila joins them (and shop dog Reggie!) on Saturdays.

The new premises at 17a Bell Street will enable them to continue to

offer the bouquets, wedding, funeral and corporate arrangements for which they are well known in the town and host more classes in a separate workshop area. Already timetabled are wreathmaking and Christmas table design workshops in the lead-up to Christmas – of which you can find

full details on their website. The shop is also stocking gifts including plants, vases and soy candles.

You’ll find it in a little courtyard in the middle of Bell Street and behind The Empawrium and House of Harlequin boutique. Visit violetsfloraldesigns.co.uk or call 01279 726440.

Henry Moore Foundation launches online shop in time for Christmas

In perfect time for the festive season the Henry Moore Foundation has launched a new online shop featuring a selection of creative gifts to suit all budgets.

Henry Moore was an artist and the foremost sculptor of the 20th century, renowned for his semi-abstract monumental bronzes which can be seen around the world as well as, closer to home, at the Henry Moore Foundation Studios and Gardens in Perry Green near Much Hadham where he lived and worked for more than 40 years.

The online shop offers homewares including mugs, coasters and tea towels featuring some of Moore’s sketches and textile designs; stationery and art materials including gift sets; Christmas cards and stocking fillers such as jigsaws and tote bags; books and limited edition graphics. Orders can be picked up from Perry Green or delivered worldwide.

All purchases support the Henry Moore Foundation’s charitable projects, including grants for sculpture projects around the world.

You can see the gifts for yourself at shop.henry-moore.org.

Johnson & Co open high street presence in Hertford

Johnson & Co estate agency has moved from offices within The Townhouse in Fore Street, Hert ford to open its own high street presence just across the road. Johnson & Co styles itself as a ‘premium property consultancy’ and offers an open, honest and friendly approach to buying and selling property across Hertford shire and Essex.

Discretion and customer service are a big part of the agency’s very different approach to the property market and it is used to selling ‘off market’ in addition to its regular estate agency, residential lettings and land and new homes services.

The business was founded by Jack Johnson who, after first discover ing his fascination with property in Cornwall, spent a decade learning the trade in central London. But he saw the opportunities in Hertford shire and Essex, leading him to set up Johnson & Co.

You will find the business at 113 Fore Street in Hertford. For more information call 01992 364005 or visit johnsonandcoestates.co.uk.

Dobsons’ Andrew wins designer of the year award

Cheshunt-based luxury home spe cialist Dobsons Home has won a prestigious national industry design award.

The fourth generation family busi ness offers unique home renova tions and also designs and creates luxury and bespoke kitchens and bathrooms for homeowners across Hertfordshire, North London and West Essex.

At the recent KBSA Designer Awards 2022 the company’s senior bathroom designer Andrew Hewson was named Bathroom Designer of the Year.

The project that earned him the accolade was an ensuite bathroom project for a client in Albury which judges praised for its use of the space, lighting concepts and the overall look.

On winning the award Andrew said he was “incredibly happy and humbled to have been chosen.”

Helen Dobson, director of Dobsons, said: “There is nobody more deserving of this award than Andrew. He created a truly stunning and practical luxury

bathroom, making very clever use of space, colour and light. He truly is the best in the business when it comes to bathroom design. The whole team is so proud of him and what he has achieved.”

Visit dobsonshome.com to find out more about what Dobsons could do for you.

OPENINGS & CLOSINGS

Stationery store Paperchase opened its doors in Bishop’s Stortford in October in the premises at 28 Potter Street that were formerly home to Phase Eight.

The shop, which sells cards and giftwrap along with stationery and gifts, is likely to be a popular addition to the town as the festive period begins.

It’s next door to another relative newcomer to the town, dental clinic Toothclub which now boasts eight clinics across the south east.

Meanwhile, mother and baby store JoJo Maman Bebe was set to close its doors at 12 North Street at the end of October.

l For more information about shopping locally in Bishop’s Stortford in the run-up to Christmas, see Bishop’s Stortford BID’s page on page 23.

Paperchase in but JoJo Maman Bebe leaves Stortford

Andrew Hewson’s winning bathroom design is pictured above. Below, Andrew is pictured 2nd left receiving his award from Carolyn Newton-Brown, Head of UK Reseller Channel at Airflow, Richard Hibbert, Chair of the KBSA, and the actor Sally Phillips

The Johnson & Co team and, below, their newly opened Fore Street office

Love Hoddesdon BID successsfully re-elected

Local businesses, large and small, gave a resounding YES to the re-election of Love Hoddes don BID Ltd, the not-for-profit company managing the business improvement district (BID) covering Hoddesdon town centre, meaning the BID will now continue until December 2027.

