Axis magazine September 2020 issue

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

INSIDE YOUR SEPTEMBER MAGAZINE BE IN THE KNOW

Read our intelligent take on the stories that affect you

PROPERTY

The best small houses on the market locally now

IMPROVE YOUR HOME Doing up your home? Find out who can help you

A NEW BEGINNING

Birch, the hotel that is a community of its own

CARRY ON DINING

5 brilliant pages of places to eat out locally

Your leading high quality local news magazine since 2003

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WELCOME

SEPTEMBER 2020 | NO. 212 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.

SUBSCRIBE

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 5-9 Shopping & Business News 10-12 Property 13-14 Home 15-23 Weddings 24-25 What’s On 26-30 Food & Drink 31-35 This month’s front cover images (Clockwise from top): Birch, the new hotel that is more than a hotel (p30& 31); Works from three artists taking part in this month’s virtual Herts Open Studios: Hayley Trampenau, Dawn Elliott and Gerrard Mikelsons (p28)

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)

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BRIEFING

NEWS WORTH KNOWING

All Rhodes lead to South Mill Arts Trustees bring forward arts centre name change after Black Lives Matter protests

The trustees of Bishop’s Stortford’s Rhodes Arts Complex have brought forward plans to rename the South Road venue which, as of 24th August, is now called South Mill Arts.

The new name references a watermill, South Mill, which, although no longer standing, was mentioned in the Domesday book of 1086 and stood at the other end of Southmill Road to one of the complex’s access gates.

The trustees say it reflects the town’s milling and malting industry heritage and also identifies the geographic location of the building.

The new name removes the previous reference to Victorian colonialist Cecil Rhodes who was born at Netteswell House, the part of the complex which houses the town’s museum, and ought to bring an end to a distracting run of negative publicity that has been suffered by the venue during already tough times caused by the Covid-19 lockdown.

It was catapulted into the national spotlight after protests under the Black Lives Matter banner, sparked by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, spread across the globe and focused attention on memorials and statues with links to historical figures.

There were calls in Oxford for a statue of Rhodes to be removed from Oriel College while in Hertfordshire campaigners became ever more insistent that the arts centre was renamed swiftly.

A new focus for the future The venue is set to undergo a change of focus in the next few years because of the planned opening of a new arts centre by East Herts Council at Old River Lane in the centre of town.

With state of the art facilities planned along with an auditorium more than 200 seats larger than

at Rhodes, many of the South Road venue’s current activities are expected to be relocated there. In particular, it is likely to be a more attractive venue for professional touring productions.

Trustees were already working on a new complementary role for Rhodes and had set up a new charitable organisation, the Bishop’s Stortford Museum and Arts Charitable Incorporated Organisation, which came into existence on 9th June. They were planning to complete handover arrangements between the two groups as well as relaunch the venue with new branding, logo and name by April 2021.

Decision brought forward However, on 5th August, the chair of the trustees, Deirdre Glasgow, released a statement saying a new name would come into effect within weeks.

There was no need for a previously planned consultation on the name, she said, as “lively debate in the press, on social media and in unsolicited emails to the complex has more than adequately expressed the community’s views and the trustees now feel that such a consultation is not necessary.”

She said the trust had chosen a name with a link to the town and its wider community rather than any one individual.

For the moment, visitors can expect to see simple changes made to the existing signage and a new web address (southmillarts.co.uk) while branding to reflect the venue’s new name and future role will follow in due course.

The museum, which will be undergoing a programme of improvements including a full redisplay of its collection between now and 2024, will retain displays on the life and times of Cecil Rhodes within the room in which he was born at Netteswell House.

The name of Cecil Rhodes (above left), who was born at Netteswell House (above), has been removed from the newly rebranded South Mill Arts

Local focus and more live music are the future Back in the 60s such greats (albeit slightly less well known then) as David Bowie, Elton John, The Who, Lulu and David Essex all performed at Rhodes.

Once East Herts Council’s new arts complex at Old River Lane opens, a new focus for ‘The Mill’ might once again see it play a part in launching the careers of a new generation of icons, with a renewed focus on live music.

