The independent, intelligent guide to everything that matters locally
April 2025
THE BIG STORY HAS THE SUN SET ON STUDIOS PLAN?
HEALTH & FITNESS WHY REFORMER PILATES HAS BECOME SO POPULAR WHAT’S ON CRACKING IDEAS FOR THE EASTER BREAK
CELEBRATE THE ARTS
CHECK OUT OUR GUIDE TO ARTS EVENTS THIS MONTH
EASTER DINING FROM SUNDAY LUNCHES TO AFTERNOON TEAS
05-15 y Briefing
Sunset Studios owners to explore other options for Broxbourne site
20-32 y What’s on
Places to visit, forthcoming events, the arts, films – and beer festivals
21-23 y What to do over Easter
Explore our three-page special and discover how to keep everyone busy
33-35 y Food & drink
Discover Easter treats from Sunday lunch to a luxurious afternoon tea
13 & 15 y FROM PARLIAMENT: Our MPs write exclusive columns for you 19 y HEALTH, BEAUTY & WELLBEING: Try Reformer Pilates at Akasha
Front cover images (clockwise from top) Works at Hertford Art Society’s Open exhibition by Diane Warburton and Anastasia Olarou (p31); Artist’s impression of the planned Sunset Studios development at Waltham Cross (p5); Stansted Airport, where passenger numbers are set to soar (p8); A Minecraft Movie out this month (p29); Easter egg characters at Hertfordshire Zoo (p20 & 21).
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.
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Plans by Hollywood’s Sunset Studios to expand into the UK with a new production facility at Waltham Cross look to have been dropped.
While the hoardings around the 91-acre site just off the A10 still currently proclaim the world class facilities set to come, the owners have informed Broxbourne Council that amid an ongoing pre-existing ‘pause’ in the project, they are exploring alternative uses for the site. The project website has disappeared and there are no obvious references to it on Sunset Studios’ website.
The project, first announced in August 2021, was tipped to bring 4,500 new permanent jobs and contribute £300million annually to the local economy and was welcomed by everyone from the then leader of Broxbourne Council (now local MP) Lewis Cocking, to then Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport at the time, Oliver Dowden, called the planned facility “yet another vote of confidence in the UK’s booming film and TV industry”.
In the US, Sunset Studios has hosted some of the biggest small and big screen hits including When Harry Met Sally and La La Land as well as numerous Academy Award-winning films.
When project was ‘paused’ However, after initial clearance work it became evident by 2023 that activity on site had ground to a halt and the joint venture partners behind the project, Blackstone and Hudson Pacific Properties, eventually confirmed that works had been ‘paused’.
At that time, high inflation across Europe, writers’ strikes in the US and concerns about how a rumoured planned redrafting of the rateable values for UK studios could vastly increase their business rates, were possible contributory factors.
And while just a stone’s throw along the A10 Google’s plans for its first UK data centre (another coup for the area), are rapidly progressing, there had been nothing to suggest a picking up of tools was imminent next door.
The post-pandemic demand for studio space looks to have abated, consumer demand is also lower and falling advertising revenues all continue to have an impact on the film and TV industry.
While they haven’t elaborated on the detailed thinking behind their decision, in a statement issued by Broxbourne Council on Monday
17th March Blackstone and Hudson Pacific are quoted as expressing disappointment that the project was “no longer feasible at this time given market conditions”.
Expressing gratitude for Broxbourne’s support towards the project to date they said: “We are determined to work with the council to secure the best possible alternative use for the site to support economic prosperity for the local community.”
Disappointment at Broxbourne
Broxbourne Council leader Cllr Mark Mills-Bishop, said: “I am
extremely disappointed to learn that the planned Sunset Studios facility will now not proceed. It is my understanding that the market conditions are currently not favourable for new film studios across the UK.
“The decision may well be taken out of my hands if a large unitary council replaces the Borough of Broxbourne as part of local government reorganisation, but I will do everything I can to ensure that future development on that site provides the best economic opportunities for the residents of Broxbourne.”
Voters across Hertfordshire will go to the polls on Thursday 1st May to elect a new Hertfordshire County Council.
The vote goes ahead despite an imminent reorganisation of local government, which is likely to see the county council abolished along with all 10 district and borough councils.
These councils currently have responsibility for different services, from education and social care at county level to bin collections and leisure at district, and the Government wants to replace them with single ‘unitary’ authorities so each area has one council with wider responsibilities.
With 78 councillors, the political make-up ahead of 1st May is:
Conservatives 42 Liberal Democrats 22
Labour 6
Independent 5
Green 1
Reform UK 1
Vacant seat 1.
Although the Tory majority appears large, it is actually only 42-36 over all other parties, and the Liberal Democrats in particular will be hoping to make major progress.
With the Green Party having secured control of town councils including Hertford and Ware, and being the largest single party on the joint Green-Lib Dem-controlled administration at East Herts Council, they will also be hoping to make a dent in the county’s blue wall. The county council was established in 1974 and has been held by the Conservatives since 1999.
In other political news, Reform UK has its first councillor on the county council and East Herts Council after Graham McAndrew quit the Conservatives, for whom he was elected, to join Nigel Farage’s party. Mr McAndrew represents Bishop’s Stortford Rural on the county council and Bishop’s Stortford Thorley Manor on East Herts.
Meanwhile, all 11 Hertfordshire councils, and the Police and Crime Commissioner, have agreed a joint submission to the Government about the future reorganisation. They had been asked to come up with interim plans by 21st March, and have suggested a range of options from one single council covering the county to options with two, three and four unitary authorities. The Government will now provide feedback to the councils which will help inform a final submission by 28th November this year, before ministers decide the way forward. The two unitary authorities sce-
nario would see the county council abolished and Broxbourne and East Herts join with North Herts, Stevenage and Welwyn Hatfield. Two possible options have been put forward were the county to be divided into three unitary authorities. The first of these would see Broxbourne and East Herts join with North Herts and Stevenage, while the second would see Broxbourne merge with Hertsmere and Three Rivers councils and East Herts combine with North Herts and Stevenage.
The four authorities option would see East Herts and Broxbourne combine.
It’s a facility that was built in the face of local opposition and one that motorists have yet to be convinced to make much use of –but East Herts Council’s Green and Liberal Democrat administration is trying hard to make Bishop’s Stortford’s Northgate End car park more attractive to motorists.
The car park was planned and built by the previous Conservative-run council as part of the wider Old River Lane redevelopment plans which will eventually see the former Causeway open air car park across the road developed with homes and shops.
But since opening nearly three years ago it has been largely shunned by motorists.
From this month a new parking strategy comes into force across the district which will see the all-day
tariff at car parks in the town rise to £7.80. Northgate End however will set motorists back just £4.20. In March a series of planned works also got underway to improve the user experience which included repainting the car park to brighten the space and improve visibility for users and the installation of new artworks (see picture above). Looking ahead there are plans to install automatic doors further improving accessibility for users.
Members of the public are expected to get the chance to see the latest plans for the Old River Lane development in Bishop’s Stortford as early as next month, with East Herts Council’s development partner Cityheart preparing for a public consultation on its scheme.
Current plans to redevelop the former Causeway car park and surrounding land close to Waitrose in the centre of Bishop’s Stortford go all the way back to 2017 and had originally centred around plans to make the area a cultural quarter for the town.
At the development’s heart was to be an arts centre building with 500-seat theatre, plus new homes and shops.
