Axis magazine August 2024 issue

The independent, intelligent guide to everything that matters locally August 2024

THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO LOCAL LIFE ELECTION 2024 Labour wins two of our three constituencies SHINING BRIGHT

BEAM, new theatre and cinema, opens this month

WHAT’S ON

Places to go, things to do for everyone this summer

FOOD & DRINK

4 pages of news from the local restaurant scene

AN ICON UPDATED

Lussmanns in Hertford unveils new look for summer

Your leading high quality local news magazine since 2003

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WELCOME

AUGUST 2024 | NO. 259

What’s inside this issue ABOUT AXIS

05-08 y Briefing 24-year-old Josh Dean becomes Hertford & Stortford’s first Labour MP

14-21 y What’s on Venues, events and the arts: pages of ideas to keep you busy 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)

22-27 y Food & drink Diners’ favourite Spark Bar & Kitchen in Hoddesdon is five this month

22-27 y Food & drink Time for an ice cream? Here are two great places to cone in on

15 y LANDMARK No.1: Mountfitchet Castle marks 40 years 24 y LANDMARK No.2: The Fox & Hounds celebrates 20 years Front cover images (clockwise from top) Yellow Pointer No.2 by Alan Davie (p20); Ozi, Voice of the Forest, new film out this month (p19); The Roman Open Air Theatre at St Albans (p15); BEAM is opening on 23rd August (p 6 & 17); The General Election result (p5); Lussmanns in Hertford reopens after a makeover (p23); Mountfitchet Castle has been welcoming local families for 40 years (p15).

SUBSCRIBE For just £35 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.

ADVERTISE

Here at Axis we look to build long-lasting relationships with local businesses that understand the benefits of advertising to an affluent and intelligent audience on a regular, ongoing basis.

To find out more about promoting your business with us please call 01992 500198. axis magazine 3

Get independent mortgage advice

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urchasing a home is akin to assembling a complex jigsaw puzzle. At its core lies the mortgage – a financial commitment that shapes your future. Enter the unsung heroes: independent mortgage brokers. In this article, we delve into their significance, especially against the backdrop of our current economic landscape.

Navigating the Mortgage Maze Imagine standing at the edge of a dense forest. The trees here are not of wood but paperwork – endless forms, credit assessments and interest rate calculations. It’s a bewildering terrain and, without guidance, you risk getting lost. Independent mortgage brokers act as seasoned guides. They know the shortcuts, the hidden paths and the optimal strategies to secure the best mortgage deal. Their expertise extends beyond mere numbers; they understand your unique circumstances and financial aspirations.

PETER CUFFARO ESTATE AGENTS 19 High Street, Stanstead Abbotts SG12 8AA 01920 633333 homes@petercuffaro.co.uk www.petercuffaro.co.uk

The Market Whisperers Independent brokers aren’t just spreadsheet wizards; they’re market whisperers. They keep their ears to the ground, tracking economic shifts, interest rate fluctuations and lender policies.

When inflation pirouettes or central banks adjust their dance steps, brokers are there, whispering: “Now’s the time.”

Their backstage pass ensures you’re not

caught off-guard by the market’s moves.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, they tailor their advice to fit your life stage.

The Personal Connection Unlike faceless algorithms, independent mortgage brokers are real people. They listen to your aspirations, fears and financial quirks. Are you self-employed?

Do you have irregular income? No worries – they’ve seen it all. Like skilled matchmakers, they pair you with the perfect mortgage, considering affordability, risk tolerance and long-term goals.

The Solution In the quest for home ownership, don’t embark on the journey alone. Seek out an independent mortgage broker – a financial compass who steers you away from pitfalls and toward the keys of your new home. Peter Cuffaro Estate Agents have an independent mortgage broker in their office – Edd Ranford, from Mortgage and Money Management (pictured left).

Please give the office a call on 01920 633333 to arrange a suitable time to speak to him.

Disclaimer: This article contains no official financial advice – just metaphors and encouragement. For personalised guidance, consult a qualified mortgage professional.

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BRIEFING

NEWS WORTH KNOWING

General Election: Labour topple Tories in two seats while Broxbourne remains true blue The Tory torch passes

The General Election on Thursday 4th July saw a Labour MP, 24-year-old University of Westminster student Josh Dean, elected in the constituency of Hertford and Stortford for the first time in its history.

There were gasps of shock when the BBC exit poll at first suggested that true blue Broxbourne might also fall to Labour – but that turned out to be one of the few inaccurate predictions as former Broxbourne Council leader Lewis Cocking held the seat for his party.

And it was no surprise that the nearby bellwether seat of Harlow, which has a history of being won by whichever party forms the government, fell from the Conservatives to Labour’s Chris Vince.

Broxbourne, like Hertford and Stortford, is a constituency created by boundary changes in 1983 and had also been Conservative from its inception. The difference is: it still is. Represented by Dame Marion Roe from 1983 and by Sir Charles Walker since 2005, the Tory torch has now passed to Lewis Cocking, who stood down as the leader of Broxbourne Council to run for the seat.

If he put any store by the exit poll, which showed Broxbourne turning red, he might have doubted the wisdom of that move for a moment, but that particular red dawn proved a false one.

Mr Cocking proved a highly energetic and effective leader of Broxbourne Council; and his constituents will be looking forward to the campaigning zeal he showed during his time at the helm being channelled into being a highly effective local MP.

Over to you, Josh

No surprise at left turn

ELECTION ’24

Hertford and Stortford has had a Tory MP ever since the seat was created in 1983. Bowen Wells held the seat for 18 years until 2001 when Mark Prisk won it, also serving 18 years.

But this time, incumbent Julie Marson was unceremoniously turfed out by the voters after just one Parliament.

At just 24 years of age, the Labour victor Josh Dean becomes one of the youngest MPs in Parliament.

A Hertford local, he is keen to ensure that the Bishop’s Stortford side of the constituency feels fully represented and is therefore planning to base his local office there.

He has resigned his Hertford Town Council seat to focus on his new role.

Full result: Josh Dean, Labour 20,808 Julie Marson, Conservative 16,060 John Burmicz, Reform UK 8,325 Nick Cox, The Green Party 4,373 Helen Campbell, Lib Dem 4,167 Jane Fowler, Alliance for Democracy and Freedom 139 Barry Henshall, Heritage Party 137 Majority: 4,748 Turnout: 68% Swing: 20.4% From Con to Lab

Created for the February 1974 General Election, Harlow has been a bellwether seat since 1983, always returning an MP from the party that has won the election.

Held since 2010 by the high profile ‘blue collar Conservative’ and former minister Robert Halfon, who chose to stand down this time, it was won by local councillor Chris Vince for Labour with a majority of 2,504.

