Axis magazine August 2021 issue

The independent, intelligent guide to everything that matters locally August 2021

INSIDE: YOUR GUIDE TO LIFE THIS AUGUST IN THE NEWS

Hydro plan for Hertford Theatre is abandoned

PROPERTY

The Stiles offers a great way of life in Bengeo

OUTDOOR CULTURE

The best open air theatre, concerts and cinema

WHAT’S ON

Places to go, things to do: our pick of local events

FOOD & DRINK

Discover The Dog and Pickle, a new country pub

Your leading high quality local news magazine since 2003

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WELCOME

AUGUST 2021 | NO. 223

What’s in this issue ABOUT AXIS

05-11 y News round-up Ware is to get a new concrete skatepark – full story inside

16 y A new life in Bengeo The Stiles is a new development that merges town with country

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)

SUBSCRIBE

19-24 y It’s time to go outside Theatre, concerts, cinema, events – everything you need to enjoy August

25-27 y Food & drink The Dog and Pickle opens, plus a preview of food and drink festivals

LOOK OUT FOR AXIS MAGAZINE’S GUIDE TO THE SUMMER! Our guide to August and September events is out now – a separate magazine packed with ideas of places to go and things to do – free from Axis stockists!

Front cover images (clockwise from top) Moonbound, new film out this month (p24); Food at The Dog and Pickle (p25); The Luna Cinema at Knebworth House (p19); Spirit Untamed, showing now at local cinemas (p24); Steve Young, who will be playing an outdoor concert at Ware Priory on Bank Holiday Monday (p19).

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

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

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

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BRIEFING

NEWS WORTH KNOWING

Green hydro plan to power Hertford Theatre is abandoned A scheme to build a hydro at Castle Weir that was intended to produce much of the electricity needed by the neighbouring Hertford Theatre has been ditched

by East Herts Council.

The council had been pursuing the idea since 2010. At that point, the hydro was expected to pay for itself after seven years and to provide 40 per cent of the theatre’s electricity requirement.

However, a series of problems had plagued the project, including multiple objections to the design from the Environment Agency, increased costs and a reduction in the volume of electricity that was likely to be generated.

With the redevelopment of Hertford Theatre that is about to begin, council officers estimated that the hydro would now be likely to generate only between six and nine per cent of the new theatre’s requirements.

Various factors had led to the payback period being increased

from seven years to 50, and an increase in costs meant the project was likely to total £277,000 – an increase of more than £60,000 on the initial projections.

Some £35,000 has already been spent on the scheme.

At a meeting of East Herts Council on 28th July, councillors heard that the risks of the scheme outweighed the potential benefits, particularly in light of the fact that the Environment Agency was believed likely to object to the full planning application for the hydro.

Reluctantly, they decided to abandon the scheme.

The hydro was intended to harness the energy at Castle Weir to provide power for the neighbouring Hertford Theatre

Ware to get a new, upgraded skatepark

Ware is to get a new, upgraded skatepark which will be designed to meet the needs of users of all ages and abilities.

The town’s existing skatepark in Priory Park had wooden ramps and was built in 2011. Ware Town Council was already planning to refurbish it, but the site was cleared earlier this year after structural problems were found.

The town council then decided to look at all options, including seeking extra funding for a completely new facility and put aside a pot of money to pay for it. It has now succeeded in getting

extra money through Section 106 agreements, in which money is paid by companies planning new developments towards projects that deliver community benefits, and a total of £150,000 has now been allocated to build a new concrete skatepark.

The new venue will be designed for use by skateboarders, BMX and scooter riders, and a range of local experts have been consulted over what will be needed. Viewing spaces will be included and measures have also been proposed to reduce noise and minimise the opportunity for anti-social behaviour.

The town council has put out a tender document to interested parties and expects to make a decision on its preferred builder shortly. Look out for updates at waretowncouncil.gov.uk/ skatepark. axis magazine 5

BRIEFING

Public asked for their views on design of Old River Lane arts centre Emerging designs for East Herts Council’s planned arts centre building at Old River Lane in Bishop’s Stortford have been made public.

The council launched a three-week consultation in July (which ends on Friday 6th August), seeking feedback on its initial ideas for the building, which it is proposed will include five cinema screens.

These would be an 80-seat cinema/ multi-use auditorium; a 150-seat auditorium which would also offer the facility for small acts on a raised stage; a second 80-seat cinema plus two 50-seat cinema screens. One of these 50-seat screens would be located next to gallery space within the building to provide spaces that could be used either separately or together for private hire.

The building will also include a café-bar with inside and outside tables.

Outside would be a dedicated area providing space for outdoor theatre, music festivals, live sports screening and leisure activities.

The arts centre is planned as part of a wider redevelopment of land that primarily encompasses The Causeway car park close to Waitrose.

A new multi-storey car park is being created at Northgate End to replace the parking lost to the

redevelopment which the council is undertaking with partner Cityheart and which includes homes, shops, restaurants and offices.

The design plans and images put forward in the public consultation are early proposals worked up in conjunction with architects, cinema equipment company Cinema Next and theatre project consultants Theatre Projects.

Many of the images are just indicative – examples of similar spaces at other venues around the country.

What they do show is an attempt

by East Herts to provide at least some level of arts facilities within the building after budget pressures, exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, forced the council to abandon its original plans for a theatre auditorium in the building and instead add another cinema screen to the four already planned.

That decision was roundly condemned by local arts groups as well as opposition politicians.

While there is still no large-scale auditorium capable of hosting major productions or touring companies, retractable seating in some of the cinema spaces could allow for smaller scale events and performances.

If you would like to view the plans you can find the consultation at eastherts.gov.uk/orl-consultation.

This artist’s impression shows how the outside of the cinema and arts centre could look

Above are some of the images shown to the public of other venues, which could be used as inspiration for the Bishop’s Stortford facility

Meanwhile, opposition parties outline their alternative ideas Meanwhile the Old River Lane Working Group, which was set up earlier this year and includes representatives from the opposition Labour, Liberal Democrat and Green parties in East Herts, has published its alternative vision for the town centre site.

The group says it is not opposed to development per se but wants a collaborative, public masterplanning process to be undertaken for the site now that what had originally been promised has been deemed unviable.

In their own consultation document, aimed at getting the public engaged with the future of the site, they say: “Another cinema feebly disguised as an arts centre is a failure of imagination, a financial 6 axis magazine

misjudgement and a missed opportunity in this ‘county of opportunity’.” And they offer alternative ideas that could see Charringtons House, the council office building earmarked for demolition under the current proposals, retained and repurposed into an education and community hub. They also suggest a converted Charringtons House could provide a new home for the town’s library.