But after the cost of providing such a facility rose at a time of pressures on local authority budgets, East
Herts decided to pause the arts centre element, by then already potentially downgraded to a fivescreen cinema, until the money becomes available to progress it at a future date.
The relevant portion of the site has been set aside for future arts provision and in the meantime is likely to become a public square within the wider residential and commercial development, as envisaged in the illustration above.
Vets4Pets Hertford Inside Pets at Home Call: 01992 558 000 or visit: vets4pets.com/hertford
Stansted Airport is preparing to submit a planning application seeking permission to increase its annual passenger capacity to 51million.
The figure would be an increase of some 70% on current passenger levels which are around 30million per year, although the airport does already have planning permission for up to 43million, a figure it says it is on track to reach by 2032. Its intentions were presented in a consultation on a draft of its latest Sustainable Development Plan which ran until mid-March.
Once finalised, this plan would replace a previous version published in 2015 and lay out how the airport intends to manage and plan for its growth in the coming decades. A planning application is expected during 2025.
The airport says forecasting now shows that it could accommodate 48-51 million passengers a year by the early 2040s.
This would still use the airport’s single runway. And it would not require an increase in the number of flights that the airport is already
permitted to operate. Instead, the increased passenger numbers would be as a result of airlines “planning to use larger models of modern, efficient aircraft than previously forecast, enabling more people to fly on each plane”.
The airport already has planning consent, gained in 2023, for an extension to its passenger terminal which will see the departure lounge extended, new shops, bars and restaurants, larger security hall and more state-of-the-art check-in desks.
Any further development at the airport to increase its capacity to handle higher passenger numbers would be contained within the airport’s existing land boundaries. The SDP document also provides details on how the airport’s growth will be sustainable with a long-term aim that half of all passenger journeys to the airport will be by public transport, thus relieving pressure on local roads. There are planned contributions towards improvements to junction 8 of the M11 and for
Attempts to find a commercial partner to take on Sawbridgeworth’s Leventhorpe Pool and Gym have failed.
The facility on the site of Leventhorpe School in Cambridge Road closed on 21st December last year and, according to a joint statement from headteacher Malcolm White and East Herts Council’s Executive Member for Wellbeing, Cllr Sarah Hopewell, issued in March, it will not re-open.
The pool, along with Fanshawe Pool and Gym at Chauncy School in Ware, was managed by Everyone Active on behalf of East Herts Council and provided facilities for the school and the public to use. They received significant funding towards running and maintenance costs from the Government’s Edu-
cation Skills Funding Agency. But after the funding was withdrawn an announcement was made in October of last year that both facilities would have to close and, despite campaigns to save them, the doors shut before Christmas. Since then discussions have been ongoing with two parties that had shown an interest in Leventhorpe in the hope that it might reopen. But, according to the statement, neither found the site commercially viable for long-term operation. The latest conditions survey showed the building needs significant capital investment which neither the school nor East Herts has funding to support.
The pool had also been running at a loss, presenting further challenges for any potential operator.
local bus services. The airport plans to work with train operators to improve the Stansted Express and to power the airport infrastructure using 100% renewable energy.
Hertfordshire County Council has issued its formal response to the consultation. While saying that it recognises and welcomes the economic benefits and jobs that growth would bring, it has called for a delay in the publication of the final
The statement read: “Given these circumstances, we regret to inform you that the pool and gym will not reopen for community use.”
And it said the joint-use agreement between Leventhorpe and the council would now be terminated. In the short term the gym and changing room areas will be remodelled so that the school can make use of the space. In the longer term, and if funding is secured, the school could potentially repurpose the existing building or build a new facility, but this is likely to be some years away.
plan until it contains evidence and detailed proposals on how concerns including congestion, additional noise, any adverse impact on the environment, and managing access to and from the airport effectively, will be mitigated.
The airport says more than 2,800 people responded to its consultation with almost 2,000 backing the expansion plan. It says it will review and consider all responses.
Fanshawe: Keys returned East Herts Council says it has also returned the keys to Fanshawe Pool and Gym to Ware’s Chauncy School and is similarly terminating the joint use agreement for the facility.
Independently of this, the Friends of Fanshawe, a team of volunteers led by Ware Swimming Club, continue to battle to save the facility with a Crowdfunder campaign seeking to raise money towards the repair and reopening of the pool. Find out more at crowdfunder.co.uk (Save Fanshawe Pool and Gym).
STEVENAGE • 01438 316623
HITCHIN • 01462 438422
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WELWYN GARDEN CITY • 01707 390018
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HERTFORD • 01992 582052
WARE • 01920 468551
LETCHWORTH • 01462 684292
HODDESDON • 01992 471709
HARWOOD PARK • 01438 812515
HARPENDEN • 01582 762570
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The biggest changes to bin and waste collections in East Herts in a generation are about to be rolled out.
Residents will have new bins delivered over the next few months from late April, though the new collection system will not begin until Monday 4th August.
The changes will offer residents more recycling options and change the frequency of collections.
They are intended to enable the council to improve its recycling rates. East Herts currently recycles 44.4% of waste collected and it is aiming to increase that to 60%.
One of the main areas it is targeting is food waste, which currently accounts for around 15% of non-recycled waste.
The Government now requires councils to collect food waste separately, but this is a policy the Green-Lib Dem-controlled council is fully behind as well.
From 4th August, East Herts residents will have their food waste collected weekly with one other
bin being collected each week on a three-weekly cycle. Those who subscribe to the garden waste collection will also still have their brown-lidded bin collected every two weeks.
This will mean that households will now have at least four bins, as well as a 5-litre kitchen caddy to
keep their food waste in ahead of bin day.
These will include a 23-litre outdoor food waste bin; a blue-lidded bin for cardboard and paper; a black-lidded bin for mixed recycling (including plastic bags and wrapping); and a 180-litre purple-lidded bin for non-recyclable
waste. Garden waste collection subscribers will have their brown-lidded bin too.
Green Party councillor Tim Hoskin, Executive Member for Environmental Sustainability at East Herts Council, said he wants East Herts to become ‘a shining light for recycling’, adding: “This is a big and exciting change that will impact us all. I am really looking forward to the introduction of food waste recycling in East Herts and the positive effect this will have. The new service supports residents who want to recycle more as sadly, across the district, we currently throw away more than we recycle. This change will give us all the opportunity to reduce the waste not being recycled. It will also give food waste a second life – going on to generate electricity and provide fertiliser for crops, helping us all do more for the environment.”
l To look up what can and can’t be recycled visit eastherts.gov.uk/ recyclingAZ.
A new studio theatre – Stage 2 –opened at BEAM, the redeveloped Hertford Theatre in March.
It is a flexible space with 140 retractable seats that allow it to be customised for a wide range of events from performances and film screenings to workshops and community gatherings.
BEAM, which is owned and run by East Herts Council, opened in August last year despite the second stage not being ready to open. It was completed thanks to a £325,000 investment by Hertford Town Council.
East Herts Council says the opening of Stage 2 means it will be able to further elevate its programming, support emerging artists and provide an inclusive space for the local community to showcase their creativity.
