Axis magazine October 2020 issue

The independent, intelligent guide to everything that matters locally October 2020

INSIDE: THE NEWS THAT MATTERS...

BIRCHERLEY GREEN

PREMIER OUT: Key tenant pulls out of development

BUG THAT STOLE XMAS Town centre festivities fall victim to the pandemic

OPEN FOR BUSINESS The latest openings on our high streets

SHOW MUST GO ON Theatres reveal their alternatives to pantos

ODDS-ON WINNER

Orange Tree chef’s plans for The Greyhound

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WELCOME

OCTOBER 2020 | NO. 213 ABOUT AXIS

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.

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For just £20 per year we’ll send you your own copy by first class post on the day of 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 below.

CONTACT US

Axis Magazine, Tooke House, 20 Bull Plain, Hertford SG14 1DT 01992 500198 info@axispublications.co.uk axismagazine.co.uk

INSIDE: News 5-10 Shopping & Business News 12-14 Property 15-16 What’s On 18-21 Food & Drink 22-27 This month’s front cover images (Clockwise from top): The Secret Garden, new film out this month (p20); Artist’s impression of the planned new Hertford Theatre building (p8); The Greyhound at Bengeo (p24); The planned hew hotel at Bircherley Green in Hertford (p6); Hatfield House, which is open for autumnal walks (p19).

PUBLISHERS:

Aaron Gransby & Justine Woods Published by Axis Publications Ltd

DIGITAL EDITION:

Read us online at axismagazine.co.uk or issuu.com (search axis magazine)

LET’S ALL MAKE IT A LOCAL CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR!

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BRIEFING

NEWS WORTH KNOWING

Covid – the virus that stole Christmas

Hertford Christmas Gala, Hoddesdon Loves Christmas and Ware’s Dickensian Evening are all off

The need for social distancing means that there will be no Hertford Christmas Gala, Dickensian Evening or Sawbridgeworth lights switch-on this year

The majority, if not all, of the area’s most popular Christmas events are falling victim to the Covid pandemic this year.

Planning is usually very much underway at this time of the year for a series of Christmas light switch-ons and shopping events in our town centres.

But, Axis can reveal, most organisers have already reluctantly concluded that social distancing requirements are going to make it impossible to host them this year.

Hertford’s Christmas Gala is usually a highlight in the town calendar at the end of November, with a live entertainment stage in Salisbury Square, lights switch-on, visits from Father Christmas and festive market stalls, but it will not take place this year.

However, Hertford Town Council still hopes to host a new outdoor Christmas market in the grounds of Hertford Castle over the final weekend of November.

In Hoddesdon, Love Hoddesdon BID confirmed that not only is October’s annual Charter Fair cancelled but also that Hoddesdon Loves Christmas cannot take place this year.

This has become a hugely popular entertainment and shopping event with a celebrity switching on the Christmas lights, and has attracted as many as 18,000 people to the town in previous years.

But while the event is off, the lights will be very much on, thanks to a £7,500 investment by the BID in new festive lights to make the town sparkle.

They are also upgrading the lighting on the clocktower and providing a free set of festive lights to every town centre business for their shop windows, which will be bought from a local shop, to turn the town centre into a “window wonderland”.

In Sawbridgeworth the town council promises that its streets will still be looking festive with its Christmas lights up and on.

But sadly there will be no official switch-on event this year.

The council’s Jo Sargant, who organises the evening, said Father Christmas still plans to make an appearance before Christmas and will be travelling the town in his sleigh, hoping families will take to their doorsteps and front gardens to wave to him.

Ware’s Dickensian Evening, which sees thousands of visitors converge on the town on the first Friday in December for entertainment, shopping, carol singing and the light switch-on, will also not go ahead in 2020, though Ware Town Council confirmed festive lights will still be up as usual.

In Bishop’s Stortford the town council was still considering whether to host its Christmas Fayre as Axis went to press.

The show must go on Meanwhile, local theatres are working hard to come up with alternatives to their traditional Christmas pantos and shows to keep families entertained over the festive season – see page 19 for more information.

Council leaders issue joint plea on Covid guidelines – while cases rise in Broxbourne The leader of Hertfordshire County Council and the leaders of all 10 district and borough councils in the county have issued an open letter to residents urging them to help stop Covid-19 infections getting out of control.

David Williams, on behalf of the county council, and East Herts Council’s Linda Haysey, representing the 10 districts and boroughs, issued the letter on Tuesday 22nd September as restrictions tightened, urging a change of mindset locally.

They said while the majority of residents had been playing their part, “we all know of instances where people have been bending the rules to fit their social interactions.”

The letter continued: “The news from central government this week needs to be a wake-up call for us all in Hertfordshire. This will involve a change of mindset. We all must follow the hands, face and space guidelines as well as the new ‘rule of six’ for meeting people. There will also be earlier curfews for pubs and restaurants;

increased responsibilities for business owners to keep lists of visitors; as well as others being encouraged to work from home, where they can.”

They said that it was imperative that everyone stopped and considered their own responsibilities and questioned whether they needed to be having those social contacts that were driving transmission of the virus.

“This is going to be vital to keep as much of our communities as open and flourishing as possible

and to prevent Covid-19 infections accelerating beyond our control,” they said.

BROXBOURNE WARNED TO AVOID LOCAL LOCKDOWN Just days later on 25th September, Jim McManus, Directer of Public Health at the county council, and Broxbourne Council leader Cllr Lewis Cocking warned that cases are going up in the Broxbourne district and it was imperative that everyone worked together to avoid a local lockdown. axis magazine 5

BRIEFING

Premier binned: Hotel chain out of Bircherley Green redevelopment

This is what the planned Premier Inn hotel was due to look like

Premier Inn have pulled out of a proposed deal to take the hotel space at Hertford’s new Lea Wharf development which is replacing the closed Bircherley Green shopping centre.

The Whitbread-owned hotel chain had been due to become the first tenant of the new development, but announced their decision after revealing that they were cutting up to 6,000 jobs due to the huge downturn in bookings caused by Covid-19.

The news is a fresh blow to the development, which had already been hit by a delay due to a stand-off between East Herts Council and developer Chase New Homes over details that needed to be agreed prior to formal planning permission being issued.

The council’s development management committee approved plans for the mixed use wharf-style development, including commercial units,

98 apartments and a hotel, at the end of June.

At the time, Chase had said they intended to get “spades in the ground” by the end of August, assuming formal planning permission was issued swiftly.

However, that did not happen as a disagreement between the two parties over a viability review mechanism (see separate box below) slowed down the process.

The issue was only resolved in late September.

Axis understands that formal planning permission should now be granted by mid-October after which a number of planning conditions need to be satisfied.

Assuming this goes smoothly, the earliest Chase could get on site would be just before Christmas.

In reality, with a Christmas construction break likely, we are unlikely to see any activity on the site now before early 2021.

Hotel site in limbo Originally, the Premier Inn was due to be built first but the site for this, which is on the corner of Railway and Bircherley streets, is now likely to remain vacant for some time.

Because all hotel chains have different business models and therefore different requirements for their buildings, Chase cannot begin building the hotel until they have a new tenant on board.

Alan Ward, Chase New Homes’ planning and design director, said: “Whilst Premier Inn pulling out of the site is bad news, we have to understand the position they are in as a business – it’s a brutal economic situation right now. The reality is that we are unlikely to see other hotel operators commit to opening new sites for at least six to 12 months so we will now focus on building blocks A and B and the work on the car park first.”