They say this could be done without reducing the area available to Cityheart for homes, shops and offices.

It says the demolition of a building in good condition is environmentally irresponsible.

It also objects to the demolition of the nearby United Reformed

The working group says Charringtons House should be retained

Church hall, a previously popular hireable local venue that has been acquired by the council with the purpose of demolishing it to make way for surface level parking.

The group says: “The irony is acute: after a major council strategy to build Northgate End [car park] to release surface car parking for regeneration, they demolish a community asset for surface car parking.”

In terms of providing the anticipated arts performance space in the area, the ORL Working Group say the hall could be retained or a new one could be built as an extension to a converted Charringtons House.

You can view the group’s proposals via a link on their Facebook page. To comment or to join their campaign, email ORLworkinggroup@gmail.com.

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BRIEFING

New bid submitted to redevelop Rye House speedway stadium A revised plan to demolish Rye House speedway stadium in Hoddesdon has been submitted after a previous one was withdrawn earlier this year.

The new plan is more wide-ranging in its scope and, if approved by East Herts Council into whose jurisdiction the site falls, would end forever the hopes of speedway fans hoping to have the famous old stadium retained.

The proposal submitted on behalf of Rye House Group is for “the redevelopment of the site to provide a new community leisure and sports hub, removing the existing speedway track and installation of new artificial grass football pitch with perimeter ball stop fencing, pitch divider net system and floodlights.”

The planning application also seeks permission to convert the existing spectator stand to provide a new changing room block and clubhouse facilities, and for a

change of use of existing buildings for use as a gymnasium, dance studio and sports and fitness centre, together with the construction of a new hospitality building and retrospective extension to the existing gymnastics club, plus associated parking for all the facilities.

Controversially, work had already begun at the end of last year, before any planning application was made, on ripping up the existing speedway track.

The site is of historic local importance, having been home to top speedway team Rye House Rockets before financial problems led to their demise in 2018.

Fans have been campaigning for the speedway facilities to be saved, in the hope of a new team being formed to race from there.

Earlier this year, a less ambitious planning application for the site was withdrawn after it became clear that insufficient detail was

The speedway track at Rye House has already been removed

likely to lead to it being rejected.

Hundreds of comments have already been received from local people about the new planning application, some in favour, many objecting, but the Environment Agency has now submitted its response and has objected to the plan, recommending it is refused, as it did the original one.

It says the application has again failed to include an acceptable Flood Risk Assessment and that, without one, it cannot recommend the application is approved.

If you would like to have your say on the application, visit eastherts.gov.uk and search for the application number 3/21/1522/ FUL on its planning section.

Tommy silhouette unveiled in Ware to mark centenary of Royal British Legion

Gym is upgraded at Laura Trott leisure centre as sanitising system introduced Appropriately at this Olympic time of year, the gym at the leisure centre in Cheshunt named after the town’s multiple cycling gold medallist Laura Trott (now Kenny) has been refurbished by owner Broxbourne Council.

The new gym features all new Pulse fitness equipment and has also had a radical visual makeover.

In addition, the installation of a revolutionary new sanitising system, Clenzair, removes the need 8 axis magazine

for use of sanitising products such as disinfectants and anti-virals.

This new sanitising system has also been installed at Broxbourne’s other council-run leisure centre, John Warner in Hoddesdon.

At the same time, the council has also upgraded its Fit&Well app, through which members can manage bookings and memberships and track their fitness progress by connecting to popular third party apps such as Strava, MyFitnessPal and FitBit.

This silhouette of a Tommy soldier was unveiled in the grounds of Ware Priory on Sunday 25th July to celebrate the centenary year of the Royal British Legion.

Representatives of the Royal British Legion were joined by the Mayor of Ware, Cllr Ian Kemp, and other town councillors and service people at the event, at which the unveiling was carried out by the Deputy Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Kate Belinis.

Cllr Kemp said: “This poignant memorial in Ware is a reminder of all those who fought in two world wars and other campaigns since, and of a century of fine work of the Royal British Legion to support members and veterans of the armed forces and their families and dependants.”

The Ware branch of the legion was one of the first half dozen to be

formed in the country. It is based at Gladstone Hall in Gladstone Road, Ware.

The Ware Tommy silhouette stands in the flower beds at the left of the main entrance to the Priory grounds in High Street.

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10 axis magazine

NEVER MISS A COPY The independent, intelligent guide to everything that matters locally

The independent, intelligent guide to everything that matters locally

June 2021

July 2021

INSIDE: YOUR SUMMER STARTS HERE

INSIDE: YOUR GUIDE TO A RED-HOT JULY

IN THE NEWS

IN THE NEWS

We keep you up to date on the major local stories

Herts Rapid Transit System proposed to cross county

SHOPPING

SUPPORT OUR INDIES

All you need to know as town centres bounce back

We showcase some great independent businesses

PROPERTY

PROPERTY

WHAT’S ON

WHAT’S ON

FOOD & DRINK

FOOD & DRINK

The new development marrying eco with tech

An update on the market and new developments

The best events, arts and films to enjoy this month

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

The new restaurant that waited six months to open

New pizza restaurant takes over Hertford landmark

Your leading high quality local news magazine since 2003 axis page 01.indd 1

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Your leading high quality local news magazine since 2003 axis page 01.indd 1

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If you enjoy reading Axis but live outside our free delivery area you can receive your very own copy each month by post 12 issues delivered to your door for just £25 To subscribe, please call 01992 500198 or email info@axispublications.co.uk

BRIEFING

Joy and delight as Lowewood Museum reopens Lowewood Museum in Hoddesdon reopened to the public last month, after being closed since March 2020.

The museum for the borough of Broxbourne was scheduled to close permanently after Broxbourne Council decided it could no longer afford to fund it.

But, following a public campaign, a new trust was formed which has now taken on the management of the building.

Lowewood Museum CIO took over on 1st April this year. It has nine board members with a range of skills and expertise and has recruited around 50 volunteers who will help with everything from front of house duties to the management of collections.

More than 120 people attended the opening event, on Saturday 17th July, including the Mayor of Broxbourne, Cllr David Taylor, other councillors as well as representatives of Love Hoddesdon Business Improvement District.

David Dent, chair of the new trust, said: “As a fledgling trust, it’s been

The Mayor and trustees at the launch. Above: Museums consultant Helen Giles with chair of the trustees David Dent at Lowewood

a steep but enjoyable learning curve for us all, and there is still much to do. We have lots planned over the coming years to appeal to our residents across the borough.

We are incredibly grateful for the support we have received, and now it’s coming to fruition.”

The museum, which is in High

Street, is currently open on Friday and Saturday every week from 10am to 4.30pm. Admission is free.

