Axis magazine June 2022 issue

The independent, intelligent guide to everything that matters locally June 2022

INSIDE YOUR BEST GUIDE TO LOCAL LIFE MOTORWAY JOY

New M11 junction set to transform journey times

ON THE RAILS

Ben Crystall on the greener alternative to summer travel

IT’S CARNIVAL TIME

Bishop’s Stortford and Ware welcome back parades

SIT BACK & ENJOY

Open air theatre and cinema return for the summer

FOOD & DRINK

Franco Manca opens its doors in Bishop’s Stortford

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WELCOME

JUNE 2022 | NO. 233

What’s inside this issue ABOUT AXIS

05-13 y Briefing Latest news including the imminent opening of the new M11 junction

20-24 y What’s on Carnival parades, outdoor theatre and The Luna Cinema – summer’s here!

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)

25 y Food & drink Franco Manca: From Brixton Market to Bishop’s Stortford...

26 y Food & drink The Hand and Crown launches summer acoustic music nights

12 y INTERRAIL IS NO LONGER JUST FOR TEENAGERS: ENVIRONMENTALIST BEN CRYSTALL ON HOLIDAY TRAIN TRAVEL Front cover images (clockwise from top) ‘The Queen’ artwork by Ceri Shipton. Oil and Dutch metal on board, 1x1m framed, £1,800 on display at Brothership Beckwiths, St Andrew Street, Hertford; The Luna Cinema at Knebworth House (p23); Bishop’s Stortford Carnival (p21); Prince Charles from the Secret Society of Hertford Crafters’ Jubilee installation in Hertford (p8).

SUBSCRIBE 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

New M11 Junction 7a at Harlow set to open this month New junction close to Sheering expected to ease congestion The new Junction 7A of the M11 at Harlow is on track to open this month, providing access to and from the motorway close to Sheering.

The creation of the new junction, work on which began in the summer of 2020, is one of the largest road infrastructure projects in the area for many years, costing £39.9million and creating a new junction of the motorway between the existing Junction 7 (Harlow) and Junction 8 (Bishop’s Stortford).

As well as the new junction, the project has also seen the widening of the B183 Gilden Way/Sheering Road and the installation of a new link road, which starts close to Marsh Lane, to connect the two.

Its aim is to reduce the amount of congestion around Harlow, particularly on roads leading south towards the existing Junction 7.

It should speed up journey times for both residents and businesses and future-proof the road network for the planned increase in housing in the area over the coming years.

An aerial view of the new Junction 7a at Harlow, which is set to improve journey times and reduce congestion

As Axis went to press the final preparations for the opening were underway including the completion of footpaths, kerbs, CCTV, road markings and landscaping works.

No firm date has been set, but the junction is anticipated to open sometime during June.

The scheme has been funded by Essex County Council and National Highways.

The council’s cabinet member for economic renewal, infrastructure and planning, Cllr Lesley Wagland, said: “The new junction is critical for Harlow and the wider area.

Ultimately it will help create a new

east-west route through the town, helping reduce congestion, offering new public transport opportunities and further unlocking the economic potential of the area by providing more journey time reliability for businesses and improving access onto the motorway.”

MP raises profile of other transport initiatives during Commons debate Hertford and Stortford MP Julie Marson has used a transport debate in the House of Commons to state her support for, and raise the profile of, two other major transport initiatives in the area.

Mrs Marson was speaking during the debate on Thursday 19th May on what the Government is doing to build a world class transport network. She drew the Secretary of State’s attention to plans under development by Hertfordshire County Council for a mass rapid transit system, the Hertfordshire Essex Rapid Transit initiative

(HERT), that aims to link the western side of Hertfordshire to the east via towns including St Albans, Hatfield, Hertford and then on to Harlow in Essex.

“HERT will deliver accessible, reliable, affordable, sustainable east-to-west transit in my constituency,” she said.

The MP then also praised a second project, Bishop’s Stortford’s recently submitted “brilliant bid” to be the headquarters of Great British Railways, the new body that is set to run and plan the UK’s rail network from 2023.

The town is one of 42 to have responded to a Government invitation to communities outside London to bid to be home to the national rail HQ. A shortlist was due to be released by the Government during May. Submitted by East Herts Council after work alongside a number of partner organisations, the town’s entry proposes a 27,000 sq ft ‘goods shed’ office block next to the town’s station, an area already being regenerated through Solum’s development of the town’s former goods yard site. axis magazine 5

BRIEFING

Why town centre car parks will close and lie empty when new multi-storey opens

The Causeway car park is set to close as the new Northgate End multi-storey (above right) opens

Bishop’s Stortford town centre’s new multi-storey car park at Northgate End is due to open on Monday 13th June.

However, controversially, the opening will mean that the surface level Causeway and Charringtons car parks near Waitrose will be closed permanently even though their site’s redevelopment is unlikely to begin before 2023.

The surface level car parks form the majority of what is known as the Old River Lane site which is set to be redeveloped with a new arts centre, shops and homes.

To make way for the development East Herts Council has been

building the new multi-storey car park, which will offer both long and short stay parking, on the other side of Link Road to serve the town centre.

But a condition of the planning consent for the new car park was that the Causeway car park must close prior to the multi-storey opening and remain unavailable for public use.

The reason for this is stated in the planning documents as being “in the interests of the free flow of traffic through the highway network”.

With a planning application for the Old River Lane site from the

council’s development partner Cityheart not expected to be submitted until later this year and the site not likely to be handed over until next year, it means the flat level parking could bizarrely lie empty despite being nearer to the town centre shops than the new facility that will replace it.

Bishop’s Stortford Business Improvement District has said that it would not want to see the car parks left empty and is in discussions with the council.

The opening will also mean changes to Link Road car park, which will change from long and short stay to short stay only.

Hartham Leisure Centre pool opens after year-long closure Swimming facilities at Hertford’s Hartham Leisure Centre reopened in May after a closure of more than a year for refurbishment.

Works on the pool are part of an £8million investment programme in the centre by owners East Herts Council. They were due to be completed last autumn but schedules were delayed by the impact of Brexit and the pandemic on the supply of both materials and labour as well as additional works that were needed.

The pool reopened on Friday 20th May with swimming lessons restarting three days later.

Works had included the re-tiling of the poolside area and refurbishment of the changing village.

The next, main, construction phase at the leisure centre at Hartham Common is also now underway.

