Axis magazine July 2021 issue

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

INSIDE: YOUR GUIDE TO A RED-HOT JULY IN THE NEWS

Herts Rapid Transit System proposed to cross county

SUPPORT OUR INDIES We showcase some great independent businesses

PROPERTY

An update on the market and new developments

WHAT’S ON

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

FOOD & DRINK

New pizza restaurant takes over Hertford landmark

Your leading high quality local news magazine since 2003

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WELCOME

JULY 2021 | NO. 222

What’s in this issue ABOUT AXIS

05 y An inspiring new school Work is all set to begin on new home for Bishop’s Stortford High School

12 y Forging a new future The jewellery workshop that is now on the high street

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

21-24 y Summer of love It’s time to get outside and enjoy this great selection of local events

25-27 y Food & drink Bubble tea comes to Sawbridgeworth as Proove opens in Hertford

DON’T FORGET OUR NEW ADDRESS We have moved to Lyric House, 6b St Andrew Street, Hertford SG14 1JA Front cover images (clockwise from top) The Croods 2: A New Age is in cinemas this month (p24); A promotional image released for the proposed new Herts Rapid Transit System (p6); Battle Proms is coming to Hatfield House (p22); Proove has opened in Hertford (p25); Detail from print by John Durham showing in The Gallery at Parndon Mill’s first physical exhibition in a year (p21).

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.

ADVERTISE

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

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

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BRIEFING

NEWS WORTH KNOWING

1,300 sign up to oppose plan for warehouses next to new homes More than 1,300 people have signed a petition opposing the planned development of a logistics centre at St James’ Park on the southern outskirts of Bishop’s Stortford.

Countryside Properties has planning consent, obtained from East Herts Council in 2019, for a mixed use redevelopment of land between Whittington Way and St James’ Way with up to 750 new homes, schools, a care home and a local centre planned.

The area has been known as Bishop’s Stortford South.

An area of land on the southeastern edge of the development is earmarked for employment use.

Fiera Real Estate and Wrenbridge recently bought this 8.5 acre site for £10million from Countryside.

They want to develop it with seven warehouse style units ranging in size from 12,357 sq ft to 62,863 sq ft.

Access to the new logistics site would be via a new roundabout off St James’ Way and 24/7 hours of operation are proposed.

The plans The plans were revealed in a “reserved matters” application submitted to East Herts Council by the developers.

Such applications typically seek approval for details not included in the outline planning application such as the layout of

Local people are concerned about the proposed location of the warehouses and the lorries that will be servicing them

the site, access to it and the appearance of buildings and FRE and Wrenbridge say their proposed use of the site is in keeping with the use classes approved by the local authority in 2019.

Reference to the site in East Herts Council’s District Plan, which details the type of development it expects to be brought forward in coming years, makes reference to “a modern business park” which “will provide a gateway to the south of the town” and it’s likely that this is more what it had anticipated would be developed.

Objectors accept that job opportunities would be good but

say large industrial warehouses are not suitable to the location.

Objectors’ concerns Their concerns centre around the proximity of the warehouses to the new homes and schools as well as the impact of HGV and lorry movements to and from the site in an area surrounded by already heavily congested roads.

Vehicles looking to access the wider road network would be likely to use the M11. They could drive around the A120 ring road but fears are that they might also drive through Bishop’s Stortford town centre via Hockerill.

Alternatively, they could head

down the A1184 London Road through Sawbridgeworth to access either junction 7 or the new 7a near Harlow.

All of these routes are already heavily congested.

How to have your say You can comment on the application, which is due to be determined by Friday 17th September (planning reference 3/21/1493/REM), until Thursday 22nd July on the council’s website (eastherts.gov.uk).

You can find the petition on change.org (Stop the building of industrial warehouses on St James’ Way).

Work set to begin on new home for school Elsewhere on the Bishop’s Stortford South site, construction work is set to begin this month on a new home for Bishop’s Stortford High School.

The school is planning to relocate to new purpose-built facilities between Whittington Way and St James’ Way, with its old site in London Road being sold for residential development to help fund the new build.

Funding is also being provided through an £11.2million grant

from the Department for Education as well as by Hertfordshire County Council.

The expansion will enable the school to offer new modern facilities not just for academic study but for the performing arts and sports, with the potential to expand in the future to support the proposed scale of new housing growth in the area.

Hertfordshire County Council announced last month that it had appointed ISG as contractor

How the new Bishop’s Stortford High School will look

for the construction of the new buildings with work due to start in mid-July. Construction should

be complete by November 2022 and it is anticipated the school will then move in from January 2023. axis magazine 5

BRIEFING

Ambitious plan for new east-west transport link, but will it be a futuristic tram or rail system or just another bus? Over to you...

Hertfordshire County Council has announced its commitment to progressing plans for a new transport link running east-west across the county, and linking with Harlow and Stansted Airport.

With plans for more than 100,000 new homes and an equivalent number of new jobs in the county over the next 15 years, pressure on local road networks is expected to increase, leading to both longer journey times and congestion.

The county council’s proposed solution is a ‘mass rapid transit’ system that could provide residents with convenient and fast links to the places they live, work and visit.

It will connect with upgraded cycle and walking routes to offer reliable, safe and convenient door to door journeys that don’t rely on private car use.

Its working name is HERT, the Hertfordshire-Essex Rapid Transit.

However, the council says no decision has been made yet on the mode of transport it would provide, or where stops would be.

Early work on the project suggests town centres served by the system could include Hemel Hempstead, St Albans, Hatfield, Welwyn Garden City, Hertford, Ware and Harlow, with a separate spur from St Albans to Watford and Croxley.

Promotional images released by the council suggest the mode of transport could be anything from a train to a tram or bus, running on tracks or tyres.

6 axis magazine

Is it a bus? Is it a train...?

The image released by the county council could be anything...

The project is expected to take some years to develop and will require substantial investment from both local and central government and the private sector.

Hertfordshire has been working on its ideas since the end of 2019, working with district and borough councils and key stakeholders.

It plans to continue engaging with local communities, civic groups and businesses over the coming months while a consultation on the strategic outline business case it will submit to the Government will take place in the autumn.

In June the new leader of Hertfordshire County Council,

Richard Roberts was also elected the new chair of Hertfordshire Growth Board, a grouping of the county council, ten district and borough councils and the Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, who are working together to manage growth in the area.