The first exhibition showing at the museum under its new management is called Tankards, Tales and Taverns, and celebrates the area’s pubs through the years.

Funding agreed for new business and technology centre Funding has been agreed to enable Broxbourne Council to go ahead with the building of a new business and technology centre at Maxwell’s Farm, by the A10 in Cheshunt.

The council hopes the new centre will mirror the success of the Ambition Broxbourne centre in Hoddesdon.

The council’s Cabinet on 13th July agreed to recommend to the full council that the budget to enable

the construction of the centre be approved.

This followed the approval of the planning application for the centre at the end of June.

The centre will include 34,000 sq ft of flexible space with a mix of offices, workshops, and training and meeting rooms.

Construction is due to begin in September with target competition and first occupancy in early 2023.

Live music set to return to the Corn Exchange as new promoter takes over Live music is set to return to Hertford’s historic Corn Exchange in Fore Street after a new promoter took over the venue, which had been closed during the pandemic.

The team behind The Horn in St Albans and The Horn at The Half Moon in Bishop’s Stortford have taken over the venue and work has already begun on upgrading facilities. The first gig announced is punk legends Buzzcocks who have been booked for 25th March 2022.

Musical Mystery Tour cancelled by Covid The bad news for fans of live music in the county town is that, for the second consecutive year, Hertford’s hugely popular Musical Mystery Tour event, which usually takes place on the August Bank Holiday, has been cancelled due to the pandemic.

Organiser Kev Saunders says he intends to bring it back in 2022.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Rotary presents three awards for outstanding community service Life since the start of the pandemic has seen many people go above and beyond what would normally be expected of them to support their family, friends and their local community.

Amwell Rotary Club has recognised three of them by presenting them with a Paul Harris Fellowship, an award which marks outstanding service either to Rotary or to the community and is named after Rotary’s founder.

The recipients were each recommended by members of Amwell Rotary who had seen the positive effect their efforts had had on others.

The recipients are: Nichola Chaperlin One of the founders and key organisers of Space charity which provides support to parents and carers of children and young people who are on the autistic spectrum, with ADHD or a neurodiverse condition.

The charity covers 11 areas of Hertfordshire providing support to over 6,000 families. When

Nichola Chaperlin is pictured 4th from the left with the Space team

lockdowns started last year Space had to stop all their workshops and hands-on sessions which are so essential for supporting the families.

Space quickly converted to online support, offering courses and workshops alongside quizzes, interactive cooking, art, animal meet and greet, videos, story times and a whole lot more – it was an amazing achievement for a small band of helpers.

Paul Harris Fellowship awards can only be made to an individual, not an organisation, so Nichola accepted the award on behalf of the whole Space team.

Ian Wolff A teacher at Richard Hale School in Hertford who decided he had to give something back to the community during the pandemic.

He decided to offer, free of charge, tutoring to his students to ensure any damage to their education was considerably reduced.

He worked both online and via visits and pupils and parents reported that they were delighted with his support.

Debs Bonfield of Hertfood

Deborah Bonfield Debs is the owner of Manic Ceramics in Port Vale, Hertford and co-founded Hertfood in April last year. Its aim was to provide fresh food to families facing hardship during lockdown.

Working alongside schools to identify families, Hertfood were soon supplying 50 families with fresh food. Debs also launched an initiative to provide Christmas hampers and gifts by asking for donations. The local response was overwhelming with 6,693 gifts and 224 hampers delivered to local families. Debs accepted the award on behalf of all the volunteers.

Newly launched community radio station aims to Unite the people of East Herts

Photographers urged to get their entries in for the next official Hertford calendar

A new community radio station for East Herts was due to launch at the Hertford Castle Live Music Event on 1st August.

Unite Radio has been set up as a not-for-profit organisation that will reinvest any money earned into the station. Managing director Jono Godlee says it aims to bring together local people by harnessing the community spirit that has developed during the pandemic

The hunt is on once again for photographs to depict Hertford in the town’s official calendar, published by Hertford Town Council and sold in Hertford Town and Tourist Information Centre.

Thirteen winners will be selected to make up the 12 months and front cover of the 2022 calendar.

Photographs can be as creative as you wish but must be in landscape

12 axis magazine

and provide a truly communityfocused station.

The production team has more than 30 years of experience in the radio industry and local people are also being offered the opportunity to become involved.

Local musicians are invited to get in touch and submit their work to be played as well.

Visit uniteradio.co.uk to find out how you can get involved.

format. The council is looking for a variety of images to cover all seasons. Photographs must be of Hertford and be submitted by the closing date of Friday 27th August.

To enter, simply send an email with the high resolution photograph to tic@hertford.gov.uk along with your name, address, telephone number, and where in Hertford it was taken. Entrants are asked to submit no more than three images.

SHOPPING & BUSINESS NEWS

First World of Hearing store offers specialist and innovative care July saw the opening of Boots Hearingcare’s first World of Hearing store – right here in Hertfordshire.

The World of Hearing concept, led by hearing technology company Sonova, has already proved successful in Europe.

Sonova has now partnered with Boots Hearingcare to open the first UK branch in the former Boots Opticians shop in Welwyn Garden City.

The store features state of the art facilities which include an immersion and experience room and self-screening suites which enable customers to experience the benefit of wearing hearing aids in many different and challenging environments.

As well as offering audiology tests and the latest hearing aid technology, the shop can also

provide advice and solutions for noise protection, general ear health and wax removal.

Rob Skedge, managing director of Boots Hearingcare UK and Ireland, said: “Traditionally, hearing care hasn’t been an interactive experience. That’s something [we] recognise needs to change if we are to break down barriers and the stigma that surrounds hearing care.

“We believe this concept store represents a giant stride towards normalising the way we communicate our hearing care through a far more accessible, customer-centric and technology-driven experience.”

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The new World of Hearing store in Welwyn Garden City

Ashbourne launches specialist insurance help for micro businesses Ashbourne Insurance has introduced a new dedicated advisory service to meet the needs and growing demands of Hertfordshire-based micro SMEs (small and medium enterprises).

Retail sales advisor Rico Messam, who has been with Ashbourne since 2015, has taken on the role of supporting the growing number of small business owners who need independent advice about a range of insurance policies for their businesses.

The new service is ideally suited to help: l Tradesmen seeking liability coverage for five individuals or less; l Property owners with up to three units of residential or mixed occupancy property (eg shops with flats above); l Small business owners with single unit shops or offices; l Mini-fleet (five vehicles or less); l Motor-trade road-risks only.

Rico said he is looking forward

to working with more local businesses. He said: “At Ashbourne we search the market so busy business owners can dedicate their valuable time to growing their business.”

Award-winning, family-run Ashbourne Insurance offers a wide range of business and personal insurance.

