The independent, intelligent guide to everything that matters locally
December 2025
INSIDE YOUR GUIDE TO LOCAL LIFE
M&S ON THE HORIZON? WHICH TOWNS COULD GET NEW FOOD STORES?
HO YES IT IS! YOUR FAMILY’S PERFECT PANTO IS INSIDE!
FESTIVE FILMS
SEE WICKED, AVATAR & ZOOTROPOLIS SEQUELS
ENTER STAGE RIGHT THE KITCHEN AT BEAM IS NOW FULLY OPEN
DESIGNED FOR LIFE No.14 WINS BEST RESTAURANT AWARD
A very Merry Christmas to all our readers & advertisers!
ABOUT AXIS
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)
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Front cover images (clockwise from top) Glow at RHS Hyde Hall Christmas light trail event (p17);
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BRIEFING
‘Happy
place’ yarn bomb to bring a smile to our faces
As this festive issue of Axis went to press the Secret Society of Hertford Crafters were preparing to launch their Christmas fundraiser – this year celebrating life’s simple pleasures in crafted scenes on top of post boxes in Hertford and Ware. Under the title “Where’s Your Happy Place?”, the post box toppers were set to be installed at 33 locations with scenes showing where we find joy in life – from hobbies and social groups to spending time with family. They include walking dogs, visiting the pub, going to church, gardening, going to Hertfordshire Zoo, watching football, skiing and reading.
And it wouldn’t be Christmas without a visit to the panto, sitting down to Christmas dinner or simply being at home, looking out of the window at winter wildlife and wishing for snowy days to build a snowman.
The SSOHC was formed in 2017 by a group of friends with a passion for crafting whose first project saw 27 Christmas-themed post box toppers placed on Hertford post boxes and raised vital funds for Isabel Hospice. Subsequent years have seen the number of projects, money raised and the group itself (now at more than 150 members) grow. This year’s festive yarn bomb is raising funds for The Hertford Pantry – donate at ssohc.co.uk where you’ll also find a Christmas quiz for children. There will also be a stall, weather permitting, on Friday to Sunday for three weekends starting on Friday 5th December at Bircherley Green, Hertford, selling crafted decorations, wreaths and more for a donation.
M&S seeks new foodstore sites across the area
Hertford, Bishop’s Stortford and Harlow feature on a list of locations that Marks and Spencer says it is considering for new M&S Food stores as it aims to double the size of its food business.
In an announcement on 23rd November the company said it was searching for suitable sites in 500 potential locations nationwide which also include North Enfield, Potters Bar, Great Dunmow, Royston and Letchworth.
It follows what it says has been “the excellent performance” of the new M&S Food stores that it has opened in the last three years with 20 more new or renewed stores already set to open between November and March of next year. The company says it is looking to modernise and rotate the M&S store estate to a footprint of 180 full line stores and 420 Food stores and is particularly looking for large
sites that could stock the full range of M&S Food, increasing the target size of its Food stores to an average 18,000 sq ft.
The company’s Food stores typically stock an extended range of M&S Food, have wider aisles for bigger shopping trolleys and larger car parks for more family shoppers. The nationwide search for sites aims to bring this now tried and tested format to existing markets and new areas.
In the areas it is targeting outside the M25, the company says it is looking for highly visible and accessible sites of more than two acres, either edge of centre or out of town and which are capable of delivering 18,000 sq ft of trading space. There needs to be dedicated servicing and dedicated parking for 150+ vehicles.
Alex Freudmann, Managing Director of M&S Food, said: “The strong performance of our new
M&S Food stores gives us the confidence to explore even more locations across the UK, from Elgin to Exmouth.
“With more than 20 stores opening or modernised before the end of the financial year we are moving faster.
Our team want new sites where we could open a large M&S Food store as we deliver on our strategy to bring the right stores to the right places and offer the best shopping experience, range and availability for our customers.”
‘Work in progress’ examples from this Christmas’s Happy Place yarn bomb
Councils submit their preferences for future make-up of our local government
Our local councils have all taken differing approaches when choosing their preference for the future make-up of local government in Hertfordshire.
The Government intends to scrap the existing ‘two-tier’ system of local councils that exists in many non-metropolitan areas in England, including here in Hertfordshire. This will mean that Hertfordshire County, and the 10 district/borough councils such as East Herts and Broxbourne will all be abolished, with new, unitary authorities put in their place, meaning there is one council responsible for all services in an area.
Councils were given a deadline of 28th November to submit their preferred options for the way Hertfordshire should be divided up. Here’s what our councils have put forward:
Hertfordshire County Council is in favour of two councils across Hertfordshire, an idea which is likely to align the closest to the Government’s preference for each council to cover roughly half a million residents. An east-west split is considered most likely, which could mean Broxbourne and East Herts being combined with Welwyn-Hatfield, Stevenage and North Herts.