Cllr Roberts said: “Sustainable travel is one of the most important aspects of our plans to create a cleaner, greener Hertfordshire, and investment in this new transport initiative to connect West Hertfordshire to West Essex marks a clear step forward in achieving our aims.”

Ware-Welwyn bus launches

Covid Finger strikes machines

A new bus service between Ware and Welwyn Garden City via Hertford has been launched after Hertfordshire County Council secured £400,000 from the Government to improve routes for local populations.

The 324, operated by Arriva, runs hourly every day between Ware Station and Welwyn Garden City with stops including Hertford bus station (at Bircherley Green), Hertford North railway station, Sele Farm, Black Fan Road in Welwyn Garden City and Welwyn Garden City bus station. It will serve the new Blakemore Manor development in Thieves Lane, Hertford, and make it easier for residents from Hertford and Ware to access Welwyn Garden City.

Find the timetable at intalink.org.uk

Covid-conscious motorists are believed to be behind a spate of failures of the keypads on payment machines in East Herts Council car parks.

The local authority says the keypads are designed to be touch sensitive but it appears some motorists have been inadvertently causing damage by using keys or pens to input their registrations, causing machines to fail.

A spokesperson said contractors had recently been replacing keypads on a daily basis.

Motorists are being encouraged to carry hand sanitiser if they have concerns about touching the keypads or to download the PayByPhone app which eliminates the need to use the payment machines.

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axis magazine 7

BRIEFING

Curbs remain for pubs, restaurants, theatres and cinemas as Covid lockdown restrictions are extended Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement last month that the anticipated 21st June easing of final coronavirus restrictions would be delayed until July means a return to normality for many local businesses is still some way off.

Restrictions are set to remain until 19th July (something confirmed by the new Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Sajid Javid on 28th June) which continue to limit the number of people mixing indoors and outdoors.

For pubs and restaurants, it means continuing to space out tables and operate a table service only policy with no standing at bars.

Theatres and cinemas will also have to continue to limit audience numbers during performances, operating at 50% of their capacity.

Nightclubs remain closed.

There was slightly better news for weddings with a 30-guest limit scrapped (the same applies to wakes).

Face coverings will still need to be worn indoors when guests are not eating or drinking and other than for the happy couple to have their first dance, dance floors will not be allowed to be used at weddings. l See page 16 for more details on wedding restrictions.

You could win a brewery tour experience when you get vaccinated at McMullen’s in Hertford

Brewery steps in to help vaccination drive If clinical environments make you nervous, Hertford’s new vaccination centre is the perfect venue to put you at ease.

In partnership with the NHS and local GP practices, McMullen Brewery in Old Cross has stepped in to host vaccination facilities for the town and surrounding areas after the closure of Hertford Theatre, which had been used, in preparation for its redevelopment which is due to begin in the autumn.

To encourage engagement with the

vaccination scheme, the brewery is also inviting everyone jabbed at the site to enter a free draw with a prize of a brewery experience for themself and five friends.

Joint managing director Tom McMullen said the independent business which had stood strong in the town through nine recessions, three economic depressions, the Spanish flu and both world wars, was delighted to be playing a part in the vaccination programme.

“This is foremost about protecting lives and we encourage all those

eligible to come forward and get vaccinated as we continue to seek victory over Covid,” he said.

Local doctor Giles Pratt said: “We are grateful for McMullen’s support. Despite having been closed for much of the past year it is a sign of their resilience and community focus that they are still able to volunteer their premises and time for this cause.

“Vaccination offers a route to normalisation that businesses like theirs, and all those that rely on them, desperately need.”

England rugby star returns to his old club England rugby hooker Jamie George returned to the club where he first began playing the game – Hertford Rugby Football Club – recently to mark the return of grassroots rugby.

Jamie now plays professionally for Saracens and is also part of the England and British and Irish Lions set-up. He donated £1,000 of new balls for the Hertford youth teams in his role as an ambassador

8 axis magazine

for Mitsubishi Motors, who sponsor the England team.

During his visit, Jamie met players and representatives from club sponsors who include platinum sponsor City Brickwork, Life in Cache, DSCO Chartered Accountants and SWCO Financial Planning. He spoke to the youth team and fans about his passion for the sport and starting at Hertford RFC.

Jamie George (centre) pictured back at Hertford Rugby Club

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BRIEFING

Bold new bid to provide a cultural quarter in Harlow town centre Harlow’s Playhouse together with College and Market squares could all undergo extensive regeneration if a bid for funding submitted to the Government by Harlow Council in June is successful.

The council is seeking £20million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund for projects that include the creation of a new arts and cultural plaza to improve the setting of two iconic landmark buildings, The Playhouse theatre and St Paul’s Church.

A new building is proposed to extend The Playhouse providing a new box office, café, exhibition and workshop spaces as well as studios for rehearsals.

Playhouse Square would become an area for outdoor performances and College Square and the area outside St Paul’s Church would also be improved.

The proposal includes buying the empty Occasio House and redeveloping it into new housing.

The nearby underpass would be

How the new cultural quarter at Harlow could look

transformed and existing taxi rank relocated within the area.

Market Square and 21 The Rows are to be renamed Stone Cross Square and regenerated to provide a new green, social and leisurefocused event and activity space.

Projects planned here include an outdoor cinema area, outdoor

hospitality and dining spaces, areas for trading, exhibitions and specialist markets, public sculpture and improved landscaping.

The council will hear later in the year if this bid has been successful.

Extensive regeneration is already both underway and planned elsewhere in the town centre with

construction work underway to improve East Gate (between Market Square and Broad Walk).

Harlow is also set to receive money from the Government’s Towns Fund which will see improvements made to Broad Walk, and the bus station replaced with a commercial and transport hub.

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

SPONSORED CONTENT

The doctor will see you now – the difference a private GP can make

Dr Katie Parkinson (pictured on the right) offers face to face private GP appointments in Hertford for patients young and old

Private GP Dr Katie Parkinson is passionate about offering the best possible level of personalised service to her patients.

Based in Hertford at her business Hertford Health, Dr Parkinson believes that patients should be treated as individuals and that a GP should have enough time to listen to what a patient really needs.

She offers all the services an NHS GP would, including full health checks, blood pressure checks, ECGs, vaccinations, blood tests, cervical screening, ear syringing, private prescriptions and referrals into secondary care to specialists.