89% of the votes received were YES, representing 93% of the rateable value of the votes cast, indicating the two major super markets were supportive of the BID continuing. The weight of votes a business has is dependent upon its rateable value so they have a bigger proportion of the

votes under the current system for electing BIDs. Now Love Hoddesdon will set about implementing its business plan for the next five years. The plan’s aim is to continue to improve the vibrancy of Hoddesdon town centre and it can be viewed online at lovehoddesdon.com.

Forthcoming events: what’s on in Hoddesdon

The BID is working with the Royal British Legion to provide the annual Remembrance Day Parade on Sunday 13th November.

They will also arrange for the Garden of Remembrance at St Catherine’s Church to be decorated with a blanket of poppies made by members of the local community and for the Clock Tower to be lit red during the period of Remembrance.

Hoddesdon Loves Christmas Saturday 26th November sees the return of the popular Hoddesdon Loves Christmas event, provided in conjunction with Broxbourne Council. This includes themed entertainment, attractions and stalls, including a snow globe, a Father Christmas parade at

5.15pm, the lighting of the Christmas tree and a free fire work display to close the event.

Free pop-up panto

Then, on Sunday 4th Decem

ber, there will be a free outdoor pantomime – Cinderella – near the Clock Tower. Shows are 45 minutes long and start at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Bring your own chairs/blankets.

Consultation begins on council’s town centre strategy

Broxbourne Council is carrying out a public consultation on its draft Hoddesdon Town Centre Strategy until 5th December. This will have a major influence on the council’s plans for the town in the short and medium

term, so it is crucial that local businesses have an input into shaping the final version of the strategy and helping to determine the priorities to be addressed.

Council officers will make a presentation to a BID board

meeting in early November to enable it to submit comments on behalf of local businesses. If you wish, you can comment on the draft strategy online. It can be found at haveyoursay.broxbourne.gov.uk.

Marking our history

Love Hoddesdon has unveiled a commemorative plaque marking the granting of a Royal Charter in 1253 for the holding of a weekly market and annual street fair in the town. The plaque was unveiled by Stephen Harris of Love Hoddesdon who worked with the council to reintroduce the Charter Fair onto the High Street over 10 years ago. At the event, The Sarah Harris Memorial Award was also presented to Ray Cook, Secretary of the Royal British Legion (Hoddesdon Branch) for his work in the local community.

Networking breakfast

Local businesses are regularly kept updated through weekly email updates and monthly networking breakfasts. These are free to both BID levy payers and voluntary members, with a charge of £8 (including breakfast for non-members). The next net working breakfast is on Thurs day 17th November from 8am to 9.30am. If your business is inter ested in attending or becoming a voluntary member please email lovehoddesdon@outlook.com.

LET’S MAKE IT A LOCAL XMAS

CRATES OF WOOL WARE

Crates of Wool is a lovely bricks-andmortar yarn store in the heart of Ware that offers superb personal service. It is a treasure chest of yarns of all kinds: natural fibres, locally dyed yarn, standard acrylic, baby yarns and more, as well as all you need to go with them. They also offer a range of workshops in knitting, crochet, macrame and weaving and are happy to help with your knitting and crochet dilemmas. The shop is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4.30pm.

8a East Street, Ware SG12 9HJ 01920 463436 | cratesofwool.co.uk

CHAPTER 79

HERTFORD

Chapter 79, formerly known as Lance James the Jewellers, this year celebrated its 16th anniversary in Hertford. Jackie and Andy Benson and their team are wedding ring specialists and are also known for their bespoke jewellery pieces. So if you have an idea in mind, now is the time to discuss that Christmas commission. They also stock a wide range of jewellery from platinum and gold diamond pendants to collections from silver designers including ChloBo, Virtue and San. An in-house repair and restoration service is available too. 15 Market Place, Hertford SG14 1DQ 01992 534555 | chapter79.co.uk

Mark Wines has been established in the antiques trade for over 30 years and offers a varied selection of antique 18th and 19th century furniture from his shop in Hertford’s historic St Andrew Street. Items bought and sold vary from Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian pedestal desks, chests of drawers, coffers, boxes, bureaus, and tables to antique longcase, mantle, wall and carriage clocks, writing slopes, silver, glassware, copper and brass, trivets, fenders and candlesticks.