East Herts Council says its preference would be to see Hertfordshire split into three authorities, a move which would see East Herts combined with Broxbourne, North Herts and Stevenage into one new council.
Broxbourne Council has supported the four unitary authority model, which would see it combine with East Herts. Council leader Corina Gander said Broxbourne considers smaller councils better able to respond to the needs of the communities they serve.
Meanwhile, across the county border, Harlow Council had already announced that its preference was for the creation of a West Essex authority made up of three existing district councils – Harlow, Uttlesford and Epping Forest.
The Government is expected to announce its decision on the way forward next summer, with elections to the new authorities scheduled to take place in 2028.
In addition, the Government also announced last month that it intends to abolish the elected position of Police and Crime Commissioners from 2028 with some of their powers transferring to the new councils.
Wildlife Trust launches winter appeal to protect our local woodlands
Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust has launched a fundraising appeal that aims to raise £54,000 to protect our local woodlands which it says are transformed in winter into places of quiet magic enjoyed by so many.
The money raised will fund vital work such as tree safety work as well as creating and managing open clearings and pathways so that light reaches the woodland floor, encouraging plants and flowers that in turn
support rare species.
The Trust has also partnered with The Big Give, a charitable initiative that matches donations made by the public with larger donations typically collected from philanthropists, businesses and foundations.
Donate online between Tuesdays 2nd and 9th December and your donation to the charity will be doubled. Find out more and donate at hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/ protectwoodlands.
Updated plans for Stortford’s Old River Lane site are unveiled
Developer Cityheart unveiled its latest proposals for the Old River Lane site in Bishop’s Stortford to the public last month.
East Herts Council’s development partner revealed its updated masterplan for the area that includes The Causeway car park and Charringtons House near Waitrose at two public exhibitions in November ahead of submitting a planning application later this year.
The latest masterplan shows that a plot previously earmarked for
an arts centre (this idea has been ‘paused’ due to financial constraints), will instead be a green south-facing public square with a new pavilion building that could host markets, activities and events. The developer also said they had included more green space across the scheme. Buildings range from four to six storeys with building heights along Old River Lane lowered in comparison with previous proposals and top floors set back to reduce the sense of scale.
There will be improved cycling and walking routes between Castle Gardens and the town centre and improvements to Bridge Street through the removal of west-bound traffic.
173 new homes including affordable homes and Build-to-Rent are proposed along with flexible retail and community spaces that could suit a wide range of occupiers. You can find out more about the latest proposals online at oldriverlanedevelopment.co.uk.
Campaign hope for Bengeo Field
Campaigners, many of whom who have spent years working to protect a popular area of open space –Bengeo Field in Hertford – from development, are renewing their case seeking a judicial review into East Herts Council’s decision to grant planning permission for 118 homes on the land.
The council granted planning permission in February for Durkan Homes’ proposed development on both sides of a public byway which is listed as an Asset of Community Value.
The route is popular with walkers and dog walkers and Bengeo Field is identified in the Bengeo Neighbourhood Area Plan as a landscape of considerable importance.
East Herts Council’s District Plan, which lays out where development to provide new homes and businesses should take place, identifies land to the north of Hertford as a residential development site to accommodate 150 homes with 50 of these to be provided to the north of Sacombe Road. These have already been built and form Durkans’ The Stiles development.
It goes on to say: “And, subject to the satisfactory previous phased extraction of mineral deposits on the neighbouring site, around 100 homes to the west of B158 Wadesmill Road.”
Campaigners say that it is clear the intention was to allow for the site’s development but only after it had been quarried for gravel and the landscape thereby damaged. As it hasn’t been and the landscape remains intact (many of the campaigners working together as Stop Bengeo Quarry successfully fought the quarry proposal), they believe the local authority should not have granted planning permission.
Following the contentious decision a group of residents incorporated a company, Save Bengeo Field Ltd, to formalise a long-standing group with the hope of buying the field in the long term.
They filed an application for a ju-
dicial review into the decision back in April with the Planning Court, which said in November that while it would not be immediately granting a Judicial Review, the claim had sufficient merit in the case to allow a “reconsideration”.
Saying that they have strengthened their case since submitting the original claim, the group has applied for that reconsideration on nine separate grounds.
The next stage is set to be a short hearing at the Planning Court where the group will get the opportunity to present their case for a Judicial Review.
For more information, visit savebengeofield.org.uk.
24-hour highway works on A414 viaducts save £1m – and 12 weeks of traffic misery
Hertfordshire County Council says it has saved more than £1million by completing repair works to two viaducts on the A414 between Stanstead Abbotts and Harlow in six weeks rather than the originally planned 18.
It has also saved residents from 12 weeks of travel disruption.
The River Lea Viaduct joints were in poor condition, letting water in and posing a safety risk to road users and with the potential to result in further damage.