This will see a two storey 6 axis magazine

Eric Buckmaster, executive member for wellbeing at East Herts Council, and Paul Lindsey, general manager of Hartham Leisure Centre, at the new pool

extension built to provide additional studio space, a state of the art gym, soft play facilities and a terrace-style café.

The centre remains open despite the front of the old building having been demolished, with a new temporary studio located in the

rear car park. The overall redevelopment programme is currently on track for completion by next summer.

To find out more about the centre or to book swimming sessions visit everyoneactive.com/centre/ hartham-leisure-centre.

Citizens Advice East Herts seeks new volunteers as enquiries rise As the cost of living crisis continues to hit home, Citizens Advice East Herts recently recorded its highest ever number of contacts in a single month when over 900 people called its telephone message line seeking advice during March.

Fuel poverty is a key issue, with a seven-fold (over 500 per cent) increase in enquiries about utilities and communications in the first three months of 2022 compared to the previous three months.

Issues that Citizens Advice can offer help on include debt, employment, redundancy, housing and benefits but the charity is only able to offer its free help and information service to people because of its volunteers.

Now, with National Volunteer Week falling in the first week of June, it is keen to recruit more people as the demand for its services increases.

Volunteers at Citizens Advice make a real difference to people’s lives, while being members of a valued and enthusiastic team.

You don’t need any specific qualifications to join the team and full training is provided.

The charity operates a hybrid working model, so you can work mainly from home but can also meet at volunteer hubs.

Volunteering gives you the chance to build skills and confidence, meet new people, be part of the local community and gain references and enhance your CV. All that is asked of new volunteers is that they can give 6-7 hours a week on a medium-long term basis.

How you can help To find out more visit citizensadviceeastherts.org.uk; email training@citizensadvice eastherts.org.uk or, for an informal chat, call 01920 459946. l If you need help, call the message line on 01920 459944.

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axis magazine 7

BRIEFING

Meet our new first citizens for 2022/23 The start of the municipal year in May saw the appointment of a new set of faces, chosen by their fellow councillors, to the roles of Mayor or Chairman for each local authority area.

They chair council meetings, act as ambassadors for their area, carry out ceremonial duties and raise money for their chosen charities for the year.

Here are some of the faces we’re likely to see a lot of in 2022/23…

Dave Anderson

Susan Barber

Jubilee yarnbomb transforms garden

Greg Rattey

TOWN & PARISH COUNCILS Bishop’s Stortford Town Council Councillor Dave Anderson was elected the Mayor of Bishop’s Stortford with Cllr Toby Garrett elected his deputy. The Mayor’s charity is to be confirmed.

Hertford Town Council Cllr Susan Barber is the new Mayor of Hertford with town and district councillor Rosemary Bolton her deputy. The Mayor’s charities are Hertford Dramatic and Operatic Society (hdos.org. uk) and Future Hope Hertford and Ware (fhhw.org.uk).

Sawbridgeworth Town Council In Sawbridgeworth Cllr Greg Rattey will serve a second term as Mayor. Cllr Ruth Buckmaster is his deputy. The Mayor’s charities are Isabel Hospice (isabelhospice. org.uk) and Mind (mind.org.uk).

Rishi Fernando

Pope as his deputy. The Mayor’s charity is Always Bee You, a group that supports adults with learning disabilities to meet friends and to enjoy social and work experience opportunities. (alwaysbeeyou.uk).

DISTRICT COUNCILS Broxbourne Borough Council Cllr Paul Seeby is the new Mayor of Broxbourne with Cllr Sherrie McDaid serving as deputy. The Mayor’s charity for the year will be Broxbourne Community Fund.

East Herts District Council Cllr Ian Devonshire is the new chairman of East Herts Council

Ware Town Council Cllr Rishi Fernando is the new Mayor of Ware with Cllr Mark

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Paul Seeby

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with Cllr Rosemary Bolton elected to serve as vice chair. The chairman’s charity is the Stroke Association (stroke.org.uk).

COUNTY COUNCIL Hertfordshire County Council Cllr Annie Brewster, county councillor for Harpenden Rural and a former Mayor of St Albans City and District Council, has been elected the county council’s 38th chairman since 1889.

Local election results The Conservatives retained their majorities on Broxbourne and Harlow Councils at local elections held last month.

In Broxbourne, where a third of the seats were contested, the Conservatives won all nine of the 10 seats they already held, with Labour holding the 10th. The make-up of the council is unchanged with Conservatives on 26, Labour three and one independent.

On Harlow Council the Conservatives won seven of the 12 seats up for election with Labour taking five. The Tories remain in control. However, their winner in Bush Fair, Marco Lorenzini, resigned within a week in a row over alleged retweets from his social media account. A by-election will be held on Thursday 23rd June.

Hertford’s Moat Garden has been transformed by the Secret Society of Hertford Crafters to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

The yarnbombers’ stunning installation aims to bring joy to local people while also raising money for charity from donations – the chosen charity for this event is Mudlarks Community Garden.

Moat Garden is just outside Hertford Castle walls. The installation includes the Queen sitting in her gold state coach, pulled by two life-size Windsor Grey horses; a smaller coach with a royal corgi sitting inside (Fortnum) with another corgi (Mason) pulling the coach; other Royal family members including Prince Charles (shown above), plus 19 members of the public watching the procession. The Moat Garden is also adorned with bunting and masses of red, white and blue crocheted flowers, figures from the Royal household and armed forces and the Red Arrows.

Details of how to donate can be found at the installation or visit ssohc.co.uk.

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SHOPPING & BUSINESS NEWS

Loopy Lou’s Soft Play Café is now open in Hoddesdon A family-run soft play café has opened in Hoddesdon, providing a reasonably-priced local venue for parents to keep their young children amused and entertained.

Loopy Lou’s Soft Play Café is the brainchild of Ware-based Luigi (‘Lou’) Rindone, who runs the venue with the help of his father, Ambrose, and a team of staff.

Based in The Old Maltings in Brewery Road, it is just off the High Street in Hoddesdon.

While the youngsters play, parents and guardians can enjoy homemade food and drink in the café area from where they can keep an eye on what their little ones are up to. Food includes a range of pizzas with fresh dough made in-house that morning, paninis, baguettes, rolls and cakes.

Sessions can be booked online, on the phone or in person (there are five timed sessions Monday to Saturday and four on a Sunday)

and the cost is just £1 for under-1s, £3.50 for ages 1-3; £4.50 for ages 3-5 and £5.50 for ages 5 and above in the week with prices £1 more at the weekend.