1 St Andrew Street, Hertford SG14 1HZ 01992 534522

info@markwinesantiques.co.uk

SOVEREIGN DRY CLEANERS HERTFORD

Established in 1981, Sovereign Dry Cleaners of Excellence in Hertford are specialists in cleaning wedding dresses and silk clothes – in fact they are the official dry cleaners and finishers for renowned labels Veni Infantino and Ronald Joyce. They also offer suede and leather cleaning; a rug, curtain, cover and household laundry service; a handfinished shirt service and carry out repairs and alterations as well. Based in the heart of Hertford town centre, they are open 8.30am-5.30pm Monday to Saturday.

5 Evron Place, Hertford SG14 1PA 01992 550000 | sovereigndrycleaners.co.uk

CANNON TRAVEL HODDESDON

Cannon Travel offers a wealth of advice, experience and expertise to help you find the right holiday.

This leading independent local travel agent is based in Hoddesdon and is fully ABTA bonded and ATOL protected.

You can book anything here, from a dream holiday to the other side of the world to a short city break or a coach trip to see a show in the West End, and you will always get fantastic independent advice, the very best prices and invaluable expertise. 96 High Street, Hoddesdon EN11 8HD 01992 441521 cannontravel.co.uk

POST & PACKING

HERTFORD

Post & Packing Hertford is your independent postal shop and aims to provide the local community with quick and hassle-free services. You can post your letters and parcels; arrange a courier including Evri, DPD, UPS and DHL; hire a secure mailbox and even use the shop as a pick-up and collection point!

If you sell online, Post and Packing also offers convenient storage with the full pick, pack and post fulfilment services so you can spend more time growing your business.

71 Fore Street, Hertford SG14 1AL 01992 472755 | postandpackinguk.com

MARK WINES ANTIQUES HERTFORD

your local businesses this Christmas – it’s more important than ever!

WHAT’S ON

It’s time to get into the Christmas spirit!

Here’s our pick of the local events coming up to help you welcome in the festive season

Christmas at Hatfield Park features an illuminated light trail with over a million twinkling lights, starting on Friday 25th November and running through to the end of December. Expect sparkling tunnels of light and trees drenched in jewel-like colour. Timed entry from 4.3010pm daily must be booked online at hatfield-house.co.uk.

Hertford Christmas Gala takes place in the town centre on Friday 25th November from 3.30-8pm, with festive market stalls, food stands, fairground rides and an entertainment stage. Hertford Castle will again host a three-day Christmas market within its grounds, from 3.308pm on Friday 25th, 11am-6pm on Saturday 26th and 11am to 5pm on Sunday 27th.

Knebworth Christmas Fair takes over the marquees and barns at Knebworth House from Friday 25th to Sunday 27th November, promising a festive shopping event with gifts for all ages from more than 250 stalls. Tickets are limited – book yours at knebworthchristmasfair.co.uk.

Hoddesdon Loves Christmas will take over Hoddesdon’s town centre on Saturday 26th November from 10am. During the day there will be festive stalls, seasonal fun fair attractions, arena entertainment and a giant snow globe. A traditional Father Christmas parade will take place along the High Street from 5.15pm followed by fireworks at 5.50pm to round off the day.

The United Reformed Church in Broxbourne is hosting a Christmas market on Saturday 26th November from 10am to 1.30pm, with stalls including

home baking and preserves, gifts, jewellery, toiletries, collectibles, china and glass. Refreshments and light lunches will be available at the venue in Mill Lane, Broxbourne (EN10 7BQ).

The traditional Dickensian Evening returns to the streets of Ware for the first time in three years on Friday 2nd December. Streets in the town centre will be shut from 6pm with festivities starting at 6.30. The lights on the mighty horse chestnut tree in Tudor Square will be switched on at 7pm; stalls will line High Street and Baldock Street; there

THINGS TO DO, PLACES TO GO

will be a fun fair in Amwell End and a craft market at both Ware Priory and Southern Maltings.

Bishop’s Stortford Christ mas Fayre is on Saturday 3rd December from 9.30am to 4pm across the town centre, with North Street, Market Square, Potter Street and South Street all pedestrianised for the day. There will be stalls, entertainment and a Santa’s grotto in North Street.

Sawbridgeworth’s Christmas lights and fayre event is on Sunday 4th December in Bell Street from 1pm. There will be

entertainment, stalls and a fun fair. Father Christmas will arrive on his sleigh before setting up in his grotto.

Grove Cottage Mencap charity is holdings its annual Santa Dash and Reindeer Run to raise funds on Sunday 4th December at Grange Paddocks leisure centre in Rye Street, Bishop’s Stortford. Entrants can run, jog, skip or walk the 1k and 5k routes.

Entry is £12 for ages 13 and over and includes a full five-piece Santa suit. Ages 12 and under £6. The run starts at 11am. Register at mencapgrovecottage.org.

