Axis Magazine January 2021 issue

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

Your leading high quality local news magazine since 2003

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WELCOME

JANUARY 2021 | NO. 216

What’s in this issue ABOUT AXIS

06-07 y News Exclusive pictures of the demolition of Bircherley Green shopping centre

14-15 y Weddings Why Covid-era weddings can still be memorable occasions

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, Tooke House, 20 Bull Plain, Hertford SG14 1DT 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

16 y Places to visit A new Wildlife Discovery Centre opens in River Lee Country Park

17-19 y Food & drink Take a look inside Lussmanns Fish and Grill restaurant at its new location

HERE WE GO AGAIN!... A MESSAGE TO OUR READERS As Axis went to press the region had just been placed under Tier Four local coronavirus restrictions. Should these, or further changes to restrictions, affect our ability to deliver a physical copy of Axis through your door, or the venue where you would normally collect your copy remains closed, you will still find the latest issue online at axismagazine.co.uk

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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4 axis magazine

BRIEFING

NEWS WORTH KNOWING

Herts and most of Essex plunged into new Tier Four In the week before Christmas most of the Axis area found itself plunged first into Tier Three, then a new Tier Four of the Government’s coronavirus local restrictions.

With infection rates rising rapidly, on Monday 14th December Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced that Broxbourne, all of Greater London and most of Essex would move from Tier Two into Tier Three two days later.

And while businesses, in particular those in the hospitality industry, in areas not named in the first announcement initially breathed a sigh of relief, just three days later on Thursday 17th the remainder of Hertfordshire was told that it too would move into Tier Three from Saturday 19th.

Yet worse was still to come. On the afternoon of Saturday 19th the Prime Minister announced that all of London, all of Hertfordshire and most of Essex would move again to a new Tier Four which effectively reinstated the restrictions of the second lockdown imposed on the whole country in November.

Non-essential retail, pubs and restaurants (other than where offering takeaway), leisure venues, gyms and hair and beauty salons were all closed from that evening.

The relaxation of restrictions to allow households to meet at Christmas was also cancelled.

An artist’s impression of the proposed Old River Lane development

Changes to Old River Lane development set to be agreed Changes to East Herts Council’s planned Old River Lane development, believed to relate to the future arts provision on the site in Bishop’s Stortford, will be debated by councillors in January.

Following a recent review of the business case for a number of its planned major projects, the council believes changes will be needed to its plans for a mixed use redevelopment of the site which would mainly be on the site of The Causeway public car park close to Waitrose.

A new multi-storey car park is planned at Northgate End to replace parking in The Causeway which is due to be developed with a new arts centre (including theatre and cinema), shops, offices and housing.

However, the scheme has attracted a great deal of controversy.

Plans for the new car park were

Hartham Leisure Centre plans are approved East Herts Council’s plans to improve Hertford’s Hartham Leisure Centre were unanimously approved by the authority’s own development management committee in December.

The £9m investment programme includes a new state of the art gym, additional studio spaces, a new café opening onto Hartham Common, a soft play facility,

improved changing facilities and refurbishment of the pool hall.

A main contractor is expected to be appointed in March, enabling construction work to begin later in the Spring. The extension is due to be open by the Spring of 2022 at which point the swimming pool will close for refurbishment with the whole project completed in the summer of 2022.

delayed by two judicial reviews while the local Labour, Liberal Democrat and Green parties have called for the development to be halted, for its business case to be published and for the public to be able to consider whether the proposal represents a good use of public funds at the current time.

A petition, signed by 600-plus local residents, was submitted to East Herts in December.

It would appear that the council’s leading executive group still believe the development should go ahead overall but with some changes.

These are scheduled to be put to a meeting of the full council on 13th January.

The same meeting will also see proposed new charges for green waste collection debated following a public consultation that took place during December.

Mill Studio flats plan can go ahead after council takes too long to issue refusal notice The owner of the Mill Studio Business Centre in Crane Mead in Ware will be able to redevelop it into apartments after a successful appeal against East Herts Council’s refusal to grant prior approval for his plans.

Permitted development rights allow for the change of use of premises from offices to residential provided that an applicant is successful in gaining a prior approval notice from the local planning authority.

In the case of Robert Dixon Ltd’s plans to convert the landmark business centre into 45 flats, East Herts confirmed prior approval was required – but refused.