Conservative Hannah Ellis polled respectably in second place though she may have rued the performance of the Reform UK candidate who finished third with more than 9,000 votes.

Full result: Chris Vince, Labour Co-op 16,313 Hannah Ellis, Conservative 13,809

Full result: Lewis Cocking, Conservative 15,810 Catherine Deakin, Labour 12,952 Tom Holdsworth, Reform UK 8,782 Nick Belfitt, Liberal Democrats 2,688 Owen Brett, Green Party 2,461 Martin Harvey, UKIP 172 Brett Frewin, English Constitution 87 Majority: 2,858 Turnout: 57.3% Swing: 16.8% from Conservative to Labour

Malcolm Featherstone, Reform UK 9,461 Yasmin Gregory, The Green Party 2,267 Riad Mannan, Liberal Democrats 1,350 Lois Perry, UKIP 157 Majority: 2,504 Turnout: 58.2% Swing: 20.6% from Conservative to Labour axis magazine 5

BRIEFING

Final preparations underway for August opening of BEAM The long-awaited opening of the new Hertford theatre, called BEAM, is fast approaching, with the doors set to open to the public on Friday 23rd August.

There has been no grand opening or ribbon-cutting ceremony announced but the first night, a comedy show, has long been sold out.

The expanded building has been three years in the making since the previous Hertford Theatre closed its doors in 2021 and features a larger main auditorium seating 550,

a small second theatre space seating 150 (which will open next year), three dedicated cinema screens showing first release films in the town for the first time in decades, hireable social spaces for groups and organisations, a café and an upstairs screen bar.

There will be no formal box office – instead ticket ordering machines will be available in the foyer and online booking will be encouraged.

BEAM will also be a cashless venue. l Turn to page 17 for a full roundup of what to expect.

BEAM opens this month. One of its first shows is Dinosaur World Live

Starbucks heads to Lea Wharf plus plans change for two riverside restaurant units A deal has been agreed with Starbucks to move into Hertford’s new riverside Lea Wharf development – but two of the bar-restaurants that had been expected to open will not now be coming, Axis can reveal.

The coffee chain, which used to have a store in the Bircherley Green shopping centre which Lea Wharf has replaced, have agreed a deal to move into unit 2, between Card Factory and Boots.

But the Essex-based nightspot Vault, which had been due to take one of the riverside units, and Wharfies, which was to have been run by the Shipton family who already own Hertford House Hotel and The Store House/Anexo in the town centre, will not be opening.

Developer Chase New Homes told Axis that they are instead now in negotiations with an Asian fusion restaurant for the first riverside unit which Vault had been expected to occupy.

Negotiations are also well advanced with a subsidiary of the NHS for the final riverside unit, beyond Quattro Lounge, which had been expected to become Wharfies. The development already houses Lea Wharf Medical, an NHS GP practice.

A deal to bring in Loco Studios, a bootcamp and Reformer Pilates studio, has now been completed and fit-out of its unit is due to start soon.

Likewise, a nail bar will be opening in unit eight, next to the bus 6 axis magazine

Lea Wharf: Negotiations are underway for the two riverside units, one on each side of Quattro Lounge, which is proving a huge success

station. This unit had previously been expected to be an inside waiting area for bus passengers and then a café. But the deal for the nail bar has now been completed and, again, fit-out is about to begin.

As the final make-up of the development becomes clearer, other parts of it are now fully open, including the public toilets by the bus station. These are open from 9am to 5pm daily.

And the top two floors of the car park are also available for the public to use.

and the riverside before exiting through the pedestrian centre of the development past WHSmith and onto Railway Street has now been abandoned. The latest submitted proposal allows for vehicles to both enter and leave Lea Wharf via the riverside, which is what is currently happening.

East Herts Council will now have to decide whether to approve this plan for the long term.

Delivery issues

There remain ongoing discussions with planning authority East Herts Council over matters which have not yet been fully agreed relating to planning permission for the site – these include access for deliveries to the development.

An earlier plan for delivery vehicles to enter along Bircherley Street

A deal has been agreed for Starbucks to return to Hertford

Florence Walk freehold up for auction

The freehold of Bishop’s Stortford’s Florence Walk shopping arcade that runs between North Street and Water Lane was up for auction in July.

The lot, being advertised by property consultancy Allsop as available at £1,300,000, comprised the 13 ground floor retail units whose tenants currently include Stock Florists, Maison de Florence, Kemphouse Kitchens, St Elizabeth’s Centre, Pasticceria Di Leo, Blink gift shop, Ripsher and Co hair salon and Caffe Inn. Their operation is unaffected by any sale.

It also includes the freehold of six flats, accessed via a service yard in Water Lane, which have been sold off on long leases.

The site currently brings in a gross rent of £148,650 a year.

The online auction was due to take place on Wednesday 17th July.

Allsop failed to respond when asked if the lot had sold.

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BRIEFING

‘Dangerous’ section of Ware towpath closed but people continue to use it A section of the towpath along the River Lee in Ware IS officially closed for safety reasons, says Hertfordshire County Council – even though people are continuing to use it.

The closure was put in place at the end of June, and just days ahead of the popular annual Ware Boat Festival on Saturday 6th July which had to be cancelled.

The stretch of towpath, which runs from Ware Lock to Amwell End, is heavily used, including by walkers and commuters heading to and from Ware station.

The county council, which is responsible for footpaths and rights of way, says it closed the path after receiving around 40 reports of ‘hazardous defects’ on it within a couple of weeks in June.

Staff checked the path and found it had deteriorated to such an extent that it needed to be closed immediately because it was unsafe.

Plastic barriers and signs were put up, but some have been moved to the side of the path. People who are either ignoring or unaware of the closure are therefore continuing to use the route.

A spokesperson for the county council confirmed: “The path surface is in need of significant repair.

Due to the site conditions, proximity of the footpath to the canal, and the amount and complexity of the work required, we unfortunately had no option but to immediately close this footpath while we arrange for permanent repairs.

“We have begun assessing exactly

New facilities agreed for Ware Priory Lido

Top: Part of the entrance to the towpath by the Saracen’s Head at Amwell End is clearly closed off but elsewhere barriers have been pushed aside

what work is required, and most importantly how we go about safely carrying out repairs. We will be working with the Canal and River Trust, and the Environment Agency, to agree an approach.

“At the moment we don’t know when works can start, or how long they will take to complete, but we do know that this is a complex job and will take time to do properly.

“We know this will be inconvenient for regular users of the path, and it is very unfortunate that the closure

has led to the cancellation of the popular Ware Boat Festival, but we have had to take this decision on safety grounds.”