The Santa Dash, Christmas at Hatfield Park and Hertford Christmas Gala will all get you in the festive spirit

What an event-full season Stevenage has seen!

The entertainment schedule in Stevenage has been non-stop this year.

Residents and visitors alike have flocked to the town centre and the overwhelming support for all the local groups, businesses and entertainment acts that have made these events such a success has been phenomenal.

Although summer has come to an end, the nights are drawing in and the weather is getting cooler, the council and Town Centre Team are not letting up, with plenty more events organised in the town and the Indoor Market until the end of the year and into 2023 too.

Events so far

There have been a wide variety of events organised, with lots of different activities and entertainment happening.

From Armed Forces Day to Animal Crackers, there has been something for everyone to enjoy. The Town Centre Team at Stevenage Borough Council have worked hard to ensure all these events are seamlessly organised too.

Since the pandemic, it has been fantastic that the people of Stevenage are able to come together to support these events in the town.

They’re always very busy and the hustle and bustle they bring along with them is good for town centre businesses too.

The whole point of events like these is that everyone can come along and enjoy themselves.

With the cost-of-living crisis looming these free activities and events will prove even more popular in ensuring friends and families can carry on socialising

and having fun.

The amount of local talent in Stevenage is very impressive and the entertainment level each and every one of these acts and services brings to Stevenage town centre events is great.

However, these events would not be possible without the large number of volunteers and event organisers, as well as the meticulous planning to organise such a packed and exciting events schedule for the residents of Stevenage and others to enjoy.

What’s on the horizon?

There are plenty of other events coming up in the town.

Just some of the key dates are shown on the right. Don’t forget to make a note of them and visit stevenagetowncentre.com for up-to-date information on future events!

COMING UP...

Armistice Day:

Friday 11th November, 10.45am

Remembrance Sunday: Sunday 13th November, 10am

Christmas Market: Thursday 24th November to Sunday 1st January 2023

Stevenage Christmas Light Switch On: Thursday 24th November 3.30 to 7pm (sponsored by Nexus Fostering)

Old Town Christmas Lights Switch On: Saturday 26th November, 6pm Christmas Window Trail: Thursday 24th November to Sunday 1st January 2023

Indoor Market Christmas Gala: Saturday 10th December

Indoor Market Christmas Grotto: Check the council’s social media for the dates.

Stevenage Borough Council brings us an update on its packed town centre events programme

Animal Crackers, Armed Forces Day and outdoor cinema events have all seen people flock to Stevenage town centre during the summer months

What’s on this Christmas in Bishop’s Stortford

Jack and the Beanstalk Town Trail December

Inspired by the panto at South Mill Arts this year, Bishop’s Stort ford BID have created a fun town trail. Discover all the characters in shop windows, find the mys tery word and enter online for a chance to win a £100 Discover Stortford voucher and panto tickets. Visit: discoverstortford. co.uk/events

Christmas Fayre

Saturday 3rd December, 9.30am-4.30pm

The Town Council’s annual Christmas Fayre is back with festive stalls, street food and drink, and live entertainment throughout the town centre. Don’t miss Santa’s grotto at Knight Frank on North Street from 9.30am-4pm – donations to Isabel Hospice welcome.

ber those we have loved and lost, with readings and carols from Herts & Soul choir – plus the magical moment when the lights of love are switched on. Visit: isabelhospice.org.uk/lightsoflove

The Grinch at Jackson Square

Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th December

Come and meet the Grinch at Jackson Square shopping centre as he gets up to mischief and spreads some festive cheer. Keep an eye on the Jackson Square social channels for details of other Christmas celebrations, carolling and fundraising events.

Barringtons Jingle Bell Sleigh Friday 16th December, early evening

Santa will be dashing through the town centre on a horse-drawn sleigh, with his elves collecting donations for Isabel Hospice and St Clare Hospice. Why not make an evening of it and stay for dinner or a hot chocolate and mince pie?

Jack and the Beanstalk

3rd December – 2nd January

There’s panto fun for all the family at South Mill Arts this Christmas. Join Jack as he makes his way up the beanstalk on his high-flying, magical journey and see what ginormous adventures await him. Tickets from £18. Visit: southmillarts.co.uk

Lights of Love

Sunday 4th December, 4pm

Join Isabel Hospice in Market Square for the chance to remem

Get more from the town centre

The Discover Stortford website is full of useful information to help you get the most from the town centre this Christmas. Use the interactive shops and services directory, and handy map, to see what’s here before leaving home. Away from the main streets, Bishop’s Stortford has a multi tude of side roads, passages and alleyways where you’ll find some hidden gems.