But because it failed to do so within the statutory timescales, the company successfully appealed to the Government’s Planning Inspectorate which allowed the appeal on 28th October, effectively giving the go-ahead to the proposed development.

Planning authorities have 56 days from the receipt of a prior approval application to determine it.

In this case the application was received on 28th February 2020.

But East Herts’ acknowledgement letter confirming receipt was dated 19th March and it would seem it had set the 56-day clock ticking from that point, issuing its decision on 12th May. It did not contest the appeal, something to which the planning inspector said he attached significant weight. axis magazine 5

BRIEFING

Out with the old: Demolition works at Hertford’s Bircherley Green herald brighter times to come for the county town Axis heads behind the hoardings to view the progress that’s been made on clearing the former shopping centre site ahead of its redevelopment Previously Hertford’s best-known shop, this is all that remained of the former Waitrose supermarket building in December.

True to their word, as soon as planning permission was formally granted in November for their redevelopment of Bircherley Green shopping centre, owner Chase New Homes had teams on site.

The 80s-built shopping centre is being cleared to make way for Lea Wharf, a development of new homes and commercial space in the centre of the county town.

Chase say they are delighted that there has already been strong interest in some of the commercial units, including the riverside restaurants, though commercial sensitivities mean they cannot reveal who the interested parties are yet. It is also looking increasingly likely that a hoped-for NHS facility will be part of the development, which is due to be completed in 2023.

Above: The view from the riverside looking up towards Railway Street with the former Waitrose building on the left (main image); Demolition of the Waitrose store (left) and a stripped out Boots (right)

Above: Looking down from the car park towards the back of Bull Plain with Boots still standing to the left of the photo. The units opposite that were formerly home to Starbucks, Serendipity and Superdrug have now been cleared. The car park (white building) will remain but be refurbished (right).

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BRIEFING

This way to the river! New mall will create link from Railway Street to the Lea

Above (anticlockwise from top left): The way into Bircherley Green as pictured some years ago; Outside looking into the closed off site today; Inside the site looking out up towards Railway Street; The site being cleared ahead of the building of the new shopping mall (The Hertford Club can be seen to the left of the picture) and Chase New Homes’ future vision for its new shopping mall and apartments.

Above: The site as currently seen from Folly Island across the river close to The Old Barge pub and how it is set to look as Lea Wharf with open space and riverside restaurants once the development is complete axis magazine 7

TAXING MATTERS

SPONSORED CONTENT

Welcome to the Brave New World of 2021

Stuart Everett of Hertford accountants Meyer Williams has a dystopian vision Before I get going, NO, I did not get a dictionary and neither did I get a thesaurus for Christmas (though some might say I should have done).

Aldous Huxley wrote Brave New World in 1931. Huxley said that his book was inspired by the utopian novels of H G Wells but it was a parody of, rather than an homage to, Wells, in which society became a dystopia (which I now know to be the opposite of a utopia).

Apparently, “Dystopias usually extrapolate elements of contemporary society, characterized by a focus on that which is contrary to the author’s ethos, in Huxley’s case, mass poverty, public mistrust and suspicion, which should then be read as political warnings.”

The story is set in a futuristic World State (rather than what we have now, the world in a state!).

point in this new year!

The scientific community have saved the day, only for us to wake up and find that the Great P and his clueless cabinet might not have done a trade deal with the EU, so we are not going to have cheap French wine available any more!

l Customs checks to ensure the right tariffs have been paid on the straw donkey we bought in Spain? l No more free medical care in France if we eat ‘dodgy’ seafood in Brittany? l Shortages of goods because supply chains are so disrupted the lorries are queuing at the ports?

(Lorry queues are already a feature of the Kent countryside). l The Royal Navy boarding fishing boats to ensure they are English and not French? l The price of our favourite tipple is suddenly 20-25% more expensive – if you can get it? l 70-year-old squatters in the White House having temper tantrums?

Let’s not forget that the Republic of Ireland is still in the EU so the only certainty is the price of Guinness will go up!

What does 2021 hold?

So, welcome to 2021 and our own Brave New World of, thankfully, mass vaccinations and potentially no more virus and a return to normality.

But will we also find?: l We cannot go on holiday to anywhere in the EU without a vaccination passport? l We cannot drive in Europe without a range of country specific driving permits? l We need visas to visit European countries? l Queueing at passport control with the travellers from the Middle East, South America and Asia taking hours rather than being nodded through because we have European passports?