The cancellation of the boat festival was met with disappointment by both spectators and those due to take part, many of whom spend months preparing their craft for the popular display.

Some of the boats had already arrived in Ware ahead of the event when the closure and cancellation were announced.

Improved and new facilities at Ware Priory Lido that will help it remain a year-round facility have been agreed by owners Ware Town Council after a public consultation.

Subject to planning permission now being obtained, the first tranche of works – a new mixed-sex changing village with upgraded flooring and new showers – could be completed in time for next summer.

Additional facilities including a sauna plus a new studio space and hireable treatment rooms, revenue from which could help fund the pool’s operation, would follow.

Since reopening to the public last summer following a closure in 2022 for urgent pool repair and refurbishment works, the popularity of the facility has gone from strength to strength.

What was initially planned as a trial of cold water swimming at the end of 2023 was so popular that it saw the pool remain open throughout the winter and all the way up to the start of the summer 2024 season this May. It is likely to do the same this year.

East Herts seeks sites for development as it updates District Plan East Herts Council has launched a ‘Call for Sites’ – an opportunity for individuals, landowners, developers, and other interested parties to put forward sites that could be developed in future.

The call comes as the council seeks to update its District Plan, the document that provides a framework for sustainable development up to 2033, identifying where new homes, jobs, facilities and infrastructure should be provided.

The council’s Executive Member 8 axis magazine

for Planning and Growth, Cllr Vicky Glover-Ward, said the local authority is seeking to identify potential sites that could in the future be used for housing, employment or community facilities, as well as land for wildlife habitat creation and enhancement.

Sites that are put forward must be wholly or partially within the district boundary and have an area of at least 0.25 hectares or be capable of accommodating 5+ dwellings or 500sqm of employment floorspace.

Anyone putting forward a site should have an interest in it and also believe that it has genuine potential to be developed over the next 15-20 years.

Submitting a site does not guarantee that it will be selected.

It is also a process separate from the planning application process.

Interested parties can find out more and apply at eastherts.gov.uk, following the Planning and Building menu then Planning Policy.

The Call for Sites closes on Monday 30th September.

Do you own or have an interest in a potential development site?

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SHOPPING & BUSINESS NEWS

SPONSORED CONTENT FROM DEANS FURNISHERS

Transform your home with Deans Furnishers Experience the personal touch of an independent bed and furniture shop Seven years ago, a devastating fire ravaged the historic Deans Furnishers, a family-run business that had been a cornerstone of Ware since 1976. Despite this setback, Dean, Olly and the team have persevered, relocating to a spacious showroom in Stonyhills, where their passion for furniture and dedication to quality service continues to thrive.

Experience personal service like never before

At Deans Furnishers, you’re not just a customer; you’re part of the family. This independent bed shop prides itself on offering personalised service that you simply won’t find in larger chains. When you walk through their doors, you’ll be greeted by knowledgeable staff who take the time to understand your needs, guiding you through an extensive selection of furniture and mattresses.

And it doesn’t end at the point of sale. If you purchase anything from Deans they will always deliver to the room of your choice, unpack, assemble and remove the old packaging all as part of the service.

Beds and Mattresses: Tailored to your comfort

Finding the perfect mattress is crucial for your wellbeing, and Deans Furnishers is committed to helping you achieve that. The team at Deans have over 100 years’ experience in the industry so you can be sure you will receive sound advice to ensure you

get a good night’s sleep! They stock a wide range of beds and mattresses from leading brands such as Relyon, Sealy, Dunlopillo, Rest Assured, Silentnight and Sleepeezee. Whether you need a traditional pocket sprung, the latest foam technology, or a customized size, Deans Furnishers has something for everyone.

Their free delivery and set-up services ensure a hassle-free experience.

Furniture and upholstery: Crafted for your home Beyond beds and mattresses, Deans Furnishers offers a rich variety of home furnishings.

Their showroom features an impressive collection for the whole home. From elegant bedside tables and wardrobes to cozy sofas, each piece is carefully selected for quality and style.

Their range includes top brands like Tetrad, ensuring you find the perfect addition to your home.

Sustainability and community Deans Furnishers is not only dedicated to providing highquality furniture but also to sustainability. They offer recycling services for your old mattress and furniture, helping you reduce waste and support a greener environment.

Visit Deans Furnishers: Where quality meets personal service

Located just off the A602 in Stonyhills, Deans Furnishers is easily accessible with ample free

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Open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm • Sun 10am-1pm • Bank Holidays 10am-3pm axis magazine 11

LOVE HODDESDON BID LTD

WHAT IS LOVE HODDESDON AND WHAT DO WE DO?

Love Hoddesdon was established as a Business Improvement District in 2018 and re-elected in January 2023 for a further 5-year term.

We are a not-for-profit company representing over 240 town centre businesses and well over 60 Voluntary Members who are not based in Hoddesdon but have asked to join us. We also work very closely with Broxbourne Council to add extra value to the town and the community.

Over the last 5 years we have seen many improvements to our town including the installation of the CCTV cameras, the added floral displays and festive lighting and many more initiatives that our town asked for, as well as the fantastic events that our community

now know and love. For the businesses in the BID, we provide weekly email updates on information regarding our town, a free networking breakfast every month, free training, promotion on our website and all our social media platforms as well as guidance and support when needed from our business manager or support from other businesses.

The BID is led by the Chairman Kevin Brooks, the BID Manager, Claire Bayless, an Executive board and appointed directors representing a range of different businesses in our town.

If you would like more information or would like to join us, please contact us at lovehoddesdon@outlook.com

SHOPPING & BUSINESS NEWS

SPONSORED CONTENT FROM BISHOP’S STORTFORD BID

Bishop’s Stortford: Full of fun for the school holidays Madeleine Lees, joint manager of Bishop’s Stortford BID, highlights ideas including events, hang-outs and something new for the grown-ups

Colouring competition

For children, we have a colouring competition running. Look out for activity sheets in cafés, restaurants and waiting rooms. Entries go in the post box outside Smiggle in Jackson Square for judging in early September by Bishop’s Stortford artist Julia Fonnereau with trophies and £20 Discover Stortford gift cards up for grabs.

A great place to hang out

Thirst Youth Café in South Street is a fun spot for secondary aged children to meet up with friends, with affordable drinks and snacks, board games, table tennis, PlayStation and more.

Summer Reading Challenge

Visit the library to take part in the Summer Reading Challenge.

The children’s theatre show, Who Wants to be an Olympian? is also on, on Thursday 8th August.

An Ace idea for wet days

Visit Ace of Lanes for bowling, pool and arcade games – ideal when the weather doesn’t play ball!