The maximum age is 6 and adults are admitted free.

Loopy Lou’s also offers complete venue hire for children’s parties; one option is a pizza party where the kids get to make their own pizzas.

Other bookable sessions include Moo Music sessions on a Wednesday morning which include soft play and a singing and dancing music session from 9.45am to 12noon for just £10, and an after school play and eat session for £6, Monday to Friday.

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BRIEFING

WITH THE HOLIDAY SEASON APPROACHING, BEN CRYSTALL WEIGHS UP THE PROS AND CONS OF TRAVELLING BY TRAIN AS A GREENER WAY OF EXPLORING EUROPE

Could you let the train take the strain this summer?

Riding the rails across Europe has been a summer tradition for young people since 1972, the year the Interrail Pass was born.

This trans-European train ticket has allowed generations of adventurers to experience the wonders of more than 30 countries on the cheap, discovering new food and wine, and making lots of friends en-route.

Yet in the last five years, the profile of Interrailers has transformed.

Spurred partly by an increasing concern for the cost of air travel on the climate, but also by the availability of cheaper, more flexible rail tickets and the appearance of new long-distance sleeper services, the young, notso-young, and families with kids and a spirit of adventure, are all discovering the elegance of ‘slow’ travel. Could you be tempted to let the train take the strain this summer?

The Green benefit Certainly those concerned by the environmental impact of air travel should give it a go if holidaying in Europe. According to the UK Department for Transport, flying creates up to 15 times more carbon emissions per passenger kilometre than rail travel. A return flight to the south of France, say, creates 250 kg – a quarter of a tonne – of CO2 per person. Travel by train and that figure is about 36 kg. Worse, airline emissions are

Take the train to Berlin 12 axis magazine

Nice is eight hours by train but going by rail saves nearly a quarter of a tonne of CO2 compared with flying

released at high altitude where they do the most damage to the planet.

Meanwhile, some rail companies including Eurostar say they are working hard to reduce their carbon emissions even further.

Though the environmental case is clear cut, train travel has its downsides. Take speed. Door to door, a journey to Nice takes about three hours by plane vs eight hours by rail. Travelling to Sicily? You can fly there in about five hours all in. By rail the trip takes a full day.

Many people just don’t have the holiday time available.

The good news is that some forward-thinking employers are giving staff extra ‘travel’ days on top of their annual allowance to encourage slower, more sustainable travel.

Make it part of your holiday And what if you consider the journey as part of your holiday?

You get the chance to unwind, sit back and watch the landscape transform, catch up on your reading, stop off en-route for a meal or even overnight, or take a romantic night sleeper complete with linen sheets, shower and dining car.

Rail companies are responding to demand by introducing a number of new overnight sleeper routes: from Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels, going to Berlin, Vienna, Rome and even Barcelona.

Unfortunately, the cost of rail

travel puts many off. Certainly night sleepers are not cheap.

But things are changing. You no longer have to be a student to get an Interrail pass. On its website (interrail.eu/en) Interrail offers a range of flexible passes for all ages that give everything from three months solid travelling to just four days rail travel in any one month.

Use a four-day pass, say, to go to Nice and back and it works out at less than £100 each way. That’s competitive with flying.

Even booking rail journeys around Europe has transformed. Some train companies, including trainline.com, allow you to buy tickets right across Europe. And if you need some specific advice or ideas, you can’t do better than talking to the man in seat 61. His name is Mark Smith and he set up seat61.com, a website which has become the terminus of choice for those travelling Europe by train.

Using Seat61 eliminates the hassle of finding information in different countries and languages and gives you an inside track on the best routes to take, the cheapest ways to book and even the best seats to choose. The site has won countless

awards and is inspiring a new generation to take to the rails. As Mark Smith points out: we are so used to driving on monotonous roads or sitting in dull airport terminals that we have forgotten the journey is part of the holiday.

So perhaps this summer or next, think about adding a bit of ‘train time’ to your ‘me time’.

Ben Crystall is a science journalist and Green Party councillor for Hertford All Saints on Herts County Council, and for Hertford Bengeo on East Herts District Council.

BRIEFING

HERTFORD & STORTFORD MP JULIE MARSON’S MONTHLY CONSTITUENCY UPDATE

JULIE MARSON MP FOR HERTFORD & STORTFORD

The levelling-up agenda and tackling the cost of living Many thanks to Justine Woods and Aaron Gransby from Axis for allowing me to visit their offices last month.

It was a pleasure to meet them and to learn about the great work the publication undertakes bringing local news, views and features to the people of Hertford and Stortford and beyond.

May has been really busy here in the constituency and in Westminster. First and foremost, the Queen’s Speech took place with the Government unveiling 38 bills for this parliamentary session.

Among the bills that caught the eye was the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill – a major part of the Government’s focus ‘to grow and strengthen the economy and help ease the cost of living for families’.

The Bill will set levelling-up missions and report on progress in delivering them. There will also be an overhaul of the planning system with more local control over planning proposed.

Across the constituency Here in Hertford and Stortford, I have been busy undertaking visits and talking to local people and

organisations. I had the pleasure of delivering the second tranche of 200 books to three more primary schools after I won a Publisher’s Association draw to win 600 books.

100 books each went to Hertford St Andrew C of E Primary School in Hertford and St Mary’s Junior School and Hunsdon School in Ware.

The first tranche of 200 fiction titles was given to Avanti Meadows Primary School in Bishop’s Stortford and Fawbert and Barnard Infants’ School in Sawbridgeworth last month.

Cost of living pressures Cost of living issues continue to be a concern for many families and I am talking with ministers and parliamentary colleagues to see what can be done in addition to the £22 billion already earmarked to help. I do expect more measures as we grapple with global post-covid supply pressures and fallout from the war in Ukraine*.

As part of the drive to help, I am urging older people across Hertford and Stortford to check if they are eligible for Pension Credit as the benefit could help out with

I met with Justine Woods and Aaron Gransby at Axis last month

I had the pleasure of delivering free books to Hertford St Andrew Primary School (top), Hunsdon School and St Mary’s Junior School in Ware (below)

cost of living pressures.

Pension Credit is a top up that is worth an average of £3,300. As well as a cash top up to the state pension, it also acts as a passport to other benefits such as help with housing costs, council tax reduction schemes, heating bills and a free over-75s TV licence.