Oven-ready and stuffed A few years ago, this would all have seemed as far-fetched as Aldous Huxley’s book, but not any more. Which brings us right back to ‘mass poverty, public mistrust and suspicion’. We were told the Great P had an ‘oven-ready Brexit’, but did he?

From where I am sitting it is the Great British Public that were ‘oven-ready’ and yes like all good turkeys, at the time of writing we seem to have voted for Christmas. But who knows, we may yet snatch the status quo from the jaws of defeat! l And finally, it’s not long before your tax return is due, let me know if you need any help.

Have a happy and safe new year!

More customs checks may become a reality this year

It provides a frightening vision of the future in which, dare I say, what we now call genetic engineering plays no small part.

Children are bred in ‘Hatcheries’ notably The Central London Hatchery, run by The Director of Hatcheries and Conditioning (this could almost be one of Rishi’s suggestions for a career change for those who lost their jobs in hospitality).

I guess Huxley was essentially warning us of the dangers of scientific advances being used for the wrong purpose.

The great scientific breakthrough of the moment is of course the vaccine, which will save us all from the virus. And no sooner was it created than our Presidents and Prime Ministers started using it to try and save their careers by claiming some sort of credit for its invention!

We are though readily accepting this genetic engineering without question because it is producing a great result: a vaccine which will enable the pubs, clubs, and restaurants to open again at some

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Stag House, Old London Road, Hertford, Herts SG13 7LA 01992 550721 | www.meyerwilliams.com | stephanie@meyerwilliams.com 8 axis magazine

BRIEFING

New charity launches to help local victims of rape and sexual violence A new charity to support rape and sexual abuse victims has been launched in East Herts.

Red Kite Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Service, which is based in Bishop’s Stortford, began work on 14th December.

Originally planned as a face to face service it has had to adapt to deal with lockdown conditions.

As a result, it will operate as a helpline which will offer rape and sexual abuse victims the chance to share their traumatic experiences with well-trained and empathetic volunteers. They will also be able to make referrals to other organisations on the caller’s behalf where necessary.

A treatment service will be delivered by qualified counsellors who will offer a range of therapies to enable victims to process their experiences and learn how to manage them.

The service’s aim is to enable rape and sexual abuse victims to move on from their abuse to

be able to survive and cope with their responsibilities again, going on to “live their best life”.

Red Kite consists of a board of six local trustees (including a consultant psychiatric advisor), a volunteer co-ordinator and a group of helpline volunteers and qualified counsellors.

Chair of the trustees Siobhan Nundram said: “We aim to support victims in east, north and south Hertfordshire. We are grateful for the support we have received from local councillors, Herts County Council Community Fund and other funders who are making this service possible through their generous financial support. They all recognised the need for an independent rape and sexual abuse service across the east of the county.”

Dr Sue Rayner Jacobs, deputy chair and treasurer, added: “Our launch is starting small with a limited number of hours while

Red Kite trustees Dr Sue Rayner Jacobs Councillor Norma Symonds and Siobhan Nundram

we build our service capacity and train our volunteers. By mid-2021 we hope to be offering a more comprehensive helpline and therapy service. This is an essential service during these times: many victims are trapped in their houses with their abusers, and it is tempting to resort to dire measures such as drug or alcohol abuse or self-harm just to get through the days. We aim to be their lifeline to recovery.”

Red Kite is looking for donations and grants to help the service grow and is also seeking helpline volunteers.

Its own website is coming soon at redkitesupport.org.uk.

To donate, visit givey.com and search for Red Kite Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Service.

The helpline number is 01279 790450. Messages can be left when helpline volunteers are not available.

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Contact our expert team to find out more.

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EXPECT MORE n FROM YOUR n ESTATE AGENT

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PROPERTY NEWS

Ride into the future in Newgate Street

Make your Base at Newhall

The Ridings is a stunning development of newly converted barns set within the prestigious Ponsbourne Park Estate in the village of Newgate Street outside Hertford.

It features just seven luxurious new homes within a gated development down a private road with sweeping views across open countryside, giving a genuinely rural feel despite being so close to Hertford, Cuffley and Potters Bar. The development has been built upon the former Ponsbourne Equestrian Centre and each property boasts high end and

Developer Countryside has released its latest collection of homes at Base, a development of properties set in the new neighbourhood of Newhall in Harlow.