Blocks A and B include the commercial spaces with apartments above, though the current economic climate is unlikely to make it easy to let the units as things stand. However, the good news is that talks on including a GP surgery in the site are moving ahead positively.

Once begun, work on the development is due to take between two and a half and three years, assuming no further lockdowns or Covid-related delays.

What caused the latest delay?

Unusually, East Herts granted permission for the development without a Section 106 agreement in place.

On large projects this normally obliges a developer to provide an element of affordable housing and/or provide extra

funding for local infrastructure and community projects.

This was because both parties agreed the development would simply not be financially viable with a Section 106 order.

However, a disagreement arose between the two sides over

the details of a potential review mechanism if the economic circumstances changed during the building of the development.

Fortunately, agreement was finally reached in late September.

We can only hope that the

remaining planning conditions that need to be met can be dealt with quickly.

After all, the prevailing mood of the councillors making the decision was that Hertford needs this development – and quickly.

Plan for 61 new homes by Bishop’s Stortford Golf Club approved – and praised for its design Plans for a development of 61 new homes on land next to Bishop’s Stortford Golf Club gained planning consent from East Herts Council in September.

The site, bounded to the south and east by the golf club and to the north and west by Cecil Close and Manor Links, had been identified in the council’s district plan for a development of ‘around 50 homes’.

While developer Stonebond’s application sought permission for 6 axis magazine

22% more than this, the planning officer in charge of the case advised councillors on the development management committee which met on 9th September that the density of the development was considered acceptable.

During the meeting, the application was praised for including bungalows as part of the housing mix as well as for the quality of the development.

Stonebond is a family-owned

business based in Chelmsford which has another scheme underway within the district, Saxon Meadows in Standon.

The new development will include 40% affordable housing provision whilst its sustainability credentials include solar panels on a proportion of the homes and car charging points for every property. Stonebond MD Chris Weedon told the committee his company was ready to get to work as soon as possible.

CGI of part of the new development

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BRIEFING

A glimpse of the future: how the new Hertford Theatre could look More details of the scheme to transform Hertford Theatre, including images of what the redeveloped building could look like, have been revealed by East Herts Council.

During a consultation which ran during September, the authority sought comments from the public on its plans for the £19.9million investment.

The aim is to enable the popular venue to expand on the success it has already achieved over the past decade, with new facilities ensuring it remains at the centre of Hertford’s cultural life while helping attract new visitors to the county town.

It is intended that the theatre will eventually become self-sustaining without the need for financial support from the council.

Cinema screens The proposals would effectively give the town its own cinema with three new screens added on the first floor allowing it to show new releases.

The auditorium will increase in size, meaning it could attract more touring professional productions, and there will also be a new studio seating 150 people.

Access to all areas of the building would be improved so that

performers can reach the stage, backstage and dressing room areas more easily.

And there will be a new plaza-style foyer along with an improved riverside café bar open to both theatre-goers and Castle Park visitors.

The project architects, Bennetts Associates, said the new design aims to unlock the site’s huge potential.

Speaking on behalf of the firm, Alastair Bogle said: “This is probably one of the most advantageous sites that I have ever worked on as the theatre occupies a prominent location in the town, at the top of the high

street right next to the River Lea and the Castle Gardens grounds; it has a lot of assets.”

While the new building proposed is contemporary, it will make much of the site’s historic context. For example, a new walkway is proposed linking The Wash, the theatre, Castle Gardens and Hertford Castle itself.

The next stage of the scheme is for a planning application to be submitted early this month.

Once this has approval, works could start in August next year with the new theatre opening in April 2023. The existing theatre will close while works take place.

One last chance to comment on leisure centre proposals as planning application goes in

Council leader warns of ‘uncomfortable decisions’ to be made in coming month

Residents have one final chance to comment on East Herts Council’s plans to refurbish and extend Hartham Leisure Centre in Hertford after the council submitted its planning application for the site.

East Herts is both the applicant and determining authority for the plans. If approved, these would see the leisure centre on the edge of Hartham Common expanded with a new two storey extension on the footprint of the existing reception area, and improved facilities.

These would include a better pool hall, refurbished changing areas, new gym, soft play facility and a café opening onto the common.

The application is the second set of plans for the £9million

As Axis predicted last month, the project managers heading up major planned developments for East Herts Council have been asked to re-evaluate their business cases due to budgetary pressures.

The projects include the arts, shopping and leisure development at Old River Lane in Bishop’s Stortford, the redevelopment of Hertford Theatre and the extension to Hartham Leisure Centre (see reports above and left for details of the latter two).

The reviews were ordered after councillors on the leading executive were told early last month in a report by deputy leader and executive member for financial sustainability Cllr Geoff Williamson that East Herts’ finances are likely to be under pressure in the next few years.

There will be a need, if the council

8 axis magazine

The proposed extension

investment project to be drawn up and was submitted a year after the first was submitted in September 2019.

Councillors deferred making a decision on the first plans, to allow more time to make design and sustainability improvements.

You can view the new plans and comment as part of the planning process by visiting eastherts.gov.uk.

The planning application reference is 3/20/1814/FUL.

is to balance its books without using up its reserves, to keeps costs under control and to identify new initiatives to generate income.

A number of the council’s proposed major projects are behind schedule as a result of judicial reviews, redesign work and delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Councillors agreed that the planned capital expenditure programme be reviewed and that updated business cases for each project should be worked up. Managers were due to complete these by the end of September.

Council leader Cllr Linda Haysey told the meeting: “We are in a better financial position that some councils. However, we must not, and cannot, be complacent and I think we are going to have to make some very uncomfortable decisions in the coming month.”

BRIEFING

Just how hard can it be to keep traffic out of a pedestrianised street?

What would you do if you were seeking to ban traffic and parking from a street? Enable parking wardens to enforce the required restrictions presumably.

However, a failure to do this turns out to be the reason why cars have been able to continue to park in the supposedly pedestrianised Maidenhead Street in Hertford for the last year.

The shopping street, which had previously been largely closed to cars anyway, was formally pedestrianised last year as part of a wider scheme of work which included changes to nearby Bull Plain. Hertfordshire County Council, which is responsible for highways matters, issued a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) last year which banned vehicles from 9.30am to 5.30pm.

At the same time, the street was resurfaced, a set of small gates were placed at each end of the road and the traffic flow for the hours that vehicles are permitted was reversed.

This meant vehicles could use the road after 5.30pm and before 9.30am the next morning, as long as they entered from Bull Plain and travelled towards The Wash.

Traffic was banned from entering the street from The Wash.

However, residents and traders have been complaining ever since that cars were continuing to drive into the street and park and were neither receiving tickets nor being

The scene in Maidenhead Street during September

moved on. The gates at each end of the road were also kept permanently open.

Powerless wardens Hertfordshire County Council has now confirmed that its original order failed to give parking wardens the power to ticket vehicles.

Instead only the police would have had the power to deal with any problems that arose.

So it issued a new order at the start of September, giving wardens the power to ticket cars and prohibiting vehicles from being in Maidenhead Street at any time, with some exceptions for goods vehicles, emergency vehicles, postal deliveries and

market and street trades permit holders.