HERTFORD THEATRE WEEK 2025 CANCELLED
The opening has come too late to save this year’s Hertford Theatre Week, which has been cancelled by
organisers Hertford Dramatic and Operatic Society, HDOS. The week-long drama festival has been a mainstay of the county town’s arts scene for 61 years and used to take place at BEAM’s previous incarnation, Hertford Theatre. During the theatre’s redevelopment it was instead held at Haileybury College’s smaller Ayckbourn Theatre but that is undergoing refurbishment works so was unavailable. HDOS are actively working to confirm a venue for next year, though the higher costs being quoted for BEAM are a potential obstacle to it returning there.
A new solar powered duck feed dispenser has been installed at Bishop’s Stortford’s Southern Country Park so visitors can feed wildlife with food that supports their diet while also raising funds for the park’s Friends group.
The machine has been provided and installed by The Feed Ducks Initiative which partners with councils to make duck feeding in their public spaces more sustainable.
The organisation installs the feeders, made from recycled plastics, and keeps them topped up with suitable feed such as healthy seed which is dispensed in small quantities when visitors make a £1 payment via a contactless card. The aim is to offer visitors an alternative to bread which is not good for ducks, of little nutritional value and can often fill them up (a bit like junk food), leading to malnutrition if they then don’t forage for foods that are good for them. Excess also leads to silt build-up in the water and can damage the local ecosystems.
The dispenser is strategically placed near the park’s popular balancing pond with 90% of the proceeds of sales going to The Feed Ducks Initiative and 10% to the Friends of Southern Country Park to help their initiatives.
East Herts Council’s Executive Member for Wellbeing, Green Party councillor Sarah Hopewell, said: “We are proud to launch this new, sustainable initiative at Southern Country Park. Not only does it provide a green way for visitors to enjoy feeding the ducks, but it also aligns with our waste-free and environmentally conscious practices.”
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All the advice you need to help you buy your first home with confidence
Buying your first home can be both thrilling and daunting. But if you follow these tips you can make the whole process more enjoyable and less stressful.
Get Your Finances in Order: Before you start house hunting, assess your financial health. Check your credit score, clear any outstanding debts, and save for a down payment. A strong financial foundation is key to a successful home purchase.
Budget Wisely: Determine what you can afford before looking at properties. Remember to account for additional costs like property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and possible homeowners association fees.
Secure Mortgage Pre-Approval: Getting preapproved for a mortgage gives you a clear idea of what you can borrow and shows sellers that you’re a serious buyer. It also helps narrow down your search to properties within your budget.
Understand Your Needs vs Wants: Make a list of what you need in a home versus what you want. While it’s good to have a wish list, being flexible and focusing on your needs will make the homebuying process more manageable.
Research Neighbourhoods: Investigate potential neighbourhoods. Consider factors like safety, schools, amenities, and commute times.
Remember, you’re not just buying a house; you’re buying into a community.
Take Your Time: Don’t rush into a decision. View multiple properties and revisit your top choices. This is a significant investment and patience is crucial.
Consider Future Resale Value: Think about the future resale value of the property. Look for homes with features that will be appealing to other buyers down the line.
Don’t Skip the Home Inspection: A professional home inspection can reveal hidden problems and save you from costly future repairs. Always include a home inspection contingency in your offer.
Seek Professional Guidance: Work with a reputable estate agent. Their experience and knowledge can be invaluable, especially for a first-time buyer. At Peter Cuffaro Estate Agents, we pride ourselves on guiding first-time buyers through every step of the process, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience. We even offer free workshops to help first-time buyers.
By following these tips, you can confidently navigate the home-buying process. Remember, buying your first home is a milestone, so enjoy the journey and look forward to making wonderful memories in your new home.
YOUR MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR BROXBOURNE WRITES FOR AXIS MAGAZINE EVERY MONTH
Children’s mental health is suffering because of social media but Parliament has missed a chance to tackle this
I often say that I would not like to be growing up as a teenager today, in an environment dominated by social media.
Children are spending more of their lives on social media at an ever-younger age. 12 to 15-yearolds spend on average 35 hours a week on their smartphones, and we know that poor mental health has spiked among young people in the last 15 years.
I therefore firmly believe that Parliament and the Government needs to transform the way it approaches these issues, so I was pleased to see that the Labour MP Josh MacAlister was intending to bring forward a Private Member’s Bill to enhance the protection of children online. It had been reported that this new law would ban smartphones in schools, and raise the age children could use social media sites without parental permission from 13 to 16. However, the Bill that ultimately came before Parliament last month did, disappointingly, lack these radical steps.
An opportunity missed?
Rather than make any changes to the current situation, the Bill merely sought to place a duty on the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology to publish a plan for research into the impact of the use of social media
within 12 months. I am simply not convinced that parents and children who are struggling now would be comforted by talk of establishing a research plan for as far away as the middle of 2026.
And I was concerned that the Bill referred more to consulting with unelected agencies and bureaucrats than Members of Parliament, in the event that the Government did come forward with proposals to restrict children’s use of social media.
A frustrating process
It is often the case that Private Member’s Bills fail because of a lack of support from the Government, and even though the proposed measures were watered down to get that support, in the end MPs were unable to vote on the Bill and the decision was deferred to this summer.
I understand how frustrating this sort of process is to members of the public.
I could see during the debate in the House that there was a consensus among MPs of all parties that action must be taken at speed, but even if the Bill had passed it would have just led to more meetings and academic research.
This is a crucial issue for our society, and I hope the Government does look at bringing in changes itself in the near future.
Join your local MP and more than 20 exhibitors
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Friday 4th April, 10am-2pm Halsey Hall, Cheshunt EN8 8NJ
YOUR MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR HERTFORD & STORTFORD WRITES FOR AXIS MAGAZINE EVERY MONTH
We must be honest about the broken welfare system we inherited and it is right that this Government fixes it
Last month, the Government published proposed welfare reforms in the Pathways to Work green paper, aimed at supporting more people into employment. While significant, these reforms are still far from becoming law.
I understand the anxiety around welfare changes after years of damaging Conservative rhetoric. To be clear: these announcements will not immediately change anyone’s benefits.
We must be honest about the broken welfare system inherited by this Government. It traps many sick and disabled people who want to work rather than offering them long-term support.
It is right that the Government fixes this broken system, ensuring fairness and dignity, with real opportunities for those who want to work while protecting those who cannot. I welcome the Secretary of State’s announcement of a £1bn investment into employment support. Key positives include:
l An above-inflation increase to the basic rate of Universal Credit, supporting those most in need;
l Ending repeated PIP reassessments for people unable to work, alongside an additional Universal Credit premium for life-long support;
l The ‘Right to Try’ – allowing
people to attempt work without fearing immediate reassessment if it doesn’t succeed.
I want to reassure you that I am closely examining what these proposals will mean for Hertford and Stortford residents.
I welcome that the Government will not means-test or freeze PIP, though I intend to ask questions of colleagues in Government regarding PIP assessments from 2026 and proposed eligibility criteria.
Paving the way for Skills England
In Parliament, I’ve had the opportunity to serve on the Bill Committee scrutinising legislation that will pave the way for Skills England – a new body addressing national skills gaps, supporting young people into meaningful employment, and boosting our economy. With youth unemployment high and many vacancies unfilled due to skills gaps, Skills England will help young people build confidence and secure the jobs our economy urgently needs.
In our community
In March, I met with representatives from Network Rail to hold them to account for continued delays to the Platform 1 lift at Hertford North, alongside Hertford’s county councillors. I have raised this issue in the House
of Commons and will shortly be meeting with the rail minister to discuss it. I will keep residents updated.