The planned future emphasis, according to the trustees, will be on ‘local’ – building on the

links the venue already has with the community, hosting classes, providing facilities for clubs to meet in and providing facilities to support amateur drama and musical theatre.

In the meantime it is, as far as Covid allows, business as usual.

The museum is open, the first live music events since lockdown have taken place, a programme of cinema is underway and The Maltings bar is open to patrons and visitors again.

axis magazine 5

BRIEFING

HOUSING SET TO REPLACE CAR PARK IN HODDESDON

Harlow Town Park gains listed status Harlow Town Park is one of 20 post-war gardens and landscapes to be added to the National Heritage List for England.

Heritage England announced last month that, following a three-year collaboration with The Gardens Trust that involved suggestions from landscape professionals and the public, some of the best examples of landscapes designed between the end of the Second World War

and the early 1990s had been identified for protection. Harlow Town Park has been given Grade 2 listed status and added to the Register of Parks and Gardens.

The park was planned between 1949 and 1953 by the planner and architect Sir Frederick Gibberd, and landscape architect Dame Sylvia Crowe DBE. Detailed designs were produced by the landscape architect John St Bodfan Gruffydd and

Harlow Urban Development Corporation’s engineer and surveyor AWR Webb.

Heritage England said it was a rare example of a new park associated with a first-generation new town and “a fine example of a post-war public park where the structural framework and key features including the bandstand, the formal gardens, footpath and canalised stream survive largely intact”.

Ware’s one-way system changes direction after local feedback The direction of the one-way system introduced as part of social distancing measures in Ware has been reversed.

Hertfordshire County Council, which is responsible for highways, put the temporary system in place during the move out of lockdown to provide more space in shopping areas for pedestrians.

It says the change in direction was made in response to feedback from residents and businesses.

Traffic now has to travel southwards from the Watton Road roundabout through Baldock Street and High Street down to Star Street.

The change also means that buses are now unable to travel through High Street towards Ware Priory.

6 axis magazine

The entrance to Ware town centre is now from the Watton Road roundabout

Instead, they are diverted via New Road, Collett Road and The Bourne.

Bus stops in High Street will not be served in this direction and passengers should use the stops at Ware Crossing or New Road.

Buses headed towards the railway station through the town centre will make use of High Street stops which were due to be reopened.

Full details of the temporary changes in town centres can be found at hertfordshire.gov.uk/ coronavirustownchanges.

You can also offer feedback through the page.

Meanwhile, social distancing measures remain in Hertford’s Fore Street, with taxi ranks and many car parking spaces still out of use outside local shops, much to some traders’ bewilderment.

And the end of Fore Street which leads from Parliament Square into the town centre remains closed completely to traffic as well. Traders there say they have been told that the road may be closed permanently and be pedestrianised in the future.

The Burford Street public car park in Hoddesdon town centre is to be closed and redeveloped for housing by Broxbourne Council.

The council’s Cabinet agreed to pursue the plan when it met on 14th July.

The council says the car park is under-used and only generates revenue of £12,000 per year. Broxbourne intends to scrutinise all council-owned assets to make sure they are generating as much money as possible to provide essential services and believe a housing development on this site would bring council taxpayers a better return.

The council is keen to provide guest house / short-term hostel-style accommodation on at least part of the site to reduce the amount it pays privately-run hotels and B&Bs for nightly paid temporary accommodation.

The average monthly cost of this at the moment is £36,000 with an average of 90 units used per month during 201920. The council says owning its own accommodation would represent better value for money for the taxpayer.

The three options for the site to be taken forward are: l One: A mixed development with one four-bedroom house to be sold on the open market and an eight unit guest house / short stay accommodation building. l Two: A development of one four-bedroom house and two three-bedroom houses, which could be sold on the open market or to the council’s housing vehicle Badger BC Investments to be rented out; with no guest house. l Three: Two buildings providing guest house / short term accommodation with no private housing.

A fourth option to build flats only was rejected.

Further work will now be carried out on all three remaining options before planning applications are submitted. No date has been set for the car park to close.

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axis magazine 7

BRIEFING

Hancock’s decision to axe Public Health England leads to concern over planned move to Harlow Concerns have been raised that the planned move of the nation’s public health headquarters to Harlow may not happen.