Keep up to date with all the latest news:

@DiscoverStortford

@StortfordBID @DiscoverStortford

Discover the magic of Christmas this festive season at one of these town centre events

November highlights

The Opera Boys

Sunday

The

Friday

Featuring

Box

The

Queenz

An Evening with Michael

Monday 21 November,

Politics

The Foundations Live!

Saturday

Relive

Book your tickets for festive panto fun for all the family

Beauty and the Beast

The Spotlight, Hoddesdon 15th to 31st December

Former Liberty X singer Michelle Heaton stars in Broxbourne’s annual panto which runs from the middle to the end of December. Tickets are £23. thespotlightvenue.com 01992 441946

Dick Whittington and his Cat Wyllyotts Theatre, Potters Bar 9th to 31st December

There is a three-week run for the traditional tale of the young man who comes to London hoping the streets will be paved with gold. Prices start at £19.50. wyllyottstheatre.co.uk 01707 645005

The Snowsmith

The Drill Hall, Ware

10th December to 1st January Hertford Theatre remains closed for redevelopment so its team have worked with production company Half A String to put on this family Christmas ‘antidote to panto’ show in neighbouring Ware. Tickets £16. hertfordtheatre.com

Pick of the arts

Present Arts

Present Arts at The Gallery at Parndon Mill in Harlow offers both a high quality exhibition and an opportunity for visitors to buy unique festive gifts. The exhibition runs from Sunday 6th November to 23rd December and features everything from paint ings to prints, sculpture, glass, ceramics and cards. Admission is free. Visit parndonmill.co.uk for more details.

HSO’s Romantic Spirit

Hertford Symphony Orchestra perform a concert called Romantic Spirit at The Drill Hall in Ware on Saturday 12th November at 7.45pm with works from Weber, Bruch and Rach maninov. Tickets £17 adults, £8 students. Call 01992 584322 (Hertford Town and Tourist Information Centre) or visit wegottickets.com

Jack and the Beanstalk South Mill Arts, Bishop’s Stortford

3rd December to 2nd January

A professional cast of seven is joined by an ensemble of local young talent for this traditional tale of Jack as he makes his way up the beanstalk. Standard tickets from £21. southmillarts.co.uk 01279 710200

Cinderella Harlow Playhouse

1st December to 8th January

Back by popular demand, local legends Jimmy Burton Iles and Ben Parlsey star in this year’s Harlow panto, the famous tale of Cinderella, which also features a live band. Standard tickets from £22. harlowplayhouse.co.uk 01279 431945

Picture this Ware & District Photographic Society’s annual exhibition is on Saturday 19th November from 9am to 4pm at Thundridge Village Hall in Cambridge Road SG12 0SY. Admission is free. Tea, coffee and homemade cakes available. There is also an embroidery show included.

Cabaret show

Ware Operatic will be performing a Cabaret Show at The Drill Hall in Amwell End, Ware on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th Novem ber at 7.30pm. There is also a Saturday matinée at 2.30pm. Cabaret-style seating is available at tables at £19. Book at wareoperatic.org.uk.

Steel Magnolias

Water Lane Theatre Company presents Steel Magnolias from Thursday 1st to Saturday 3rd December at Little Hadham Village Hall. Tickets are £12.50 evenings (7.30pm) and £11 matinée (Saturday 3pm). Visit waterlanetheatrecompany.co.uk for tickets.

The cast of Dick Whittington get into character at Wyllyotts Theatre; Michelle Heaton (right) stars at The Spotlight and, below right, South Mill Arts welcomes Jack and the Beanstalk

Work by Judy Century can be seen at The Gallery at Parndon Mill; Simon Jenkins’ photo, On The Naughty Step, is showing at Ware & District Photographic Society’s annual exhibition

WHAT’S ON

Cinema: Chef Ralph Fiennes serves up a shocker for diners

Now showing

An ordinary man, reduced by years of oppressive office routine to a shadow existence, determines at the 11th hour to make a huge effort to turn his dull, routine life into something wonderful – one that would allow him to say he has lived life to the full. Therein lies a lesson for us all.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (TBC)

From Friday 11th November

The latest from the seemingly inexhaustible Marvel Studios sees Queen Ramonda, Shuri, M’Baku, Okoye and the Dora Milaje fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s death and forge a new path for the kingdom of Wakanda.

The Menu (TBC)

From Friday 18th November

A young couple travel to a remote island to eat at an exclusive restaurant run by a celebrity chef (played by Ralph Fiennes) who has prepared a lavish molecular gastronomy menu where food is treated as conceptual art. But his approach to cuisine has some shocking surprises for the wealthy guests. It’s enough to make you rush down to McDonald’s.