But the timetable for fixing them was being constrained by the soon to begin major scheme proposed at Gilston and initial discussions suggesting works would need to
be carried out in 18 weeks of night closures at an estimated cost of £2.3million.
However, the council’s Highways Service devised an alternative programme, employing 24-hour-a-day working for six weeks, resulting in
Blood testing to move to shopping centre
The Princess Alexandra Hospital’s blood testing service will be moving from the hospital site in Harlow into a new facility on the first floor of The Harvey Centre next Spring. The relocation of the phlebotomy service to the nearby shopping centre is the result of a partnership between The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust and Harlow Council which owns the centre. The trust said the service would be provided in a modern, patient-friendly environment where the same high standards of care, infection control and safety protocols would remain in place and with the experienced phlebotomy team continuing to provide the service.
Contactless payments at more rail stations
the substantial saving. The project team also used the closure period to undertake additional maintenance work including road resurfacing, clearing the kerb between carriageways and refreshing road markings. For more information on how the county’s roads are being improved visit hertfordshire.gov/highways.
Where’s the gritter?
As colder weather arrives you’ll also be able to use this section of the website to look up when and where the council is gritting roads – something which crews have been on standby for since 1st October and with the first run carried out on 17th November.
Pay as you go contactless ticketing is being extended to an additional 20 Greater Anglia stations in Hertfordshire and Essex from Sunday 14th December, including on the Stansted Express route between London Liverpool Street and Stansted Airport. Passengers travelling to or from these new pay as you go stations will be able to simply use their contactless card, phone or smart device to touch in and out at the start and end of their journey (within the pay as you go contactless area).
Fares will automatically be calculated and charged based on the time and distance travelled.
Stations include Roydon, Harlow Town, Harlow Mill, Sawbridgeworth, Bishop’s Stortford, Stansted Mountfitchet and Stansted Airport.
BENGEO FIELD / PAUL CROWLEY
Private Chapels of Rest
STEVENAGE • 01438 316623
HITCHIN • 01462 438422
KNEBWORTH • 01438 812365
BUNTINGFORD • 01763 274111
WELWYN GARDEN CITY • 01707 390018
WELWYN • 01438 714686
HERTFORD • 01992 582052
WARE • 01920 468551
LETCHWORTH • 01462 684292
HODDESDON • 01992 471709
HARWOOD PARK • 01438 812515
HARPENDEN • 01582 762570
Hertford’s St Andrew Street is on the up again
Local businesses in one part of Hertford have come together to form a new group to represent their community and bring fresh life to their area this Christmas.
Blooming St Andrew Street & Community is the brainchild of barber David Perrin and his wife Teresa of Perrin’s Barber Shop, which sits at the junction of Old Cross and St Andrew Street.
The idea came after they received widespread praise about the floral displays which adorn their shopfront.
Teresa explained: “We ended up with so many people stopping in, commenting, taking photos; it was all really positive feedback and people in the town really appreciated our effort.
‘So we thought we could really make something of this and draw people to the forgotten end of town, even if people just want to photograph our beautiful buildings when they are eventually in full bloom!
“It’s good for the businesses, the environment, the aesthetic of the street and the community as a whole.”
David and Teresa’s hard work and enthusiasm has already earned them the support of businesses in both Old Cross and St Andrew Street, which has been known in the past as “the quality street of Hertford”.
David and Teresa are determined to bring back that sense of community and have made a fantastic start with
many businesses now involved, making it a real joint effort.
Teresa said: “Our aim is to make this end of town look more attractive and give it its own identity whilst encouraging more footfall. We really hope to enhance the beauty of the buildings and businesses using flowers and decorations – and we have already made a great start!”
Christmas lights
In recent years, this end of town has suffered from not having Christmas lights, with lighting concentrated in the centre of the town, and one of the main aims of the new group is to address this for future years.
David and Teresa are already talking to Hertford Town Council to try and change this for Christmas 2026 and beyond, and will be upping their campaign in the new year. They also want to persuade the town council to bring Christmas Market stalls to St Andrew Street during Hertford’s annual Christmas Gala each November.
David said: “It does seem that this end of the town gets completely forgotten about during the Christmas Gala, with many of the businesses feeling it’s not worth staying open late for the evening. We want that to become a thing of the past and we want to give the council and the rest of Hertford a reminder of what a beautiful little community we are –buildings and businesses alike!”
Virginia’s dream comes true as she opens her own boutique
A new women’s boutique, Almamia Collection, has opened in Jackson Square shopping centre in Bishop’s Stortford.
The name is inspired by where owner Virginia Wanceulen comes from in the south of Spain.
Virginia has been living in Hertfordshire for five years now and it has long been her dream to open a boutique here, and she says she wanted a name that felt personal to her and reflected a little bit of her background whilst still fitting a modern, local business.
She said: “Fashion and design have always been part of my life and, when the opportunity came up
in Jackson Square, it felt like the right moment to create something warm, elegant and accessible for the community.”