Arts and films

Once Upon a Time will be performed at South Mill Arts between Thursday 8th and Sunday 11th August and there are family films too, including Inside Out 2 on Saturday 24th August.

North Street will be transformed into a circus-themed outdoor area

Showtime on North Street

Maps available at Tourist Information and outside Smiggle.

Complete the trail in your own time for a chance to win fantastic prize bundles worth £200 each.

Saturday 14th September, midday-10pm Our exciting vintage circus-themed event with performances, acts, alfresco eating and drinking options and live music in the evening from popular local band The Jjarrs.

Pictured right are The Chaps, who will be among those performing live.

Sports 4 All 1st-3rd, 8th-10th and 15th-17th August Try different sports from Dodgeball to track and field in the former Charringtons car park. Organised by East Herts Council, supported by the BID and the town council and delivered by local sports coach Ross Kitteridge. Book at kitteridgeallsportsltd.com

Discover the rich history of our market town. Meet the passionate people, and indulge in the ingredients and specialities, that make Bishop’s Stortford the diverse and highly-regarded food destination it is today. Paisa, pictured right, is one of the businesses taking part. To book, visit hellofoodtours.com.

Sport Summer Trail Until Sunday 8th September

PICTURE: ODIN EVENTS

In Bishop’s Stortford, we’re fortunate to have Sworders Field, Castle Park and the play and splash parks, all offering free entertainment and opportunities to enjoy the warmer weather.

We also have a wide range of food and drink venues, including many alfresco options. Some run special offers in the school holidays. Keep your eyes peeled for Kids Eat Free or Kids Eat for £1 promotions. There is a great series of events coming up throughout the summer too!...

New: Bishop’s Stortford Food Tours

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

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www.discoverstortford.co.uk axis magazine 13

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We still have spaces on a wide range of university-level qualifications starting this September: • 3D Design • Film & TV • Game Development • Graphic Design • Performing Arts

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Celine – My Heart Will Go On

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The Ultimate Tribute Concert to Celine Dion

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Saturday 7 September, 7.30pm

Friday 13 September, 7.30pm

Back to Bacharach (matinee show)

Some Guys Have All The Luck

Celebrating the life and work of Burt Bacharach

The Rod Stewart Story

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Friday 20 September, 7.30pm

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THINGS TO DO, PLACES TO GO

4 great family days out for the summer holiday

Great family days out: Visit Mountfitchet Castle, Knebworth House, Hertfordshire Zoo and the RAF Museum this summer holiday

MOUNTFITCHET CASTLE

Travel back in time to the Norman England of 1066 at the only wooden motte and bailey castle and Norman village reconstruction on its original ancient site in the world.

The attraction is both fun and educational and is this year celebrating 40 years since its opening in 1985 in Stansted Mountfitchet. It offers a range of activities to keep families entertained. Explore the castle, wander in and out of the houses in the Norman village hidden behind the castle walls, and meet and hand-feed the many tame animals that call the village home.

Many are ‘rescues’ that the castle has adopted – including fallow deer, sheep, chickens and goats.

Wander through the Dinosaur

Experience with life size creatures including the animatronic velociraptor, allosaurus and ankylosaurus on your route to the House on the Hill Museum (entry is included in your ticket) housing the largest collection of toys in the world.

Find out more: mountfitchetcastle.com KNEBWORTH HOUSE

A stately home, beautiful gardens, a 250-acre deer park, an adventure playground and even a dinosaur trail… historic Knebworth House really does have something for everyone.

To fill those long summer holiday days the adventure playground is a must, with swings and slides at Fort Knebworth, plus a zip wire, interactive water play and

climbing equipment. The venue also hosts a series of events throughout the summer, including open air theatre performances and a classic motor show which takes place on Sunday 25th and Bank Holiday Monday 26th August.

Tickets range from £13 to £20 with online discounts available.

Find out more: knebworthhouse.com

HERTFORDSHIRE ZOO

The rebranded former Paradise Wildlife Park in Broxbourne is an amazing place to visit during the summer, with its immersive World of Dinosaurs attraction, its Boulders Beach Splash Park (perfect for hot days!), interactive animal talks and shows and, of course, the chance to see its collection of big cats, large

mammals, small mammals, primates, reptiles, farm animals and birds. A fun and educational day out for all the family awaits.

Find out more: hertfordshirezoo.com THE RAF MUSEUM

A little farther afield is the RAF Museum at Colindale, which enables you to uncover the incredible history of the Royal Air Force down the years. Free entry grants you access to a range of family trails and activities and six hangars filled with exhibits, while there is also a new ticketed (£10) attraction called Flying Theatre: Trailblazers – an immersive family show that features performers flying through the air.

Find out more: rafmuseum.org

The ultimate summer evening at the Roman open air theatre Enjoy open air theatre in the historic surroundings of St Albans’ Roman Theatre.

Run by the admirable Ovo theatre company, the 2024 season continues until 8th September with productions this month including Sense and Sensibility, Treasure Island, Robin Hood,

The Merchant of Venice, Into the Woods and The Importance of Being Earnest. The Roman Theatre is on Bluehouse Hill, St Albans AL3 6AE. There is parking two minutes’ walk away at Verulamium Museum.

Tickets start from £15.50.

Visit ovo.org.uk. axis magazine 15

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WHAT’S ON

SPONSORED CONTENT FROM BEAM HERTFORD

A cultural beacon opening in the centre of Hertford With the county town’s much-anticipated new theatre and cinema set to open on 23rd August, the BEAM Team explain why audiences can now begin to feel excited...

‘How far that little candle throws its beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world.’

The Merchant of Venice, William Shakespeare.

The line from Shakespeare’s classic play is a fantastic summary of what BEAM is, shining a light on Hertford and putting it on the regional and national cultural map.

BEAM stands for all the things we love most about the town and East Herts. We are bold, we are kind and we’re doing this together. BEAM is as much yours as it is ours and our community is central to us as a venue, with us sending rays of inspiration and creativity to the wider area.

The name encapsulates so much about us as a venue and as a cultural hub for the community, with reference to not just a spotlight that picks out a performer on a stage, but also the ray of light seen from the projector in a darkened cinema, illustrating the exciting new offer we have here at BEAM. Opening season highlights

When it comes to our first season, we wanted to showcase where we’re going, but also where we’ve been, continuing the legacy that Hertford Theatre had.

You’ll see some familiar faces to Hertford, such as Uncle Funk and Pam Ayres, as well as some of the newest productions from independent theatre companies, including the fantastic ‘Stranger Things meets Woman in Black’ Shock Horror!

Our summer holiday opening is perfect for those of you looking for an activity with the kids in August, with Milkshake! Live, Dinosaur World Live and Horrible Histories: Rotten Royals all joining us in our opening week.