But working outside the time-pressured NHS, she is also able to make sure that patients

get a very different experience when they come to see her.

She explained: “I think the NHS is fantastic and I still work in it myself, but patients often tell me that in the NHS they never see the same doctor twice.

“With a private GP it is different.

If you come to see me, I will remember what we have spoken about before and have all your records of your previous consultations with me.

“I tend to have same day or next day appointments available and the standard consultation is 15 minutes, though I don’t rush people.”

While Dr Parkinson does offer phone or video consultations her surgery is Covid-secure and

she prefers to carry out face to face consultations, enabling her to really get to the root of the problem.

She said: “I try to be more patient-focused and like to say that I treat the patient, not the blood test results.”

Dr Parkinson, who has a background in A&E medicine, has been a GP for many years.

She has previously worked at Wallace House Surgery in Hertford and was also the school doctor at Haileybury before setting up her own private practice.

She is based in her surgery in Mill Bridge, Hertford, in premises above Rossi’s Attic and opposite Hertford Theatre, and

is always happy to see and treat new patients.

Her charges are reasonable and are explained fully on her website, hertfordhealth.com.

If you are having trouble getting to see your own GP, or want a second opinion, then you can find out the difference visiting a private GP can make, by giving Dr Parkinson a call on 0333 772 0722, emailing doctor@hertfordhealth.com or filling out the online form.

Hertford Health Second Floor, 4 Mill Bridge, Hertford SG14 1PY 0333 772 0722 Hertfordhealth.com

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SHOPPING & BUSINESS NEWS

File & Forge’s new shop is a jewel in Sawbridgeworth’s crown There’s a new business occupying 3 Bell Street in Sawbridgeworth – although the faces behind it are familiar ones.

File & Forge jewellery school has opened its new home in the premises formerly occupied by Gowan Jewellers.

Its owners, Emma Goodwin and Sally Andrews, had both previously worked for Joanne Gowan while also running their own successful jewellery-making workshop at Hatfield Heath for the past eight years.

When Joanne said she intended to give up the premises to work from her home studio in Great Dunmow, Emma and Sally saw the perfect opportunity to bring their own business to the high street, taking over the building in March.

Lockdown restrictions gave them time to redecorate and put their own stamp on the premises that have had a history of housing jewellers for some 180 years!

Emma and Sally are both trained jewellers who work independently, and collaboratively under the File & Forge brand, in a range of materials.

The shop sells their jewellery, gifts and cards, takes commissions and offers jewellery repairs, cleaning and restringing services.

Jewellery-making workshops run throughout the week – ranging from four or six week courses offered on a set morning or afternoon each week, to one-off

weekend classes for two hours on a Saturday.

Weekend classes are designed to allow anyone keen to try their hand at jewellery-making the chance to do so in just a couple of hours and at affordable prices.

For example, classes teaching you to make a textured silver ring, pendant or bangle are between £40 and £55 with the materials included.

Proving popular (three couples have already attended since May) are workshops for couples who would like to make their own wedding rings.

Options include two silver rings for £390 and £1,850 for two 18ct gold rings – File & Forge will even organise hallmarking of your items for you.

You can book jewellery-making sessions for you and friends, for hen parties, and parties for children who can make bead bracelets, bag charms, key rings and rings, depending on their age.

The business is open Monday to Wednesday from 10am to 4pm, Friday from 10am to 2pm and on Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.

If you’d like to find out more about what’s on offer or get a no obligation quote for a repair, you can call 01279 597155.

File & Forge 3 Bell Street, Sawbridgeworth CM21 9AR 01279 597155 fileandforgejewelleryschool.co.uk

Sally Andrews and Emma Goodwin at File & Forge

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SHOPPING & BUSINESS NEWS

SPONSORED CONTENT

Hoddesdon – the safest high street in Hertfordshire to shop in!

Love Hoddesdon continues to help the town bounce back quickly and effectively from the Covid-19 pandemic.

A growing number of local businesses are now successfully participating in the county council’s Safe to Trade accreditation scheme, which aims to reassure shoppers and visitors that the business is trading in accordance with all Covid-19 requirements.

The scheme was launched by Hertfordshire County Council in partnership with Broxbourne Borough Council and is being piloted in Broxbourne.

It helps retail and hospitality businesses to reopen safely and with confidence, while keeping local residents safe.

A Safe to Trade accreditation is evidence that a business is Covid-compliant and that there are measures in place to monitor its ongoing Covid-safety performance.

Over 300 applications have been received and to date 223 have been approved for accreditation.

Of these, 37 businesses have been approved in Hoddesdon town centre, making it the safest high street in Broxbourne and probably the whole of Hertfordshire to shop in! To find out which Hoddesdon businesses have been Safe to Trade approved visit safetotrade.org.uk.

Follow the Rainbow Trail As we enter the summer months floral displays are bringing a splash of colour to the town centre while a new town centre trail has been launched to keep

Hopes are high that Give Your Town the Runaround will take place in September, while locals continue to enjoy alfresco dining in Hoddesdon, in which 37 businesses are now Safe to Trade accredited

the family entertained too.

The Rainbow Trail has been set up in conjunction with Hoddesdon Parish Church.

Every Saturday families can find knitted rainbows hidden in shop windows to secure some mosaic tiles. They then take these to the church to build into a giant public rainbow mosaic in the churchyard. This will become a permanent thank you to all those who helped Hoddesdon get through the pandemic.

Alfresco dining Around 20 local pubs, restaurants and cafés now have pavement licences, creating a real Mediterranean feel to the town, which has proved very popular with the public, particularly now the sun is shining.

Love Hoddesdon are looking to build on this in September when they host their first Food and Drink Fest on Saturday 4th September.

Any street food operators interested in participating should email their details to lovehoddesdon@outlook.com.

Events programme Love Hoddesdon had intended to kick off the town’s well-established programme of events on Saturday 10th July with the return of the Vintage and Classic Car Day. Unfortunately, in view of the current rising level of Covid cases and concerns that the number of people attending could exceed the current cap of 4,000 at outdoor events, this has been postponed

by the council following advice from its Safety Advisory Group.

A more low-key event is being considered for later in the month.

Looking further ahead, the town’s Lowewood Museum will reopen to the public on Saturday 17th July, whilst the popular Give Your Town the Runaround is planned to return in September, together with the three-day Charter Fair in October and the Hoddesdon Loves Christmas event in November, provided social distancing restrictions have been lifted.