Virginia works with brands from the UK, Denmark, Finland, Spain, the Netherlands and other European designers known for their quality and craftsmanship. The selection has a strong Scandinavian influence, with clean lines, beautiful textures and attention to detail, combined with the warmth and elegance of southern European style.
Virginia said: “My aim is to curate a collection that feels modern, feminine and timeless for women of all ages.”
Indie retailers in St Andrew Street and Old Cross include Frankie and Olive, Retail Therapy and Magpie Amore, all of which offer fabulous gift ideas
David Perrin of Perrin’s Barber Shop launched the group with his wife Teresa
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Lewis Cocking MP
MEMBER
We should help those who need it, but the best form of welfare is a well-paid job
Last month, I was shocked to see figures released that show almost a million young people are not in work, education or training. Worse still, a majority of these are classed as completely economically inactive. Research has found that this is a result of a surge in long-term sickness and particularly mental health issues.
Help should of course be available for those who need it most. But as an increasing number of working age adults turn to a life on benefits, Government spending on this area has ballooned to unsustainable levels.
In November’s Budget, the Office for Budget Responsibility forecast that total spending on health and disability benefits would rise from £76bn in 2024-25 to £109bn in the next five years.
It’s a perpetuating cycle. Why would a young person today take a risk on their ideas or put in hours of effort in a job, when they are seeing more of their peers getting by on Government handouts?
I come at this issue with a very simple belief: the best form of welfare is a well-paid job.
That must be our guiding principle as a country. More people in decent, sustainable employment – and off a life of benefits – is better for our economy and our public finances. But crucially, it would be transformative for our most deprived communities and for each individual
now out in the world earning their living.
We need to do more to properly reward work and support job-creators.
Small business owners have told me that complicated tax rules and regulation have forced them to decline new work. Extra costs mean they can’t take on new employees, and fewer job opportunities inevitably means more people will turn to welfare.
We need to revolutionise our approach to this entire interconnected system. Get back to a time when welfare is restricted to those who truly need it, and where those in work can keep more of the money they’ve earned.
The Budget would have been the perfect opportunity to start to deliver this – but the Chancellor instead chose to tinker around the edges and pay for even more welfare spending with higher taxes.
Meet Lewis at his constituency surgeries
I continue to hold regular in-person surgeries to discuss issues and concerns with constituents. If you have a problem you’d like to raise with me, please contact my office at lewis.cocking.mp@parliament.uk or on 01992 845335
In addition, if you own a business or are involved in a local organisation and you would like me to come and visit, then please let me know!
As your MP, I’ll be continuing to support local young people to get the skills they need and to stand up for our entrepreneurs.
On that note, I was proud to have once again run my Best Small Business competition throughout the month of November.
Lots of independent business were nominated, and I’m looking forward to announcing the winner on Small Business Saturday on 6th December.
Lewis meeting the owner of a small business in Stanstead Abbotts; he continues to champion local enterprise
Josh Dean MP
YOUR MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR HERTFORD & STORTFORD WRITES FOR AXIS MAGAZINE EVERY MONTH
Giving local business the chance to have its say
Ahead of the Budget at the end of November (which, at the time of writing on Friday 22nd November, hasn’t yet been set out) I was delighted to welcome Billy from Apollo Audio to No. 11 Downing Street. Apollo Audio is a hub for music and creativity in our community, contributing to our local culture, nurturing young talent, and offering opportunities for self-employed professionals.
Businesses like Apollo Audio drive our local economy, and I want to help make their voices heard in Westminster. I was really pleased that Billy had the opportunity to share his experience running a small business in our community directly with the Chancellor of the Exchequer as she prepared to deliver the Autumn Budget, helping to ensure that SMEs in our community are part of the conversation as decisions are made about the future.
How we marked Youth Work Week 2025
In November, we also marked Youth Work Week, a chance to celebrate the incredible impact youth workers have on young lives across the country. I know firsthand the difference youth work makes, I’ve spoken before about an amazing youth worker called Russell, who helped to build my confidence and find the path that was right for me. I was delighted to return to Pioneer Hall, once home to the youth club
I attended, to reflect on why this work is so important and how we can support young people to build brighter futures. A huge thank you to Dave and the fantastic FUTUREhope team for welcoming me back and sharing the inspiring work they’re doing for young people in our community today.
Attending the High Sheriff’s Justice Service
I was honoured to attend the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire’s Justice Service recently, held this year in Hertford. It was a privilege to join the civic procession and take part in this important occasion, which gives thanks to all who uphold law and order across our country. The service is a moment to recognise everyone who helps keep Hertfordshire safe, from those administering justice to those preventing offending, protecting communities and supporting those in need. Thank you to the High Sheriff for the invitation and to everyone working to make our county safe.
My Christmas Card Competition 2025
I want to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who entered my Christmas Card Competition this year. After much deliberation, I’m delighted to announce that the winner is Thea from Abel Smith School in Hertford. Congratulations Thea, and thank you again to all who took part!