The new collection offers a choice of one and two-bedroom coach houses along with three and four bedroom houses designed to appeal to a range of buyers from young professionals to growing families or downsizers.

Countryside, who will deliver a total of 700 new homes across eight phases of the development, says each house will be finished to

futuristic design with many eco-friendly features including electric vehicle charging points and air source heat pumps serving the underfloor heating.

Properties currently available each have four bedrooms and are priced at between £1,095,000 and £1,195,000.

They all have either two or three receptions rooms, gardens and parking.

Virtual tours are available and for more details contact Thomas Childs and Co in Hertford on 01992 721321 or visit thomas-childs.com.

the highest quality. Homes will include contemporary kitchens with integrated appliances, flexible living spaces, large feature windows and generous gardens providing much-desired outdoor space. With 40% of the new neighbourhood dedicated to open space no home will be more than 60 metres from parkland or greenery too.

Flooring is also included throughout each home.

Prices start at £309,950 with Help to Buy available. For more information call 01279 881649 or visit basenewhall.co.uk.

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Mini emporium with a selection of dealers selling antiques, vintage and retro collectables 4 Mill Bridge, Hertford SG14 1PY 01992 509547 axis magazine 11

HOME

SPPONSORED CONTENT

Make 2021 the year you get the bespoke kitchen of your dreams If you are thinking of installing a new kitchen this year, then talk to John Ladbury and Company, an established family-run business of over 40 years which specialises in bespoke kitchens and furniture.

This small but thriving company, based in Welham Green, offers a wealth of expertise and experience in designing, manufacturing and installing kitchens.

John Ladbury and Company work towards one goal: to make their craftsmanship and service the very best they can to ensure customer satisfaction.

Quality, style and attention to detail are the top priorities in this motivated, forward-thinking business where experience and excellence go hand in hand.

If you are interested in having a John Ladbury and Company kitchen, you will initially be invited to their large showroom which displays the best in

inspirational and traditional designs and showcases the leading appliance brands including Wolf, Miele and Quooker.

One of their designers will talk you through every aspect of your kitchen and advise, where appropriate, on the design, build, type of worktops and paint colour.

From conception to completion the team will take care of your design requirements and project manage the kitchen you have always wanted to suit your lifestyle and budget.

Call to arrange a time to visit the showroom in Welham Green and find out more about turning your dreams into reality.

John Ladbury and Company Unit 11 Alpha Business Park, Travellers Close, Welham Green AL9 7NT 01707 262966 johnladbury.co.uk

John ladbury and Company Unit 11 alpha business Park, travellers Close Welham Green, hertfordshire al9 7Nt

telephone: 01707 262966 www.johnladbury.co.uk

established 1978

John ladbury bespoke kitchen company is delighted to welcome back customers to our showroom which has now re-opened. to help maintain safety we are operating on an appointment only basis. if you need any help with future projects, please do not hesitate to give us a call.

12 axis magazine

HOME

SPPONSORED CONTENT

Find your perfect kitchen at Dobsons At Dobsons they understand how important your new kitchen is.

It’s a room for the entire family to enjoy and spend time together, a focal point for entertaining as well as a functional space to cook, eat and store.

Every family has a different list of desires for their perfect kitchen, therefore Dobsons’ designers will spend time with you, finding out your individual style and how you like to use your kitchen before creating a design that is right for you.

Dobsons are experienced with working with kitchens of all shapes and sizes and understand how to overcome niches and unusual features in rooms.

They also work on many extension and home renovation projects and can design from your plans and work alongside your architect and builder to ensure your kitchen is given due consideration at every stage of

your project.

They can undertake every aspect of your kitchen project, including all building services and their designers can even help source wallpaper, light fittings and seating for your kitchen as part of their complete interior design package.

All their installations are carried out to the highest standard, with every aspect project managed by their team to take any stress and hassle away from you, providing you with a perfect seamless finish.

To find out more for yourself, why not arrange an appointment to visit Dobsons’ inspirational showroom in Cheshunt to discuss your project with one of their experienced team?

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axis magazine 13

WEDDINGS SHOWCASE

The Carringtons, Nikki and Chris, enjoyed what Nikki described as ‘the best day ever’ at Ware Priory in October

Priory shows the way on how to hold a memorable 15-person wedding Smaller, more ‘boutique’, weddings have become the norm since Coronavirus restrictions ruled out larger social gatherings.