A spokesperson for the council told Axis: “The [new] TRO was introduced to allow PCNs [penalty charge notices] to be issued to vehicles parking in Maidenhead Street. This is to address issues of cars parking and queueing within the main shopping street in Hertford, impacting on Covid-19 social distancing protocols.

“The previous TRO did not give East Herts District Council officers the necessary enforcement powers to issue Penalty Charge Notices to vehicles, the powers of which rested with the police.”

However, cars were still seen

parked regularly throughout September prompting the Hertford and Ware Labour party’s Vice Chair Josh Dean to write to Cllr Bob Deering, who sits on all three tiers of local council (Hertford Town, East Herts District and Hertfordshire County) to ask why the problems have persisted.

He said: “I first wrote to Cllr Deering about this in June, and he assured me action was being taken. But, in spite of the new TRO from Herts County Council, the problem doesn’t seem to be going away and it doesn’t appear the rules are being enforced.”

The county council spokesperson said that new signs had been ordered to support the TRO and that enforcement would begin once they were all in place, adding: “The majority of the signs are now in place. Some additional signs were added to help ensure that they are very visible to users throughout the scheme. They will be put in place as soon as they are received from the suppliers. Once they are in place, we understand that East Herts will begin enforcement.”

However, because the county council has justified the issuing of the new TRO by citing Covid-19 social distancing as a reason for the change, it remains to be seen whether it will still be effective once such measures are lifted.

Cash phased out for parking in Broxbourne

New base revealed for Ware police officers

Cash will no longer be accepted at any council-owned car parks in the borough of Broxbourne from Monday 19th October.

And payment machines that currently take cash are to be phased out from as early as 5th October with residents advised to check notices in car parks.

Motorists will be able to pay by card or by phone.

It follows a trial in January last year of a pay by phone cashless parking system which allows motorists to pay for their parking via an app on a smart phone or by calling an automated number.

The council operates 16 car parks and three on-street locations with

Ware’s planned new police office looks set to be sited in the town’s Tudor Square in the building formerly occupied by charity CVSBEH. The town has not had a dedicated police station for several years, with officers instead working out of Hertford Police Station in Hale Road.

A planning application to change the use of 20 Tudor Square (the unit at the end of the parade that includes the Ware Centre of Dental Excellence and Manolya Turkish restaurant) has been submitted by Hertfordshire Police to East Herts Council.

In it the force says the building

pay and display machines around the borough. It says the machines are often vandalised or stolen for the money contained in them.

Some 40% of parking payments during the trial were made using the pay by phone service which the council said ‘demonstrates the appetite for alternative methods of payment and a movement away from cash-based transactions’. And since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic the public have become even more aware of hygiene issues surrounding the use of cash and are more used than ever before to using cashless options to pay in shops and restaurants.

The site of the new police office in Tudor Square, Ware

will remain largely unchanged with just some minor alterations to the external appearance and the adding of a police noticeboard, telephone and CCTV. axis magazine 9

BRIEFING

Owner seeks permission to convert part of iconic building into home The owner of one of Hertford’s most recognisable buildings, best known for its time as home to Beckwith and Son Antiques, is hoping that a plan to convert parts of it into a family home will safeguard its future.

Since closing the antiques business which had occupied numbers 41-43 St Andrew Street for 50 years in 2016, Gordon Gray says that he has struggled to find a suitable buyer to take on the oldest surviving domestic building in the town.

The Grade 2* listed building consists of three connected parts – the timber framed Verger’s House which fronts St Andrew

East Herts Citizens Advice remains here to help during Covid pandemic Street, the Arts and Crafts St Nicholas Hall and the late 19th century/early 20th century single storey School House.

Mr Gray has submitted plans to East Herts Council seeking planning permission to convert St Nicholas Hall, The School Room, and the first floor of The Verger’s House from retail to residential use to provide one first floor flat and one self-contained dwelling.

The ground floor of The Verger’s

House would remain a shop.

In a letter accompanying the application Mr Gray, who has been associated with the buildings for 50 years, writes: “My association and dedication to these buildings could be described as intimate and faithful and my wife and I hope to be the ones to ensure their continued wellbeing.” l Meanwhile, Brothership Studio is opening in the shop part of the building – see page 14.

184 new homes approved on the edge of Sawbridgeworth Developer Countryside’s plans for up to 184 new homes on land at Cambridge Road, Sawbridgeworth were approved

by East Herts Council last month – but only after a number of councillors on the development management committee had expressed disappointment with the scheme.

The land is to the north of the town on the A1184 just beyond The Bull pub and on the other side of the road.

It forms part of a larger site, known as Sawb4, earmarked by the council for development of around 200 homes by 2027.

Speaking at the meeting in support of the application, Countryside’s senior development manager Isaac Kibirige said the

company had worked to meet not only its own aspirations for the development but those of the council and other stakeholders, and in many instances had gone over and above policy requirements to deliver the best possible scheme. Officers had recommended it for approval.

Sawbridgeworth Town Council had objected to the application, saying that this, together with other planned developments likely to be built under the district plan, would “irrevocably damage the nature of the area.”

Concerns were raised at the meeting on 9th September that the application related to just two thirds of the Sawb4 site, meaning that if a further application came forward for the remainder at a

similar density, some 264 homes could end up being built.

Councillors also very openly grappled with what they would have liked to see provided in terms of sustainability criteria as opposed to what current planning policy required the developer to do.

For example, councillors questioned the use of gas boilers rather than renewable energy sources at a time when the Government is expected to ban gas heating in new homes by 2025.

However, officers advised there would have to be very good reasons for turning down an application which met current policy requirements and the plans were subsequently approved.

CAR DRIVES THROUGH HISTORIC SHOPFRONT

The shopfront of one of Hertford’s historic buildings was damaged when a car was driven through the front of Hertford Beauty Clinic at 5 Fore Street.

Number 5 is part of a row of shops (3-11) that form the mid-17th century Boynton House, which is Grade 2 listed.

No-one was hurt in the accident 10 axis magazine

on 31st August but the shopfront was seriously damaged.

The beauty salon had not long been re-open after the Covid-19 lockdown at the time of the accident but is now thankfully able to operate once again.

Call 01992 553322 to book an appointment and give them some well-deserved support!

PICTURE COURTESY OF STEVE BEESTON PHOTOGRAPHY

With many people continuing to face considerable challenges as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, Citizens Advice East Herts is reminding local residents that it is here to help.

The organisation is a small charity run mainly by volunteers and in the last year it has helped more than 6,500 people in the local area.

Since lockdown it has helped over 3,400 people, with employment being the top issue that callers have been concerned about.

The charity offers free, impartial and confidential advice on a whole range of matters – including employment rights, benefit entitlement, money worries, housing concerns, relationship challenges and accessing local support.

Help is available by phone and online

Although its offices are closed for drop-in appointments, staff and volunteers continue to work via telephone, email and webchat.

A video advice service is being introduced soon too.

You can find out about ways the charity can help online at citizensadviceeastherts.org.uk.

The Get Advice page on the website can connect you to the advice by email and the webchat services.

Or you can call the charity’s Messageline on 01920 459944 (an advisor will call back usually within 24 hours) or the Adviceline (open 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday) on 03444 111444.

The website also features a useful self-help library of information to help you find out what you need to know.

COVID-19 SAFE!