And finally, I wrote to Santander last month objecting to their decision to close their Hertford branch.
I am also seeking a meeting with Link to ask them to review their recent assessment of Hertford’s eligibility for a banking hub and I look forward to reporting back on the outcome of this meeting.
Meet Josh at his constituency surgeries
Saturday 12th April: Ware
Friday 25th April: Bishop’s Stortford
Please email josh.dean.mp@parliament.uk with your name, address including postcode and as much detail about your case as possible
Ware Priory’s contemporary function space, Fletcher’s Lea, has just undergone an impressive refurbishment, upgrading several key areas to make it even more attractive for hirers, including for wedding receptions.
Improvements include a redecoration of the bar area, softer furnishings in the main room and the installation of new modern toilets. A new patio area has also been
installed at the rear of the venue, providing great views of the River Lea.
Whether you are planning a wedding reception, a party, a corporate event, an awards dinner or any other special celebration, the new Fletcher’s Lea will be able to cater for your event in style.
To find out more, or to book a viewing, visit warepriory.co.uk or call 01920 460316.
A new florist shop has opened in Ware’s High Street, bringing a fresh vitality to the town centre.
Beau Floral has opened in the premises most recently home to tanning salon Glo by Glo.
Owned by Natalie O’Mahoney, the shop offers a wide variety of flowers and foliage, with free local delivery also available.
Natalie also supplies flowers for weddings, funerals, parties, hotels and corporate events and offers a floral styling service where she visits your home to advise on the best flowers to suit your property and how to present them.
She is planning to launch a flower school in the shop soon, enabling
you to take part in workshops and make a fresh bouquet, wreath or arrangement that you can take away with you afterwards.
In the shop you can also buy vases, diffusers, a range of home accessories and balloons.
Beau Floral is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and from 9am to 3pm on Sunday.
The best place to find out more online at present is through Natalie’s Instagram page (@beauflorallondon).
Beau Floral
77 High Street, Ware SG12 9AD 07359 844418 beaufloral.com
Akasha Wellness, which opened its third venue in Stapleford last autumn, is proof of the popularity of Reformer Pilates.
Loved by A-Listers and those in the know, it is a fitness workout that has multiple health benefits.
Pilates is a holistic exercise system designed to elongate, strengthen and restore the body to balance; so much more than just building a ‘strong core’ or ‘perfect posture’. Exercises involve the whole body and are performed on spring-assisted apparatus or a mat, sometimes utilising small equipment.
A low-impact Reformer class will build flexibility, core strength and stability, as well as shape and sculpt the body.
And it is far from another fitness fad. It’s a time-tested method that’s been used for decades to strengthen the body and boost flexibility. In fact, Joseph Pilates, the founder of the Pilates method, developed early versions of the Reformer by attaching straps and springs to hospital beds during World War One to rehabilitate soldiers.
Strengthen your body
Reformer Pilates strengthens the body from within. It focuses on the deep, intrinsic muscles, such as the pelvic floor and abdominals. Strengthening the body from within helps build stability, fabulous tone and great alignment.
It can help you recover from injury and can boost performance in other sports, such as running, golf and tennis.
Reshape your body
Like mat Pilates, Reformer engages and strengthens your core, waist and lower back muscles, helping improve posture and prevent injury. With springs and a sliding carriage to provide resistance and challenge, it delivers an innovative and highly effective full-body workout.
Slow and controlled
Reformer is a low-impact workout, and keeping things controlled is the secret to a better session. In Pilates you need to move slowly and focus on controlled, quality movements.
It won’t take long to see results Like anything, the more you put in, the more you get out, and once you see the results, you won’t look back. Using the Pilates Reformer bed accelerates the changes you want in your body and is the key to delivering Joseph Pilates’ promise of feeling better in 10 sessions, looking better in 20 and having a completely new body in 30.
Build the foundation
The beauty of the Reformer is that it’s suitable for all fitness levels, and every single exercise can be progressed and regressed to suit you. At Akasha the Reformer classes are small, with highly experienced and classically trained Pilates instructors to give you the attention you need.
About Akasha Wellness
Akasha Wellness was founded 10 years ago and is a leading wellness studio with three stunning venues
in Bishop’s Stortford, Ware and Stapleford, on the outskirts of Hertford. Its beautifully converted studios offer a uniquely inspiring space that is both energising and calming – one is in a thatched barn, one a cosy courtyard and the third on a quaint farm.
Akasha, with its team of highly qualified and experienced instruc-
tors who are traditionally trained in Pilates, offers classes to suit all levels of fitness and experience, as well as one-to-one sessions for those wanting a custom-designed workout based on your specific needs, injuries or goals. To find out more or to book a class visit akashawellness.co.uk or give the studio a call on 01279 757633.
O p in g E a s t e r 2 02 5
Here’s our three page guide to the best places to visit, events and activities taking place this Easter. We’ve done the hard work, so all you have to do now is hop to it and have some fun!
Knebworth House is now open for the 2025 season with a packed programme of events and activities across the estate.
The house, gardens and park will be open daily for the spring school break from 5th to 21st April offering a fantastic day out for all the family. Running over the Easter bank holiday weekend from Friday 18th to Monday 21st April is Easter Quest, a fun-filled interactive hunt for the whole family. Entry is £3 in addition to your admission ticket. Embark on a seasonal quest through the gardens to find
hidden eggs, solve riddles and complete exciting challenges –when you’ve completed the quest return your Quest Trail Sheet to the gift shop in return for an Easter prize!
Knebworth SG1 2AX knebworthhouse.com
Easter at Hertfordshire Zoo is set to be roaringly exciting with the opening of a new habitat, Lions of India!
It has been created for two incredibly rare Asiatic lions, Sonika and Sahee, who are arriving in Hertfordshire from The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, a world-renowned facility dedicated to the conservation of wild cats. Unlike their African cousins, Asiatic lions thrive in environments that feature a blend of woodland, scrubland and rocky outcrops and the new Lions of India habitat at the zoo has been meticu-
lously crafted to reflect this. With only 700 of these incredible animals left in the wild their arrival at the zoo offers visitors an extraordinary opportunity to witness them close up and learn more about their conservation. The zoo is also holding a number of special events over Easter, including a meet and greet with the stars of TV’s One Zoo Three, the Whitnall brothers, on Wednesday 9th April at 1.45pm. Peter Rabbit will be appearing on Sundays 13th and 20th and you can hunt for giant Easter eggs too!
White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne EN10 7QA hertfordshirezoo.com
HENRY MOORE STUDIOS & GARDENS
From 16th April
Henry Moore Studios and Gardens at Perry Green re-opens on Wednesday 16th April with Encounter, a programme of events planned across the 2025 season celebrating the inspiring and transformative encounters between the sculptor and the people, objects and ideas in his orbit during his active career and beyond.
Moore’s home and the surrounding land where a large selection of his sculptures are displayed in the landscape in which they were created, will be open from Wednesday to Sunday and bank holidays until 2nd November. This season also sees an expanded offering of family activities with free activity packs and sheets for children and hands-on activities for children and their adults taking place daily.
Easter holiday activities include:
l Thursday 17th April: Take a Sculpture for a Stroll with artist Natalie Zervou.
Create your own sculpture on wheels before taking it for a walk inside and out and seeing how sculpture can transform the way we experience our surroundings.
l Friday 18th to Monday 21st April: The Great Easter Flint Hunt.