In Tier One and Two areas, both wedding ceremonies and receptions are allowed to go ahead with up to 15 people present. In Tier Three, ceremonies can still go ahead on the same basis, though receptions cannot.

Although neither can take place other than in certain exceptional circumstances in Tier Four areas,

venues are already planning for when they can be held again.

At Ware Priory, the team have worked hard to put on Covidsecure ceremonies which have resulted in some memorable occasions for couples.

Ware-based couple Chris Carrington and Nikki Adams were married at the Priory on 17th October 2020 with 14 people present and the now Mr and Mrs Carrington had a wonderful day.

WEDDING PACKAGE FOR 15 GUESTS – £2,499*

Includes: Ceremony & Reception Room Hire 3-Course Wedding Breakfast with Tea, Coffee & Petits Fours Drinks Package: Reception Drinks, 1/2 Bottle of Wine pp with Meal & Sparkling Wine to Toast Reception Room Decoration Wedding Cake Edible Favours Call: 01920 460316 Email: events@warepriory.co.uk *Terms and Conditions apply.

14 axis magazine

Nikki said: “Our day was simply perfect. I would strongly recommend Ware Priory to anyone. I’d also urge people to go ahead with their wedding despite the 15 people rule. We had the best day ever.”

Ware Priory is currently offering a wedding package for 15 guests (£2,499) which would apply when the area is back in Tier One or Two in the hopefully not too distant future.

This includes: Ceremony and

D A N C E

reception room hire; three-course wedding breakfast with tea, coffee and petits fours; drinks package with reception drinks and half bottle of wine per person with meal and sparkling wine to toast; reception room decoration, wedding cake and edible favours. l For more information on holding your wedding at Ware Priory call 01920 460316, email events@warepriory.co.uk or visit warepriory.co.uk.

T O A S T

It’s the day you’ve been dreaming of.

Whether you’re planning a small and intimate affair or grand and glamorous party, our timelessly elegant interiors and refurbished function rooms are the perfect backdrop to say ‘I do’.

Call 01920 487722 or email hanburymanor.events@marriotthotels.co.uk www.memoriesmademarriott.co.uk/hanburymanor

Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club Cambridge Road, Thundridge, Ware, Hertfordshire SG12 0SD

L O V E

WEDDINGS SHOWCASE

New chapter for wedding ring specialist formerly known as Lance James A new chapter begins for Hertford jewellers Lance James this month.

The well-established jewellers, which will have been run by Jackie and Andy Benson for 15 years this March, is undergoing a thorough rebrand with a new name and new look to become Chapter 79 (79 being the atomic number of gold).

The couple felt it was time for a fresh new look and so the shop, at 15 Market Place, is due to reopen under its new name as soon as restrictions allow.

It will still feature the same team, led by Jackie and Andy, and the same great levels of customer service for which it is renowned.

The shop has an excellent reputation for its bespoke ring and jewellery-making service, with goldsmith Jackie regularly taking commissions to design and create individual rings and other pieces.

It is also well known for its extensive wedding and

engagement rings collection, including the extremely popular carbon fibre range and rings from some of Europe’s finest jewellery houses including Furrer-Jacot.

Jackie and the team carry out jewellery remodelling of all types and, with its on-site workshop, Chapter 79 is the go-to local jewellers for repairs too – catering for anything from a simple chain repair to a complete restoration, including replacing missing stones.

The shop also sells a wide range of jewellery, showcasing collections from individual silver designers such as ChloBo, Virtue and San. Do pop in and see the new shop as soon as restrictions permit.

A new website, Chapter79.com, will be coming soon.

Above: The new-look shop; Below Andy and Jackie in their workshop

Chapter 79 15 Market Place, Hertford SG14 1DQ 01992 534555 chapter79.com

axis magazine 15

PLACES TO GO

NEW WILDLIFE DISCOVERY CENTRE AT RIVER LEE COUNTRY PARK OPENS

The ideal place to discover the wildlife on our doorstep Bird watchers and nature lovers will be able to get up close to the wildlife and habitats of the Lee Valley following the opening of a new Wildlife Discovery Centre in the River Lee Country Park in December.

The impressive new centre, which opened on Thursday 3rd December, replaces the old Bittern Information Point, which after 30 years, had run the course of its lifespan.

Overlooking Seventy Acres Lake, the new centre will be one of the best places in the country to see wintering bittern, a member of the heron family that returns to overwinter in the valley’s reedbeds, alongside other species including common tern, kingfisher and dragonflies.