2021 marks the 40th anniversary of the company.

For more information call Rico on 01992 471001 or visit ashbourneinsurance.co.uk.

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TAXING MATTERS

SPONSORED CONTENT

Which taxes should rise to help us fund social care?

By Stuart Everett of Hertford accountants Meyer Williams Why has it taken, and is still taking, governments of whichever political hue so long to sort out Britain’s social care system? Well surprisingly enough, it is all down to money!

All politicians realise that more cash will be needed to cope with the demands of an ageing population. Everybody knows the current system is near breaking point; Covid has shown us that very clearly.

It is also well known to our leaders, and is blatantly obvious to all who give it some thought, that the long-term solution is not going to be cheap. So who is going to pay – and how?

Apparently the Great P has a plan, but nobody is being told what it is at the moment. One can only guess what it might be, reflecting on Dominic Cummings’ recent insight into last year’s discussions about Lockdown!

(The Logan’s Run option won’t catch on chaps).

We don’t want to hear it... the long-term funding of social care is a difficult topic for everybody

The majority know, however, that it is the taxpayer that will ultimately pay the bill.

One suggestion to fund social care going forward is to increase employee National Insurance, whilst dressing it up as a Health & Social Care Levy. Previous Chancellor and PM Gordon Brown tried something similar, suggesting a 1% increase in National Insurance, but he planned it over a long time to prepare us for the change. That doesn’t seem likely this time.

Other ideas that have been put forward include: l The Japanese example: make people contribute to their future

social care costs when they reach 40. (Higher bills for a smaller slice of the population – even though many will probably still be paying off their student loans). l There is a proposal for a 4% flat rate on all income, including Capital Gains over the Annual Capital Gains exemption, offset by a 3% cut in employee National Insurance. The result would apparently be £6bn to pay for social care whilst employees earning less than £19,500 per annum would be better off. l Other possible ways of funding social care are the long overdue reform of Council Tax, or an

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Annual Wealth Tax – though the drawback here, of course, is that most people’s wealth is in property and pensions, not cash. l Or we could do more of what our current Chancellor has been doing for a while now… borrow the money needed and pay for it with higher taxation!

However it is to be paid for, it is a certainty that we are all getting older and are likely to need social care at some stage – so hurry up and sort it out!

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SHOPPING & BUSINESS NEWS

SPONSORED CONTENT

Hoddesdon – the town looking to embrace the ‘new normal’ Love Hoddesdon continues to help the town bounce back quickly and effectively from the Covid-19 pandemic.

With the sun now shining, floral displays have brought a splash of colour to the High Street, whilst the numerous pubs, restaurants and cafés that are now offering alfresco dining have created a whole new feel for the town.

One of Love Hoddesdon’s strengths has always been its events programme, so now that restrictions have been lifted this has begun again, though the BID remains mindful of the current rising level of Covid cases.

One such event is the Rainbow Trail, organised in conjunction with Hoddesdon Parish Church.

Every Saturday families can look for knitted rainbows hidden in shop windows. Finding them enables them to secure some mosaic tiles. These are then taken to the church where they are built into a giant public rainbow mosaic in the churchyard, which will be a permanent thank you to all those that helped Hoddesdon get through the pandemic.

A steel pan band has been visiting the town one Saturday a month across the summer, and while Broxbourne Council’s annual Vintage and Classic Car Day had to be postponed, a more low-key marking of the event was held on Saturday 31st July, organised by Love Hoddesdon.

Interest is also growing in the first Love Hoddesdon Food and Drink Fest on Saturday 4th September. The BID are looking for a range of different foods and cuisines to be intermingled with

A steel pan band has been adding a fun dimension to Saturday shopping whilst visitors to the town have been enjoying the floral displays. Mascot Master Henry Hoddas has been promoting Lowewood Museum

the various street cafés across the day. Any street food operators interested in participating should email their details to lovehoddesdon@outlook.com.

Love Hoddesdon also played a role in getting the town’s Lowewood Museum reopened to the public. Its first exhibition is Tankards, Tales and Taverns and is all about local pubs. The museum opens every Friday and Saturday (10am to 4.30pm) and offers free entry.

Other work going on is: Engaging with young people Discussions are underway with Hertford Regional College and local secondary schools around

ways in which their students can get involved with the work of Love Hoddesdon, including establishing a Young People’s Forum as a sounding board for getting their perspective on local issues, as well as their involvement in projects, events and initiatives.

Developing an Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategy Following a meeting with the Arts Council about possible funding support for various projects and events to develop the arts, culture and heritage of the town, work has begun on formulating these aims and aspirations into a strategy for Hoddesdon. This will involve

a range of other partners in the development of this strategy.

A Greener Hoddesdon Working with Broxbourne Council’s Sustainability Officer, Love Hoddesdon is looking to promote to local businesses ways in which they can operate in greener and more sustainable ways, without increasing costs – and even making savings.

They are also looking to identify other ways they can help the town to reduce its carbon footprint.

Love Hoddesdon is really making a difference to the town, so why not pay a visit and enjoy what Hoddesdon has to offer!

Welcome back to Hoddesdon Help businesses survive and thrive

axis magazine 15

PROPERTY

The Stiles combines rural tranquillity with modern town living New development in Bengeo offers stylish family homes in a beautiful setting When it comes to our next home, how many of us wish we could have it all? On the one hand, we crave the peace and tranquillity of rural life, on the other we long for the hustle and bustle of nearby coffee shops and eateries, and the chance to connect with friends.

If the pandemic has achieved one thing over the last year, it has really crystallised for many buyers what matters in a home – from access to green space, to nearby places to meet and socialise – and, for some, the now almost critical consideration of a separate workspace within the home.

In a beautifully landscaped setting in Bengeo, a new development aims to achieve that almost impossible balance between rural tranquillity, community spirit and modern town life.

The Stiles is a vibrant new neighbourhood developed by Durkan, providing a selection of traditionally styled two, three, four and five-bedroom homes to suit a range of lifestyles.

Surrounded by countryside and allotments, the development is in an attractive private setting. There are leafy streets, mature trees and dedicated play areas with the quintessential village amenities of a couple of local pubs, a church, cricket club and independent store just down the road.

An excellent choice of infant, primary and secondary schools are

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An aerial impression of The Stiles. Below: two of the house types and the idyllic surrounding countryside

within easy reach too. Just over a mile away is the county town of Hertford which of course combines picturesque Georgian and Medieval architecture and a rich history and culture with stylish restaurants, cocktail bars and coffee shops.

The homes themselves are thoughtfully designed for modern living and supreme comfort. The spec is fresh and contemporary, with Amtico flooring and stylish fitted kitchens with premium stone worktops. The space throughout is light, calming and elegant – relaxed family rooms meet more formal entertaining spaces, and many homes have a home office.