Swap the usual chocolate hunt for an adventure inspired by Henry Moore himself, searching the grounds for flint, the natural material that inspired many of his works. An activity trail sheet will help you discover the best spots.
l Friday 18th April to Monday 21st April: Botanical Blueprints. Discover the magic of cyanotype printing, a sun-powered alternative to photography. Explore the grounds to collect interesting
From 12th April
Pets’ Corner in Harlow’s Town Park is a small urban farm with a selection of animals that include sheep, goats, horses, alpaca, pigs and meercats. It’s open daily from 11am to 4pm. Easter activities will include a chance to Meet the Lambs on Saturday 12th, Monday 14th, Thursday 17th and Sunday 20th April. There will be an Easter egg hunt every day between Monday 7th and Sunday 20th April and
natural shapes and objects then use them to design your own Moore-inspired cardboard form. Leave to bask in the sunlight and let nature do the rest.
All activities are included in your admission ticket which gives you unlimited entry for 12 months. Adult £19.50, child £9, family from £32.
Perry Green, Much Hadham SG10 6EE henry-moore.org
Easter Crafts on Monday 7th, Thursday 10th, Sunday 13th and Saturday 19th April.
The Easter Bunny will be at Pets’ Corner on 8th, 9th, 11th, 14th and 16th April while there will be Keeper Talks every day in the school holidays at 12.30pm. While entry to Pets’ Corner is free there will be a small fee to take part in some activities. Keep an eye on the Facebook page (Pets’ Corner Harlow) or call 01279 422790 for more details.
Town Park, Harlow CM20 2QG
Sunday 13th April
The volunteer-run Gardens of Easton Lodge close to Great Dunmow are open on Thursdays from 3rd April and host a Sunday open day once a month. The first Sunday Open Day of the season falls just before Easter, from 11am to 5pm on Sunday 13th April. There will be an egg trail and craft activities, along with the chance to climb the treehouse for children, the oppor-
tunity to explore the gardens full of blossom and spring flowers including tulips and bluebells, and enjoy rolls, homemade cakes and hot and cold drinks.
Adult entry is £6 in advance, £7 on the gate. Children under 16 free. Dogs on leads welcome. Please note: to reach the entrance to the gardens use Park Road rather than the postcode in sat navs.
Park Road, Little Easton CM6 2BB eastonlodge.co.uk
Cammas Hall Farm at Hatfield Broad Oak hosts an Easter trail from Tuesday to Sunday between Saturday 5th and Sunday 20th April. Explore the farm and the bluebell wood, tracking down the hidden eggs and cracking seasonal clues along the way. You might even bump into the Easter Bunny who will be hopping about with sweet treats. The trail takes 30-40 minutes to complete with a prize at the end for participating children. Tickets are £7.50 for children, £3.95 for adults, free for babies under 12 months.
Cammas Hall Farm, Needham Green, Hatfield Broad Oak CM22 7JT cammashall.co.uk
Children’s entertainer Joe Banana hosts an Easter egg trail and private party for children aged 4 to 12 at the Lee Valley White Water Centre in Waltham Cross on Friday 18th April. There are two sessions, at 11am to 1pm and 1.30pm to 3.30pm featuring egg trail, music, games and surprises along with a special guest appearance from the Easter Bunny.
Child ticket £16.96, accompanying adults £6.13 (including booking fees).
To book visit better.org.uk, click on locations under the leisure tab and search Lee Valley White Water Centre.
Station Road, Waltham Cross EN9 1AB
HERTFORD TOWN CENTRE FAMILY EASTER TRAIL
Families are invited to take part in a free town centre Easter trail being organised by Hertford Town Council and featuring themed knitted characters crafted by the Secret Society of Hertford Crafters. The event runs from Saturday 5th April to Saturday 26th April. Pick up a trail map from the Town and Tourist Information Centre in The Wash before looking for characters on the theme of British Greats Past and Present hiding in shops and shop windows across the town. Return your completed map to the T&TIC for the chance to win a gift voucher. You can also download a map at hertford.gov.uk.
Hertford Museum will be hosting children’s craft sessions during the Easter holidays. Sessions take place daily between 10am and 1pm from Tuesday 8th to Thursday 10th April and then from Tuesday 15th to Thursday 17th April, with different crafts available each week. The cost is £4 per child with free places available for children of low income families – contact the museum for more information. No need to book, just drop in. 18 Bull Plain, Hertford SG14 1DT hertfordmuseum.org
EASTER FUN DAY AT WARE PRIORY
Ware Priory hosts a free Easter Fun Day between 1.30pm and 3.15pm on Saturday 19th April where under-8s can take part in an Easter egg hunt in the gardens. There’s also an Easter egg decorating competition which will be judged by the Mayor of Ware at 3.30pm with prizes up for grabs. Ware Priory, High Street, Ware SG12 9AL waretowncouncil.gov.uk/events
EASTER FAYRE WALTHAM CROSS TOWN CENTRE Waltham Cross Town Centre
The Wizard of Oz is running at Harlow Playhouse from Friday 4th to Thursday 10th April. One of the greatest stories ever told, the classic tale features all your favourite characters including Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion and the Wicked Witch of the West. Tickets from £14 to £20 online at harlowplayhouse.co.uk or from 01279 431945. Meanwhile, Goldilocks starring the Three Bears is running at
The Spotlight in Hoddesdon from 14th-19th April, while Hertfordshire Studios, in Brewery Road, Hoddesdon, will host Aladdin on 12th, 13th, 18th, 19th and 21st April (visit hertfordshirestudios.com to book).
hosts an Easter Fayre on Thursday 17th April organised by the Borough of Broxbourne under the banner of Love Waltham Cross.
Running from 10am to 5pm activities include an Easter trail, Easter egg hunt, three showings of the pantomime Aladdin, live music and stalls. broxbourne.gov.uk
FAMILY ACTIVITIES AT HARLOW’S GIBBERD GARDEN Harlow’s Gibberd Garden is open from 2pm to 6pm on Easter Sunday and Monday, with family activities including an Easter trail and facepainting (additional charges apply) on the Monday. The Café in the Barn will also be open offering tea, coffee, cakes and ice cream. Adult entry £6, concessions £5, children 5-16 £1, under 5s free.
Marsh Lane, Harlow CM17 0NA thegibberdgarden.co.uk
10am - 5pm Waltham
Cross Town Centre
Tiptoe through the tulips (and take a selfie or two while you’re there...)
Tulleys Tulip Fields, a new attraction bringing a taste of Holland’s famous tulip fields to Hertfordshire, is due to open on Saturday 5th April. It follow the success of a similar venture in West Sussex last spring by the organisers, Tulleys Farm. Located on land next to Willows Activity Farm at London Colney near St Albans, the fields promise a riot of colour with 500,000 tulips planted in more than 100 varieties.
These have been carefully select-
ed to ensure that, with a mix of early through to late blooming varieties, the landscape will be a vibrant tapestry of blooms whether you visit at the start of the season in April or later in the season in May. Seasonal flower fields have become hugely popular in this age of selfies, Instagram and influencers – and the tulip fields feature no less than 15 dedicated spots for getting the perfect shot. There’s even a Dutch-style windmill set amid the flowers.