In the winter months, come and join us for our fantastic Christmas show, Cinderella and the Glass Slipper, which is sure to warm the heart. It’s full of fun, laughter and excellent storytelling to round off our first season.

The pictures above show (clockwise from top) the new main auditorium, Screen Two, external signage and the Screen Bar. Top right is popular returning act Uncle Funk and publicity for the BEAM Christmas show

New cinema screens

The addition of the cinema screens is huge for Hertford, allowing us to bring first-release cinema to the town for the first time! This means our cinema programme will be up there with some of the best independent cinemas in the country, blending a mix of brand-new blockbusters, arthouse, foreign films and live streamed content from around the world.

We’ve got a number of event cinema screenings planned. In our first month alone, you’ll have Blur: Live from Wembley and Prima Facie from the National Theatre streamed to our venue.

Tickets are likely to sell out, so be sure to sign up to our newsletter to stay in the know.

We will also have a programme for the little ones with our Chil-

dren’s Corner, a place for imaginations to run wild, as well as a programme for not-so little ones with our BEAM Senior Club.

Our full cinema listings will be online and tickets available very soon, so keep your eyes on our website and social media for when these are announced.

A great place to meet

It’s not just the event spaces that have seen an upgrade though; our brand new social spaces offer a great place to meet, socialise, rehearse, learn and more. These spaces are available to book for a variety of community-focused groups, extra-curricular clubs or even your child’s next birthday party.

We will also be adding an exciting food and drink offer, from both our ground floor Kitchen

Bar and the upstairs Screen Bar, for your every need. We’ve worked with local suppliers to ensure high quality products are available to enjoy. These areas are open throughout the day and provide the perfect place for remote workers seeking to base themselves within easy reach of the town’s amenities whilst enjoying fantastic views of the river.

We appreciate everyone that has supported us as we’ve built over these last three years, and now it’s time to light up our spaces and bring our cultural beacon to life.

axis magazine 17

The family show about amazing aviators and unsung heroes RAF MUSEUM PRESENTS

25 July–1 September 2024

Book now Tickets from £10

The Royal Air Force Museum London, Grahame Park Way, Colindale, NW9 5LL Tel: 0208 205 2266 Email: london@rafmuseum.org

WHAT’S ON

Five new films to see at the cinema this month Kensuke’s Kingdom (PG) Now showing

A beautiful animated film co-written by author Michael Morpurgo and adapted from his own best-selling novel. It tells the story of Michael, who is taken by his family on a round-the-world sailing trip. When a storm strikes, he and his beloved dog Stella are washed overboard and end up on a remote island in the Pacific where a mysterious Japanese stranger – Kensuke – reluctantly allows Michael into his world.

Borderlands (12A) Out on Friday 9th August

Based on the best-selling video game, this all-star action adventure follows a ragtag team of misfits who are on a mission to save a missing girl who holds the key to unimaginable power.

Cate Blanchett, Jamie Lee Curtis and Kevin Hart are among the stars.

Gracie and Pedro: Pets to the Rescue (PG) Out on Friday 9th August

Ahh, Bill Nighy. He remains an understandably very in-demand actor and this time he pops up in a voice role in this new animation about Gracie and Pedro, two beloved family pets who loathe each other but are forced to work together in a wild adventure to find their family after being separated during a cross-country move.

Alien: Romulus (15) Out on Friday 16th August

The seventh instalment of the Alien franchise, but watchable as a standalone tale. Whilst scavenging a derelict space station, a group of young space colonizers come face to face with the most terrifying life form in the universe (spoiler alert: remarkably it’s not an orange man-baby). That’ll learn ’em.

Three of the best August events Open air cinema at Hertford Castle Friday 16th August

Matilda the Musical, 2pm (tickets £6) and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny at 7pm (tickets £10). Tickets from hertford.gov.uk.

Music and Motors Saturday 17th August

Annual classic car show and music event in Tudor Square, Ware from 12noon to 5pm. Free.

Ozi: Voice of the Forest is cute but with a serious message

Ozi: Voice of the Forest (PG) Out on Friday 16th August

Another animation? Hey, it’s the school hols remember? This one is the story of Ozi, an orphan orangutan who uses her influ-

encer skills to save her forest and home from deforestation. So it’s a cartoon with a serious message.

It’s also notable for the final voice appearance of Donald Sutherland before his passing in June.

What’s on at

Rock Around the Clocktower Saturday 24th August

The Hoddesdon All-Stars and Love Hoddesdon Bid organise a fabulous free day of live music and entertainment in the town centre from 11am to 7.30pm.

Thousands will descend…

Go Your Own Way

Whole Lotta Shakin’

Wednesday 18th September, 7.30pm

Friday 20th September, 7.30pm

Tickets: £27

Tickets: £28

Gay’s Newsagents

28 FORE STREET, HERTFORD SG14 1BY Bowie Live Saturday 21st September, 7.30pm Tickets: £33

NEWSPAPERS & DELIVERY / MAGAZINES / CONFECTIONERY TOBACCONIST / E-CIGARETTES / LOTTO & MUCH MORE

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Sound of Springsteen Friday 27th September, 7.30pm Tickets: £33

Wyllyotts Box Office: 01707 645005 Wyllyotts Theatre, Wyllyotts Place, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar EN6 2HZ wyllyottstheatre.co.uk

axis magazine 19

WHAT’S ON

Subway walls highlight the genius of Hertford artist

Geoff Bennett of Hertford Art Society on the enduring legacy of Alan Davie The A414 cuts a brutal swathe through our county town. It has, however, given Hertford the unexpected benefit of no less than five subway art galleries. Each subway has a series of framed pictures.

Three of the Hertford subways display pictures from our local schools. They are delightful. The fourth subway – at the bottom of Queens Road – has a collection of photographs of the town’s landmarks.

The fifth subway – the one that links St Andrew Street with the Aldi supermarket – has two elements to it. Along one side is a display of paintings by local amateur artists, changed annually.

The opposite side of the subway features 12 images by Alan Davie, arguably the town’s most

The subway from St Andrew Street, Hertford – an unlikely gallery of Davie’s work. Above: Yellow Pointer No.2

recognised past artist.

Alan Davie was born in Scotland but he lived the majority of his life – 60 years – in Hertford, right up to his death in 2014. It was in his Rush Green studio that he painted his greatest works; large exotic pictures that hang in world class galleries, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Peggy Guggenheim Gallery in Venice, Tate Britain in London and the National Gallery of Scotland.

Davie’s first solo exhibition was at the more humble Wakefield Gallery, in 1958. It was here that a young David Hockney encountered Davie’s work and as a result radically changed direction, discarding, as Davie had, realist figurative painting in favour of colourful works that combined abstraction with coded text and symbolism.