Meet Josh at his constituency surgeries
Josh holds in-person surgeries twice a month. The next are in Sawbridgeworth on Friday 12th December and Bishop’s Stortford on Friday 9th January. To book an appointment, please email josh.dean.mp@parliament.uk with your full name, postal address including postcode, a contact number and details of your case.
Josh with Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Billy Hill from Apollo Audio; at the High Sheriff’s Justice Service and with Christmas Card winner Thea
WHAT’S ON
Say hello to Christmas at towns’ launch events
Ware’s Dickensian Evening
Friday 5 December
Ware’s traditional Dickensian Evening will take place on Friday 5th December from 6.30pm to 9.30pm. Ware’s High Street and surrounding roads will be home to stalls selling festive gifts and food and drink. There will be funfair rides in Amwell End, live performances, carols with Ware Brass in Tudor Square – plus a Dickensian costume contest.
Stortford Christmas Fayre
Saturday 6 December
Bishop’s Stortford hosts its annual Christmas Fayre, organised by its town council, on Saturday 6th December. It runs from 9.30am to 4.30pm and, with North Street, South Street and Potter Street all closed to traffic, the streets will be packed with speciality Christmas stalls alongside regular, farmers’ and craft market traders, plus street food and entertainment.
Harlow lights up
Saturday 6 December
Harlow is transforming its festive offering this year, with a Light Up Broad Walk event on Saturday 6th December preceding the launch of a new Christmas Market which will run from Saturday 13th to Sunday 21st December. The market will feature traditional wooden cabins twinkling with lights, each offering handcrafted gifts or festive food and drink.
Waltham Cross Festival
Saturday 6 December
The Waltham Cross Christmas Festival is on Saturday 6th December from 10am to 6pm in Queen Eleanor Square. You can meet Santa and his reindeer, shop at stalls and enjoy a snow globe and snow machine. There is a pop-up panto, Cinderella, at 11am, 1pm and 3pm, whilst singers and dancing groups will perform between showings.
Four festive light trails that are worth a trip...
Festive light trails continue to up their game this Christmas. Here are four venues worth making a short journey to to enjoy a memorable experience this December...
Neverland at Kenwood
Until Saturday 3 January
The grounds of Kenwood House in Hampstead are transformed into a breathtaking outdoor immersive light trail inspired by JM Barrie’s timeless tale of Peter Pan. neverlandatkenwood.co.uk
Christmas at Kew
Until Sunday 4 January
London’s original light trail was first launched at the botanical gardens in 2013 and has remained a firm favourite ever since. This year the iconic Great Pagoda will
be illuminated for the first time alongside new installations. kew.org/christmas
Christmas at Wimpole
Until Saturday 3 January
The National Trust’s Wimpole Estate near Royston features the longest Christmas Cathedral in the Sony Christmas Trails series – a spectacular 48 metres of glittering light. mychristmastrails.co.uk
Glow at RHS Hyde Hall
Until Saturday 27 December
The RHS’s Hyde Hall garden near Chelmsford is brought to life with a dazzling trail featuring twinkling lights and festive cheer as Glow returns for 2025. rhs.org.uk
Neverland at Kenwood Christmas at Kew
Christmas at Wimpole
Glow at RHS Hyde Hall
Big Girls Don’t Cry
The internationally acclaimed tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons Friday 6 February, 7.30pm
And Finally… Phil Collins Saturday 7 February, 7.30pm
BEAM in Hertford is really hitting its stride now and the team are excited to be bringing Beauty and the Beast to panto-loving audiences this Christmas. It runs from Friday 5th December to Sunday 4th January and stars Drag Race and musical theatre star Divina De Campo, comedian and impressionist Nerine Skinner, Britain’s Got Talent’s Mama G, comedian and magician Tom Brace (who grew up locally in Harlow) and musical theatre star Lucy Ireland.
Book at: beamhertford.co.uk
Cinderella
Wyllyotts, Potters Bar
It’s Cinderella at Wyllyotts Theatre in Potters Bar this year, with performances from Friday 12th to Wednesday 31st December. One of the best-loved pantos of all, Cinders is a classic tale of magic and true love and is brought to you by the team behind last year’s hugely successful Aladdin show. Abi Fullard plays Cinders, Luke & Elliott the Ugly Sisters, Morgan Phillips Buttons, Rebecca Vere Fairy Godmother and Holly Lineton Prince Charming.