Nearly 1,400 claim it in Hertford and Stortford but it is thought around 25% of people who could claim the extra help do not currently do so – meaning there are potentially hundreds in the constituency missing out.

This is a substantial benefit that could help many older people in the constituency, however, it’s a big concern that there might be hundreds who are missing out because they don’t know about it or they wrongly think they are not eligible.

Can older people, their families and carers please double check if this benefit is available to them or their loved ones?

Pension Credit can be claimed online, by telephone or by post.

Information is available online at gov.uk/pension-credit or by calling the Freephone Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234. l If you need my help on any subject do not hesitate to get in contact via email at julie.marson.mp@parliament.uk.

*Editor’s note: Julie’s column was written before Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s announcement of extra help with energy bills. axis magazine 13

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FASHION

SPONSORED CONTENT

Shop the holiday edit Victoria Rex, owner of The Women’s Society Boutique, suggests some summer wardrobe staples Embrace summer with our breezy pieces that will make soaking up the sun and dipping your toes in the sand feel and look like a dream.

Our holiday edit is full of effortless silhouettes, lightweight fabrics, delicious colours and exotic eye-catching prints.

It’s time to pack your holiday suitcase!

You don’t need too many pieces for a gorgeous look that will take you from day to night, straight from the beach to your romantic dinner.

If your luggage is limited, the Essentiel Antwerp co-ord in a deep lavender (shirt £145; pants £165) is a perfect lightweight and flowy outfit that you can pop over a bikini and go.

Fabienne Chapot T-shirt, £44.99

Add an exotic touch to your outfit with the chic Scotch & Soda jumpsuit in printed palm trees (£199) that can be worn with the super comfy and vibrant Freedom Moses foam sliders (stone £40, pink £35) during the day or dressed up with heels at night.

We absolutely love the hot summer ’22 kimono trend!

The colourful embroidered kimono by Essentiel Antwerp (Badaboom, £390) is a key wardrobe layering piece this season. This glam boho style adds an ultra-feminine designer touch to anything you wear.

Take it to the beach, wear over a T-shirt or a cami dress for a stunning summer look.

Have some fun mixing and matching our summer tops that can be paired with any skirt or bottoms of your choice.

The Essentiel Antwerp off-theshoulder top (£115) features a joyful tropical print, playful wide cut and voluminous short sleeves for comfort and style, perfect for a romantic city stroll.

The yellow sheer zebra-print fabric of the Bimming Shirt

Essentiel Antwerp co-ord in purple, shirt £145, pants £165

Essentiel Antwerp Bimming shirt, £145

Essentiel Antwerp tropical offthe-shoulder top, orange, £115

(Essentiel Antwerp, £145) makes it a practical yet gorgeous layer over your shoulders to protect you from the sun beams on the beach.

A must-have to become part of your essentials collection, the classy white T-shirt by Fabienne Chapot (£44.99) is updated with a gorgeous hand painted prawn print with a round neck and short sleeves. Made with 100% organic cotton for extra softness and a peaceful state of mind.

Shop our holiday edit in the boutique or visit our website for a smooth online shopping experience.

Scotch & Soda jumpsuit, £199

Essentiel Antwerp Badaboom embroidered kimono, £390

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Need a little advice? Drop us a message or visit us for a chat with one of our friendly Stylists. Enjoy our generous loyalty scheme every time you shop local. Thank you for supporting small businesses!

Shop Local, Shop Independent Celebrating 15 years Love Hertford Awards 2021 Fashion Winner

The Women’s Society Boutique 2 St Andrew Street, Hertford, SG14 1JA 01992 500122 www.womens-society.co.uk Open Mon-Sat 10-5pm axis magazine 15

Woodstock Road, Broxbourne EN10 A beautifully presented 5 bedroom detached property with one of the largest plots on Woodstock Road. The accommodation comprises 4 reception rooms, a large kitchen/breakfast room, a laundry room, a shower/cloakroom, plus an additional cloakroom and a large conservatory ‘living room’. Upstairs, the property has a fabulous main bedroom suite with dressing room and en-suite bath/shower room. There are 4 further double bedrooms and a family bath/shower room.

The property benefits from a beautiful, thoughtfully landscaped, large rear garden with a south-westerly aspect, swimming pool and summer house. Extensive patio areas lead onto the flat level garden with extensive, well-stocked borders screened in the summer with a backdrop of trees.

01992 449 500 www.fineandcountry.com hoddesdon@fineandcountry.com

Broxbourne, Enfield & Lea Valley

SHOPPING & BUSINESS NEWS

SPONSORED CONTENT

BID re-election campaign builds momentum Love Hoddesdon BID Ltd, which represents the business improvement district covering Hoddesdon town centre, are seeking re-election for a further five-year term this autumn and are taking steps to convince local businesses, both large and small, in the BID area to vote ‘YES’!

The BID’s vision for Hoddesdon town centre is: “To create a pleasant, busy and vibrant town centre ‘at the heart of the community’ that is safe, clean and attractive to everyone.”

It recently submitted its draft business plan to both the

Secretary of State and Broxbourne Council. It also launched a light-hearted film to promote the town and what is has to offer shoppers and visitors.

All the contributors to the film – John Forrest (independent film maker); Kev Orkian of Howlin’ Entertainment Ltd (narrator); and Chris Dines of Superfly Media Ltd (drone footage) – provided their services free of charge, so in recognition of this Love Hoddesdon made a donation of £1,000 to Broxbourne Foodbank.

Both the business plan and the

Love Hoddesdon donated £1,000 to Broxbourne Foodbank

film can be viewed online at lovehoddesdon.co.uk.

Over the next month or so they will gather views on the draft business plan, before it is finalised for circulation to all local businesses as part of the election process in August/September.

What else is going on in the town?

Meanwhile, the BID has recently: l Judged its Young Entrepreneurs Project when local students presented in a Dragon’s Den-style format their proposals for what they want to see in the town that would encourage them to use it more. They included: l Public Arts Project around the town (John Warner School); l Subways Improvement Project (Robert Barclay Academy); l Developing the Town Centre Events Programme (Hertford Regional College); l Developing a Community Arts Hub (Broxbourne School).

The judges were impressed with all the suggestions and the BID will look to include many of them in its business plan and the new town centre strategy that Broxbourne Council is developing.