Nonna’s Kitchen began with an idea that would bring generations of families together to enjoy traditional Sicilian food in the heart of our home town in the UK. Nonna’s is a family run business which prides itself on sourcing the highest quality ingredients to ensure the best flavours for our customers. As you may know Nonna’s Kitchen translated means Grandmother’s Kitchen. As a Sicilian family we wanted to create a little bit of Sicily right here in the UK by bringing together all of our Nonna’s traditional Sicilian recipes.

Nonna’s Kitchen is not only a restaurant that provides freshly cooked breakfast, lunch and dinner every day.

We have a range of counters that provide an assortment of Sicilian products. Our bakery imports the highest quality Sicilian flour to retain the traditional taste of our bread and fresh pasta. The patisserie creates the most delicious traditional cakes, from the Sicilian cannoli to birthday cakes, Nonna’s has it all. Our gelato counter has over 20 mouth-watering flavours for you to try, which are all created in the UK by our patisserie chefs. We also have a deli counter, which is filled with salami, hams, cheeses, olives, pizzas, calzoni, arancini and selections of marinated vegetables.

Our passionate Sicilian chefs ensure to provide you with authentic recipes made with ingredients that are carefully selected in Sicily and local regions in the UK. So whether you’re celebrating a birthday, meeting a few friends for a coffee and a cake or fancy a quiet night in with a takeaway, Nonna’s will make you feel right at home.

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But while, frustratingly, it had to close just weeks later due to lockdown, the salon is now back open and business is booming.

Trends are official HD Brows Stylists and offer a range of specialist brow services including HD Brows, Henna Brows, semi-permanent microblading and the very latest brow lamination. If your natural brows are in short supply (they could be naturally sparse or you may have overplucked in the past)

Lucy and her super-friendly team will see it as a challenge not a problem – and they can achieve phenomenal results with a range of restorative treatments over a number of appointments.

Trends also offers lash treatments such as LVL Enhance, gel polish, manicures, pedicures and make-up.

All treatments can be booked on the salon’s website where you can also see examples of the team’s work on the live Instagram feed.

The salon is open from 9.30am to 5.30pm Tuesday to Saturday. Elsie House is in the Spinning Wheel building opposite The Spotlight theatre with free parking outside.

Trends Brow Bar Elsie House, 30 High Street, Hoddesdon EN11 8BP trendsbrowbar.co.uk hello@trendsbrowbar.co.uk 07951 154 059 Instagram: @trendsbrowbar Facebook: Trends Brow Bar Twitter: @trendsbrowbar

AppelmAn ChArmAn optiCiAns

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12 axis magazine

HODDESDON TILE & BATHROOM CENTRE Your friendly local specialist • Open to the trade and public • Free parking on-site • Excellent customer service • A family-operated and locally-owned company for 30 years Units C2 & C3 Geddings Road Industrial Estate Hoddesdon EN11 0NT

01992 470146

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SHOPPING & BUSINESS NEWS

Couple’s new Greek bakery has sweet taste of success already A Greek bakery and delicatessen has opened in Bishop’s Stortford and is proving hugely popular.

Hellenic Bakeries Herts is serving traditional Greek freshly baked pastries, desserts, brioche and bread, as well as sandwiches, coffee and snacks and some Greek grocery items.

Each day the bakery offers different versions of baklava (caramel with white chocolate cream was one recent example) and fresh cakes.

Hellenic Bakeries Herts is owned and run by married couple Anastasia Giannopoulou and Thanos Papanaklis, two business consultants each with over 20 years’ experience in their fields, whose love of food led to them branching out.

The couple, who live in Hoddesdon, got to know Bishop’s Stortford after visiting their many friends in the town and decided it would be the ideal place for their bakery.

Based at Riverside Wharf, in premises that were formerly home to estate agents Fordyce Furnivall (who are now next door), the bakery will be open seven days a week from 6am to 8pm, making it an ideal stop-off point in the morning and evening for those who are commuting, as well as for regular daytime shoppers.

Hellenic Bakeries Herts Unit C1 Riverside Wharf, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3GN 01279 898768 hbherts.co.uk

Your local Greek shop bakery - patisserie - coffee - groceries We can create your bespoke birthday cake & prepare sweet and savoury platters for your event

e

ad m y l h s e r F daily breakfast

k pastries, sant, Gree is ro c , d a re b ioche donuts, br apple pies,

lunch

s, salads, sandwiche tters for savoury pla sweet and n any occasio

desserts

desserts traditional reko, galaktobou kes baklava & ll ca big & sma macarons,

Unit C1, Riverside Wharf, Bishop’s Stortford, CN23 3GN (next to Wetherspoon) info@hbherts.co.uk - www.hbherts.co.uk - 01279 898768 Follow us @ hbherts

authentic Greek products

axis magazine 13

SHOPPING & BUSINESS NEWS

Sugar and Scoop eco-friendly refill shop opens in Ware High Street

Ceri and Nick of Brothership have taken over an iconic location

Brothership takes over at Beckwith Sugar and Scoop refill and zero waste eco lifestyle shop opened in Ware in early September.

Kirsty Taylor-Moran’s eco-friendly business, in the premises at 76-78 High Street that was formerly home to Eric Farr estate agents and Lets residential lettings agency, offers a wide range of items including foods, toiletries and homecare products.

Customers are invited to bring their own containers, which they can weigh before filling with the quantity needed of groceries that include cereals, nuts, pulses and seeds, flour, pasta, herbs and spices and teas, before reweighing them and paying for just the amount that they have chosen.

Many products are organic, and there are non-dairy milks, gluten-free products and sweet treats for vegans. Another highlight is a special nut butter machine which grinds nuts into fresh peanut or hazelnut butter.

There are also bath and body items and household cleaning products and accessories whilst the shop sells a selection of jars and bottles and there are free paper bags available should you need them.

Sugar and Scoop is open from 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday.

Sugar and Scoop 76-78 High Street, Ware SG12 9AT sugarandscoop.com

Brothership Studio and Gallery in Hertford has taken on one of the county town’s most iconic buildings – the former home of Beckwith and Son antiques shop in St Andrew Street.

The expansion is part of owner Nick Shipton’s aim of breathing new life into empty high street shop premises around the area, and will see a gallery featuring original artworks in the front of the building, with a rear section used as studio space by Nick and fellow artist Ceri House.

The pair collaborate under the working name of Ceri Shipton and their work, as well as that of other Brothership artists, will be on show in the gallery.

Gay’s Newsagents

The original Brothership premises in Bull Plain remain open too, showing and selling original art and providing studio space in a supportive, collaborative atmosphere to other local artists.

The latest to join the Brothership tribe is Paul Crowley, whose rainbow prints featuring local towns became totemic during the lockdown period earlier this year.

The new ‘Brothership at Beckwith’ will open to the public in early October from 10am to 5pm seven days a week.

Brothership 41-43 St Andrew Street, Hertford SG14 1HZ brothershipstudio.com

AS ONE DOOR CLOSES...

28 FORE STREET, HERTFORD SG14 1BY

Mini emporium with a selection of dealers selling antiques, vintage and retro collectables 4 Mill Bridge, Hertford SG14 1PY 01992 509547 14 axis magazine

NEWSPAPERS & DELIVERY / MAGAZINES CONFECTIONERY / TOBACCONIST / E-CIGARETTES / LOTTO & MUCH MORE

01992 583253

Edinburgh Woollen Mill closed its shop (shown above) in Maidenhead Street, Hertford during September. The nearest branches of the clothing chain are now in Enfield and Letchworth Garden City. However, a new organic food shop, Hertford Organic, has opened round the corner in Honey Lane, in the shop previously occupied

by Honey Lane Antiques.