Hoddesdon is fortunate that virtually all its businesses are open and trading again, including several new businesses.

So why not pay them a visit and enjoy what Hoddesdon has to offer?

Welcome back to Hoddesdon Help businesses survive and thrive

axis magazine 13

LOCAL

INDEPENDENT

Show your support for the local businesses at the heart of our community

LANDSEER PICTURE FRAMING WARE

FASHION FLOORING & INTERIORS BISHOP’S STORTFORD

POST & PACKING HERTFORD

Gone are the days when the only things picture framers framed were pictures! Of course, the Ware-based Landseer Picture Framing will happily do that for you, but they can also frame medals, photos, uniform badges, ribbons, programmes etc, as well as sports shirts, including a child’s first sports shirt, which can make for a lovely family memento. The shop also sells handmade earthenware and stoneware sculptures produced by local artists, plus framed prints and readymade standard sized photo frames.

Fashion Flooring & Interiors offers everything you need to style your home. Their ground floor showroom has a huge range of carpets, from ultra-soft deep piles to classic Berbers and wool twists, along with funky patterns, zig-zags and stripes. If you are looking for a hard floor, they have real wood, engineered wood, laminates and luxury vinyl tiles. The lower ground floor is filled with rugs, while up on the first floor you will find fabrics galore for curtains, cushions and upholstery plus wallpapers, lighting and accessories.

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

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

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SOVEREIGN DRY CLEANERS HERTFORD

Award-winning Ashbourne Insurance is an independent, family-run broker which has been serving Broxbourne and East Herts customers for more than 40 years. They provide a one-stop service, from personal and complex commercial insurances to 24-hour claims advisory support. As an independent broker, they are able to search the whole market for insurance solutions at a price to suit any requirement: business, motor, home, travel, cyber or landlord insurance. They are authorised and regulated by the FCA.

The well-established Hertfordshire Fireplace Gallery opened its doors 20 years ago and continues to help customers with their fireplace requirements. They have the largest selection of fires and fireplaces in Hertfordshire and surrounding areas, and offer free surveys and free local delivery.

Installation by qualified Gas Safe and HETAS engineers is also available. So whether you would like a traditional limestone, marble or timber surround or the latest contemporary hole in the wall fires, call in today!

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

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14 axis magazine

LOCAL

INDEPENDENT

Show your support for the local businesses at the heart of our community

FRENCH & DAY DELICATESSEN WARE

CRATES OF WOOL WARE

FRANKIE AND OLIVE HERTFORD

French & Day Delicatessen was opened in December 2020 and has quickly become a huge favourite with local foodies in Ware. Owned by husband and husband team Thomas Day and Tom French, the independent High Street deli offers high quality food and drink with a focus on locally-sourced products.

Their all-British selection of meats and cheeses will be cut to order for you at their counter, whilst their wide range of quality wines is sourced through independent local suppliers.

Crates of Wool, run by Deb Cunningham, is a lovely, local, bricks-and-mortar yarn store in the heart of Ware that offers superb personal service. It is a treasure chest of natural fibres, locally dyed yarn, cotton, bamboo and standard acrylic, meeting the needs of anyone who knits or crochets. The shop is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4.30pm. Crates of Wool also offers local home delivery in SG12, 13 and 14 postcodes, and you can order online or by phone. Workshops will be restarting this month too.

Frankie and Olive is a Hertford boutique that sells ethically produced women’s clothing, accessories and homewares, and is celebrating its second birthday this month. Owner Louise is enjoying sharing her stylish summer collections in natural, sustainable fabrics and unique, affordable gifts made by artisans around the world.

She is passionate about the future of the high street, good customer service and providing a safe, enjoyable shopping experience with a personal touch.

55 High Street, Ware SG12 9BA 01920 461789 | frenchandday.co.uk

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

19 Old Cross, Hertford SG14 1RE 01992 677150 frankieandolive.co.uk

THE BOOK NOOK WARE

CHAPTER 79 HERTFORD

KIDS CONNECTION HERTFORD

The Book Nook in Ware High Street, the only independent bookshop in East Hertfordshire, recently celebrated its second anniversary and was delighted to open its doors again to book loving customers. Its tea room is currently part open and is serving locally roasted coffees, a variety of teas and homemade cake, which you can enjoy in the courtyard or to take away. Visit The Book Nook today to browse the bookshelves, meet an author at one of its events and enjoy that new book smell!

Chapter 79, formerly known as Lance James the Jewellers, has just celebrated its 15th anniversary in Hertford. Jackie and Andy Benson and their team specialise in bespoke engagement and wedding rings and can supply rings from some of Europe’s finest jewellery houses such as Furrer-Jacot. They also stock the latest trends, including carbon fibre wedding bands, and sell a wide range of jewellery, showcasing silver collections by designers ChloBo, Virtue and San. An in-house repair and restoration service is available too.

Kids Connection has been supplying school uniform in Hertford for 21 years. Last year it expanded into larger premises, moving to Hartham Lane, near Sainsbury’s. The shop also supplies dancewear and guiding uniforms (Rainbow, Brownies and Guides).

It is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and you can order online too. Heat pressing and embroidery services are available. There is no onsite parking so customers should use local car parks such as Hartham Lane and walk round to the shop.

65 High Street, Ware SG12 9AD 01920 467597 | booknookshop.co.uk

15 Market Place, Hertford SG14 1DQ 01992 534555 | chapter79.co.uk

Unit 1A Great Northern Works, Hartham Lane, Hertford SG14 1QW 01992 587466 | kidsconnection.co.uk axis magazine 15

WEDDINGS

Summer weddings: what are the rules as we await Freedom Day? The Government’s original roadmap out of Covid restrictions had 21st June as being the date that all restrictions would be lifted, which would have meant the anticipated summer boom for weddings already booked would have been with us by now.

However, the move back of so-called Freedom Day to 19th July has led to further confusion for stressed couples whose big day has already probably been planned, re-planned and then re-planned again.

Many of us will have received invitations to weddings for this summer too. So what exactly are the current rules in England?

Well, as with so many things at the moment, it’s not exactly black and white.

The Government’s announcement last month has led to some relaxation. Before that day, weddings were limited to a maximum of 30 people, including bride and groom.

That cap has now been lifted – but, for the moment at least, there are still some limits to be aware of.

