The Blackbirds reopens after £350k revamp

The Blackbirds in Hertford’s Parliament Square reopened in July after a three-week closure for a £350,000 investment into the pub by owners Stonegate Group. The refurbishment works included new flooring, furniture, lighting and decorations along with new signage. And the grand re-opening on Friday 7th July saw some new faces behind the bar too after Hertford and Stortford MP Julie Marson (pictured, right) and the town’s mayor and deputy mayor, Vicky Smith and Alex Daar, were invited to pull the first pints! General manager Elaine Bell said the pub was delighted to be able to welcome all three important community figures to the pub as well as familiar faces and new ones from the community. Ms Marson said: “It was great to attend The Blackbirds’ reopening after its impressive refurbishment – the pub looks brilliant and is a real asset to the community. I look forward to watching The

Blackbirds go from strength to strength and wish Elaine all the best for the future.”

The changes at the pub include the introduction of new menus with breakfasts now on offer and roasts served between 12noon

Closures and changes on local dining scene...

Baan Thitiya Thai restaurant, a popular fixture in Hertford’s St Andrew Street, has closed after nearly 20 years after its owner was unable to agree a new lease on the building. Please note that the Baan Thitiya restaurant in Bishop’s Stortford remains open and is completely unaffected.

and 6pm on Sundays. For more information, to book or to find out about forthcoming events that include quizzes, games nights, gin nights and Feel Good Fridays visit greatukpubs.co.uk.

Zeyna brings a modern look to historic venue

For a taste of the Mediterranean without the need to travel this summer, visit Zeyna Bistro Bar in Bishop’s Stortford. This restaurant, which opened in the Spring, is run by Alex Sfiraila and Celal Yildirim and has taken part of the historic Corn Exchange building in Market Square.

The two business partners chose the name because it means ‘beauty and grace’ and their restaurant aims to be a casual dining venue where you can walk in and enjoy home-cooked Mediterranean food and a wide choice of drinks. Among its offers at the moment are a two-course lunch menu for £15.50 and a bottomless brunch option on Saturday with two courses for £34.95.

Zeyna is open for lunch and dinner from 11am to 11pm Tuesday to Saturday and from 12noon to 10pm on Sunday. It is closed on Monday.

To book call 01279 658728 or visit zeynabistrobar.co.uk to see the full menus.

The Mexican takeaway in Old Cross, Hertford, which was an expansion of the independent restaurant of the same name in Ware High Street has closed. The Ware operation is not affected.

Jacoby’s, one of the most famous names in food and drink in Ware in recent years, has closed but is set to reopen in the same Tudor Square premises in the next few months under new ownership after the business was sold.

Firat, the Insta-heavy Mediterranean bistro, bar and cocktail lounge in South Street, Bishop’s Stortford, has closed after only opening earlier this year.

The Straw Hat oriental restaurant in Sawbridgeworth has also closed down. In its time, it was hugely popular for its upmarket Chinese cuisine which saw many famous names go through its doors and enjoy eating under the iconic thatched roof.

The Hoops Inn at Perry Green near the Henry Moore Studios and Gardens remains closed, having shuts its doors last October.