Live acoustic musicians will add to the atmosphere, there’s Dutch street food on offer and the Tulip Coffee House will offer a range of hot and cold drinks. This is not a pick your own flower farm but hand-tied fresh tulip bouquets along with bulbs, vases and seeds will be on sale in the onsite Tulip Boutique. The address is Coursers Road, St Albans AL4 0PF.
Tickets are on sale now for April dates.
tulipfields.co.uk
Hoddesdon’s annual Spring Fayre and Heritage Day takes place in Hoddesdon town centre on Saturday 12th April. This annual curtain-raiser to the spring season of events in the town is organised by Broxbourne Council with the support of Love Hoddesdon BID. It runs from 10am to 5pm and
attractions will include children’s rides, market stalls, live entertainment and street performances. Among additional entertainment arranged by Love Hoddesdon are the chance to take a free vintage bus tour locally during the day and to take part in heritage walks to bring the town’s history to life. lovehoddesdon.co.uk
A Spring Craft Fair is being held at Mudlarks Café at 32 Fore Street, Hertford on Sunday 6th April from 11am to 4pm. You can meet local artists and artisan crafters, makers of handmade jewellery, ceramics, glass, textiles and spring crafts at this free, family-friendly event.
Ware’s The Bricks is the annual Hertfordshire Lego fan festival and attracts Lego enthusiasts from all around the area and beyond. Held at Ware Priory over the weekend of Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th April, it features Lego displays, activities and workshops as well as traders selling old and new Lego. Tickets are on sale at ticketsource.co.uk/ wares-the-bricks and cost £7 for adults and £4.50 for children.
The Half Moon in North Street, Bishop’s Stortford hosts two under-18s raves during the Easter holidays, on Thursdays 10th and 17th April from 6-10pm. Featuring a live DJ, the events are suitable for 13-17-year-olds. The pub will be closed to regular trade and no alcohol will be on sale. Tickets priced at £15 are available in advance from the bar.
A silent disco is being held for children in Fletcher’s Lea at Ware Priory on Thursday 10th April from 12noon to 4pm. Book a free 45-minute slot at ticketsource.co.uk/waretowncouncil or scan the QR code on Ware Town Council’s advert on page 26.
Living Crafts returns to the grounds of Hatfield Park for four days from Thursday 8th to Sunday 11th May. Now in its 51st year, the festival features hundreds of artisans from across the UK. It offers an unrivalled shopping experience, with the opportunity to buy direct from the makers of contemporary arts and crafts including ceramics, wood, metal, jewellery, textiles, furniture and original art, as well as demonstrations, workshops and entertainment.
Living Crafts is open each day from 10am to 5pm and advance savings on tickets are now available online. Entry includes access to the gardens and parkland surrounding Hatfield House and daily tickets cost £12 in advance, £14 on the day. Four-day passes
Hertfordshire Garden Show takes place over the May bank holiday, Saturday 3rd to Monday 5th May at Knebworth House. The show’s exhibitors will be providing plenty of gardening inspiration for the months ahead and selling a wide variety of goods including plants and flowers, garden furniture, water features, hot tubs, tools, sculptures and more. The garden show opens from 9.30am with last admission at 4pm. Tickets, which include access to either the house, gardens and park, or the gardens and park, are available online from £14. knebworthhouse.com
SAWBO MAY FAYRE
Sawbridgeworth’s annual May Fayre will be held on Sunday 4th May at Fair Green and in various
entertainment for all the family. Attractions include traditional fair favourites such as hoopla and hook-a-duck, funfair rides, tombola, craft stalls, donkey rides, food and drink stalls and a live music stage. The events begin at 12noon with the official opening at Fair Green. The memorial hall will host a car show from 12-4pm, there will be pickleball taster sessions at the tennis club and a teddy zip line at St Mary’s Church. The fayre closes at 4pm. sawbridgeworth.wixsite.com
URC MAY MARKET
A May Market is being held at the United Reformed Church in Mill Lane, Broxbourne on bank holiday Monday 5th May, from 1.30-4.30pm.
Attractions include cream teas, mini garden centre plants, craft stalls, home produce, toys and dinosaur fossils! Free entry, all
Thursday 10th April 12pm-4pm
Book your 45 minute slot now!
Saturday 19th April 1:30pm-3:15pm
No need to book
Choose your adventure at gowhitewater.co.uk at Lee Valley White Water Centre
Whether you’re seeking white water thrills or fun lake activities, discover experiences like rafting, Hydrospeeding, Hot Dog Kayaking and much more.
A Minecraft Movie (PG)
Out on 4th April
Fantasy adventure comedy based on the 2011 video game, Minecraft. In it, four misfits find themselves struggling with ordinary problems when they are suddenly pulled through a mysterious portal into the Overworld, a bizarre, cubic wonderland that thrives on imagination. To get back home they will have to master this new world while embarking on a magical quest.
Death of a Unicorn (12A)
Out on 4th April
Comedy horror in which Elliot Kintner and his teenage daughter Ridley accidentally hit and kill a unicorn while driving to a crisis summit with Elliott’s boss, Odell Leopold, and his family. Leopold runs a huge pharmaceutical business and he quickly seizes the unicorn which his scientists discover has supernaturally cura-
tive properties which they seek to exploit. However, the unicorn’s parents arrive and start to take revenge on all those involved…
Mr Burton (12A)
Out on 4th April
Drama charting the relationship between a Port Talbot schoolteacher, Philip Burton, and a wild young schoolboy called Richie Jenkins, the son of a boozy miner. Richie dreamed of becoming an actor and Philip recognised and nurtured his raw talent and became his adoptive father. The film shows how Richie Jenkins became Richard Burton, the greatest film star Wales has ever produced and who later said of Philip Burton: ‘I owe him everything.’ Lesley Manville and Toby Jones star.
The King of Kings (PG) Out on 11th April
Out in time for Easter, this
animation tells the story of Jesus as told by Charles Dickens and seen through the innocent eyes of a child. The high class voice cast features Oscar Isaac (Jesus Christ), Pierce Brosnan (Pontius Pilate), Uma Thurman (Catherine Dickens), Kenneth Branagh (Charles Dickens), Mark Hamill (King Herod) and Ben Kingsley (High Priest Caiaphas).
The Farmer and the Clown A delight for the whole family Sunday 6 April, 11.30am
The Very Best of Tommy Cooper (Matinee show)
Just Like that! Recaptures the mayhem of one of Britain’s best loved entertainers! Wednesday 30 April, 2.30pm
The Penguin Lessons (12A) Out on 18th April
Starring Oscar nominee Steve Coogan, this is a poignant drama following an Englishman’s personal and political awakening after he adopts a penguin during a cataclysmic period in Argentine history. Jonathan Pryce co-stars in the film based on the book by Tom Michell.
The Kilkennys Traditional Irish folk and ballad band! Sunday 20 April, 7.30pm
The Manfreds Featuring 2 original members of Manfred Mann! Thursday 1 May, 7.30pm
Illusion Impossible Breath taking magic and illusions for all ages! Sunday 27 April, 7.30pm
Thank Abba for the Music Expect all the iconic hits! Friday 16 May, 7.30pm
LDN Wrestling
at the Spotlight Theatre, Hoddesdon
Wed-Fri at 7:30pm Sat 3pm and 7.30pm
Tickets £17.50 and £19.50 Family of 4 £60 and £64 Box Office 01992 441946
Two hours of rip-roaring fun in the wrestling ring for all the family
Wednesday 9th April 7pm: Tickets from £15 Country Roads Friday 25th April 7.30pm: £31
Come and celebrate the Kings and Queens of Country Music
The Cheesy Bingo Party
Saturday 26th April 7.30pm: £16.50
Dance, Sing, Bingo, Party – the craziest bingo game you’ve ever played! Ages 18+
Wyllyotts Box Office: 01707 645005
Wyllyotts Theatre, Wyllyotts Place, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar EN6 2HZ wyllyottstheatre.co.uk
Millfield Theatre is a 360 seat proscenium style theatre boasting an air conditioned auditorium, large Bar, disabled access and technical facilities. The venue has a fully trained and friendly professional staff in all areas of theatre production and management including Front of House, Box Office and Technical production.