Although any number of guests can now be invited to a wedding ceremony or reception held either outside or in a Covid-secure

venue, those venues must still comply with social distancing rules, which will limit how many people they can host.

They must also provide table service (like pubs and restaurants currently have to) and dancing and singing are still restricted.

Of course, depending upon how you feel about the worst types of dad dancers this may not be the end of your world…

More seriously though, face coverings must be worn by anyone aged over 11 years when not eating or drinking, unless they are exempt. This includes staff at the venue, though not the couple or the person officiating.

Hopefully, if the data allows and restrictions are lifted on 19th July, anyone whose wedding is due to take place after that date will be able to enjoy their day in the manner they had originally hoped.

But if that is the case, one word of warning: do watch out for those dad dancers…

Celebrate at Ware Priory …we’ve got something special for you!

Weddings / Parties / Business Events and so much more…

A choice of historic, traditional and contemporary surroundings, a range of wonderful rooms acommodating 10 to 200 guests, picturesque riverside location, beautiful gardens and superb catering.

16 axis magazine

High Street, Ware Hertfordshire SG12 9AL Tel: 01920 460316 www.warepriory.co.uk warepriory warepriory

PROPERTY

SPONSORED CONTENT

Rising prices and higher demand mean property market is booming

The sales market has certainly been a busy one over the past year and we have seen a rise in property prices, mainly due to the exemption of Stamp Duty which is soon to taper off.

The price rise is also due to a higher demand from those wishing to move in from the London area, with both Hertford and Ware attractive options for those looking to move out.

Here at Ward Estates, we have noticed an increase in applicants registering their details with us and we are selling the vast majority of our stock extremely quickly, with the demand for both apartments and houses on the rise.

The market is still very strong at this time for all types of purchasers.

We are also seeing a higher level of investor landlords coming

forward, possibly because of the impact the house price rises have had on rental values.

Ward Estates, which is based in Parliament Square in Hertford, aims to provide a niche, boutique service in selling and purchasing homes. We are an all-female operating business and provide an outstanding and professional level of customer service whilst ensuring we remain competitive with our fees to a vendor.

It is key for a vendor to start off with the correct marketing price and we undertake extensive research to ensure that this initial figure is set in line with current market values to avoid price reductions and properties becoming stagnant on the market.

Whilst we wish to achieve the highest possible figure, we remain honest and factual during this

NIGEL LOMAS

Lisa Ward of Ward Estates says all types of homes are selling quickly if sensibly priced

Folly Island in Hertford

stage in the valuation process.

It is also imperative throughout the sales transaction that there is a good team to assist with the sales progression for both vendor and purchaser – as well as their solicitors – and we pride ourselves on ensuring all parties are continually assisted and kept informed.

Ward Estates have been trading for four years and we work closely with our sister company SageWard Lettings, ensuring we have both angles of the market covered. We look forward to continuing to expand Ward Estates and we remain hopeful that the market will continue to be a positive one.

A CUT ABOVE THE REST AN ALL-FEMALE HERTFORD ESTATE AGENCY, BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER WITH OUR CLIENT FOCUS, PASSION AND GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND.

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WARD ESTATES BELIEVES IN PROVIDING AN EXCEPTIONALLY HIGH LEVEL OF CUSTOMER SERVICE BY GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND THE REQUIREMENTS OF CUSTOMERS.

We understand that selling and purchasing a property can be both stressful and worrying. The Ward Estates team aim to make this experience as straight forward as possible without subjecting you to hard sale techniques or a stereotypical Estate agent approach.

01992 472025

www.wardestates.com

info@wardestates.com

axis magazine 17

PROPERTY

The family homes which offer parents a rare space to escape

St Edward’s Gate near Cuffley has just been launched. A highlight of The Dorchester house type is the top floor master suite, shown above

Lockdown has led many people to re-evaluate where they live, with many now seeking properties with more space and greenery.

A new development, set between Cuffley and Goffs Oak, is seeking to bridge the gap between rural and city living.

St Edward’s Gate has just been launched by independent local housebuilder Chase New Homes and is a collection of 23 four and five-bedroom houses on a private gated development surrounded by ancient woodland and rural farmland.

The development features a range of stylish executive house types, all of which differ in architectural style and layout.

One such house type is The Dorchester, a striking five-bedroom family home. Spread over three floors, the house features an open plan kitchen and dining room, separate living room and a master suite that spans the whole third floor.

Paul Bennett, sales and marketing director at Chase New Homes, said: “The Dorchester epitomises the properties here. It has been

created with the adults of the home in mind. The master suite is the jewel in the crown, spanning the whole of the top floor. This room is complete with a lounge and walk-in dressing area as well as a stylish en-suite bathroom, guaranteeing that parents have a space to escape.”

Finished to a high standard as you would expect, the homes at St Edward’s Gate have fully fitted designer kitchens with integrated Siemens appliances, Amtico flooring and underfloor heating.

Large bifold doors connect the

inside and outside, leading to landscaped gardens and patio spaces, some of which look directly onto woodland.

Integral garages provide storage for bicycles and cars and lead onto private driveways.

Prices start at £950,000 and buyers of The Eton house type can currently benefit from Stamp Duty paid, complimentary window dressings and £2,000 towards their legal fees.

For further information call selling agents Statons on 020 8440 9555 or email newhomes@statons.com.

5% deposit scheme offers hope for first time buyers and runs until December 2022 Although the price of the average home continues to rise, there is some good news at the moment for first time buyers.

The Government’s recently launched five per cent deposit 18 axis magazine

mortgage scheme will be a boost for many, making it that much easier to save for that crucial first deposit.

Most mainstream lenders are now on board with the scheme

which requires buyers to have a minimum deposit of five per cent rather than the 10 per cent which had been more usual in recent years.

The scheme is scheduled to run

until December 2022 and, unlike the Help to Buy Equity Loan, it is available on both new build and existing properties (Help to Buy, which is also still running, is for new builds only).

E M O !

H EN W P O WO SH O N

A STUNNING COLLECTION OF 4 & 5 BEDROOM CONTEMPOR ARY EXECUTIVE FAMILY HOMES A PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT WITH GARAGES AND/OR OFF-STREET PARKING IN BROXBOURNE

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– – High specification and quality finishes – Less than 30 minutes to London Liverpool Street* – Close proximity to The Broxbourne School Scholars | High Road | Broxbourne | EN10 7HE

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By appointment only. 10am–5pm.