Book at: wyllyottstheatre.co.uk / 01707 645005
Rapunzel and the Revengers Millfield Theatre, Edmonton
Rapunzel and the Revengers is a traditional panto with a tangled
twist at the Millfield Theatre in Edmonton, which will have been a regular panto destination for many a person in the Axis area in their own youth. Join Rapunzel with her luscious long locks in an epic showdown against the most powerful group of villains the panto world has ever seen – The Revengers, led by the wickedly glamorous Mother G! The show runs from Thursday 4th to Tuesday 30th December. Book at: millfieldtheatre.co.uk / 020 8807 6680
Sleeping Beauty
Harlow Playhouse
Sleeping Beauty awakens again at Harlow Playhouse this Christmas. In the kingdom of Harlowtopia, far, far away, a beautiful princess awaits her true love’s kiss to awaken her from a deep slumber. Get ready to boo, hiss and cheer a talented cast featuring those perennial Harlow favourites Ben Parsley and Jimmy Burton-Iles on a magical ride through panto-land. It runs from Friday 28th November to Sunday 4th January. Book at: harlowplayhouse.co.uk / 01279 431945
Snow White
South Mill Arts, Bishop’s Stortford
Snow White is coming to Bishop’s Stortford at South Mill Arts, from Friday 28th November to Friday 2nd January. The fairest panto of them all takes you on a journey to
a magical land where brave princes and wicked witches dwell. The professional production features a cast of all-singing all-dancing West End performers. Book at: southmillarts.co.uk
Dick Whittington
Broxbourne Theatre Company at The Spotlight, Hoddesdon The ever-popular Broxbourne Theatre Company presents Dick Whittington at The Spotlight from Wednesday 7th to Sunday
Rapunzel and the Revengers comes to Millfield
11th January. The amateur company has presented a traditional pantomime at The Spotlight annually since 1977 and its colourful shows are perfect for audiences of all ages. With The Spotlight’s panto in Hoddesdon having been sadly cancelled this year, make sure you book your tickets for this one nice and early to make sure of your seats!
Book at: thespotlightvenue.com / 01992 441946
Divina De Campo and the cast of Beauty and the Beast at BEAM in Hertford
Sleeping Beauty is at Harlow Playhouse
The best new films to see at the cinema at Christmas
Wicked: For Good (15)
Now showing
Come on, this is the one you’ve all been waiting for! The second of a two-part feature film adaptation of the Broadway musical focusing on Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West and her relationship with Glinda, the Good Witch of the North. Starring Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande and Jeff Goldblum, more cinematic delight awaits you in this tear-jerking installment.
Zootropolis 2 (PG)
Now showing
This animated Disney sequel sees brave rabbit cop Judy Hopps and her sidekick, the fox Nick Wilde, team up again to crack a new case, the most perilous of their careers. The detectives find themselves on the trail of a mysterious reptile who arrives in Zootropolis and turns the mammal metropolis upside down.
Avatar: Fire and Ash (PG)
Out on Friday 19th December
This third instalment of the Avatar franchise, again directed by James Cameron, takes audiences back to Pandora. Jake and Neytiri’s family is grappling with grief after the death of Neteyam when
the best-selling book by Freida McFadden. A woman with a troubled past accepts a job as live-in maid for a wealthy, seemingly perfect, family in the US. But what begins as a dream job quickly unravels into something far more dangerous – a seductive game of secrets, scandal and power, in a movie filled with unexpected twists and turns.
The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants (PG) Out on Boxing Day
they encounter a new, aggressive Na’vi tribe, the Ash People, led by the fiery Varang, and the conflict on Pandora escalates.
The Housemaid (15) Out on Monday 22nd December Entertaining thriller based on
Fabulous festive fun as SpongeBob and his Bikini Bottom friends set sail in their biggest adventure ever. SpongeBob sets out to prove his bravery to Mr Krabs by following The Flying Dutchman – a mysterious, swashbuckling ghost pirate – on a seafaring comedy adventure that takes him to the deepest depths of the deep sea –where no Sponge has ever gone before...
Our festive arts and entertainment pick
UNCLE FUNK’S CHRISTMAS PARTY AT THE SPOTLIGHT
Uncle Funk bring their high-energy Christmas party to The Spotlight as part of the Hoddesdon venue’s series of shows in the run-up to Christmas, organised at short notice following the cancellation of their panto. It’s on Saturday 13th December and there is a group booking offer available –buy nine tickets, get the 10th free. Book at thespotlightvenue.com or call 01992 441946.
HERTFORD CHORAL SOCIETY
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Hertford Choral Society present The Manchester Carols,
an evening of Christmas music and carols, on Saturday 13th December at All Saints’ Church, Hertford at 5pm. Tickets £20 (reserved), £15 (unreserved), £5 students via ticketsource.co.uk. Visit hertfordchoral.org.uk.
PRESENT ARTS AT GALLERY AT PARNDON MILL
Present Arts continues at The Gallery at Parndon Mill in Harlow until Sunday 21st December offering a great opportunity to buy unique art and crafts for Christmas. Open Tuesday to Friday 10.30am to 4.30pm and on Saturday and Sunday 2-4pm. Visit parndonmill.co.uk.