PROPERTY

WHAT’S ON THE MARKET SPONSORED CONTENT

First phase of luxury new homes at Scholars released for sale The first phase of a development of luxury new family homes has just been launched on the site of The Broxbourne School.

Aptly named Scholars, the site will eventually house 153 three, four and five bedroom homes on surplus land at the school in Broxbourne High Road.

A new state-of-the-art building for the school with cutting edge educational and sporting facilities is being built as part of the scheme, which is being developed by Chase New Homes.

The school has long been lauded as the best co-educational secondary school and sixth form with academy status in Broxbourne.

It ensures that its pupils are well supported throughout their studies, and aims to work in partnership with students and parents to raise standards of achievement in a secure and supportive environment.

One former pupil who benefitted from the high standards at The Broxbourne School 30 years ago has now returned to give back to his alma mater.

As Managing Director of Chase New Homes, Gary Barton is heavily involved in the creation of the new school site.

“I had an excellent experience at Broxbourne,” said Gary.

“I attended the school up until sixth form and found that the exceptional teachers and

subsequent focus on hard work and ethics provided a solid grounding for me. As a house captain and prefect I was heavily involved in many key areas throughout the school and that’s why it gives me such pleasure to be at the helm of a project that will allow current and future pupils to benefit in the way I did. I’m also proud that we will be able to attract new families to the highly desirable town of Broxbourne by transforming the former school grounds into a range of beautiful new houses which will form the basis of a new community.”

Impressive properties Phase one of the development features a collection of impressive properties which have been designed to offer stunning modern living whilst being set

within a fully-private development of the highest order.

With styles named after prolific authors and poets, each home will be finished to an exceptional standard with a quality specification throughout.

Designer fitted kitchens will be complete with a full range of Siemens integrated appliances and Quartz or granite worktops and contemporary Amtico flooring will feature throughout the hallway and kitchen. Underfloor heating on the ground floor and carpeting in the bedrooms are standard to each home. Each property will be offered with a private garage and/ or designated parking, along with a 10-year new build warranty for complete peace of mind.

Furthermore, selected homes on which sales are completed before 31st March 2021 could qualify for

the Stamp Duty relief scheme.

Situated within the catchment area for The Broxbourne School, the central location of Scholars only adds to its appeal. Residents will benefit from being minutes from the High Street with its local restaurants, shops and pubs and they will also have easy access to relaxing riverside walks and events at River Lee Country Park.

Broxbourne station is within one mile of the development with regular services running to London Liverpool Street (approximately 32 minutes). Road links are also easily accessible, with access to the A10, A414, M25 and M11. l Prices at Scholars start from £685,000.

For further information call Lanes New Homes on 07496 885586 or 01992 663 890 or email scholars@lanesnewhomes.co.uk.

D I E G N U N A S S G EN RA NT LE TIN OP AR ME S A K E W TO I N T R O S O A N CT U PP A M TA R N U O YO

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A S T U N N IN G N E W PR I VAT E CO L L EC T I O N O F 4 & 5 B ED RO OM E XECU T I V E FA M ILY H OM E S CLO S E TO T H E B ROXB O U R N E S CH O O L A N D WA L KIN G D I S TA N CE TO T H E S TAT I O N .

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BEGIN A NEW CHAPTER IN BROXBOURNE

FI R S T P H A S E N OW R E L E A S E D! P R I C E S FR O M £685 ,000 - £930,000

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Computer generated image is indicative only.

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axis magazine 15

PROPERTY

PROPERTY SEARCH: FOUR DESIRABLE HOMES ON THE MARKET NOW

Great family homes that will give you change from £1m Good-sized family homes in desirable locations don’t come cheap these days, but we have found four great properties on the market right now that will still give you varying amounts of change from £1m.

Churchgate House, Old Harlow £950,000 One of the most important houses in Churchgate Street, this elegant Grade 2 listed property was once home to the F Perring Ltd furniture store. It has five bedrooms, kitchen/family room, three receptions, study/annexe, cellar, three bathrooms and sheltered gardens.

Howick & Brooker, Harlow 01279 418888

Buttondene Crescent, Broxbourne £925,000 This stunning four double bedroom house has a detached studio annexe, has undergone substantial renovation and extension over the years and is in a popular cul-de-sac location with beautiful mature gardens. It is also just half a mile from Broxbourne station.

Reynolds Salter, Broxbourne 01992 449000

Oaklands Park, Bishop’s Stortford £875,000 This four bedroomed home is all about bringing the outside in, with two sets of bifold doors, large windows upstairs, a 200ft rear garden and access to Birchanger Woods. Inside, it features a family room in addition to a sitting room and dining room and a home office.

David Lee, Bishop’s Stortford 01279 657666

Bengeo Street, Bengeo, Hertford £799,950 There is wonderful light and style throughout this four-bedroom townhouse which is split over four levels. This unusual home boasts three receptions, a courtyard garden and offstreet parking whilst the basement is currently configured as a home office and a snug.

Thomas Childs & Co, Hertford 01992 721321

16 axis magazine

TAXING MATTERS

SPONSORED CONTENT

Come on Rishi, let’s get bizzy! even if they weren’t in the Job Retention Scheme (furlough).

Self-employed not forgotten l If you benefited from the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme you will be entitled to another grant for 20% of your average monthly profits up to a total of £1,875, for the three months to 31st January 2021.

Stuart Everett of Hertford accountants Meyer Williams on the latest interventions by the Chancellor With Harry Corbett and Sooty you just knew it was a ‘hands on relationship’ and who had the upper hand.

However, whenever the Great P and the Chancellor are seen together in the House of Commons, the space between them seems to be much more than social distancing would require, with no indication of who is working who.

If the Great P were a bit more hands-on like Harry, he might not have to do so many U-turns so quickly. It is very difficult to keep up with him. He must be extremely dizzy by now – he certainly gives the impression he doesn’t know if he is coming or going! Still, we can only look forward to the day he is going.

Just when the Great P had persuaded us that it was safe to go out again – down the pub,

Go to work? Work from home? The U-turns are making the Great P dizzy

back to the office and back to school (apparently young people didn’t get the virus as badly a couple of weeks ago!) – Covid-19 is suddenly unexpectedly starting to spread at an exponential rate and young people are getting the blame!

The only thing anybody is guilty of is believing the Great P in the first place.

Because of him yes, we thought it was all over! Well it is now!

Rishi to the rescue?

Not to worry though, Rishi is here with his magic wand. He appears to be a singularly popular Chancellor, but is it any wonder when all he has done so far is give away money? Now he has had to cancel the Budget which would probably have seen him become the most unpopular Chancellor since

records began due to the tax increases he surely was about to impose on us. Instead Rishi has come up with more giveaways…

The Job Support Scheme For six months from November Rishi will subsidise the pay of employees working fewer than normal hours due to lower demand.

How will it work? l Workers must do at least a third of their normal hours. l Employers will pay staff for the hours they work. l Rishi and the employer will pay a third each for the hours they can’t work, so that by working a third of their hours they’d receive 77% of their pay. l Rishi’s share of the payment will be capped at £697.92 per month per employee. l It will be open to all employers

Business loans l Both types being extended from six to ten years. l Deadline extended to end of November to take out loans. l There is also the ability to suspend repayment or interest for six months without it affecting your credit rating.