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (TBC)

From Friday 25th November Daniel Craig, now officially an

ex-007, stars in this adventure about intrepid detective Benoit Blanc who finds himself on a lavish private estate on a Greek Island. So far, so James Bond. But it all turns very Agatha Christie when a group of friends gathers for an annual reunion at the home of a billionaire. It’s not long before someone ends up dead.

Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical (PG)

From Friday 25th November Emma Thompson stars alongside Stephen Graham and Andrea Riseborough in Roald Dahl’s inspirational musical tale about a young girl who discovers her superpower and helps others, as well as herself, to discover their destinies. Directed by Tony Award-winning Matthew Warchus with original music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, this is adapted from the Royal Shake speare Company’s production.

A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story (TBC)

From Friday 25th November Mark Gatiss’s superb production of Charles Dickens’s Christmas classic was filmed live during its run at Alexandra Palace Theatre last year and, if you missed that, is well worth experiencing on the big screen. Gatiss himself stars as Jacob Marley with the equally wonderful Nicholas Farrell as Scrooge. Bah humbug to you if you don’t fancy seeing this one; it’s a treat.

Construction begins soon as we prepare for our Christmas show

Hello!

November already?! It can only mean one thing – our focus firmly shifts onto our 2022 Christmas show with Half A String, The Snowsmith. From what we’ve seen so far, this brand new show won’t disap point, especially if you’re looking for an antidote to panto. Expect fantastic storytelling from a talented, professional cast, enchanting puppets of all sizes and original live music, all performed in a bespoke theatrein-the-round space we’re building into Ware Drill Hall.

It’s really going to be a unique experience for families, so don’t wait too long to secure those front row seats!

Of course, any Christmas show that we’re involved in gets our very special front of house treatment, and this month sees Ben and our team of brilliant volunteers start to build our decorations.

The Snowsmith follows the story of Eira, who goes on a quest to find the ingredients to make perfect snow, so let your imaginations run wild! Think weather-related experiments, ancient books and plenty of frosty props! There are even rumours of a real forest inside the venue that will be replanted

around Herts as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy. Secure your seats now at hertfordtheatre.com. Tickets cost £16 per person, which includes a popular meet and greet with the cast and puppets at the end.

Development update

Our Growth and Legacy Redevelopment Project continues to make progress, as demolition draws to a close and new construction will soon begin. Behind the scenes, we’ve signed off the designs for our new kitchen/café space, are thinking about recruitment and visiting other venues to test out their seats and ovens – which I’m sure you’ll agree is extremely important! We’ll start work shortly on a new website, to coincide with a new name and branding. We’re fortunate to have Hemingway Design as our Marketing & Branding Consultants, so watch this space!

In the meantime, keep in touch via our social channels or drop us an email at box.office@ hertfordtheatre.com. We’d love to know what fantastic theatre and films you’ve seen or inspiring venues you’ve visited this year. We look forward to seeing you in Ware this Christmas!

Ralph Fiennes plays celebrity chef Julian Slowik in The Menu

Demolition work is underway in the old Hertford Theatre auditoriumLiving (12A)

Rebecca Pegg of Hertford Theatre updates us on the latest news from the theatre team

Could you be the spark that lights up somebody’s day?

Have a few hours a month to spare? Hertford Disability Support Group is seeking volunteers

If you have a little spare time on your hands and are interested in doing something positive for your community, a local charity is urgently seeking new volunteers. The Hertford Disability Support Group is looking for caring, energetic or creative people with a few hours to spare a month to help plan and provide its annual programme of monthly social activities, outings on the river, annual seaside visits and other events.

People with a disability can sometimes feel isolated as well so the group helps its members look outward, providing opportunities for them to make friends and enjoy varied social activities. Trustee Jennifer, who joined as a sixth former, said: “I think the spark that made me want to become a trustee was the joy and

WHAT’S ON IN NOVEMBER

happiness it could bring to the group’s members; not seeing it as giving up my time for someone else’s benefit but for a bit of all-round joy.” There are different ways you could help the group, from giving lifts to providing refreshments,

managing AV equipment or offering help with the accounts or programme planning.

How to get in touch To find out more, email hdsg.volunteers@gmail.com.