For more information on The Stiles, visit durkan.co.uk.

T H E A S COT

A luxury 4 bedroom semi-detached family home with west-facing garden, set within an exclusive private, gated development in Hertfordshire. Prices from £975,000.

Designer kitchens with Siemens appliances • Elegant fixtures and fittings throughout • Home office and integral garage Idyllic location between Cuffley and Goff’s Oak • Short walk to Cuffley Station and local amenities • Less than an hour to The City* CALL US TODAY AND BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT TO VIEW OUR BRAND NEW ASCOT SHOWHOME WITH FURNISHINGS BY HERTFORD-BASED INTERIOR DESIGNERS, BELLE MAISON 104 Cuffley Hill | Goff’s Oak | EN7 5EY

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www.chasenewhomes.co.uk *Journey time travelling from Cuffley to Kings Cross by train c.50 mins, taken from National Rail. Computer generated images are indicative only.

PROPERTY

Hannah launches Greenhill Estates, Hertford’s new Green estate agency Hertford has a new estate agency – Greenhill Estates.

Its founder, Hannah Green, who is now in her mid-20s, has worked in local estate agency since she was 16, developing a solid background in all aspects of the industry before deciding to take the plunge on her own.

Hannah wants her new agency to be Hertford’s first truly “green” one – and she has developed an almost paperless business model which she hopes will make its own contribution to looking after the environment.

Greenhill Estates will be covering Hertfordshire and north London and Hannah said: “My company ethos is to be forward-thinking and current.

“With 99 per cent of people starting their property search online, the importance of online marketing and social media is paramount and that is why I have decided to invest heavily in all the latest industry tools.”

Hannah will cover all aspects of

Hannah Green and two of her instructions: Left, Stable House at Balls Park and below, townhouses off Gascoyne Way, Hertford

property including sales, lettings, new homes and land.

Hannah’s early instructions include the launch of seven new townhouses in the centre of Hertford, on the former Gates site off Gascoyne Way, which will be coming in 2022 and with prices from £850,000.

For more information, visit greenhillestates.co.uk.

Stamp duty savings can still be made until the end of September Despite the much-publicised end of the maximum stamp duty holiday a month ago, local estate agent Mullucks is reminding buyers that there are still significant savings to be made until the end of September.

The stamp duty holiday was introduced by the Chancellor Rishi Sunak in July last year, enabling buyers to pay no stamp duty on the first £500,000 of a property’s purchase price, as long as the transaction completed before the end of June. But even though that deal has now ended, no stamp duty will be paid on the first £250,000 of the purchase price for the next two months.

Mullucks’ senior valuer and negotiator Oliver Pottrill explained: “Everyone’s been talking about the nil-rate band up to £500,000 coming to an end. But what seems to be less often mentioned is that the nil-rate will continue to be maintained at twice the standard level until 30th September.

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Oliver Pottrill and, right, a house for sale at £400,000 offers a stamp duty saving of £2,500 until September

“So, instead of paying stamp duty as soon as the property price rises above £125,000, buyers will not pay any stamp duty on the first £250,000 – which means that they can still make a saving of up to £2,500.”

Oliver says that the experience of the booming market suggests that the Chancellor should consider making the stamp duty holiday

permanent. He added: “Without question, the property market has been turbo-charged by the tax break. So much so, that the sheer number of property transactions taking place meant that there was more income for the Treasury as a result, not less.”

Oliver also stressed that even if people are buying property over the £250,000 threshold, they will

still stand to benefit.

He explained: “Buyers must remember that UK stamp duty now operates under a ‘slice’ system, where successive bands of the purchase price are taxed at increasing rates.

“So, no matter what the total price of the property you are buying may be, there are still savings to be had.”

WHAT’S ON

PLACES TO GO, THINGS TO DO

Open air theatre Knebworth House The Lord Chamberlain’s Men return to Knebworth to perform Macbeth on Sunday 8th August.

The garden opens at 6.30pm, with the performance starting at 7.30pm. Tickets are £16 for adults, £10 for under-18s, £50 for a family (2+2).

Then Immersion Theatre bring their adaptation of The Jungle Book to Knebworth for two days on Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th August. Gates open at 5.30pm with shows at 6pm. Tickets are £14 for adults, £12 for under-18s and £48 for a family (2+2). knebworthhouse.com Hatfield House The Three Musketeers is being produced by Immersion Theatre at Hatfield House for ages 8

upwards on Monday 9th and Tuesday 10th August, both at 2pm. Gates open 1.30pm. Tickets are £17.60 for adults, £11 for children and concessions, £43.20 for a family (2+2). hatfield-house.co.uk The Gibberd Garden The Gibberd Garden in Harlow hosts two performances on Saturday 28th August of Into the Breach, a comedy from Kick in the Head theatre company.

Set during the Second World War, it tells the story of George Crocker who joins his village drama society to liven up his life.

This one-man show is written and performed by Mark Carey.

Performances are at 2pm and 6pm and tickets are £15 or £8 for under-16s. thegibberdgarden.co.uk

Open air concerts

Open air cinema Hertford Castle Hertford Castle is hosting three different films on one day – Friday 27th August. The day kicks off with Moana at 10am for the little ones (tickets are £3, free for under-2s), to be followed

by The Lion King at 2pm (ticket prices the same).

Then in the evening, Moulin Rouge! will be showing from 7pm. Tickets are £7 per person (babes in arms free).

Gates open an hour before each showing and food and drink concessions will be on site.

Tickets must be booked online or through Hertford Town and Tourist Information Centre on 01992 584322. gohertford.co.uk The Luna Cinema The Luna Cinema is back at Knebworth House for four nights from Thursday 19th to Sunday 22nd August.

See The Three Musketeers, Into the Breach and The Jungle Book

The Luna Cinema, Knebworth

On Thursday 19th you can see Moulin Rouge!; on Friday 20th it’s Pretty Woman; on Saturday 21st you can enjoy The Greatest Showman Sing-a-Long and then, on Sunday 22nd, the Elton John biopic Rocketman is showing.

Gates open each night at 6.45pm with the films beginning at 8.15pm. Tickets cost £16.50 per adult for general admission or £14 per person as part of a four-person bundle. thelunacinema.com

Ware Priory The back lawn of Ware Priory will be the venue for a series of outdoor summer concerts in the afternoons featuring different genres of music. Admission is free and the conservatory bar of the Priory will be open too for refreshments.

The line-up is: Sunday 8th August, 2-4pm: Lip Service Brass Band Sunday 22nd August, 3-5pm: Why Not & Test The Waters Bank Holiday Monday 30th August, 3-5pm: Steve Young Sunday 12th September, 3-5pm: Ware Brass.