Stunning viewing point The centre will offer far-reaching 360 degree views of the surrounding area from a five-metre viewing tower from which visitors can look out across the mosaic of lakes and countryside. You’ll also be able to observe the bespoke wetland and grassland habitat ‘living’ roofs which will be abuzz with wildlife throughout the year.

The viewing platform will provide enhanced wildlife viewing angles and photographic opportunities while CCTV in The Discovery Room offers up close

16 axis magazine

footage from across the lake.

Lee Valley Regional Park Authority’s Chief Executive Shaun Dawson said: “The pandemic has shown us how much people value open space and the ability to get close to nature. This venue will provide everyone from seasoned birdwatchers to curious families with the opportunity to explore this beautiful part of the country which is full of stunning wildlife and habitats all year long.

“We’ve worked hard to make sure all measures are in place so that people can enjoy this beautiful centre safely and better understand the rich wildlife and nature in the Lee Valley.”

River Lee Country Park is just one of the Green Flag awardwinning open spaces within the 10,000 acre, 26-mile long Lee Valley Regional Park. To find out more about the park, head to visitleevalley.org.uk.

Visiting information The Wildlife Discovery Centre is fully accessible with ramps and a lift; it is free to visit and open from 10am to 4pm seven days a week. Pre-booking is required.

The closest car park to the centre is Fisher Green at Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 2EF. To find out more and book a visit go to visitleevalley.org.uk/rlcp.

FOOD & DRINK

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL RESTAURANTS

Inside the relocated Lussmanns in Hertford... contemporary but classic December saw the long-awaited re-opening of Hertford restaurant Lussmanns in a new location.

Lussmanns had called the town’s iconic Egyptian House building in Fore Street home since launching in Hertfordshire 16 years ago but with limited space it was all too regularly fully booked and space requirements to re-open safely after lockdown would have decreased capacity yet further.

So owner Andrei Lussmann decided to relocate his popular fish and grill restaurant to new premises just along the road at number 83 Fore Street, recently vacated by ASK.

The new address is spacious and – after a period of renovations and refurbishment – contemporary while remaining stylish and elegant.

Having been lucky enough to have made it through the doors just before the Government announcement putting Hertfordshire into Tier Four of its local coronavirus restrictions, we can report for readers who now face an inevitable wait to dine inside, that while the location may be new, the experience is very much classic Lussmanns.

A selection of tapas – including

highland venison croquettes, and halloumi soldiers with chilli jam, head a winter menu that offers perfect cold weather fare –think Shepherd’s pie; Confit duck leg; and Highland red deer stew, with sides of sprout tops with almonds and garlic, creamed mashed potato and oven roasted parsnips and thyme.

As a result of the Tier Three (now Four) announcements the restaurant was forced to close on 18th December just two weeks after the re-opening.

However, with the Hertford restaurant now up and running it is likely to be offering a range

of takeaway services and you’re advised to follow Lussmanns on social media for updates.

At the time this issue of Axis went to press Strictly Burgers, a hot food takeaway service, was planned for Saturday evenings, offering the chance to order burgers, sides, puddings and craft beers online by 3pm for collection between 5.30pm and 8.30pm.

Lussmanns 83 Fore Street, Hertford SG14 1AL 01992 929500 lussmanns.com

axis magazine 17

DINING OUT GUIDE: SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL RESTAURANTS

THE GEORGE IV Pub & Dining

FOX AND HOUNDS Restaurant & The Fox Shop & Deli 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.

Nestled in the picturesque village of Great Amwell, The George IV is one of Hertfordshire’s best kept secrets and recently opened a renovated terrace incorporating large parasols with heaters for year round outside dining.

Enjoy imaginative freshly prepared dishes, including traditional pub classics, served in a friendly pub atmosphere. George IV can also be the perfect venue for your next event, from intimate weddings and birthdays to corporate events. Keep up to date on the pub’s Facebook page with reopening news.

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

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

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SPICE HUT Indian Spice Hut is the new name for what was previously known as Dil’s Indian, and it remains one of Hertford’s most popular Indian restaurants. Alongside its existing menu, new authentic Indian street food dishes have been introduced, offering customers the chance to try unique food from a highly experienced chef.

Banquet night is every Tuesday and Wednesday with a full meal for just £13.95 and there is a buffet all day Sunday. Order through the website for 10% off delivery and 20% off on takeaway collection.