THE LINDISFARNE STORY

Tuesday 22nd November, 8pm Billy Mitchell and Ray Laidlaw tell the group’s amazing tale with songs, videos and plenty of stories! Tickets: £24

ABBA FOREVER

Saturday 26th November, 7.30pm

Dynamic non-stop choreography, stunning visuals and top class musicianship Tickets: £27, £25 groups of 10+

THE ELVIS YEARS AT CHRISTMAS

Sunday 27th November, 7.30pm

Experience an Elvis-style Christmas packed with solid gold classics Tickets: £28

POTTERS BAR EN6 2HN

Volunteers from all walks of life are welcome at Hertford Disability Support Group, which was founded over 50 years ago

& DRINK

Ruby crowned National Champion of Champions at Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards

Ruby Indian restaurant in Hertford has been crowned National Champion of Champions in this year’s Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards.

The awards were held in London on Sunday 2nd October and each category was judged on three key factors: quality of food, quality of service and value for money. Other factors considered included food hygiene ratings and reviews from websites such as TripAdvisor and on Google. More than 100,000 customers were involved in helping to nominate and choose the winners nationwide.

Ruby first picked up the regional award as Best Restaurant in Hertfordshire before winning the national accolade as well, beating top restaurants from all round the country.

Ruby, which is based in a striking

period building in St Andrew Street, has been popular and much-praised ever since it was opened in 2010 by its owner Abdur Rahman, popularly known as Naz.

Naz said: “We are a destination, not just simply an Indian restau rant. People come here for a great atmosphere and to catch up with family and friends. You don’t just come to Ruby for the food and then leave. Coming to the restau rant is an event in itself and that’s what makes us different.”

You can taste Ruby’s awardwinning food for yourself at 51 St Andrew Street, Hertford SG14 1HZ. Call 01992 504504 or visit rubyhertford.com to book. Takeaway and delivery are also available. The restaurant is open from 4.30pm to 11.30pm Sunday to Thursday and from 4.30pm to midnight on Friday and Saturday.

Wine tasting event to be held at Castle

A wine tasting evening is being held at Hertford Castle on Thursday 17th November at 7pm hosted by the Mayor of Hertford, Cllr Sue Barber.

A carefully chosen selection of reds, whites, sparkling fizz and sweet wine will be provided along with a charcuterie and cheese board.

And James Dowling, owner of Hertford-based Wine 2 Trade wine merchant, will be on hand to explain and discuss the pairing of the wines with various foods, offering valuable insight you might find useful over the Christmas season.

Tickets are £15 each with all proceeds going to two local charities, Future Hope and Hertford Dramatic and Operatic Society.

You can buy tickets online at hertfordtowncouncil. nuwebgroup.com.

Brohmon Bengali takeaway now open

Brohmon Indian/Bengali takeaway has now opened at 23 Parliament Square in Hert ford. Last month Axis reported on the restaurant, which is based in Stansted Mountfitchet, win ning the Best Restaurant in Essex title at the British Restaurant Awards.

Now owners Karim and Sultana Ullah, who are pictured above

and have run pop-ups in both Hertford and Bishop’s Stortford for several years, have another base in Hertford itself.

You can order from a short menu of their award-winning food online at gogetters.co.uk for takeaway or delivery.

For more details about the Brohmon story, and the Stansted restaurant, visit brohmon.com.

A proud Naz Rahman, owner of Ruby, with his ARTA award

Ritchie’s wine notes

By Ritchie Tough of Cavavin

How Beaujolais Nouveau is making a huge comeback

Each year, on the third Thursday of November, the world rejoices at the release of Chateau De Pizay’s highly anticipated Beaujolais Nouveau wines.

Bottled just a few weeks after the harvest, the wines are considered to be a preview of the vintage to come, as well as a celebration of the bounty of the Beaujolais harvest.

As per French law and tradition, Chateau De Pizay 2022 Beaujolais Nouveau, will be available worldwide on Thursday 17th November this year.

The 2022 vintage

The 2022 Beaujolais Nouveau displays a light garnet colour with violet reflections. It is an immediate delight on the nose, with aromas of small red fruits (redcurrant and cranberry.)

Refreshing, fruity and supple on the palate, this vintage is a perfect expression of Nouveau.

Beaujolais-Villages Nouveau features a deep garnet colour and a typical Nouveau profile, fresh and enticing, with aromas of small red and black fruits (strawberries, blackcurrants).

Perfectly balanced, the wine is round and delicious on the palate, with a long finish that highlights the fruit.

This year we have had a large interest in Beaujolais Nouveau – in fact, more so than in any other year. It’s making a massive resurgence with previous vintages showing really well.