Ware Priory is in High Street, Ware SG12 9AL. waretowncouncil.gov.uk The Gibberd Garden Enjoy an outdoor evening of jazz at Harlow’s Gibberd Garden on Friday 20th August.

The music comes courtesy of The

Steve Young

Owen-Jones Jazz Quartet – you’ll just need to bring a picnic and either a blanket or table and chairs and pick your spot in the beautiful gardens created by architect and master planner of Harlow Sir Frederick Gibberd.

Doors open at 6pm, the performance starts at 7 and tickets are £15 plus booking fee.

A licensed bar will be offering wine and local beers and ciders. thegibberdgarden.co.uk

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WHAT’S ON: FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Craft in Focus at Hyde Hall

Gibberd Garden beer festival

Hertford town centre trails

Craft in Focus stages a contemporary craft and design fair over the August bank holiday weekend at RHS Garden Hyde Hall in Chelmsford. You can expect to find textiles, paintings, furniture, leather, ceramics, jewellery, glass, fashion and more – there is also a food village. There’s no entry fee for the craft fair – visitors just need to purchase an admission ticket to Hyde Hall and are then free to explore the garden which also has a café, restaurant, garden library, children’s play area, gift shop and garden centre.

The event takes place daily from Friday 27th August to Monday 30th between 10am and 5pm. The garden closes at 6pm. craftinfocus.com

The Gibberd Garden in Old Harlow hosts its annual summer beer festival on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd August.

There will be a variety of beer and ciders from local breweries and pubs including Harlowbased Redchurch, The Rising Sun at High Wych and The Woodbine at Waltham Abbey.

Booking is essential with timed entry slots available online for times between 12noon and 8pm each day.

Entry is £5 for adults, free for children up to the age of 16, with parking on the field outside the garden.

The Gibberd Garden can be found in Marsh Lane, Harlow CM17 0NA. thegibberdgarden.co.uk

Hertford town centre is the venue for two free children and family trails, featuring Olympic and Seaside knitted characters created by the Secret Society of Hertford Crafters.

Both trails are aimed at children to enjoy with their families. The first runs from Saturday 31st July until Saturday 14th August and the second runs from Saturday 21st August to Saturday 4th September. Knitted characters and scenes will be hiding in shop windows around the town centre. To take part pick up a trail map from the leaflet holder at Hertford Town and Tourist Information Centre in The Wash. The trails are organised by Hertford Town Council. gohertford.co.uk

Bishop’s Stortford trails

Events at Hertford Museum

Rock in the Priory – sort of!

Bishop’s Stortford BID has organised two town centre trails for the holidays.

The Royal British Legion Centenary Trail runs from Saturday 7th to Tuesday 31st August and features themed artwork by local children in shop windows. The Helping Herts Treasure Trail features well-known children’s books hidden in 17 shop windows across the town centre. This trail is organised by the Rotary Club in support of Hertfordshire hospices and Citizens Advice and runs through the school holiday.

Trail forms can be downloaded from the BID’s website or collected from outside Smiggle in Jackson Square shopping centre. bishopsstortfordbid.co.uk

Hertford Museum is running a series of craft events for children during the school holidays.

They will run every Thursday with two sessions daily between 10.30 and 11.30am and then from 2-3pm. The theme for Thursday 12th August is Create a Tudor Knot Garden. On Thursday 19th August children can learn how to Build an Eco Home. On Thursday 26th August the subject is British Wildlife – Art and Adaptation. Numbers are limited for social distancing purposes and each session costs £6 per child. They must be booked in advance via ticketsource.co.uk. For full details visit the museum’s website. The museum is in Bull Plain, Hertford SG14 1DT. hertfordmuseum.org

The loss for the second consecutive year of Ware’s annual outdoor music festival Rock in the Priory earlier this summer was a huge shame, but organiser Ware Town Council has stepped in to arrange another event, albeit on a smaller scale, to cater for local live music fans. It is to be called Rock in the Priory Live & Late at The Drill Hall and will be held at Ware Drill Hall in Amwell End instead, on Saturday 4th September. For full details of the line-up and ticket information visit the town council’s website. The council is also holding its annual Music and Motors event in Tudor Square in the town centre on Saturday 21st August from 1-5pm. waretowncouncil.gov.uk

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AS SUMMER ARRIVES AND THE COUNTRY OPENS UP AGAIN, SO DO OUR SHOPS, GROUNDS, GARDENS AND THE MILLIONS OF FLOWERS WITHIN. LOOK FORWARD TO SAVOURING THE SIGHTS, SOUNDS AND SCENTS OF SUMMER, RIGHT ON YOUR DOORSTEP. BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW. WE CAN’T WAIT TO WELCOME YOU.

Explore the park & gardens

Indulge at the Stable Yard Shops & restaurant

Book an exclusive experience in the park

WHERE THE CITY ENDS & THE COUNTRY BEGINS

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

WHAT’S ON

SPONSORED CONTENT

Discover a host of entertainment ‘all under one roof’ at Campus West

There’s a lot of excitement at the re-opening of Campus West, Welwyn Garden City, which offers a host of entertainment ‘all under one roof’.

At The Cinema, Campus West, the big screen experience is back, with new releases, independent films and a selection of popular Live on Screen events – book ahead to avoid disappointment!

There’s skate disco for all ages plus exclusive parties at Roller City – the only purpose-built roller rink in Hertfordshire.

It’s a great way to exercise and get the adrenalin pumping!

Now brighter and better than ever, Soft Play City provides a wonderland of safe play for the little ones, which you can also hire for children’s parties. Also look out for bouncy castle parties coming soon!

Although we’re still in summer, it’s worth putting the dates in your diary for the hugely popular panto, Jack & The Beanstalk, that will put a smile on your face.

Finishing the run with a series of

blue panto shows, its naughty humour will keep the adults chuckling (18+ only). Book online at campuswest.co.uk.

To put visitors at ease, some Covid safety measures have been maintained for everyone’s protection.

A relaxing place to eat If you’re looking for a comfortable spot for a coffee or relaxed meal, Humphrey’s Café Lounge has loads of space and stylish décor.

It is open daily from 10am to 6pm with table service, plus a bar and snacks to enjoy during your film visit.

Summer holiday fun Outside of Campus West you can travel back in time at the Welwyn Roman Baths or get crafty at the Mill Green Museum & Mill.

Both are hosting fun-packed summer activities – visit their websites for full details: welwynromanbaths.co.uk or millgreenmuseum.co.uk.

SUMMER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

Travel back in time playing Roman games at the Bath House or get crafty at Mill Green with clay animals & weaving.