Broxbourne Theatre Company presents
Avatar: Fire and Ash is released in perfect time for the Christmas holiday
Di sc ove r C h r i s t m a s a t
H e r t fo rd s h i re Zoo
Santa’s G rotto • Lig ht Display
Hot Fe stive Treat s • Christmas Walk way
De lic ious Hot Chocolate • Animatronic s
Roast Marshmallows
Nove mbe r 29t h, 30 t h and
Dece mbe r 6 t h, 7t h, 13t h, 14t h, 20 t h – 24t h
Secure your tickets now and prepare to make amazing memories that will last a lifetime!
FOOD & DRINK
The Kitchen at BEAM is taking centre stage
The Kitchen at BEAM in Hertford is now fully up and running and offers a high quality option for lunch in the county town at really affordable prices.
It is open to all, whether you are already on-site to see a film or attend a production or event or are just passing by, and its lunchtime menu features freshly-prepared, great-tasting, Italian-inspired food from in-house chef and Kitchen Manager Alberto Nioi. Alberto left his hometown in Sardinia back in 2014 to work as a pizzaiolo before settling in Hertford four years ago. If you ever went to Proove, just down the road from BEAM on Parliament Square, you may well have experienced his pizza-making skills already.
His menu at BEAM features a selection of ciabatta sandwiches, traditional pasta dishes, seasonal soup and salads.
The good size main dishes include Pasta al pesto (Orecchiette pasta with walnut pesto, cherry tomatoes, pecorino and olive oil) at £7.50, and a traditional Italian carbonara at £8.50 with Orecchiette pasta, egg yolks, Grana Padano and pork guanciale. Warm filled ciabattas, at £6.50, include Pollo Picante with chicken thighs, spicy mayo, grilled red peppers and salad leaves, while a hearty pumpkin soup (at £5.50)
with peas and potatoes is topped with crostini, pumpkin seeds and garlic and parsley oil.
Pomodoro or pesto pizzettas, a traditional Sardinian puff pastry snack, are available at £2.50 as well, while a Delica squash and goats cheese salad is £5.50.
The Kitchen Bar is open from 9am daily serving hot drinks, cakes and snacks whilst
The Kitchen at BEAM is open from 11am to 3pm Tuesday to Saturday.
To find out more, and view the upcoming programme of films and productions, visit beamhertford.co.uk.
The Bell 1940s tearooms and Mr Tanaka’s announce closures
Just four months after it opened, The Bell Hotel and 1940s Tearooms in Hoddesdon has closed and the company behind it has gone into administration.
Owner Peter Bailey took over the 470-year-old former pub building in Burford Street and turned it into a themed venue offering a step back in time, opening on the first weekend of July.
But what had appeared to be a
temporary closure due to maintenance issues at the beginning of November was two weeks later confirmed as being permanent with a notice on its website headed “A heartfelt notice to our valued guests”.
It said: “Due to ongoing ill health, extensive maintenance requirements, and continued delays to our reopening, The Bell Hotel & Tearooms has now been handed
back to the landlord and placed into administration.”
l Meanwhile, Japanese-inspired restaurant and takeaway Mr Tanaka’s in Post Office Walk off Fore Street in Hertford has also announced that it is to close after 12 years of serving the county town. Having opened as a pop-up originally as Alley Katsu café, it rebranded seven years ago. It will close on Saturday 20th December.
Kitchen Manager Alberto Noio and Italian-inspired dishes at BEAM
The Bell Tearooms has closed down
Bishop’s Stortford restaurant No.14 wins international design award as the best in Europe
We’ve been telling you for a year (ever since it opened) what an amazing space No.14 restaurant in Bishop’s Stortford is. The North Street venue, founded by brothers Ahmet and Mehmet Kabayel, serves Asian fusion cuisine within a striking and luxurious building, which was designed with the brothers by TNN Studio. Now its excellence has been recognised at worldwide level, in the 2025 Restaurant and Bar Design Awards where it has won the best designed restaurant/bar in the whole of Europe award. They also picked up a second award, being crowned Regional Category Winner for Europe: Surface Interiors, at the awards, which were presented last month in Barcelona. The awards scheme is globally acknowledged as being the leading international competition dedicated to the design of food and beverage spaces and is now in its 17th year. Call 01279 597548 or visit no-14.com to book a table.
THE VILLAGE TAVERNA Greek
Experience the very best in Greek food and entertainment plus unforgettable hospitality from owner Tommy Themistocleous, who has just celebrated five years in charge of this popular Ware institution. The menu is filled with authentic, homemade Greek dishes cooked over natural charcoal and every Friday and Saturday night there is live music. Book now for your Christmas parties and also for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve for a night to remember. The Village Taverna is rated No.1 on TripAdvisor in Ware for food and entertainment.