CALL 01992 663 890 salesherts@lanesnewhomes.co.uk * By train travelling from Broxbourne station. Travel times taken from National Rail.

S H OW H O M E O PE N F R I TO M O N 10A M – 4 PM Commanding a magnificent location between Cuffley and Goff’s Oak, surrounded by leafy ancient woodland and designed for those seeking an idyllic haven less than an hour from the Capital*, St Edward’s Gate offers 23 contemporary homes within a private gated development. Prices from £950,000.

104 Cuffley Hill | Goff’s Oak | EN7 5EY CALL 020 8441 9555 NEWHOMES@STATONS.COM www.chasenewhomes.co.uk *Journey time travelling from Cuffley to Kings Cross by train c.50 mins, taken from National Rail

TAXING MATTERS

SPONSORED CONTENT

Shift to home working may have unexpected tax consequences Making Tax Digital: Make sure you’re ready for what’s coming up

By Stuart Everett of Hertford accountants Meyer Williams The shift to home working brought about by the pandemic could cost the UK economy up to £32bn a year in lost personal income tax.

Highly-paid workers who live abroad but work in the UK will pay their income tax in their country of residence, rather than to HMRC – which researchers say could cost billions each year.

This new workforce mobility may also affect where corporate income tax is paid and value created, as well as VAT on where goods and services are purchased.

A crisis is looming Professor Rita de la Feria, chair in tax law at the School of Law at Leeds University, has said: “The acceleration of digitalisation and the spread of remote working internationally as a result of the pandemic poses very significant challenges to personal income taxes.

“New mobile workers are likely

Staff working from home abroad will reduce the UK’s tax take

to be at top of the income distribution, and even a small number could result in significant revenue losses to the UK, of between £6bn and £32bn.

“The likely effect will be a tightening of employment rules, introduction of new tax avoidance rules and increased personal income taxes competition with countries fighting to attract new mobile workers.

“The impact of these labour changes is likely to be more significant in countries such as the UK, which relies heavily on income tax, especially from a small number of high-income – and now potentially mobile – taxpayers. How big these challenges are, and how countries will react to them, will be a key issue in the coming years.”

How the losses could add up Total income tax paid in the UK in 2018-19 was £187bn, with

35% paid by the 4.2m higher rate taxpayers, and 31% from additional rate taxpayers.

An estimated 31% of UK jobs can be carried out remotely – of which an as yet unknown share will be internationally mobile.

Assuming only higher and additional rate taxpayers are internationally mobile, the researchers say the potential loss in income tax would be between 2% and 10% of the total revenue – between £3.8bn and £19bn a year.

Including social security contribution losses of between £2.7bn and £13bn a year, the total income tax revenue loss would amount to between £6.5bn and £32.5bn per annum.

The researchers say recent global tax discussions have focused on solving challenges to corporation tax posed by digitalisation, but the pandemic-led shift to remote working could pose an even bigger crisis.

RELIABLE, APPROACHABLE AND PROACTIVE ACCOUNTANTS TO HELP YOU SUCCEED IN BUSINESS & IN LIFE Audit & Accountancy | Business Development | Personal Finances Personal & Corporate Tax | Tax Planning | Corporate Finance | Business Start-ups

Call or email Stephanie to arrange an appointment for an informal chat with one of our directors about your business or financial affairs

Stag House, Old London Road, Hertford, Herts SG13 7LA 01992 550721 | www.meyerwilliams.com | stephanie@meyerwilliams.com 20 axis magazine

The primary legislation for Making Tax Digital relating to VAT and Income Tax is contained in the Finance (No.2) Act 2017, providing certainty about the broad framework in which Making Tax Digital will operate, with secondary legislation for VAT laid in February 2018, which came into force from April 2019.

VAT-registered businesses with a taxable turnover below £85,000 will be required to follow Making Tax Digital rules for their first return starting in or after April 2022.

Self-employed businesspeople and landlords with annual business or property income above £10,000 will need to follow the rules for MTD for Income Tax from their next accounting period starting on or after 6th April 2023.

The Government will provide businesses with an opportunity to take part in a pilot for Making Tax Digital for Corporation Tax and will not mandate its usage before 2026.

If you need help getting ready for this, please make an appointment.

You can call me on 01992 550721.

WHAT’S ON

PLACES TO GO, THINGS TO DO

Raise your tankards as Lowewood reopens The wait to return to Lowewood Museum in Hoddesdon is nearly over, with the venue set to open its doors again after more than a year on Saturday 17th July.

As Axis has been reporting, a lot of work has been going on behind the scenes and the museum is now being run by the newly formed Lowewood Museum Trust CIO (Community Interest Organisation) set up by local volunteers who were determined to keep the museum going after Broxbourne Council announced it could longer afford to run it.

With effect from its opening day, the museum will be open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10am to 4.30pm and admission will still be free.

Teas and coffees will be available in its ground floor area and there is space to sit outside in the museum’s rear garden area.

The opening exhibition is called Tankards and Taverns and will tell visitors about local pubs past and present. It will include photographs of pubs, alehouses and inns going back as far as 1900 and these will feature alongside paintings of pubs created by members of BArts, Broxbourne Arts Forum, many painted during lockdown.

Also on display will be a selection of pub and brewery-

Ericka Waller

Lowewood’s opening exhibition features local pubs including The Four Swans, Waltham Cross and The White Swan in Hoddesdon

related items, including pieces borrowed from McMullen’s Brewery in Hertford.

And there is a chance to find out more about the nationally significant Tudor wall paintings at The Star pub in Hoddesdon High Street, which were uncovered during renovation work in 2014.

Children (and adults) are invited to take part in the museum’s

Design a Pub Sign art challenge or sit and colour in pub signs inspired by local pubs and designed by artist and museum volunteer Suse Nielebock.

The exhibition will be showing until Saturday 6th November.

Lowewood Museum can be found in High Street, Hoddesdon EN11 8BH. Call 01992 554496 or visit lowewoodmuseum.com for more information.

Gallery at Parndon Mill has first ‘offline’ exhibition in a year The Gallery at Parndon Mill in Harlow is now showing its first physical exhibition since the Covid lockdown first hit us.

Called, appropriately enough, Offline Exhibition, it includes paintings, prints, sculpture and crafts by the mill’s resident artists and regular exhibitors and includes some of the pieces currently showing in its online gallery.