19-21 Maidenhead Street, Hertford SG14 1DW 01992 554400 spicehuthertford.co.uk

From Tier Four takeaways to Tier Two terrace dining, how our local pubs and restaurants are adapting to deal with the latest coronavirus restrictions As Axis went to press Hertfordshire and most of Essex had been placed into the highest of the Government’s coronavirus local restriction tiers.

In Tier Four, restaurants and pubs are only allowed to offer takeaway services and while further reviews of the tiers are likely to have taken place by the time you’re reading this, it seems unlikely that the situation will have changed for the better.

Back to takeaway...

By 18th December The Fox Inn at Matching Tye had already switched to a well-rehearsed plan B, reinstating the takeaway service first introduced during the Spring lockdown.

Tier Four Takeaways offers a menu of Fox Inn favourites that you can order, collect and enjoy in the comfort of your own home, along with takeaway

18 axis magazine

alcohol including draught ale, lager, cider and soft drinks.

Find the menu at thefoxinn.com.

It’s likely that other pubs and restaurants will be doing the same – please do check their websites and social media for more information and continue to support them where you can.

Meanwhile, in Tier Two...

While restaurants and other hospitality businesses in Hertfordshire and most of Essex had to close in December, those located just a stone’s throw away within the boundaries of Uttlesford District Council which remained in Tier Two, could remain open.

These included Down Hall Hotel at Hatfield Heath which had just put the finishing touches to a new al fresco dining terrace, the Winter Orangery, complete with fairy

lights, candles, heaters and blankets – and views over the landscaped gardens.

Under Tier Two restrictions members of one household could dine inside within the hotel’s Grill Room Restaurant while the Winter Orangery had been created to allow groups of up to six from separate households to meet for a meal outside. Any future changes to tiers permitting, the orangery was expected to remain open during January.

For more information visit downhall.co.uk.

Other pubs and restaurants in Hatfield Heath also remained open including The Thatchers pub (thethatcherspub.com) and Indian restaurant Anwars (anwars-restaurants.com) with others farther to the north in Stansted Mountfitchet also allowed to open.

Terrace dining at Down Hall

DINING OUT GUIDE: SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL RESTAURANTS

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SAFFRON Indian

THE FOX INN Traditional English Pub

THE GOLDEN FLEECE Pub & Dining

The quality of the well-established Saffron in Hoddesdon was recognised when it won Best Indian Restaurant in Hertfordshire in the 2017 Curry Life Awards.

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.

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

The Fox Inn is now taking bookings for tables in the restaurant, bar and garden. The Fox is a traditional English village pub that reinforced its place at the heart of the local community during the first lockdown, opening as a pop-up shop and offering food takeaway collection at weekends. With Tier Four restrictions having been imposed upon Essex The Fox is once again offering a takeaway service. For details of operating hours and the menu keep up to date on social media at facebook.com/thefoxinnmatchingtye.

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.

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

The Green, Matching Tye, Essex CM17 0QS 01279 731335 thefoxinn.com

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

THE VILLAGE TAVERNA Greek

ERMAN’S KITCHEN Turkish

VILLA ITALIA Italian

The Village Taverna is a well-established Ware restaurant that offers high quality Greek food from an award-winning chef. When the restaurant is open live music is often available, which adds to the atmosphere that is already generated by the friendly and accommodating owners and staff.

It also usually offers takeaway with delivery anywhere in Ware and collection available for anyone who lives outside the town.

Now Hertfordshire is in Tier Four, The Village Taverna’s lockdown takeaway and delivery service is available from Thursday to Sundays.

This recently opened family restaurant offers a menu of Turkish cuisine, high quality drinks and cocktails.

It is housed in a Grade II listed former pub that has been refurbished into three contemporary and comfortable dining areas, with an outside garden for warmer months.

The menu offers hot and cold starters, grills and Erman’s signature dishes that include Turkish fish and seafood specialities. The professional staff and welcoming atmosphere make it ideal for every occasion.

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. There is a great list of Italian wines and a good choice of cocktails.

Usual opening hours are Tuesday to Friday from 5pm-10.30pm; Saturday 12.30-3pm and 5-11pm and Sunday from 12.30-5pm. Keep up to date on Facebook for the latest information.

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

42-44 West Street, Ware SG12 9EE 01920 460607 Facebook: thevillagetavernaware

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