42/44 West Street, Ware SG12 9EE 01920 460607 thevillagetaverna.co.uk
NOLAKI Turkish
Nolaki is a high quality Turkish restaurant that has taken over the former Cock pub in Stansted Mountfitchet and transformed it into a stunning contemporary restaurant with an elegant interior and inventive dishes. Open seven days from 12noon until late, Nolaki offers lunch, dinner, fabulous wines and stunning cocktails. The restaurant is also available for private hire. From Monday to Friday 12-4pm it has a superb value two-course lunch menu for just £14.95 and a three-course lunch menu for £17.95. On Sunday, roasts are served from 12-5pm.
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.
The award-winning Veyso’s has long been one of Hertford’s most talked-about restaurants. Its chefs use the finest ingredients and traditional skills to produce innovative signature dishes and desirable cocktails in a bold and stunning environment. Behind the doors of Veyso’s lies an interior as well crafted as the food, with hand-carved wall art, mother of pearl-embedded wall beams – and the iconic Veyso’s staircase that leads to the basement. Open 7 days a week, Veyso’s has a menu for every occasion, from a light lunch to a great celebration.
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. The Grandison is open for lunch on Tuesday and Wednesday from 12noon to 3pm and then all day from 12noon to 11pm Thursday to Saturday and from noon to 7pm on Sunday.
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.
102 London Road, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3DS 01279 658575 baan-thitiya.com
THE GEORGE IV Pub & Dining
The George IV offers exceptional restaurant cuisine within a warm, friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The team serve fresh and seasonal dishes, on both an à la carte and small plate menu, which can be enjoyed on the sun-drenched terrace over the summer months. Dart Club, located in the rear courtyard, is an interactive dart game that’s ideal for birthdays, team-building or just a friendly competition! The George IV can also be the perfect venue for your next event, such as an intimate wedding, baby shower, birthday or a special anniversary.
Cautherly Lane, Great Amwell SG12 9SW 01920 870039
info@georgeivpub.co.uk georgeivpub.co.uk
RUAY RÔT BY BAAN THITIYA
Thai takeaway & delivery
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 and hugely popular 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 also available on warmer days.
6 Old Cross, Hertford SG14 1RB 01992 587706
ruayrôt.co.uk
NO.14
Asian Fusion
No.14, in the heart of Bishop’s Stortford, is taking Asian Fusion dining and luxury to new heights in the town. No expense has been spared on the interior decor at this three-storey venue. An updated range of menus has been launched, with new à la carte, sushi and Sunday roast menus all available. On Tuesday, you can enjoy limitless sushi, and on Sunday both brunch and roasts are served. There is now also a DJ every Friday, Saturday and Sunday with live jazz every Thursday. Book the Chef’s Table for the best seats in the house.
14 North Street, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 2LQ 01279 597548 no-14.com
MANTO’S
Meze Bar & Grill
If you are looking to book a Christmas party or get-together, speak to Manto’s. Based in the former Old Star pub in Wormley, Broxbourne, Manto’s restaurant offers authentic Turkish cuisine with a modern twist, using only the finest ingredients for its dishes. Taking inspiration from Turkey’s heritage, Manto’s aims to celebrate regional flavours and give a true flavour of the Mediterranean. The restaurant is open seven days a week 12noon to midnight, offering lunch, food throughout the afternoon and dinner. There is also free parking for customers.
32 High Road, Wormley EN10 6LE 01992 414301 mantosrestaurant.com
THE GOLDEN FLEECE Pub & Dining
The Golden Fleece is an old English pub with a modern twist. Set in the pretty village of Braughing, Jess and Peter Tatlow’s pub has been a favourite for over 15 years. The menu is updated bi-monthly, allowing for fresh, seasonal and delicious locally-sourced food, and a specials board also offers changing dishes. The Fleece has an exceptional reputation, with plenty of choice for diners with gluten or dairy allergies and vegans/vegetarians, allowing everyone to enjoy a visit. A large, secluded garden with play area is perfect on warmer days or enjoy log burners on cooler ones.
20 Green End, Braughing SG11 2PG 01920 823555 goldenfleecebraughing.co.uk
RONI’S Fine Dining
Roni’s, set in the heart of Bishop’s Stortford, is a fine dining restaurant where both the quality of food and the service combine to offer guests a memorable experience. Roni’s offers a wide range of traditional dishes, passionately crafted, including a vegan menu. There is a set lunch menu (Tuesday-Saturday) and a set evening menu (Tuesday-Thursday) while superb roasts are served on Sundays. You can also book the private dining room for your group or family. Roni’s is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 12noon, and closed on Monday.
16 North Street, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 2LQ 01279 508856 ronisrestaurant.co.uk
Wishing all of our clients – past, present and future –a very Happy Christmas and New Year. May your homes always be full of warmth, love and laughter!
This is just a selection of the fabulous properties we matched happy buyers with last year. If you’re looking for a change in 2026, please get in touch for a no obligation valuation and a conversation about how Thomas Childs & Co can help you to find the perfect home.