Fun-packed activities to keep little hands busy!

Booking required.

www.millgreenmuseum.co.uk/events www.welwynromanbaths.co.uk 01707 357850 22 axis magazine

WHAT’S ON: PLACES TO VISIT

Enjoy a Great British family day out at Knebworth House If you are looking for a day out to remember this summer, then Knebworth House is a must-visit.

It is a great value day out for the whole family.

For just £11.50 per person, you can enjoy a day in the gardens with their maze and dinosaur trail; play in the adventure playground with Fort Knebworth; and enjoy the park which is an ideal venue for games and picnics.

House admission tickets are also available at a supplement of £4.50 for adults and £4 for senior citizens and children.

The gardens include a trail of 72 life-sized dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures, along with the wilderness walk and garden maze, offering great fun for all ages. There are information boards throughout the dinosaur trail so that you can learn more about your favourite dinosaurs,

and a chalk board for creating your own cave-man drawings.

The adventure playground is a favourite destination for younger visitors at Knebworth House.

Children can play all day on the swings, slides, play equipment, bouncy castle and interactive splash-play water features. Kids will also love Fort Knebworth, a wooden adventure fortress with swings, slides and walkways.

Every generation of the Lytton family has left something of its style and taste; making Knebworth House an extraordinary walk through 500 years of British history. Stories and heirlooms reflect the family’s contribution to literature, politics and foreign service; alongside visits by characters as diverse as Charles Dickens, Winston Churchill and Noel Gallagher.

For more information visit knebworthhouse.com.

27 – 30 August

RHS Garden

Hyde Hall

CM3 8RA

Purchase direct from the very best makers in the UK

MAKE THIS SUMMER ONE TO REMEMBER AT KNEBWORTH HOUSE knebworthhouse.com

Last entry 1 hour before closing Admission to Garden also gives admission to Craft Fair Free Garden entry for RHS Members (Garden open to 6pm daily)

10am – 5pm Daily axis magazine 23 CIF_Hyde_Hall_21_125x92pt5.indd 1

20/07/2021 13:50

WHAT’S ON: AT THE CINEMA / THE ARTS

At the cinema: Four fun-filled family films for the school holidays Jungle Cruise (12A) Now showing Inspired by the famous Disneyland theme park ride, Disney’s Jungle Cruise is an adventure-filled, Amazon jungle expedition starring Dwayne Johnson as a charismatic riverboat captain and Emily Blunt as a determined explorer on a research mission.

Also starring are Edgar Ramirez, Jack Whitehall, Jesse Plemons and Paul Giamatti.

Spirit Untamed (U) Now showing An epic adventure about a headstrong girl longing for a place to belong who discovers a kindred spirit when her life intersects with a wild horse.

Spirit Untamed is the next chapter in the popular story from DreamWorks Animation and stars Isabela Merced, Julianne Moore, Jake Gyllenhaal, Marsai Martin, Mckenna Grace, Walton

The kids will love Moonbound (in cinemas from Friday 6th August) and Spirit Untamed (showing now)

Goggins, Andre Braugher and Eiza González.

Moonbound (TBC) Out on Friday 6th August Wall-E meets Over the Moon in Moonbound, an out-of-this-world family adventure. This charming new animation follows one boy and his sister in a race against time to restore peace to the Milky Way. Based on one of Germany’s most popular children’s books,

Moonbound tells the story of little Pete who embarks on an enchanting journey together with Mr Zoomzeman and the Sandman to rescue his little sister from the evil Moon Man. The Paw Patrol Movie (TBC) Out on Monday 9th August The Paw Patrol are on a roll!

When their biggest rival, Humdinger, becomes Mayor of nearby Adventure City and

starts wreaking havoc, Ryder and everyone’s favorite heroic pups face the challenge head on. While one pup must face his past in Adventure City, the team finds help from a new ally, the savvy dachshund Liberty. Together, armed with exciting new gadgets and gear, the Paw Patrol fights to save the citizens of Adventure City in their first big screen adventure featuring UK cast members from the original series.

Take part in Courtyard’s Canvas 25

Stortford artists to exhibit again at last

If you fancy getting creative this summer and raising funds for two local charities check out Hertford-based Courtyard Arts’ Canvas 25 Art Event.

Artists are being invited to buy a 25cm x 25cm blank canvas for £10 (more than one if you like) and get creative in their chosen medium to transform it into a work of art which the gallery will display during a month-long charity event from Tuesday 7th September to Saturday 2nd October.

Completed canvasses will all be for sale for £40 each during the

Bishop’s Stortford Art Society is holding its first exhibition since October 2019 this month.

The exhibition will be held in the Community Space (next to Wilko) in Jackson Square shopping centre from Tuesday 10th to Saturday 14th August from 9am to 5pm each day.

There will be up to 100 works on show by local artists in watercolours, oils, acrylics and pastels across a variety of subjects – including portraits, landscapes and local scenes, as well as abstracts. Unframed work will also be for sale.

24 axis magazine

exhibition with the proceeds shared among Courtyard Arts and partner charity for the event, MIND in Mid Herts.

All contributing artists will be invited to a private view event as well.

You can order a canvas by calling Courtyard on 01992 509596 and arrange to collect it from the arts centre in Port Vale, Hertford between 10am and 4pm Tuesday to Saturday. Alternatively, you can pick one up at Five & Dime at 91 Fore Street.

Find out more about the event at courtyardarts.org.uk.

Cityscape in grey by Eileen Valder (top) Return to Eden by Nick Dittrich

FOOD & DRINK

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL RESTAURANTS

Take a journey into the countryside to discover The Dog and Pickle There have been so few new restaurant openings in the past year that we consider it quite a coup to have found somewhere new to tell readers about – better still to recommend!

July’s welcome discovery was the newly opened Dog and Pickle in the Essex village of Moreton, about seven miles from Harlow.

If you know the area, you may remember the pub in its previous incarnations of The Nag’s Head, and before that for a time, The Moreton Massey – or maybe (if you’re old enough) from its appearances in the odd Sunday night episode of Lovejoy!

It dates back much farther – to the 16th century, and its new owners, businessman Neil De-Ath and chef David William Smith, have invested heavily in renovations while retaining the character of the grade II listed building.

The pair are lifelong friends who would go out fishing together, sitting round the lake and discussing their dream of one day going into business together.

And that opportunity came when Greene King put what was then The Nag’s Head on the market.

David had trained as a chef under Albert Roux in the City before working in a number of prestigious venues, but was keen to take on his own restaurant, and buying the freehold was the realisation of his own, and the two friends’, childhood dream.