Work includes landscapes, seascapes, abstract paintings,

Author events to act as a taster for next year’s Herts Book Festival

prints, sculpture, glass and ceramics.

You do have to book an appointment to view, and the gallery is open Tuesday to Friday 10am-5pm and Sunday 2-4pm.

Other times may be possible – book via info@parndonmill.co.uk (preferred) or by calling 07745 871257.

The Gallery at Parndon Mill is in Parndon Mill Lane, off Elizabeth Way, Harlow CM20 2HP. Visit parndonmill.co.uk for details.

From a print by John Durham

The Book Nook in Ware is organising its first Herts Book Festival in May 2022 and, to offer a sneak preview of what book-lovers will be able to enjoy, it is hosting a series of author events on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th July.

These talks will be free, celebrating books and the people who write them.

On Saturday 10th July, Agents of the Wild is an author talk and book signing for children with Jennifer Bell and Alice Lickens which takes place at Southern Maltings arts centre in Kibes Lane, Ware from 1.30-4pm.

Then, in a YouTube Live event from 8-9pm, the best-selling author and Iraq War veteran John Nichol will be taking part in a Q&A session, discussing his latest book, Tornado: In the Eye of the Storm.

On Sunday 11th July, author Ericka Waller will be discussing her book Dog Days at The Book Nook itself at 65 High Street, Ware from 1-4pm.

Later that day, in another YouTube Live event, A J Pearce, best-selling author of Dear Mrs Bird, will take part in a Q&A session to mark the publication of her sequel, Yours Cheerfully, which continues the heartwarming story of wartime journalist Emmeline Lake.

For further information, contact The Book Nook by calling 01920 467597 or by email to info@booknookshop.co.uk. axis magazine 21

WHAT’S ON: FORTHCOMING EVENTS TAMMY MARLAR

Battle Proms at Hatfield House

Great British Food Festival

Vineyard tours and tastings

Hatfield House will host the annual Battle Proms picnic concert on Saturday 17th July.

Visitors can expect music, of course, but with the added attractions of fireworks, a Spitfire, cannons and cavalry, making it a unique evening out. Gates open at 3.30pm and the entertainment includes a Napoleonic cavalry display at 6.15pm before the Red Devils drop in at 6.45pm. The Battle Proms Belles perform at 7pm before the main musical programme takes place from 8-10.30pm with an evening gun salute at 7.55pm, a Spitfire air display at 8pm and a fireworks finale at the end of the concert. Tickets are £48 for adults, £21 for children aged 5-15. battleproms.com

The Great British Food Festival returns to Knebworth House this month on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th July. The festival will feature artisan producers, street food and bars for a great family foodie day out.

Attractions include hot food, real ale and wine bars, craft and gift stalls, children’s entertainment, foraging walks, chef demos and cake competitions plus live music.

Tickets cost £11.50 and family tickets are £42, both of which include entry to Knebworth Park and Gardens.

Each day runs from 10am to 5pm.

Go online to order tickets and for further information. knebworthhouse.com

Saffron Grange Vineyard has launched its new tours and tasting season, at the same time as releasing three new wines.

The family-run vineyard opened in 2019, is nestled on the gently sloping hills just outside Saffron Walden and produces English sparkling wines, which have been regularly winning awards.

Tours are running until October, offering guests the chance to find out what goes into creating the Saffron Grange taste, the history of the land and why it is ideal for growing grapes. You also get to enjoy tastings of the vineyard’s latest releases along with cheese and charcuterie boards. Tickets are £20. saffrongrange.com

Yarnbombers’ Grotto takeover

Hertfordshire Health Walks

Events at Hertford Castle

The Secret Society of Hertford Crafters is joining forces with the trustees of Scott’s Grotto in Ware to set up an installation there this summer. The new project will create Scott’s Enchanted Grotto for two weeks during the school holidays from Monday 26th July to Sunday 8th August, featuring fairies, pixies, elves and woodland creatures.

Admission is free but donations are welcome.

Scott’s Grotto is a Grade I listed building and heritage site at 28 Scott’s Road, Ware (SG12 9JQ). It will be open from 10.30am to 4.30pm every day and free parking has been arranged in Little Acres SG12 9JW. Don’t forget to take a torch to view the grotto! scotts-grotto.org

The free Hertfordshire Health Walks series is up and running again after lockdown.

Walks take place regularly around East Herts and Broxbourne including in Hertford and Bishop’s Stortford. The walks are led by qualified volunteer leaders and are a great opportunity to get out and enjoy the countryside and local green spaces.

They are organised by Hertfordshire County Council’s Countryside Management Service.

Advance booking is essential and you can find out more on the county council’s website (search for Hertfordshire Health Walks) for East Herts walks. For Broxbourne walks, visit Broxbourne Council’s own website. hertfordshire.gov.uk / broxbourne.gov.uk

Hertford Town Council runs a health and wellbeing event in the grounds of Hertford Castle on Saturday 10th July, offering a series of free sessions in everything from Zumba, yoga and aerobics to high intensity interval training between 9am and 4pm. Classes must be pre-booked – see website for details.

The castle will screen the men’s singles final from Wimbledon on a big screen in the grounds at 2pm on Sunday 11th July.

Admission is free but tickets are required.

However, annual outdoor music festival Rock at the Castle has been cancelled this year.

The Hertford Castle Live Music Event will go ahead in its place on Sunday 1st August. hertford.gov.uk

22 axis magazine

AS SUMMER APPROACHES 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: AT THE CINEMA

Head back to the cinema: four great films to see on the big screen Voyagers (15) Now showing With the future of the human race at stake, a group of young men and women, bred for intelligence and obedience, embark on an expedition to colonize a distant planet. But when they uncover disturbing secrets about the mission, they defy their training and begin to explore their primitive natures.

As life on the ship descends into chaos, they’re consumed by fear, lust and the insatiable hunger for power. But that’s enough about Matt Hancock...

Black Widow (12A) Out on Friday 9th July In Marvel Studios’ action-packed spy thriller, Natasha Romanoff aka Black Widow confronts a dangerous conspiracy with ties to her past. Pursued by a force that will stop at nothing to bring her down, Natasha must deal with her history as a spy and the

Black Widow is the latest from Marvel Studios

broken relationships left in her wake long before she became an Avenger. Scarlett Johansson, Florence Pugh, Robert Downey Jr and Rachel Weisz lead the cast.