Probably the biggest influences on Alan Davie were Joan Miró

Alan Davie at the age of 90

and Jackson Pollock. Like Miró, Davie attempted to paint as automatically as possible, to tap into his unconscious mind. He stressed the importance of improvisation as his chosen method. Like Pollock Davie executed many of his works by standing above the painting and adding layers of paint until sometimes the original painting had been covered over many times. Despite the speed at which he worked (he usually had several paintings on the go at once) he was adamant

that his images were not pure abstraction, but all had significance as symbols.

How well Davie balances abstraction and reality you can judge for yourself with a visit to the St Andrew Street underpass. Treat yourself to a completely free exhibition of pictures by a world class artist. The images you will see are stunning; they deserve to be released from their subterranean prison, to bask in the full light of day.

Find out more

You can get the full briefing on Alan Davie by coming along to a meeting of Hertford Art Society on Tuesday 3rd September when Mik Wilkojc, a trustee of the Hertford Arts Hub, will be giving a comprehensive presentation on the artist. The meeting will be in the United Reformed Church hall in Cowbridge (SG14 1PG), from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Admission is just £2 – a bargain!

Gerda Rubinstein: Discover more at two exhibitions ‘The People’s Sculptor’ is an exhibition of small works, some previously unshown, by the acclaimed artist Gerda Rubinstein at The Gallery at Parndon Mill in Harlow, which runs throughout August to Sunday 1st September.

Some of Gerda’s pieces are in Harlow’s public art collection and the exhibition runs alongside another one, this time held at the 20 axis magazine

town’s Gibberd Gallery, inside Harlow Civic Centre at The Water Gardens. This is called Gerda and her Guardians and runs until Saturday 14th September.

The Gallery at Parndon Mill is in Parndon Mill Lane, Harlow CM20 2HP. It is open Tuesday to Friday 10.30am-4.30pm and Saturday and Sunday 2-4pm.

parndonmill.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

Choral Society offers 40 free taster memberships Thanks to a generous Arts in East Herts grant, Hertford Choral Society is offering up to 40 free first terms of singing to new members starting on Tuesday 3rd September.

If you are aged 18 or over, live in or have connections to East Herts, then why not join in?

HCS is a non-auditioning community choir that has been singing in Hertford for over 85 years. You don’t have to read music to be a member because weekly rehearsals provide the opportunity to learn music by repetition, and there are free online resources to help.

In your first free term you will learn the music for, and perform in, two concerts at All Saints’ Church, Hertford.

The first concert on Saturday 26th October will be a performance of the deservedly popular Fauré’s Requiem together with the lesser known

and beautiful Nunes Garcia’s Missa Pastoril – both are a super introduction to singing.

Then, on Saturday 14th December, the choir will perform its Christmas concert with McDowell’s Christus Natus Est as well as carols, audience participation and local junior school participation – always a hit with the audience!

The choir is very friendly and great fun with enjoyable, lively weekly rehearsals with Musical Director Manvinder Rattan.

These rehearsals are from 7.159.45pm every Tuesday evening plus a final one on concert day afternoon.

Why not give it a try? There’s a whole world of music and friendship to explore. If you are interested email membership secretary Trish Goldsmith on membership@hertfordchoral.org.uk.

She will follow up, answering any questions you may have, and will

Musical Director Manvinder Rattan (right) leads the weekly rehearsals

send you information about the joining process and arrangements for your first rehearsal where you’ll be given a warm welcome

by the friendly membership team.

More information about the choir can be found at hertfordchoral.org.uk.

Ever wanted to sing?

Funded by Arts in East Herts, we have 40 FREE taster memberships for the HCS autumn term starting 3 September 2024. If you are 18 or over, we’d love you to give us a try – a warm welcome awaits.

No audition or ability to read music required.

To find out more and to register, visit

www.hertfordchoral.org.uk

Registered Charity No. 276220

axis magazine 21

FOOD & DRINK

SUPPORTING LOCAL RESTAURANTS

Spark Bar and Kitchen celebrates 5 years of offering top quality Turkish dining This month marks the fifth anniversary of the opening of Spark Bar and Kitchen in Hoddesdon, in which time it has grown to be the town’s number one-rated restaurant on TripAdvisor.

This family-run Turkish eatery is based in a historic building fronting the town’s High Street and opened in 2019 after nearly a year of renovation work which turned it into the stunning venue that diners enjoy today.

The timber-framed building was originally built in the 17th century before being largely rebuilt in the 19th century. But the original timber frames remain, helping to create a homely atmosphere.

The menu features traditional Turkish cuisine, from homemade mezes to tenderly-cooked meat dishes, as well as a few surprises.

The à la carte menu, which is available at all times, features a wide range of cold starters, hot starters, sides and main courses, including vegetarian options.

Highlights from the hot starters menu include charcoaled lamb’s

liver (£8.50), falafel (£8), grilled halloumi (£8) and fresh River Fowey mussels (£8.50).

Featured among the mains are kofte and shish kebab dishes as well as a homemade Wagyu burger (£19), sirloin and ribeye Scottish steaks (£28) and fillet of sea bass (£19) – dishes that extend beyond the expected.

From Monday to Friday between 12noon and 4pm you can enjoy a two-course lunch menu for £13.45 per person with all cocktails £5.99, or take advantage of the bottomless lunch offer with unlimited Prosecco for two hours and three courses for £38.50.

With outside tables to enjoy the sun this summer, Spark is open Sunday to Thursday from 11.30am to 11pm and Friday and Saturday from 11.30am to midnight.

Spark Bar and Kitchen 91 High Street, Hoddesdon EN11 8TL 01992 448889 sparkbarandkitchen.co.uk

Bistro bar Artysansz opens its doors in Hoddesdon Newly opened just along the High Street from Spark is the owners’ second restaurant in Hoddesdon – an attractive bistro bar named Artysansz.

It is open all day, serving breakfast, coffee, brunch, cocktails, bites and wines.

During the day from 8am to 5pm the main menu is available, featuring a range of small bites, burgers, pastas, sides and main plates, as well as a children’s 22 axis magazine

plates selection that includes chicken nuggets, fish fingers, burgers and pasta dishes.

You can also enjoy breakfasts including a traditional full English, brunch dishes (for example, eggs Benedict, smashed avocado), omelettes, sandwiches, healthy bowls, lighter plates (think superfood and halloumi salad) and sweet treats such as pancakes, Belgian waffles and French toast.