The Dog and Pickle is now a family-run freehouse (David’s

David William Smith (shown above right) has opened The Dog and Pickle in the Essex village of Moreton

sister Gemma Persechino runs the very busy front of house operation), offering a mix of modern European cuisine and traditional British fare along with a boutique wine list.

Inside, The Willow Room, named after one of David and his wife Charlotte’s two dogs (the other, Forest, can be seen gracing the pub’s signage!) offers a seasonal a la carte menu of around seven each of starters, mains and desserts, plus daily specials.

This menu is also available in the bar area where dogs are welcome to join you.

There’s a set lunch menu from Wednesday to Saturday offering two courses for £19.95 or three for £24.50; and a Sunday lunch menu offering a range of dishes along with Stoddarts dry aged rib of beef, Dingley Dell pork belly and free-range chicken breast roasts all served with duck fat roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings and all the trimmings.

Children get their own Little Pickles menu.

The team have also transformed the outside area of the pub with a terrace, gardens, a garden bar and alfresco grill that is open on

Saturdays and Sundays (weather permitting).

As a result, the new-look Dog and Pickle is now able to accommodate some 60 inside and another 120 outside.

Despite this, the pub can get very busy at times, which should tell you all you need to know – as a result, booking is definitely recommended.

The Dog and Pickle Church Road, Moreton, Ongar CM5 0LF 01277 600501 dogandpickle.com

CHEF AND FOOD IMAGES BY LATEEF PHOTOGRAPHY; OTHERS BY ALISON JENKINS PHOTOGRAPHY axis magazine 25

FOOD & DRINK STEVE BEESTON

The Wine Column

By Ritchie Tough of Cavavin

Why your favourite Sauvignon Blanc may be in short supply...

Hertford’s food and drink festival is back to take over the county town Hertford’s annual food and drink festival will take place over two days, Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th August, this year.

On the Saturday, the town centre will be transformed with a wide variety of food and drink stalls offering visitors the chance to try something new from local producers, plus activities hosted by bars and restaurants. Then on Sunday, the action shifts to

the grounds of Hertford Castle, which hosts the Hertford Beer and World Food Festival.

A large beer tent will offer a variety of local and national beers, ales and ciders as well as a dedicated gin and Prosecco area. There will also be world food stalls on the lawn, with live music through the afternoon from 12noon to 6pm. Admission is free.

This month, we shall take a glance at what to expect in this year’s vintage from Chile, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

For winemakers, what separates a good vintage from an excellent vintage comes down to three things: light, heat and rainfall. All these elements have a real effect and here is how they are affecting wine in the southern hemisphere this year.

New Zealand 2021 is a much lower producing year due to a combination of frosts (the most fruitful buds were damaged) and poor flowering (fewer berries were fertilised). This means price increases and your favourite Sauvignon Blanc becoming hard to get come the end of the year.

Australia Australia has bounced back from two poor small vintages to produce a record crop of 2.03 million tonnes in 2021, after a season characterised by near-perfect growing and ripening conditions across most states and regions.

South Africa Moderate weather throughout the season, and specifically during harvest time, resulted in grapes ripening more slowly, while developing exceptional colour and flavour. This might sound great, but due to the alcohol ban in South Africa during the pandemic, there is now so much excess stock of previous vintages that there is nowhere to store the 2021 vintage.

Chile Overall, 2021 has been a much cooler year with slow maturation. This should lead to wines of higher acidity, lower alcohol and good concentration. Much needed winter rain in the season helped with water supplies, which had been the lowest Chile had suffered in 60 years.

Hoddesdon to hold first Food and Drink Fest The town centre of Hoddesdon has been transformed this summer with a large number of pubs, cafés and restaurants now having pavement licences.

Love Hoddesdon BID is now aiming to build on this feelgood factor by organising its first Hoddesdon Food and Drink Fest, on Saturday 4th September from 10am to 6pm. A variety of international foods will be available for visitors to enjoy, with a background of musical entertainment and children’s 26 axis magazine

fairground rides, providing a great day out for all the family.

It is not too late for street food vendors to take part – if you are interested in doing so, email lovehoddesdon@outlook.com.

Cavavin is your local, independent wine shop.

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

Online ordering available.

FOOD AND DRINK: SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL RESTAURANTS

ADVERTISEMENT LISTINGS

SAFFRON Indian

THE GEORGE IV Pub & Dining

THE GOLDEN FLEECE Pub & Dining

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.

The George IV is delighted to reopen and welcome you back.

The recently renovated terrace area with heaters, together with a private courtyard, are perfect to enjoy alfresco dining this season.

The George IV offers freshly prepared dishes, including traditional pub classics, in a friendly pub atmosphere and is an ideal venue for private events including intimate weddings, birthdays, anniversaries or corporate functions.

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

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

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

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

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

ERMAN’S KITCHEN Turkish

VILLA ITALIA Italian

FOX AND HOUNDS Restaurant & The Fox Shop & Deli

This family-run restaurant, which opened in 2020, is now open again and still has its covered and heated outdoor space available for alfresco dining too. It offers a menu of Turkish cuisine, high quality drinks and cocktails and is also open from 8am daily for breakfast too. Erman’s is housed in a Grade II listed former pub that has been refurbished into three contemporary and comfortable dining areas plus the garden. The menu offers hot and cold starters, grills and Erman’s signature dishes that include Turkish fish and seafood specialities.

The popular authentic family-run Villa Italia restaurant in Sawbridgeworth opened in March 2019 and quickly became a firm local favourite.

It offers a wide range of crowd-pleasing Italian dishes to suit every occasion, including pizza, pasta, meat and fish dishes as well as homemade desserts. Villa Italia’s opening hours are Tues-Thurs 5-10.30pm; Fri and Sat 12.303pm and 5-11pm and Sun 12.30-5pm.

A roast dinner is available on Sunday with meats changing weekly – just call or email info@villa-italia-restaurant.co.uk to order.

The Fox and Hounds, now in its 16th year of trading under owners Bianca and James Rix, is well established as one of Hertfordshire’s leading eating out destinations. The Josper oven, seasonal menus, superb Sunday lunch and relaxed atmosphere are all great reasons to visit. Bianca and James have also added a popular shop and deli in the bar area, selling their homemade ready meals to take away, Brindisa deli treats, fresh bread, pastries, flowers, plants and gifts from local suppliers.

Open from 9am (10am weekends) Weds-Sun.

2 Fore Street, Old Harlow CM17 0AA 01279 454000 ermanskitchen.co.uk

48 & 52 Bell Street, Sawbridgeworth CM21 9AN 01279 358358 villa-italia-restaurant.co.uk

2 High Street, Hunsdon SG12 8NH 01279 843999 foxandhounds-hunsdon.co.uk axis magazine 27

9-13 Parliament Square n Hertford n SG14 1EX

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