Taxes l The VAT reduction of 15% for the tourism and hospitality industries will be extended to 31st March 2021. l If you deferred your VAT, rather than paying it back on 31st March 2021, you will be able to pay it back in 11 smaller interest-free instalments. l Self-assessment income taxpayers will be given more time to pay.

The day we hear how Rishi is going to pay for this lot isn’t far away, so get planning!

Looking on the bright side, those of us with children studying at university will have a quiet Christmas, as they just might not be allowed home!

If you need any advice on tax planning or filling in those forms please phone…

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

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

Stag House, Old London Road, Hertford, Herts SG13 7LA 01992 550721 | www.meyerwilliams.com | stephanie@meyerwilliams.com axis magazine 17

AS DARKER DAYS START TO DRAW IN COME AND ENJOY THE STUNNING AUTUMN COLOURS THAT FILL THE PARK. FOR THE FIRST TIME HATFIELD PARK AND WOODLAND WALKS WILL BE OPEN TO VISITORS EACH WEEKEND THROUGHOUT OCTOBER. FOR FURTHER DETAILS ON TICKETS AND OPENING TIMES PLEASE VISIT

WWW.HATFIELD-HOUSE.CO.UK

WHERE THE CITY ENDS & THE COUNTRY BEGINS

HATFIELD-HOUSE.CO.UK

01707 287010

WHAT’S ON

THE SHOW MUST GO ON

Hertford Arts Trail re-arranged for October

Work by artists including Laura Burns, Sarah Core and Steve Baldwin will be on show in the Hertford Arts Trail

Hertford Arts Trail, which was postponed in April due to the Covid-19 pandemic, has been rearranged and will now take place this month.

From 3rd to 31st October, shops and businesses across Hertford will become home to pop-up mini art galleries, showcasing the work of 30 different local artists.

The trail is intended to promote the work of artists, whose work

will be on sale, and support the venues offering the space for the exhibitions.

A printed copy of a trail map, showing all the locations taking part, is available from Hertford Town and Tourist Information Centre in The Wash whilst online information can be found at gohertford.co.uk.

Among the local businesses taking part are Thomas Childs

& Co estate agents, Mark Wines Antiques, The Women’s Society Boutique, Eye Mind Heart, Spoons Kitchens, Frankie and Olive, Mudlarks Garden Café, Direct Mobility, Cavavin, Rossi’s Attic, Brothership and Hertford House.

The event has been organised

by Hertford Town Council in association with Courtyard Arts. gohertford.co.uk

Salvaging Christmas... theatres announce their alternative productions for families after planned pantos are postponed The pandemic may have laid waste to much of the arts world’s output this year but the good folk at Harlow Playhouse are determined that Christmas will not be cancelled – even if it has to be changed a bit.

As Axis reported last month, the planned panto extravaganza Cinderella has been postponed until Christmas 2021 but the Playhouse team have instead put in place an alternative festive production of Treasure Island, from the same team that have made the magic over the last few years and featuring Harlow panto favourites Jimmy Burton-Iles and Ben Parsley.

The production will be both safer for a socially distanced audience and more viable for the Playhouse to produce and will run from 4th December to 3rd January.

For younger audiences (2-6-year-

olds), the Playhouse’s planned Theatre 2 production of The Great Christmas Patrol will also change, to The Great Christmas Sleigh Ride. Written by Kevin James and commissioned for the Playhouse in 2018/19, the team are delighted to be bringing it back this year.

For obvious reasons, capacity for both shows is limited so readers are strongly advised to book early to avoid disappointment.

Visit harlowplayhouse.co.uk or call the box office on 01279 431945 for more details. l Just as Axis went to press, Hertford Theatre confirmed that they will be putting on a production of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Christmas Show in place of their scheduled panto to run from 12th December through to 3rd January. For more details, prices and booking visit hertfordtheatre.com.

Woodland walks stay open at Hatfield Park

For the first time, Hatfield Park and its woodland walks will be open to visitors every weekend during October, giving local people the chance to enjoy being outdoors during the autumn.

During half term, the park and walks will be open every day and there will be a pumpkin trail for children. The Coach House Kitchen will be open during half term and at weekends too. For details on tickets and opening times visit hatfield-house.co.uk.

Enjoy autumn colours at The Gibberd Garden

Jimmy Burton-Iles and Ben Parsley will return to Harlow Playhouse

The Gibberd Garden in Harlow has extended its season into October and will be open from 2-5pm, with last entry at 4pm, every Wednesday and Sunday until Wednesday 21st October for Autumn Colour Month. It then holds its final planned open day of the season on Sunday 25th October from 12noon-4pm (last entry at 3pm). For more details visit thegibberdgarden.co.uk. axis magazine 19

WHAT’S ON: AT THE CINEMA

Going to the cinema? Five new films worth masking up for in October England when they die to live with her uncle, played by Firth.

Mary begins to uncover family secrets after discovering her sickly cousin, who has been shut away in a wing of the house, and a wondrous garden, lost in the grounds of the remote country estate they are living in.

David Attenborough: A Life On Our Planet (PG) Now showing

In his 94 years on the planet, David Attenborough has visited every continent, exploring the Earth’s wildest places and documenting the living world in all its variety and wonder. His has become an important voice that demands listening to on the climate emergency facing our planet, and this new documentary is his own witness statement to what he has seen, a powerful first-hand account of humanity’s impact on nature.

Cats & Dogs: Paws Unite (TBC)

Out on Friday 9th October Ever felt the need for some fun and escapism? Thought so. Gwen the cat and Roger the dog are secret agents who covertly protect and save the world without humans ever finding out.

Like Spooks, but with fur. Here they battle a supervillain parrot.

Cats & Dogs: Paws Unite

The Secret Garden

Death on the Nile (TBC) Out on Friday 16th October

French, Sophie Okonedo and Jennifer Saunders.

Kenneth Branagh’s latest lavish Agatha Christie adaptation sees Hercule Poirot’s Egyptian holiday aboard a glamorous river steamer turn into a search for a murderer when a perfect couple’s idyllic honeymoon is tragically cut short. Set against a backdrop of sweeping deserts and the pyramids at Giza, it features an all-star cast including Branagh himself, Tom Bateman, Annette Bening, Russell Brand, Dawn

Welwyn Garden City, Herts AL8 6BX

campuswest.co.uk 20 axis magazine

The Secret Garden (PG) Out on Friday 23rd October

The latest film version of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s book (first published in 1911) is from the makers of Harry Potter and Paddington and features a cast including Colin Firth and Julie Walters. Dixie Egerickx plays 10-year-old Mary Lennox, born to wealthy British parents in India, who is sent back to

Two By Two: Overboard (TBC) Out on Friday 23rd October

Family fun to round off the month: Noah’s Ark is adrift on the high seas with best friends Finny and Leah on board. But they find themselves washed overboard, along with the last of the food supplies, after a series of unfortunate events. Soon, with their new friend Jelly, they are marooned on a remote island, under the threat of a menacing volcano, and they must rescue their friends and save a whole colony from destruction. And after that, we’ll get them to fix the Test, Track and Trace system.

GREAT PRICES ON YOUR DOORSTEP

Harlow Playhouse & KD Theatre Productions Ltd Present

ALL ABOARD FOR OUR CHRISTMAS ALTERNATIVE!