Then in the evening, the Bites menu is available, offering small plates and appetisers that are perfect for sharing or as a light meal alongside drinks from the bar, from 5pm to 10pm Tuesday to Thursday, to 11pm Friday and Saturday and 10pm on Sunday. l Artysansz is at 72 High Street, Hoddesdon EN11 8ET. Call 01992 937090 or visit artysansz.com.

FOOD & DRINK

SPONSORED CONTENT FROM LUSSMANNS

New-look Lussmanns is all set for the summer

The extended bar area and outside tables at Lussmanns in Hertford. Below: Owner Andrei Lussmann

with herbs grown in our own gardens.”

When it comes to food, customers will be able to enjoy the classic Lussmanns seasonal restaurant menu, showcasing exceptional ingredients sourced from like-minded, mostly local, producers practising the very best standards of farming and fishing, along with a range of sharing platters that include organic charcuterie from Haye Farm in Devon.

All of these dishes are available in the bar, outside, or in the dining area that mixes an elegant combination of wood, leather and glass.

Andrei added: “Whether you’re a Lussmanns regular in Hertford or have never visited us, we’d love to welcome you for a drink, a meal, or both. It’s designed to be precisely the kind of bar and

restaurant I like to spend time in, and I hope you will too.”

Lussmanns Merchant’s House, 83 Fore Street, Hertford SG14 1AL 01992 929500 lussmanns.com l Restaurant booking site OpenTable this month included Lussmanns Hertford in its list of the 10 best overall restaurants in Hertfordshire, on the basis of customer reviews.

Highgate opening is next on the menu for Lussmanns Lussmanns is about to open a new restaurant in Highgate, marking its return to London after a two-decade absence from the capital, having originally opened in North Kensington.

It is situated on Highgate High Street, opposite the entrance to Waterlow Park and will open its doors in late August.

The new venue will join the portfolio which includes Lussmanns restaurants in Hertford, St Albans, Harpenden, Hitchin and Berkhamsted. Site number seven is also due to open later this year, in Woburn, Bedfordshire, in October.

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One of Hertford’s most popular and longest established restaurants has re-opened its doors after a makeover in time for the long-awaited summer.

Award-winning Lussmanns, which can be found in the Merchant’s House building in Fore Street, now offers customers the chance to enjoy a drink in the extended elegant bar area or at one of three newly installed outdoor tables.

The existing bar has been extended to create a discrete space that now boasts a selection of mature plants designed to bring the outside in. It has also been fitted with pumps serving a fine selection of local lager, IPA, stout and ale from Lussmanns’ longtime collaborator, the Hemel Hempstead-based brewer Mad Squirrel.

Councillor Rachel Carter, Mayor of Hertford, and a resident of the town for 30 years, was on hand to pull a pint in the new bar area on opening day in June.

The owner of Hertfordshire’s most popular and sustainable restaurant group, Andrei Lussmann, said: “Hertford holds a special place in my heart, as it’s where we opened our first restaurant in the county 20 years ago.

“The restaurant has always had a stylish bar and now we’re offering customers the chance to enjoy its full potential, whether that’s with a pint of one of four Mad Squirrel ales we’re serving on tap, a glass of one of our carefully selected wines, or perhaps a Lussmanns Garden Gin, distilled in nearby Royston and flavoured

T H E G O O D F O O D G U ID E

LUS SM A NNS .CO M 10 0 B E S T PL AC E S TO E AT T H E T IM E S

83 Fore St, Hertford SG14 1AL

01992 929500 axis magazine 23

FOOD & DRINK

James and Bianca Rix launch series of events to mark 20 years at the Fox and Hounds Hunsdon’s Fox and Hounds pub and restaurant is celebrating its 20-year anniversary this year with owners James and Bianca Rix planning a number of special events and promotions to mark the occasion.

Among them will be a special limited edition menu, offered between Wednesday 2nd and Saturday 5th October, featuring dishes and prices from the pub’s opening year.

At £20 for two courses, £25 for three, sample dishes on the menu include French onion soup gratinée or House terrine with chutney, pickles and toast for starters; Calf’s liver ‘persillade’ with duck fat potato cake or Fillet of seabass with lentils and gremolata for mains and a Chocolate and caramel pot or Pear and almond tart for dessert.

House wines will be on offer from £2.75 a glass and £11 a bottle!

James and Bianca opened the Fox and Hounds in 2004, after James had previously worked alongside chefs Gary Rhodes and Alastair Little and later as head chef of Tom Conran’s The Cow in Notting Hill.

The couple, who met at school, dreamt of opening their own restaurant outside London and months of searching led them to the then empty and run-down Fox and Hounds. Several more

months of renovations resulted in the opening on 4th October of the stylish venue it remains today, one that is regularly featured in The Michelin Guide, Good Food Guide and Hardens.

The Fox and Hounds offers seasonal food made with fresh ingredients with rustic Italian and French influences. The menu changes regularly and includes seasonal salads, hand-rolled pasta, whole grilled fish, grilled meats and sharing steaks.

The anniversary celebrations will also include an invitation-only Matt Tebbutt charity takeover night on Thursday 3rd October.

James and Matt worked together at Alastair Little’s Frith Street restaurant in Soho in the 90s and the event will see them back in the kitchen together at the Fox and Hounds preparing a special three course menu for diners.

Other events are also being planned including a book signing with friend of the Fox and Hounds Lisa Snowdon and an archive photo display from the restaurant over the years. Newsletter subscribers and followers of their Instagram and Facebook pages will find details as they are released.

To find out more visit foxandhounds-hunsdon.co.uk, see their socials, or call 01279 843999. The pub is at 2 High Street, Hunsdon SG12 8NH.

James and Bianca Rix are marking 20 years of consistent excellence at the Fox and Hounds in Hunsdon

Thirteen bakery open its doors

New Brazilian steak house on the way

Hertford’s new Thirteen bakery opened at the end of June – its offering of freshly baked breads, pastries, brownies and more since proving a daily sell-out success.

The bakery at 12 Millbridge also offers takeaway coffees, teas and cold drinks. It is open Tuesday to Friday 7.30am-2.30pm, Saturday and Sunday 8.30am-1.30pm. A café section is due to open soon.

A Brazilian steak house restaurant, Nelore, is to open in the premises in Fore Street, Hertford that were until recently home to The Hummingbird.

This will be the second branch of Nelore, which already has a restaurant in Newmarket in Suffolk. Fitting out has begun and if all goes to plan it should open around the end of summer.

24 axis magazine

FOOD & DRINK

Terrace Park Café opens in Stortford’s Castle Park

The new Terrace Park Café and Kitchen in Bishop’s Stortford’s Castle Park opened at the end of June in perfect time for the summer holidays – and hopefully some better weather!