Sitting within lovely parkland, Millfield Arts Centre features the 360 seat proscenium style Millfield Theatre, and the beautiful Grade II* listed Georgian Millfield House featuring 7 rooms available to hire.
Millfield House is a Grade II* listed Georgian Villa in the Classical Style offering a number of flexible spaces capable of meeting a wide range of needs at very competitive prices. Whether it is a business meeting, training, a dance class or weekly group hire
Address: Millfield Arts Centre Silver Street, Edmonton, N18 1PJ Phone: 020 8807 6680 www.millfieldtheatre.co.uk
Millfield Theatre is regularly hired for the presentation of Concerts, Theatre Shows, Conferences, Award Ceremonies and Dance School Productions.
Whether it is a business meeting, training,
Millfield House can offer space and facilities to suit your needs, all located within a beautiful setting.
We offer a wide range of audio visual, performance and conferencing equipment. We are also able to offer catering options dependent on the nature of your booking.
For decades it has been one of the artistic highlights of Hertford’s annual art calendar and this year’s 72nd Open exhibition by Hertford Art Society will be no exception. More than 300 works of art will be shown at Cowbridge Halls in Cowbridge, Hertford SG14 1PG from Saturdays 3rd to 10th May. The exhibition will be open daily from 10am to 8pm, apart from Sunday, when it will be open from 10am to 5pm.
One of the most prestigious Opens in the south-east, the exhibition features works by both professionals and talented amateur artists.
For more details about both the exhibition and the work of the society, including how to join, visit hertfordartsociety.co.uk.
The Observer, by Dereck Carey
HArtsFest is a free family event to celebrate art and literature in Hertford in the grounds of Hertford Castle on Saturday 12th April from 12noon to 4pm. Organised by Hertford Town Council, the event features art, literature and craft stalls as well as themed activities on the main lawn hosted by The Wonder Den and Hertford Library. Representatives from Hertford Art Society
will also be taking part. In collaboration with Herts Book Fest there will be a free programme of author-led craft and writing workshops inside the castle and a book exchange (bring a book, take a book). There will also be live music and entertainment from local musicians and dance groups and a yoga session for children by Boxmoor Yoga.
Made In Dagenham The Musical is the latest production from the ever-popular Broxbourne Theatre Company, and tickets are now on sale for its four-night run at The Spotlight in Hoddesdon from Wednesday 7th to Saturday 10th May.
When women workers are discriminated against by their male co-workers at the Ford Motor Company in Dagenham, sewing machinist Rita O’Grady takes it upon herself to organise a strike, demanding better work-
ing conditions and equal pay – a crusade that puts her job, family and marriage on the line.
Tickets are £17.50 and £19.50 (family of four £60 and £64).
Curtain up is 7.30pm each evening with an additional matinée performance on the Saturday at 3pm.
Call 01992 441946 for tickets or visit broxbournetheatrecompany.co.uk for further information.
See pop-up art galleries across Hertford during annual art trail
This year’s Hertford Art Trail runs from Saturday 5th to Saturday 26th April and features a series of pop-up exhibition spaces across Hertford – from retailers to bars and cafés; beauty salons to gift shops. Each of the venues will display work by a local artist, giving visitors the opportunity to support, appreciate (and buy!) great local art.
The event is organised by gallery and workshop space Courtyard Arts, which also holds its annual Open exhibition from Saturday 5th April to 3rd May.
For details of this and participating trail artists and venues visit courtyardarts.org.uk.
The Old Cross Tavern in Hertford is holding an Easter Weekend Cask Ale Beer Festival from midday on Thursday 17th April until closing time on Easter Monday.
12 beers will be served direct from the barrels in the courtyard of the pub in St Andrew Street with eight handpumps inside, with different beers from around the UK, from well-known brewers to a few surprises. There will also be a small offering
of traditional cider as well as bar snacks and pork pies throughout the festival.
This is the first beer festival of this year at the pub, and follows two successful festivals last year. Landlord James Ashbourne says he intends this to be the first of four during 2025.
Each day the beer festival will be on from 12noon.
The Old Cross Tavern is at 8 St Andrew Street, Hertford SG14 1JA.
Tickets are on sale for a Spring Beer Festival at Cammas Hall Farm at Hatfield Broad Oak taking place over the first bank holiday weekend in May.
The event runs from Saturday 3rd to Monday 5th May with the Cammas Hall Bar open serving a selection of beers direct from the cask as well as cocktails, local cider, wine and Pimm’s along with a variety of soft drinks. There’s also a programme of live music.
The barbecue and pizza oven will be fired up from 11.30am daily while the farm shop will be open offering local produce, toys and gifts, plants, jam and honey. Pre-booking is essential at a cost of £5.95 per adult. Under-16s go free but a free ticket must be booked in advance.
Cammas Hall Farm is at Needham Green, Hatfield Broad Oak CM22 7JT
Visit cammashall.co.uk for more information.
The former Zebra Riding Club restaurant on the Theobalds Park Estate in Cheshunt has been re-opened along with 31 guest rooms as The Ridings Restaurant and Rooms by new owners Surya Hotels.
Surya acquired the estate that includes the landmark grade 2 listed house and 55 acres of grounds in January. It had previously been operated as hotel and members club Birch which closed in late 2023. The Zebra Riding Club, so named after former Theobalds resident Lady Valerie Meux’s love of riding through London in a carriage drawn by two zebra,
had been one of the highlights of Birch.
The new owners are believed to be refurbishing the mansion house building but the restaurant and tranche of guest rooms in the former stables re-opened at the beginning of March.
Find more details along with the menu online at suryahotels.co.uk.
Great Hallingbury Manor opens its doors again too l March also saw the re-opening of another hotel in the Surya Hotels portfolio, Great Hallingbury Manor near Bishop’s Stortford, after extensive refurbishment works.
Fanhams Hall in Ware hosts an Easter Sunday carvery lunch on Sunday 20th April.
You can enjoy a three-course lunch for £45 per adult, £22.50 for children under 10 and £15 for under-4s from 12.30pm to 2.30pm. The venue will also host a fun Easter egg hunt for youngsters. Fanhams Hall is a charming Jacobean mansion with stunning grounds that make it the perfect setting for an Easter Sunday treat.
exclusive.co.uk/fanhamshall
The Manor of Groves hotel at High Wych hosts an Easter Carvery Lunch from 12.30pm to 2.30pm on Easter Sunday. Enjoy starter, main from the carvery with all the trimmings or a vegan or vegetarian option, plus choice of dessert and tea or coffee for £39.95 per adult and £20 for children 12 and under (under-2s free). There will also be an Easter egg hunt for children. manor of groves.com
Down Hall hotel in Hatfield
Heath is hosting an Easter Sunday Feast.