The Croods promises fun for all the family

idyllic walled-in paradise that meets all their needs, they think their problems are solved... except for one thing. Another family already lives there: the well-named Bettermans.

When the Bettermans take in the Croods as the world’s first houseguests, it isn’t long before tensions reach breaking point.

Which just goes to show that not a lot has changed in a few million years...

The Croods 2: A New Age (PG) Out on Friday 16th July The Croods need a new place to live. So, the first prehistoric family sets off into the world in search of a safer place to call home. When they discover an

Escape Room 2 (TBC) Out on Friday 16th July Escape Room 2: Tournament of Champions is the sequel to the box office hit psychological thriller that terrified audiences around the world. In this installment, six people unwittingly find themselves locked in another series of escape rooms, slowly uncovering what they have in common to survive...

WE ARE

FULLY

OPEN 23 JULY 2O18

2O19

Welwyn Garden City, Herts AL8 6BX

campuswest.co.uk 24 axis magazine

FOOD & DRINK

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL RESTAURANTS

New pizza restaurant is all set to Proove a success in Hertford

Proove, which opened its doors on Monday 21st June, is a great addition to the Hertford dining scene.

The growing small pizza chain has taken over the landmark building in Parliament Square that was previously home to Café Rouge, with its two floors and outside space on the square itself.

And judging from the quality and freshness of its food, it will be here to stay.

Hertford is the group’s first restaurant in the south of England, having launched two in the north, at West Didsbury in Manchester and Broomhill in Sheffield.

As well as recently opening

Hertford, it has also opened a second Sheffield eatery at Kommune, a space which brings together a series of independent retailers and kitchens.

Proove has a simple formula – super-fresh pizzas made with only the best Italian 00-grade Caputo flour.

The dough is slow-proved for 20 hours and hand-stretched before being topped with the finest ingredients and cooked in the wood-fired pizza oven.

Proove is also up to date with modern dining requirements – every pizza on the menu can be made gluten-free at no extra cost and there is a vegan menu available.

Small plates and pizza The menu offers a choice of small plates such as bruschetta (£5.70) and arancini (£5.90), whilst its excellent range of Neapolitan pizzas includes something for everyone. Options include an Americana with San Marzano DOP tomatoes (the most famous plum tomatoes to come out of Italy and used for the base sauce), mozzarella, pepperoni and roasted peppers (£10.60); and The Kale (£9.90) – a white pizza (using no base sauce) with mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, portobello mushrooms roasted in truffle oil, capers and fresh marinated kale.

The restaurant is open seven

days a week, currently from 11.30am to 10.30pm Monday to Thursday, until 11pm on Friday and from 9.30am for brunch on Saturday and Sunday (closing at 11pm on Saturday and 10.30pm on Sunday).

Click and collect and delivery (through Deliveroo) are both available, but the sheer freshness of the small plates and starters makes a trip to Parliament Square to dine in a must this summer.

Proove 3 Parliament Square, Hertford SG14 1EX 01992 927487 proove.co.uk axis magazine 25

FOOD & DRINK

The Wine Column

By Ritchie Tough of Cavavin

The local vineyard taking the wine world by storm

New bubble tea shop proving popular in Sawbridgeworth “Tea time” in Sawbridgeworth just got exciting – with the opening of KTeas bubble tea shop and café.

The pretty shop, which is as attractive looking as the drinks it serves, comes to the town courtesy of Katie Little, recently returned from living in Malaysia, who has set up shop in the premises formerly run as Bell Street Antiques by her parents.

Bubble tea originated in Taiwan and is popular throughout the Far East.

It’s made by blending a black or green tea base with milk or fruit juices and then adding chewy pearls, or boba as they’re known,

which are usually made from tapioca.

The boba can be sucked up, along with the drink, through the wide straws that the tea is served with. Alternatives to the chewy pearls are jellies and ‘popping boba’ that are filled with syrup or juice.

The bubble tea phenomenon has been in the UK a couple of years now but shops have mainly been in large shopping centres.

KTeas is open seven days a week – 10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and from 10am to 2pm on Sundays.

You will find it at 21a Bell Street, Sawbridgeworth CM21 9EP.

The last week of June was English Wine Week and over the last 10 years the English wine map has been expanding at an exciting rate.

We are lucky to have some vineyards close by.

The nearest of these is located in Dane End, but unfortunately the grapes from here get sold into larger vineyards rather than being crushed and bottled on site.

It is actually quite common for many larger vineyards to buy grapes from outside their own location, simply due to the high level of demand for their products.

Our other local vineyard is located just north of Bishop’s Stortford at Hazel End. From here, white wine is bottled under the Hazel End label and sparking wine under the name Three Squirrels.

This is one of the oldest such sites in England, founded in 1978. Its Germanic blended (Huxelrebe, Reichensteiner grapes) release has just become available to buy in the 2018 vintage, the Anniversary Blend at £11.50. There is also a Bacchus available at £10.50.

Hazel End owners Charles and Petronella Humphreys also grow grapes designed for a sparkling wine which is a real jewel in their crown.

Aged on the lees for an exceptional four years (the minimum requirement is one year), this is longer than the likes of Moet, Bollinger and Veuve Cliquot (two to three years on the lees).

The resulting wine is also half the price of those at £20, and features a very complex and wonderful structure of toast, biscuit and freshly crushed apples designed to put a smile on the face of any fan of the bubbles.

The Hummingbird takes flight again The Hummingbird in Fore Street, Hertford reopened last month, this time under new ownership.

The new owners already have another pub, The Belle at Bassingbourn near Royston, and describe their offering as “a menu of British food with a hint of the Mediterranean”, coupled with more than 150 gins as well as cocktails, craft beers and selected ales.

They have kept the name of the previous pub in the building, which closed after its owners 26 axis magazine

went into administration.

The menu features vegan dishes, kids’ dishes and a Sunday lunch menu. For more information visit welovethehummingbird.co.uk or call 0333 344 6495.

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 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 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

EXPECT MORE n FROM YOUR n ESTATE AGENT

For Sale: £725,000 The Knoll Four bedroom detached, idyllic hidden cottage conveniently located moments from Hertford North station and Hertford town centre.

Register your interest today on 01992 721 321

01992 721 321 n www.thomas-childs.com