The judges concluded the most

impressive entry was from John Warner School which was awarded the £500 prize. l Held a free training workshop for local businesses on developing a social media strategy for their business; and l Organised events to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee including a funfair across the Bank Holiday weekend; the lighting of a Jubilee Beacon on Thursday 2nd June; and holding a Jubilee street party on Saturday 4th June with a hosted brunch/ lunch with themed entertainment for over 100 invited local people followed by a general street party with entertainment from local bands and artistes.

In the next month or so it will be: l Holding a first aid training course for local businesses, as

BID chairman Kevin Brooks presents the winning John Warner team with their certificate flanked by the Young Entrepreneurs Project judges

well as its regular networking breakfast; l Holding a ‘thank you’ event to recognise the army of volunteers without whose help many of the town’s events could not happen; and: l Making preparations for future

events including a Vintage Car Day in July, a music festival in August and a food and drink event in September.

Love Hoddesdon continues to help the town’s businesses get back to normal, as well as encouraging local residents to support their town!

Then make sure you…

Do you…

Hoddesdon

SHOP LOCAL EAT LOCAL SPEND LOCAL

www.lovehoddesdon.co.uk axis magazine 17

Meyer Williams Chartered Accountants

Helping to find effective solutions for your business

If you are looking for a team of reliable, approachable and proactive accountants who will do more than just respond to your needs but work alongside you to help you succeed you have come to the right place.

Whether you need the support of professionals who provide on-time effective solutions to help your business, or help with your personal or business taxes, we are here to help.

Our experienced team work hard to establish one-to-one relationships with our clients and are able to offer timely individual advice and guidance on how to improve your business and personal finances.

We can ease the burden by taking care of your bookkeeping and accounting needs, including the preparation of your annual accounts.

Please visit our website where you can find further details about us and discover what other services we offer.

Please call 01992 550721 to discuss your needs with one of our team, or to arrange a face-to-face chat, or a zoom conversation. We will be delighted to agree a day and time to suit you.

Meyer Williams Chartered Accountants Stag House, Old London Road Hertford SG13 7LA 01992 550721 www.meyerwilliams.com

SHOPPING & BUSINESS NEWS

SPONSORED CONTENT

Visit an award-winning business in Bishop’s Stortford!

Bishop’s Stortford BID salutes a year of winners The town centre of Bishop’s Stortford is home to range of national chains and independent businesses, with a great retail offering, a variety of food and drink options to suit all tastes and budgets as well as a fantastic range of professional services.

Over the last year, Bishop’s Stortford has celebrated its excellent town centre shops and services with the monthly Mayor’s Award for Business.

Cllr Keith Warnell, mayor of Bishop’s Stortford, visited each shop to present them with their award.

He said: “It has been an honour to recognise the local businesses that have gone above and beyond.”

Potter Street Fishmongers – April 2022 Recognised for great customer service.

Snap Fitness – March 2022 Nominated for being an asset to the Bishop’s Stortford community and their regular charity events.

Mamdani Opticians – February 2022 Commended for always providing great service and support.

Rosey Lea in Market Square – January 2022 Nominated for amazing service during lockdowns, employing young people who are all well trained and supporting local charities.

Enable Independent Financial Life Planners – December 2021 Chosen for their support of other town centre businesses by encouraging people to shop local at Christmas.

Stock Florist – November 2021 Nominated for bravely opening a new store mid-pandemic and brightening up North Street with their imaginative floral displays.

Enable

Unique

Potter Street Fishmongers

Unique Hairdressing & Male Barbering – October 2021 Selected for setting up a cocktail bar in the salon and exceptional customer service and hygiene standards throughout the pandemic.

Humphrey’s Butchers – September 2021 Recognised for exceptional quality meat, large variety of products and helpful, friendly staff.

Humphrey’s Butchers

Mamdani Opticians Snap Fitness

Café Nostimo – August 2021 Commended for excellent customer service and range of speciality products.

Premier Travel – July 2021 Nominated for outstanding customer service and support.

Congratulations to all the winners.

Next time you’re in Bishop’s Stortford why not pop in and visit one of the award-winning businesses and discover the great customer service for yourself!

Rosey Lea

Stock Florist Premier Travel

Café Nostimo

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

@StortfordBID

@DiscoverStortford

www.discoverstortford.co.uk axis magazine 19

…and breathe Studio Escape is a brand new, purposely designed calm space dedicated to progressive short courses of small group therapies.

Taster sessions are available in a range of disciplines.

Visit the website for details. bebroxbourne.co.uk or email hello@bebroxbourne.co.uk.

Laura Trott Leisure Centre 44 Windmill Lane, Cheshunt Waltham Cross EN8 9AJ 01992 623345

WHAT’S ON

THINGS TO DO, PLACES TO GO

It’s carnival time! Bishop’s Stortford and Ware prepare to celebrate

Scenes from previous carnivals in Bishop’s Stortford (first two images) and Ware (right). Crowds will be back on the streets for the first time in 2 years

BISHOP’S STORTFORD SATURDAY 18th JUNE After missing two years because of the pandemic, Bishop’s Stortford Carnival Parade and Fun Day will take place on Saturday 18th June.

The theme of the parade will, appropriately enough, be ‘Royal’ to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the parade will move off from South Mill Arts in South Road at 12.30pm. It will then proceed through South Street, Potter Street, Market Square, North Street and Northgate End, finishing at Link Road at around 1.20pm. The parade will be led

by London Fanfare Trumpets

playing British classics along the route. People are encouraged to come and line the route to support those taking part in the parade.

The carnival fun day takes place on Sworder’s Field (CM23 2EL) from 12noon to 5pm and will feature stalls, a bar and food from around the world. Arena display events will include the Lowestoft Dog Display Team and music and dance.

The Carnival Cruise is an array of decorated working and pleasure boats which can be seen moored along the river between the register office (CM23 2DL) and Station Road.

WARE SATURDAY 2nd JULY Also back after a two-year break is Ware Festival, which runs throughout July. First up is Carnival Day on Saturday 2nd July, which will have a theme of ‘100 Years of the BBC’.

There will be a spectacular parade of decorated boats along the river at 12.45pm and a traditional carnival parade through Amwell End and the High Street at 1.20pm, with music from The Unswung Heroes, 936 Squadron ATC Band and Ware Ukulele. The Town Fair then takes place in the grounds of Ware Priory at 2pm (early

access is from 12noon). There will be stalls, food, a bar and arena events featuring The Black Eagles, Impress Theatre School, Make Believe Ware and Rock Choir. Entry to the fair is by a £1 donation which will benefit the Ware Festival charities, Herts Mind Network and Ware Foodbank, and the Mayor’s charity, Always Bee You. On Sunday 3rd July the Ware 10s 10mile and 10k races take place, along with a free children’s race (places are limited – sign up at ware10s.co.uk). There will also be an afternoon brass band concert on the back lawn of the Priory with Ware Brass.