It’s set within the Markwell Pavilion which has been redeveloped as part of East Herts Council’s Castle Park project, and as well as huge windows looking out onto the park, it has a new elevated terrace overlooking the castle mound.

It’s open seven days a week from 8am.

The café is run by Sofia and Charles Erleigh who also own nearby Smoke BBQ Kitchen in Hockerill Street (fans of the restaurant will be pleased to spot the restaurant’s smoked pulled pork bun and skin-on fries on the menu).

Terrace Park Café offers a wide

range of food and drink from teas, coffees and cold drinks along with a daily selection of cakes, biscuits and pastries to breakfasts and brunch dishes, main meals including fish and chips and lasagne and pizzas.

A deli counter offers a selection of fresh salads, open sandwiches and quiches and there’s a fridge of mini ice cream tubs from Yarde Farm.

A local family, the Erleighs are keen to support other local businesses with café suppliers including Hessian Coffee, The Belgian Brewer and The Village Bakery.

The Terrace Park Café is open from 8am to 5pm Monday to Thursday, from 8am to 8pm Friday and Saturday and from 8am to 4pm on Sundays.

For more information visit terraceparkcafe.co.uk.

The new Terrace Park Café in Bishop’s Stortford, with its manager Chris Mitchell pictured top right

It’s time for ice cream...

The sun is finally out, so if you needed an excuse for ice cream you have it! Here are two specialist local parlours to try…

DARLISH HATFIELD & ST ALBANS

Hertfordshire-born and based Darlish creates luxury ice cream inspired by natural botanicals and the magical flavours of the Middle East, offering unique flavours such as Saffron, rose and pistachio; Sweet cream and sour cherry; and Orange blossom and pistachio; plus vegan options including Coconut and raspberry.

As well as permanent parlours in London’s Spitalfields and in Harpenden and a summer pop-up in St Albans’ Christopher Place, there’s a tiny parlour open at weekends from 12noon to 5pm at Hatfield House’s Stable Yard It’s in Hatfield Park, Hatfield AL9 5NQ. darlish.com

TILLY’S GELATO HERTFORD

Hertford-based Tilly’s Gelato combines mum and daughter Tilly and Penny’s passion for both pink and ice cream – and is perhaps the prettiest shop in the town!

It offers handmade ice cream in flavours that include a house vanilla, strawberry and cream and salted Oreo, along with a number of vegan options plus sundaes, gelato shakes and hot chocolates.

There’s also a crepe counter, handmade cakes and coffee.

It is open Wednesday to Sunday at 14 Railway Street, Hertford SG14 1BG. tillysgelato.com

axis magazine 25

FOOD & DRINK: THE GUIDE

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This dog-friendly country pub is surrounded by countryside and offers fresh, home-cooked fare using seasonal ingredients and local suppliers wherever possible. A selection of staple pub classics and changing seasonal dishes keep the menu fresh and inviting all year round.

The beers at this free house are well-kept and refreshing and the wines varied and affordable.

A weekday set menu, available Tuesday to Friday at lunch and Tuesday to Thursday at dinner offers two courses for £12.95 and three for £15.95.

Opened in November 2023, Vodina is a new Turkish restaurant and cocktail bar that is a welcome addition to the dining scene in Ware.

The stylish, refurbished, family-friendly restaurant is smart, warm and welcoming and can seat 60 at a time, with room for both couples and larger groups. The main menu is available at all sittings and features traditional Turkish cuisine, alongside set menus for two or four people. There is also a £12.95 lunch menu which is available from 12-3pm. Vodina is open seven days a week from 12noon to 10pm.

Ruay Rôt means ‘rich in flavour’ in Thai and that is precisely what the food you can order for takeaway or delivery from Hertford’s newest eatery is. Just down the road from its previous Baan Thitiya restaurant, this new takeaway outlet offers authentic Thai food for you to enjoy at home, continuing Baan Thitiya’s story after 20 years in Hertford. You can order by phone or through the GoGetters and Deliveroo apps for delivery to Hertford, Ware and Hoddesdon. The menu includes many vegan specials. Outside tables are now available for summer too.

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FOOD & DRINK: THE GUIDE

ADVERTISEMENT LISTINGS

THE GEORGE IV Pub & Dining

BAAN THITIYA Thai

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Nestled in the picturesque village of Great Amwell, The George IV offers exceptional restaurant cuisine within a warm, friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Oliver and his team serve a menu of seasonal and fresh small and large sharing plates.

The George IV can also be the perfect venue for your next event. Whether it is an intimate wedding, baby shower, birthday or a special anniversary, there is a variety of dining options to suit any occasion in the private dining room and courtyard.

Baan Thitiya, Bishop’s Stortford’s premier Thai restaurant, is perfect for relaxed dining. Close to Bishop’s Stortford town centre, it also has its own parking. The restaurant is decorated in a contemporary Thai style and the extensive menu features high quality food prepared by Thai chefs with an emphasis on fresh, healthy ingredients and authentic, natural flavours. The restaurant has just launched a new lunch menu and also has an excellent wine list. A warm welcome and great service await you. Baan Thitiya is open seven days for lunch and dinner.

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.

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

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

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

PIRCIO Pub & Dining

SHISHBOURNE Turkish

RONI’S Fine Dining

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.

Shishbourne is a Turkish/Mediterranean restaurant on Broxbourne High Road which is open seven days a week and offers a full menu all day, now including breakfast from 8am to 4pm. It is plush and luxurious with an unforgettable Instagrammable interior, great cocktails and an a la carte menu filled with Turkish classics. It also offers a bottomless dinner option from 6pm Monday to Thursday and a twocourse lunch menu from 12-3.30pm Monday to Friday. There is live entertainment on Friday and Saturday evenings too.

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 a set lunch menu as well as the main menu and superb roasts are served on Sundays. Social wine tastings can also be booked for groups of family or friends in the private dining room.

Roni’s is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 12noon to 10pm, and closed on Monday.

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

27 High Road, Broxbourne EN10 7HX 01992 313198 shishbourne.co.uk

16 North Street, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 2LQ 01279 508856 ronisrestaurant.co.uk axis magazine 27

9-13 Parliament Square n Hertford n SG14 1EX

EXPECT MORE n FROM YOUR n ESTATE AGENT

For Sale: New Road, Bengeo, Hertford £595,000

A chain-free, three bedroom semi-detached property, with converted garage, ideal for an independent home office. Good size garden and off street parking.

For Sale: Gypsy Lane, Great Amwell, near Ware £995,000 A chain-free, detached chalet style bungalow. In need of complete modernisation, subject to the correct permissions, situated on a mature plot.

Please call for further information or to book an appointment on 01992 721 321

01992 721 321 n www.thomas-childs.com