Enjoy a limitless buffet spread of seafood platters, lobster mac and cheese, patés, chutneys, salads and desserts alongside a Sunday roast carvery with all the trimmings.
There will also be an Easter egg hunt in the grounds for children. £55 per adult, £27.50 12 years and under, under twos free. downhall.co.uk
Auberge du Lac at Brocket Hall near Welwyn’s Easter Sunday lunch on 20th April features three courses for £65 and has a choice of five dishes per course. A children’s menu is also available for £25.
There are sittings every half hour from 12noon to 2.30pm and tables in this former hunting lodge on the Brocket Hall estate enjoy lovely views over Broadwater Lake. brocket-hall.co.uk
Or if you fancy a luxurious afternoon tea, try these two...
Fanhams Hall in Ware is offering traditional afternoon teas daily from 12.30pm to 4pm between Monday 7th and Monday 21st April in the run-up to and over Easter. exclusive.co.uk/fanhamshall
And Down Hall Hotel at Hatfield Heath is hosting Easter-themed afternoon teas from Monday 7th to Monday 21st April. downhall.co.uk Booking is advised for both.
The former Snug Bar on the corner of High Street and New Road in Ware has been acquired by pub company Stonegate Group, and after a month-long closure in February, has re-opened as one of its stable of Craft Union sites. As well as a return to its original name of The Bell, the pub, which re-opened at the beginning of March, also returns to being a drinks-led venue after a number of years as The Snug and before that, The Vine, both of which also offered food.
The Bell offers a wide selection of beers, ciders and wine, all at some of the most competitive price points in the area, as well as no and low alcohol drinks.
The closure period saw significant investment in the grade 2 listed building. The exterior of the pub boasts a striking blue and cream colour scheme designed
to give it a new welcoming and vibrant appearance.
Inside, extensive renovations have seen an advanced new lighting system and state of the art audio visual system installed.
The bar counter has been reduced in size to increase capacity and new furnishings including tables, comfy chairs and curtains make for a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Football fans are catered for with Sky Sports and TNT Sports showing all the big matches. The venue also has Sky Q meaning it will also broadcast football matches from multiple leagues for fans who want their EFL fix.
There’s also a new professional standard dart board for guests looking to discover their inner Luke Littler.
Regional manager of The Bell
Nolaki is a high quality Turkish restaurant that has taken over the former Cock pub in Stansted Mountfitchet and transformed it into a stunning contemporary restaurant. It is the sister restaurant to Veyso’s in Hertford, and the elegance of its interior and the inventiveness of its food are already earning it a real reputation. Open seven days a week from 12noon until late, Nolaki offers a lunch and dinner menu, together with fabulous wines and stunning cocktails. The restaurant is also available for private hire.
30 Silver Street, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8HD 01279 812864 nolaki.co.uk
Josh Fox said: “We are beyond thrilled to reopen our doors and welcome both new and returning guests to The Bell.
“We believe this investment has enhanced our position as the best place to watch sports in the area while our offering of late-night entertainment and strong events schedule consistently provides our guests with fantastic reasons to
The award-winning Veyso’s has long been one of Hertford’s most talked-about restaurants. Its chefs use the finest ingredients and traditional skills to produce innovative signature dishes and desirable cocktails in a bold and stunning environment. Behind the doors of Veyso’s lies an interior as well crafted as the food, with hand-carved wall art, mother of pearl-embedded wall beams – and the iconic Veyso’s staircase that leads to the basement. Open 7 days a week, Veyso’s has a menu for every occasion, from a light lunch to a great celebration.
97-101 Fore Street, Hertford SG14 1AS 01992 550055 veysos.co.uk
visit our pub.”
The weekly events schedule includes free pool on Mondays, Killer Darts on Tuesdays, a quiz night on Wednesdays and games night on Thursdays. On Friday and Saturdays, the pub is open until 1am with a local DJ providing a party atmosphere. The Bell is at 22 High Street, Ware SG12 9BY.
Ruay Rôt means ‘rich in flavour’ in Thai and that is precisely what the food you can order for takeaway or delivery from Hertford’s newest eatery is. Just down the road from its previous and hugely popular Baan Thitiya restaurant, this new takeaway outlet offers authentic Thai food for you to enjoy at home, continuing Baan Thitiya’s story after 20 years in Hertford. You can order by phone or through the GoGetters and Deliveroo apps for delivery to Hertford, Ware and Hoddesdon. The menu includes many vegan specials. Outside tables are also available on warmer days.
6 Old Cross, Hertford SG14 1RB 01992 587706
ruayrôt.co.uk
Nestled in the picturesque village of Great Amwell, The George IV offers exceptional restaurant cuisine within a warm, friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Oliver and his team serve a menu of seasonal and fresh small and large sharing plates.
The George IV can also be the perfect venue for your next event. Whether it is an intimate wedding, baby shower, birthday or a special anniversary, there is a variety of dining options to suit any occasion in the private dining room and courtyard.
Cautherly Lane, Great Amwell SG12 9SW / 01920 870039 info@georgeivpub.co.uk georgeivpub.co.uk
Italian & Turkish
Pircio is a family-run independent restaurant in Bishop’s Stortford that offers two different menus of Italian and Turkish cuisine. Both menus are cooked by teams of specialist chefs and diners can choose from pizza, pasta and other Italian classics or dishes such as halloumi, falafel, moussaka and lamb tagine.
The historic Drill Hall building has been smartly refurbished and can seat 200 people downstairs whilst there is also a mezzanine for private dining. Pircio is open seven days a week, all day.
Drill Hall, Market Square
Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3UU 01279 898181
pirciorestaurant.com
The newly-opened No.14 in the heart of Bishop’s Stortford is taking Asian Fusion dining and luxury to new heights in the town. No expense has been spared on the interior decor at this three-storey venue. While specialising in sushi, there is much more on the menu as well, and the high quality of its food is matched only by the originality and decadence of its cocktails. A lunchtime set menu is available Tuesday to Saturday and a Sunday brunch menu is accompanied by live entertainment weekly. Book the Chef’s Table for the best seats in the house.
14 North Street, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 2LQ 01279 597548 no-14.com
Based in the former Old Star pub in Wormley, Broxbourne, Manto’s restaurant offers authentic Turkish cuisine with a modern twist, using only the finest ingredients for its dishes. Taking inspiration from the heritage of Turkey and ancient Mediterranean cooking techniques, Manto’s aims to celebrate regional flavours and give a true flavour of the Mediterranean. The restaurant is open seven days a week 12noon to midnight, offering lunch, food throughout the afternoon and dinner. The kitchen closes at 10pm.There is also free parking for customers.
32 High Road, Wormley EN10 6LE 01992 414301 mantosrestaurant.com
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 freehouse 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.
20 Green End, Braughing SG11 2PG 01920 823555 goldenfleecebraughing.co.uk
Roni’s, set in the heart of Bishop’s Stortford, is a fine dining restaurant where both the quality of food and the service combine to offer guests a memorable experience. Roni’s offers a wide range of traditional dishes, passionately crafted, including a vegan menu. There is a set lunch menu (Tuesday-Saturday) and a set evening menu (Tuesday-Thursday) while superb roasts are served on Sundays. You can also book the private dining room for your group or family. Roni’s is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 12noon, and closed on Monday.
16 North Street, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 2LQ 01279 508856 ronisrestaurant.co.uk