Studio Escape opens, offering a calm space for small groups

Following a surge in demand for holistic and strength and balance based therapies, BeBroxbourne, the new name for Broxbourne Council’s leisure services, has opened a brand new purpose-designed calm space dedicated specifically to small groups.

Studio Escape is set within the Laura Trott Leisure Centre in Windmill Lane, Cheshunt, yet is tucked away from the main hubbub of the centre itself.

Offering progressive short courses to the same small group each week allows the practitioner to give more

personal attention to each student and encourages students to progress together at the same pace.

Taster sessions are available in a range of disciplines and include beginner and improver Hatha, Vayusha, Yin and Pranayama yoga, beginner and improver Pilates as well as chair-based therapies, sound baths and meditation.

Membership of the centre is not required. For more information about using Studio Escape, email hello@ bebroxbourne.co.uk or visit bebroxbourne.co.uk.

Hertfordshire Festival of Music is on!

At last, the build-up is over and this year’s Hertfordshire Festival of Music is finally on! The high class classical music festival takes place in venues mainly in and around Hertford from Thursday 2nd to Saturday 11th June, as previewed in recent issues of Axis. Find out about principal artist Ben Goldscheider (pictured above) and the full schedule at hertsmusicfest.org.uk.

axis magazine 21

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NLINE OGRAMME O R P LL FU E TH ov.uk DOWNLOAD wncouncil.g www.wareto

FROM

WHAT’S ON IN JUNE

2nd

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WALK RIGHT BACK

Tuesday 7th June, 7.30pm The story of The Everly Brothers featuring an array of hits Tickets: £25.50

PSYCHIC SALLY

Wednesday 8th June, 7.30pm Sally Morgan is back on tour with a new show Tickets: £26

FORBIDDEN NIGHTS

Friday 10th June, 7.30pm World class circus acts, seductive choreography and a comedy twist!

Tickets: £25

BOX OFFICE – 01707 645005

WYLLYOTTS THEATRE, WYLLYOTTS PLACE, DARKES LANE, POTTERS BAR EN6 2HN www.wyllyottstheatre.co.uk

Summer nights @

An Evening of Mediumship with Tony Stockwell

The Sound of Springsteen

The Rod Stewart Story Thursday 14 July, 8pm

Compelling, amazingly detailed and always humorous Wednesday 20 July, 7.30pm

With a passion for the work of ‘The Boss’ Friday 29 July, 7.30pm

To book online, visit: www.thespotlightvenue.com Call the Box Office on: 01992 441946 The Spotlight, High Street, Hoddesdon, Herts, EN11 8BE 22 axis magazine

The Overtures “The Overtures are the world’s finest 60s tribute act!”

Elton John Saturday 3 September, 8pm

Why not hire the Spotlight for your event?

email: venuehire@thespotlightvenue.com

SP220595

Some Guys Have All the Luck

WHAT’S ON

A previous production held on the lawn at Hertford Castle

Whatever you do, just don’t pick up The Black Phone...

Open air summer theatre

This month’s top 5 new films

Open air theatre returns this month with shows at Hertford Castle and Knebworth House.

Hertford Castle Hertford Castle hosts two performances on the castle lawn on Saturday 25th June, both performed by Quantum Theatre.

The first show, at 2.30pm, will be a family-friendly performance of The Reluctant Dragon, an enchanting adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s story. It is a touching, sweet and funny tale of bravery and friendship.

The second show, at 7pm, will be Shakespeare’s classic A Midsummer Night’s Dream – the perfect production for a summer night in the open air.

Tickets are just £10 and should be bought in advance online at

hertford.gov.uk/events or from Hertford Town and Tourist Information Centre in The Wash (call 01992 584322). Gates will open half an hour before each performance – bring your own picnic chairs and food and drink if you wish, though food and drink stalls will also be open.

Top Gun Maverick (12A) Now showing Fresh from introducing Her Majesty at a Platinum Jubilee event, Tom Cruise returns as US Navy aviator Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell some 36 years after he first took our breath away in the original Top Gun movie.

Knebworth House The Three Inch Fools will perform Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night on the Sunken Lawn at Knebworth House on Wednesday 15th June. Five actors will give an inventive take on this riproaring comedy with musicmaking included! Take your own blankets, cushions and camping chairs – gates open at 6pm for a 7pm start. Visit knebworthhouse. com for ticket info and booking.

Jurassic World: Dominion (TBC) From Friday 10th June This epic conclusion to the Jurassic era sees two generations unite for the first time as Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard are joined by Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum and Sam Neill from the original Jurassic Park movie.

Dominion is set four years after the destruction of Isla Nublar and dinosaurs now live – and hunt – alongside humans all over the world. It’s hard to see that ending well.

The Luna Cinema returns The Luna Cinema returns to Knebworth House in July and these outdoor film shows are bound to be popular, so book up now!

Four films will be shown from Thursday 7th to Sunday 10th July. First up, appropriately enough, is Oasis at Knebworth

1996, on Thursday, followed by West Side Story on Friday 8th, Grease on Saturday 9th and Romeo and Juliet on Sunday 10th. Gates open at 7.45pm, 90 minutes before performance time at 9.15pm.

Tickets start from £17.50 – book at thelunacinema.com.

Lightyear (TBC) From Friday 17th June No, this is not all about a Prime Minister being light years away from telling the truth.

Instead, it is the definitive origin story of the toy-inspiring Buzz Lightyear and, therefore, far more believable. The legendary space ranger is marooned on a hostile planet 4.2 million light years from Earth, alongside his commander and their crew.

Bet they didn’t hold a party.

Elvis (12A) From Friday 24th June Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis stars Austin Butler as The King and explores his story through the prism of his complex relationship with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker. The story spans more than 20 years and also focuses on one of the other most significant and influential people in his life, his wife Priscilla. Elvis, Colonel Tom Parker and Priscilla Presley, now there’s An American Trilogy for you.

The Black Phone (TBC) From Friday 24th June If you are of a nervous disposition, look away now.