Market Bar has opened in Hertford, offering a new nightspot for the county town. Owned by the same family as the town’s popular Ilvino Italian restaurant in St Andrew Street and Ilvino café-bar in Fore Street, Market Bar is almost directly opposite the latter on the corner of Fore Street and Market Street. It specialises in cocktails and drinks but also offers tapas, antipasti and cheeseboards and is open from 5pm-11pm on Wednesday and Thursday and from 5pm to 1.30am on Friday and Saturday. The venue can be hired for up to 65 guests. You will find it at 33-35 Fore Street, Hertford SG14 1DJ. Visit marketbarhertford.co.uk for more information. Meanwhile, the family’s main restaurant, Ilvino, is currently closed for building renovations, but it is hoped it will be able to reopen in time for Christmas.

PIRCIO Italian & Turkish

Pircio is a family-run independent restaurant in Bishop’s Stortford that offers two different menus of Italian and Turkish cuisine. Both menus are cooked by teams of specialist chefs and diners can choose from pizza, pasta and other Italian classics or dishes such as halloumi, falafel, moussaka and lamb tagine. The historic Drill Hall building has been smartly refurbished and can seat 200 people downstairs whilst there is also a mezzanine for private dining. Pircio is open seven days a week, all day.

Drill Hall, Market Square, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3UU 01279 898181

pirciorestaurant.com

The Crafty Duck craft beer bar in Hertford’s Parliament Square has closed down, with its owner saying sales had never recovered since the Covid lockdowns. The doors were shut last month de spite initiatives such as live music and fresh pizza made on-site proving popular in recent times. Across Hertford town centre, a new takeaway, The Mexican, was due to open in early November in the Old Cross premises recently vacated by Galos. It is owned by the same team who run the restaurant and takeaway of the same name in Ware.

And The Salisbury Hotel in Fore Street, which has been closed for what owners McMullen’s call a ‘transformational refurbishment’ is due to reopen on 7th December for restaurant customers, 14th December for hotel guests.

RONI’S Fine Dining

Roni’s, set in the heart of Bishop’s Stortford, is a fine dining restaurant where both the quality of food and the service combine to offer guests a memorable experience. Roni’s offers a wide range of traditional dishes, passionately crafted, including gluten-free and vegan menus. There is also a set lunch menu, as well as the main menu. Superb roasts are served on Sundays, while the Christmas menu can now be viewed online as well. Roni’s is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 12noon to 10pm, and closed on Monday.

16 North Street, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 2LQ 01279 508856

ronisrestaurant.co.uk

Bengali

Voted Best Restaurant in Essex at the 4th annual British Restaurant Awards 2022, Brohmon, which means Journey in Bengali, is the brainchild of Karim Ullah and his wife Sultana who have made it their mission to bring high quality food from the Bengal region of South Asia to Britain. They began by running pop-ups in Hertfordshire before opening their own restaurant in Stansted Mountfitchet near Bishop’s Stortford. They have also opened a takeaway and delivery outlet in Hertford – you can order through gogetters.co.uk.

8 Chapel Hill, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8AG 01279 815688 brohmon.com

BROHMON

Cocktail specialist Market Bar opens in Hertford Crafty Duck shuts as The Mexican launches and The Salisbury Arms prepares to reopen

THE GEORGE IV 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.

Cautherly Lane, Great Amwell SG12 9SW / 01920 870039

info@georgeivpub.co.uk www.georgeivpub.co.uk

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.

18 Brocket Road, Hoddesdon EN11 8NZ 01992 445988

www.khao-yai.co.uk

THE BEEHIVE Country Pub

This family-run country freehouse reopened following a lockdown renovation with a major extension, creating new modern facilities which blend well with its historic character. The new look is proving popular with customers enjoying a menu that has plenty of fresh fish and sea food dishes as well as steaks, burgers, pies and many others. Vegan and vegetarian dishes are always available. It also offers a great Sunday lunch. Afternoon teas, which must be booked, are available from Monday to Saturday. Check social media for forthcoming events. Book now to experience its fresh new look!

Epping Green, near Hertford SG13 8NB / 01707 875959

www.beehiveeppingreen.co.uk

SAFFRON Indian

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.

25 High Street, Hoddesdon EN11 8SX 01992 461171 / 01992 461160

www.saffrononline.co.uk

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 freehouse 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.

20 Green End, Braughing SG11 2PG 01920 823555

www.goldenfleecebraughing.co.uk

BAAN THITIYA Thai

Baan Thitiya, Bishop’s Stortford’s premier Thai restaurant, is the perfect place for relaxed 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.

102 London Road, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3DS 01279 658575

www.baan-thitiya.com

THE GOLDEN FLEECE Pub & Dining

KHAO YAI Thai