A Swashbuckling, Socially Distanced* Adventure

Starring Harlow favourites JIMMY BURTON ILES & BEN PARSLEY

4 December 2020 – 3 January 2021 www.harlowplayhouse.co.uk | 01279 431945

*Limited Capacity to allow for Social Distancing

THE ORANGE TREE FARM SHOP 166 West Road, Sawbridgeworth, CM21 0BP

Open pm -4 12pm un with S Tues- pening late o7pm on until sdays Thur

Here at the Orange Tree Pub & Restaurant in Sawbridgeworth we have our very own Farm Shop open 6 days a week offering an ever increasing range of carefully sourced quality produce at great value

Meat from local farms & Smithfields, London - Fresh Fruit & Vegetables Fresh Bread, Cakes & Pastries - Jams, Chutneys & Sauces - Milk, Eggs & Butter, Deli - Biscuits, Sweets & Crisps - Beer & Wine - Fresh Coffee to go

** Now taking Christmas Turkey orders **

Follow us on Facebook & instagram @orangetreesbw

www.orangetreesawbridgeworth.com

FOOD & DRINK

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL RESTAURANTS SPONSORED CONTENT

Travellers’ Choice award places The Orange Tree in top 10% worldwide Sawbridgeworth pub honoured by TripAdvisor The Orange Tree country pub and restaurant in Sawbridgeworth has been recognised with a 2020 Travellers’ Choice award by TripAdvisor, which places it among the top 10% of hospitality venues worldwide based on a full year of reviews on the website.

The Orange Tree was taken over by chef patron Gareth Davies and his partner Kate Gosnold in May 2019.

After years of working for some fine chefs, this was Gareth’s first venture of his own and his aim has always been to provide beautifully presented, good, honest food using quality ingredients, with great service in a relaxed environment.

The pub serves great British classics with a few Michelininspired plates thrown in to give diners the chance to experience some different styles and techniques. Quality is paramount to Gareth, so he sources only the best ingredients, including Japanese A5 Grade Wagyu beef, fish from selected day boats in renowned fishing areas and fruit and veg from local suppliers.

Gareth said: “Having The Orange Tree in the top 10% of restaurants worldwide is a great honour and a true testament to our great team, who work incredibly hard, as well as our wonderful customers, who are the driving force behind everything we do.

“With only 40 covers, we aren’t the biggest restaurant, but we pride ourselves on giving our diners the best experience in terms of quality food and customer service. Since taking over, we have grown immensely, accumulating many supporters and become an integral part of the local community.”

This community engagement was shown at its strongest during the initial period of the Covid-19

pandemic when the restaurant received such great support that it was able to operate throughout lockdown, providing a takeaway service that even offered free children’s meals.

The Orange Tree Farm Shop Gareth and Kate also started a pop-up farm shop to help local people who were struggling to get hold of groceries, and it became so popular that they have built a temporary structure next to the pub so it can now operate as a standalone entity.

The farm shop is open six days a week from 10am to 4pm, with late night shopping until 7pm on a Thursday. It sells a good range of quality produce, carefully sourced and at great prices.

This includes meat from local farms and Smithfield in London, fresh fruit and veg, fresh bread, cakes and pastries, jams, chutneys and sauces, milk, eggs and butter, deli items, biscuits, sweets and crisps. Christmas turkey orders are currently being taken as well.

Gareth and Kate are now expanding and have taken on The Greyhound in Bengeo (see report overleaf on page 24).

They have also recruited a new head chef, Jonny Rowe, to the team at The Orange Tree. Jonny served in the Royal Navy from 2007 to 2019, earning two prestigious Herbert Lott Awards for excellence. His last role in the Navy was as private chef for the Admirals and Head of the Royal Navy, cooking for VIPs including Theresa May when she was Prime Minister.

The Orange Tree 166 West Road, Sawbridgeworth CM21 0BP 01279 722485 orangetreesawbridgeworth.com Facebook & Instagram: @orangetreesbw

New head chef Jonny Rowe and a view inside the farm shop

Enjoy Christmas at The Orange Tree

The Orange Tree will be hosting Christmas events again this year, including Breakfast With Santa, when you can bring your children to enjoy breakfast, roast marshmallows on the fire pit and receive a gift (children only!) when they meet the big man himself.

Christmas parties (up to six people only at present of course) are also being booked – The Orange Tree, with its open log fire and tailored festive menu makes

a great venue for a get-together.

Bookings are also being taken for a five-course dining experience on Christmas Day. Call 01279 722485 to book.

axis magazine 23

FOOD & DRINK

SPONSORED CONTENT

Chef Gareth is ready to unleash The Greyhound in Bengeo

The Greyhound at Bengeo is under new leadership with chef patron Gareth Davies, pictured above on the left with new manager Alistair Amir

Historic McMullen’s pub ready to enter a new era under The Orange Tree’s chef patron As mentioned on the previous page, Gareth Davies, his partner Kate Gosnold (and their young daughter Seren!) have taken over at The Greyhound in Bengeo.

The Greyhound was McMullen’s very first pub purchase back in 1835, so it holds a special place in the hearts of the family-run Hertford brewery.

The success that Gareth and his family have made of The Orange Tree in Sawbridgeworth since taking over in May last year makes them ideally placed to give a new lease of life to The Greyhound, and customers both old and new will soon be able to experience the food which has made their first pub-restaurant so

24 axis magazine

popular with its regular diners.

For Gareth, who has been a chef for many years, food is a passion and he says he is really looking forward to bringing something new to The Greyhound.

butcher’s, plus fresh deliveries from trusted, quality suppliers every day, mean that everything on diners’ plates will be fresh, homemade and produced to the highest possible standard.

Great British Menu Alongside a varied and well-stocked bar, Gareth will complement his Great British Menu, combining modern fine dining and his own takes on great British pub classics, with a grill and fish menu.

There will also be a specials board and bar tapas dishes.

All the food will be prepared fresh in-house to Gareth’s own recipes and daily trips to the

Macs heritage continues McMullen’s beers, from just down the road on the edge of Hertford town centre, are still served, whilst The Greyhound stocks Peroni, Stella, Fosters, Symonds cider and Guinness too.

There is also an extensive wine list with many choices available by the bottle or the glass.

The philosophy at The Greyhound is simple: good, honest, fresh food; strong

flavours; all beautifully presented, with carefully considered drinks and friendly staff, led by the charismatic new manager Alistair Amir.

The pub is both family and dog-friendly and has a range of board games to help keep younger visitors entertained, whilst sporting events will be shown on the bar screens too, offering something for everyone.

The Greyhound 148 Bengeo Street, Bengeo, Hertford SG14 3EY 01992 676402 Greyhoundbengeo.com Facebook: @greyhoundrestaurant Instagram: @greyhoundbengeo

FOOD & DRINK

Chain reaction: Which of our casual dining restaurants are reopening?

The fate of our high street chain restaurants is still only just becoming clear some three months after the Government permitted them to reopen following lockdown.

In Hertford, where Café Rouge had already announced that it would not reopen its prominent site in Parliament Square, Ask Italian in Fore Street can now be added to the list of eateries whose signage may still be up but appears to not be returning, with the site no longer featuring on the chain’s website.