Shy 13-year-old Finney Shaw is abducted by a sadistic killer and trapped in a soundproof basement. When a disconnected phone on the wall begins to ring, Finney discovers he can hear the voices of the killer’s previous victims. Not for the faint-hearted.

Jazzing it up A Little Jazz Mass Bob Chilcott Six Jazz Motets

HC

S

Hertford Choral Society

Missa Brevis Don Gillthorpe

Saturday 25 June 2022

© radoma

7:30 All Saints’ Church, Hertford SG13 8AY TickeTS £16 reserved, £12 unreserved, £4 students under 25 Email: tickets@hertfordchoral.org.uk Phone: 07936 719498 Full details: www.hertfordchoral.org.uk

Registered Charity No. 276220

axis magazine 23

WHAT’S ON

Concerts, art and community events: your what’s on diary for June ART

CONCERTS

EVENTS Flower festival The Be Thankful flower festival will be held on Saturday 18th June at St Augustine’s Church, Churchfields, Broxbourne EN10 7AU from 11am to 4.30pm, and also on Sunday 19th from 2-4pm and through to Monday morning (20th). There will be stalls and refreshments too.

Ware Choral Society Ware Choral Society perform Mozart’s Mass in C Minor at Ware Drill Hall in Amwell End on Saturday 11th June at 7.30pm. Tickets are £12 on the door.

Hertford Choral Society Hertford Choral Society perform Jazzing It Up at All Saints’ Church in Hertford on Saturday 25th June at 7.30pm. Tickets are £16, £12 or £4 for students under 25, from hertfordchoral. org.uk.

Hertford Symphony Orchestra Hertford Symphony Orchestra will perform Wild Places, a concert for children at The Spotlight in High Street, Hoddesdon on Sunday 26th June at 2.30 and 4.15pm. Tickets £12 from thespotlightvenue.com.

Echoes of Moore at Gallery at Parndon Mill The Gallery at Parndon Mill is showing Colours, Curves and Textures, photographs by Lynne Blount and Sylvie Gummery taken over many months at Henry Moore Studios and Gardens. The exhibition shows until Sunday 19th June. Visit parndonmill.co.uk for more information.

Fun & games afternoon Young Life Hoddesdon will hold a Fun and Games Afternoon on Saturday 25th June from 3-5pm with cakes and drinks at Hoddesdon Baptist Church Hall (EN11 8HX). It includes an opportunity to find out more about Young Life’s work with young people locally. Tickets are £5 per person, or £15 for a family ticket, and these are available (together with more information) by email from hoddesdon@ylinternational.org.

RSPB group events SE Herts RSPB Group has several events lined up for June including a local walk on Tuesday 7th June exploring the countryside and wildlife around Wheathampstead starting at 9.30am. Meet in East Lane car park AL4 8BS. On Tuesday 28th June there is an evening talk, ‘The RSPB Saving Nature Scheme in Eastern and South West England’ at The United Reformed Church in Broxbourne, starting at 8pm.

New members are always most welcome.

Visit rspb.org.uk/groups/ southeasthertfordshire for more information about the group.

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. THE PARK AND GARDENS ARE OPEN TO VISITORS NOW. SPACE TO LIVE, WORK, MEET & RELAX

Explore the park & gardens

WWW.HATFIELDPARK.CO.UK

24 axis magazine

T:01707 287010

Indulge at the Stable Yard Shops & restaurant

E:VISITORS@HATFIELD-HOUSE.CO.UK

FOOD & DRINK

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL RESTAURANTS

Franco Manca – there’s nothing missing from this success story Franco Manca is the latest addition to Bishop’s Stortford’s restaurant scene – a Neopolitanstyle sourdough pizza restaurant that has opened its doors in North Street.

It’s the latest opening for a chain whose roots can be traced back to the 1980s when Franco’s was a single, tiny neighbourhood pizzeria and coffee bar in Brixton Market.

When its owner decided to retire in 2008, he asked his friend Giuseppe Mascoli if he would like to take it over. So Giuseppe and his friend and artisan baker Bridget Hugo set about running their first restaurant, renaming it Franco Manca (Italian for ‘Franco is missing’) in homage to its founder.

The pair built a special pizza oven at the restaurant and worked on a new slow-rising sourdough recipe for the dough and a simple menu that made use of high quality ingredients. The rest, as they say, is history…

Franco Manca’s popularity saw a second branch open in Chiswick, followed by others in London before expansion nationwide.

The group now has more than 60 branches around the country.

Each aims to retain the bustling, cosy feel of a neighbourhood restaurant with a seasonally changing and uncomplicated menu.

There’s a handful of starters that include olives and garlic breads in a number of styles; just eight sourdough pizzas (along with a couple of specials chalked up

Daniele Manduca (on the left, above) is managing Bishop’s Stortford’s new Franco Manca restaurant

on the board daily), salads and Neopolitan-style desserts, plus ice cream and sorbets.

Gluten-free and vegan options are available.

The quality of its food plus great pricing account for Franco Manca’s growing popularity.

Unlike rivals, the chain doesn’t go in for inflated prices combined with discounting, instead keeping prices consistently affordable.

Pizzas start at £5.95, a simple margherita is £7.95 and even the current special from chef Francesco Mazzei (which we can’t praise enough!) of British

mozzarella, Colston Bassett stilton, wilted spinach and roasted hazelnuts dressed with honey and nduja, is just £10.25.

It’s ideal for lunch – we watched the chef stretch the dough, add toppings and cook our pizzas (to perfection we might add!) in the pizza oven in under five minutes.

But if you’re not on a tight timescale, you can equally sit back, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy three courses and a glass of wine for less than £25.

The Bishop’s Stortford branch, managed by Daniele Manduca, can be found at 15 North Street

in the building formerly home to Bill’s.

It’s deceptively larger inside than it looks from outside and has a smart courtyard garden to the rear, making it perfect for any weather and occasion.

The restaurant is open seven days a week and takeaway is available along with delivery via Uber Eats and Deliveroo.

Franco Manca 15 North Street, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 2LD 01279 295376 francomanca.co.uk

Get your tickets now for Mac’s Beer and Music Festival on Saturday 18 June Hertford brewery McMullen is opening its gates again to host its fourth annual Beer and Music Festival on Saturday 18th June from 5-11pm.

The event, at the brewery in Old Cross, Hertford, will feature beer direct from the source with

contemporary beers from Rivertown Brewing alongside Mac’s heritage beers, plus food from Street Food Heroes.

The evening will be enlivened by music from Adam Fearne, Allergy, Conor Walker, Eponine, Trojan Horses, The SGs and

Real McKoys too.

Tickets are £12 and the event will be raising funds for The Halo Trust, a British mine clearance and bomb disposal charity currently working in Ukraine.

All proceeds will go direct to the charity via the Mac’s Hart Trust

which will top up funds with an extra £1 for every £10 raised.

Over-18s only. Tickets via Eventbrite.co.uk.

The event will be followed by a silent disco at The White Hart in Salisbury Square with Gini Styla and Luke Shasha. axis magazine 25

FOOD & DRINK

Ritchie’s wine notes

By Ritchie Tough of Cavavin

Tom Braggins will be playing at The Hand and Crown

The Hand and Crown launches live acoustic nights with VIP dining experience for the summer The Hand and Crown in Sawbridgeworth is launching a series of live acoustic music nights alongside what it describes as an exclusive VIP dining experience this summer.

On selected Thursday evenings from June to September, the pub’s outdoor pavilion will host live performances from local musician Tom Braggins.

Diners will arrive from 7pm for pre-dinner drinks before being taken to their table in the outdoor heated pavilion for a three-course dinner from the evening’s set menu.

Pub owner Darren Grover said: “We are delighted to bring these acoustic music nights to Hertfordshire. There is nothing quite like this around here and we know our customers are going to love them. Tom is an 26 axis magazine

incredibly talented musician and we cannot wait to have him perform live in our pavilion. Our team of chefs have been working hard to create a range of menus which offer a high-end dining experience for our guests to enjoy while soaking up the atmospheric evening entertainment.”

The dates are: 9th and 23rd June; 7th and 21st July; 11th and 18th August; 1st, 15th and 29th September.

Tickets are £44.95 per head including a three-course meal – drinks are extra and a deposit of £20 per head is required.

The Hand and Crown is at 17 High Wych Road, Sawbridgeworth CM21 0AY. Call 01279 725892 to book.

Menus for each night are available online now at thehandandcrown.co.uk.

Yum in a bottle – my choices for a perfect Father’s Day gift It’s Father’s Day on Sunday 19th June and I’d like to think I can help you out with some ideas for this often difficult-to-buyfor occasion.

With both wine and whisky your options are broad – perhaps too broad as there are so many choices you could make. So allow me to narrow things down for you a little.

With whisky, the main styles are light, peaty, smoky and single cask.

Most of the lighter styles can be found in the Lowlands and my personal favourite of these is the Glenkinchie 12-year-old at £40. This is a real winner due to its approachability and is amazingly smooth with expressive vanilla notes.

A real gem awaits you (or your dad) with this subtle, charming, Lowland single malt. This style of whisky is a safe bet if you are unsure exactly what the chap most enjoys.

The Highlands and west coast have the fullest flavours, with Islay producing some brilliant peaty whiskies, while the Speyside region offers a real crowd-pleasing style too.

If wine is more your thing, I feel the Rhone Valley offers some great gift ideas. The embossed glass makes these wines aesthetically pleasing, along with a hint of red berries in a full-bodied wine, while the whites tend to be more fruit-driven.

Frankly, it’s just yum in a bottle – and yes, that is a technical wine term!

Pictured below is Glenkinchie 12-year-old single malt, available now from Cavavin for £40

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

THE GEORGE IV Pub & Dining

KHAO YAI Thai

THE GOLDEN FLEECE Pub & Dining

Nestled in the picturesque village of Great Amwell, The George IV is the perfect spot for you to enjoy imaginative, freshly prepared dishes, including traditional pub classics, served in a friendly pub atmosphere or on the fully heated terrace area. The George IV can also be the perfect venue for your next event.

From intimate weddings, birthday parties and anniversaries to baby showers and corporate events, they’ve got it covered with their beautiful function room and variety of dining options.

Khao Yai is the new name for the Hoddesdonbased Thai restaurant formerly known as Omsin’s. Now under new ownership, Khao Yai offers a broad menu of your favourite Thai dishes alongside superb service. Now open seven days a week, Khao Yai also offers both takeaway (with a 10% discount for collection) and delivery through its own website as well as delivery apps. In addition to the welcoming ground floor there is a large first floor dining space with its own bar which can also be booked for events, parties and private dining.

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 also available.

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

18 Brocket Road, Hoddesdon EN11 8NZ 01992 445988 www.khao-yai.co.uk

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

THE BEEHIVE Country Pub

SAFFRON Indian

BAAN THITIYA Thai

This family-run country pub has reopened with a complete new look following a Lockdown renovation that included a major extension, creating new modern facilities which blend well with its historic character. The new look is already proving popular with regulars who enjoy a menu that is heavy on fresh fish and seafood but also includes grill dishes such as burgers and steaks as well as vegan and vegetarian options. It also offers a great Sunday lunch menu.The Beehive is open seven days a week – book now to experience its fresh new look!

The quality of the well-established and award-winning Indian restaurant Saffron in Hoddesdon has been widely recognised.

This stylish restaurant is a contemporary venue in which both traditional and unique Indian dishes can be enjoyed alongside superb service. It can cater for both large gatherings and more intimate dinners and also offers an outside catering service.

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

Baan Thitiya, Bishop’s Stortford’s premier Thai restaurant, is the perfect place for relaxed summer dining. Close to Bishop’s Stortford town centre, it has a beautiful garden and its own parking while, inside, the restaurant is decorated in a contemporary Thai style. The extensive menu features high quality food prepared by Thai chefs with an emphasis on fresh, healthy ingredients and authentic, natural flavours. It also has an excellent wine list. Baan Thitiya is open seven days for lunch and dinner.

A warm welcome and great service await you.

Epping Green, near Hertford SG13 8NB 01707 875959 www.beehiveeppingreen.co.uk

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

102 London Road, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3DS 01279 658575 www.baan-thitiya.com axis magazine 27

9-13 Parliament Square n Hertford n SG14 1EX

EXPECT MORE n FROM YOUR n ESTATE AGENT

Essendon, Hertfordshire. For Sale: £2,150,000 • Brand new contemporary house • Brandt designed modern kitchen built by Oakbridge and designed • 0.6 acre plot with direct views

by Griffin Homes over Essendon Golf Club • Four bedrooms, three bathrooms • Private gated driveway with detached • Three receptions double garage Call to arrange a viewing: 01992 721 321

01992 721 321 n www.thomas-childs.com