Confusion over Prezzo Also in Fore Street, Pizza Express is back open but there has been confusion around whether the Hertford branch of Prezzo will reopen or not, with the chain saying there are no plans for any restaurant closures but the owner of the building saying that the restaurant has closed.

The owner has, through agents, notified East Herts Council of an intention to turn the ground floor and basement of the building into a physiotherapy clinic and is seeking confirmation, via a lawful development certificate, that a new class of planning use will enable this to be done without a planning application to the authority.

When asked about this by Axis, Prezzo chairman Karen Jones

issued a statement saying: “Our sole focus is to blend safe and healthy working practices with proper hospitality to give our customers a wonderful, enjoyable return to Prezzo. To ensure we keep this focus, we’re opening our restaurants slowly and carefully. We plan to reopen our Ware restaurant on 20th October.

We don’t currently have an opening date for our Hertford restaurant. We were not aware of any planning applications relating to the site and we’ll be following up with the landlord.”

The group’s website confirms Ware, Hertford and Bishop’s Stortford all to be “opening soon”, so reports that the Hertford restaurant has closed permanently may prove to be wide of the mark.

No sign of Bill’s In Bishop’s Stortford, just along the road in North Street from the town’s Prezzo restaurant, Cote Brasserie is back open, along with Pizza Express and Thai chain Giggling Squid although there is no reopening date yet for Cote’s neighbour, Bill’s, which remains “temporarily closed” according to its website.

In Potter Street, Nandos is open but Zizzi in Market Square remains closed and no longer appears as a location on the group’s website.

In Hertford, Ask Italian is closed whilst uncertainty surrounds Prezzo

INDIAN DINING EXPERIENCE

15% Discount

Prezzo in Ware’s Tudor Square is due to reopen on 20th October

LUSSMANNS TO REOPEN BUT ‘WITH A TWIST’ In mid-September the signage was taken down at Lussmanns in Fore Street although fans of the small, Hertfordshire-based group will be relieved to hear that main man Andrei Lussmann promises the restaurant will re-launch in early November – “with a twist”.

COSTA IN HERTFORD REMAINS CLOSED Hertford town centre’s branch of Costa Coffee in Maidenhead Street has not reopened and no longer appears on the group’s website as a location. A request to Costa’s head office for confirmation that it had closed permanently went unanswered.

every day on collections over £17 (excluding set meals)

FREE HOME DELIVERY on orders over £17 within 3-mile radius

25% discount on food for all NHS and front line workers for dining in and collection on orders over £25 (ID required)

Order online: www.ashokaindianhoddesdon.com 01992 470350/470349 109 Rye Road|Hoddesdon|HERTS|EN11 0JP axis magazine 25

DINING OUT GUIDE: SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL RESTAURANTS

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THE GEORGE IV Pub & Dining

ERMAN’S KITCHEN Turkish

James and Bianca Rix have successfully run the Fox and Hounds for 15 years, establishing it as one of Hertfordshire’s leading eating out destinations. The Josper oven, seasonal menus, excellent value midweek set menu and superb Sunday lunch are all great reasons to visit. You can eat in the bar, dining room or outside on the pretty terrace when the weather permits. The venue is also available for events and private dining, including celebrations, weddings, business meetings and wakes.

Reservations are recommended.

Nestled in the picturesque village of Great Amwell, The George IV is one of Hertfordshire’s best kept secrets. Enjoy imaginative, freshly prepared dishes, including traditional pub classics, served in a friendly pub atmosphere.

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 – just get in touch for more information.

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

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

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

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

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

2 Fore Street, Old Harlow CM17 0AA 01279 454000 ermanskitchen.co.uk

COACH HOUSE KITCHEN Takeaway

SPICE HUT Indian

PIRCIO Italian & Turkish

FOX AND HOUNDS Pub, Dining Room & Venue hire

The new Coach House Kitchen is based in the Stable Yard shopping area of Hatfield House and has now reopened after lockdown to offer a high quality menu of food and drink to visitors of both the shops and Hatfield House, park and gardens. It is open from Thursday to Sunday from 10am to 3pm and then every day during October half term, serving takeaway hot and cold drinks plus cakes and pastries. So if you are visiting Hatfield do pop in and give it your support and enjoy some great food and drink to make your autumn day out complete.

Hatfield House, Hatfield AL9 5NQ 01707 287003 hatfield-house.co.uk 26 axis magazine

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

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

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.

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

Drill Hall, Market Square, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3UU 01279 898181 pirciorestaurant.com

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SAFFRON Indian

THE FOX INN Traditional English Pub

THE GOLDEN FLEECE Pub & Dining

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

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

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

The Fox Inn is now taking bookings for tables in the restaurant, bar and garden. The Fox is a traditional English village pub that reinforced its place at the heart of the local community during lockdown, opening as a pop-up shop and offering food takeaway collection at weekends. Book ahead to guarantee a table but walk-ins are being accepted if tables are available.

For details of opening hours and the menu keep up to date on social media at facebook.com/thefoxinnmatchingtye.

The Golden Fleece is an old English pub with a contemporary twist, and one where the food is so good that it has earned an entry in the Michelin Guide for Hotels and Restaurants.

Set at the heart of the village of Braughing, Jess and Peter Tatlow’s pub offers a menu of fresh, seasonal and delicious locally sourced food and also caters for diners who require gluten-free meals. As a free house at the heart of its community, the Fleece is also able to offer a wide range of real ales, beers, wines and spirits.

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

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

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

THE HIGHLAND RESTAURANT Steakhouse & Carvery

THE STRAW HAT Cantonese

VILLA ITALIA Italian

The Highland Restaurant is Hertfordshire’s premier traditional steak house.

Now under new ownership, though within the same family, the Highland has been established for over 40 years, becoming a local institution in that time.

It continues to serve the finest steaks whilst also introducing new dishes such as burgers and ribs to the menu. The Sunday lunch at £16.95 for three courses is great value.

You can order takeaway dishes from its greekkitchen.co.uk website too.

The Straw Hat always offers a top quality and high class dining experience. Established for 17 years now, the restaurant is based in a beautiful listed building with a thatched roof which explains its name. The menu offers modern, innovative Cantonese cuisine that takes traditional dishes and reinvigorates them using high quality ingredients to produce healthy dishes that reflect today’s trends, including dishes for those on coeliac and gluten-free diets. The high quality wine list is also worthy of a mention.

The popular authentic family-run Villa Italia restaurant in Sawbridgeworth is now open again for inside dining (advance reservations essential and contact details must be given). Its takeaway and collection service, which proved so popular during lockdown, will continue, with the full restaurant menu now available for takeaway. Orders can be placed by phone or emailed to info@villa-italia-restaurant.co.uk.

The new opening hours are Tuesday to Friday from 5pm-10.30pm; Saturday 12.30-3pm and 5-11pm and Sunday from 12.30-5pm.

8-11 The Precinct, High Road, Broxbourne EN10 7HY 01992 466933 highlandrestaurant.co.uk

Harlow Road, Sawbridgeworth CM21 0AJ 01279 722434 Facebook: @strawhatoriental

48 & 52 Bell Street, Sawbridgeworth CM21 9AN 01279 358358 villa-italia-restaurant.co.uk axis magazine 27

9-13 Parliament Square n Hertford n SG14 1EX

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For Sale: Ives Road, Bengeo, Hertford ÂŁ1,295,000 Five bedroom detached Edwardian family home with period features, generous garden, off street parking, garage and basement. Rare!

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