The Government had decided that Public Health England’s headquarters and laboratories would be relocated to Harlow, pulling together facilities currently housed in three different locations – at Porton Down in Wiltshire, in Colindale in north London and in central London.

The new PHE site is due to be built on part of the former GlaxoSmithKline premises in The Pinnacles and occupation was expected to be phased in from 2021, with the move complete in 2024. It would lead to 2,750 staff being based in Harlow and the move has been a major part of Harlow’s plans for economic regeneration.

However, the announcement by Health Secretary Matt Hancock that PHE was to be replaced by a new body, the National Institute for Health Protection, has reignited discussion on the move.

This has been further fuelled by

LITTER CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED TO PROTECT PARKS The planned new PHE buildings in The Pinnacles, Harlow

a report in The Daily Telegraph which said that Chief Secretary to the Treasury Steve Barclay was unhappy with the proposed cost of the scheme and was intending to take a further look at it.

Harlow’s Conservative MP Robert Halfon told the Your Harlow website that he remained “very optimistic” that the move would still happen, adding that the Government had already invested £200m in the project.

Harlow Council leader Cllr Mark Ingall is now seeking urgent reassurance on the issue. He

said: “Public Health England’s planned move and relocation to the town is a major priority for Harlow’s regeneration and future jobs growth and it will be important for the town and the region’s economic recovery from the coronavirus outbreak.

“Therefore we will be seeking urgent reassurances and an update from the Government and Public Health England on what the changes to the organisation could mean for the public health science campus and headquarters in Harlow.”

New plan for retirement village at Hertingfordbury

Residents highlight problem of buses ‘missing out stops’

Plans for a retirement village for the over 55s of up to 208 homes, plus community and medical facilities, on green belt land at Lanbrook in St Mary’s Lane, Hertingfordbury, have been submitted to East Herts Council.

According to the developer Hertingfordbury Land Ltd, the proposed development would include up to 168 luxury one and two bed apartments, 40 assisted living apartments and a range of additional facilities such as a restaurant and bar, lounges, a shop, café, concert and function room, hairdressing salon, surgery, wellness centre, tennis and badminton courts and allotment gardens.

The 5.5 hectare site is currently privately owned and tenanted by The Pony Ranch, a not for profit centre that rescues and rehabilitates ponies in need and offers children, including those with additional needs, the chance to care for ponies and ride them.

Hertford Town Council, which is consulted on planning applications even though East Herts makes the final decision, has objected to the plans.

Hertingfordbury Land Ltd has previously made a number of unsuccessful attempts to gain planning consent for a retirement community on land at nearby Brickfields off Cole Green Way.

Residents in the Sele area of Hertford say that buses are failing to make their scheduled stops there.

Now Cllr Carolyn Redfern, a Labour member of East Herts Council, has taken up their case and written to operator Arriva about the reports that buses on the 395 route, which runs from Sele to Ware, are regularly failing to stop in Thieves Lane and The Ridgeway.

Residents have complained that the buses travel to a turning point in Bentley Road and then back down again, missing out the two streets. The problem appears to be as a result of development work being carried out by Network Homes in The Ridgeway and because of residents parking on the street.

Some people have also raised concerns about the speed of buses travelling past a playground in Bentley Road.

Cllr Redfern said: “Residents deserve a better service than this. I’ve written to Arriva so we can identify the issues preventing regular service and to confirm what action is being taken to resolve them.

My hope is that we can work together to find a resolution.”

She has asked anyone affected by the problem to email her at carolyn.redfern@eastherts.gov.uk.

8 axis magazine

A campaign to encourage people to take their rubbish home with them when they leave parks and open spaces has been launched by East Herts Council.

Increased numbers of people spending time outside since the coronavirus lockdown has meant a huge increase in the amount of rubbish left behind.

The council says it has increased litter picking and the emptying of bins but the problem continues to get worse.

The Don’t Have a Rubbish Excuse campaign will feature pictures of residents, staff of Maydencroft Farm whose cattle graze local open spaces and of the council’s ground maintenance contractor Glendale, showing the impact littering is having on them.

Also on board is Hertford Playground Alliance.

East Herts’ executive member for wellbeing Cllr Eric Buckmaster said it was pleasing to see people using the open spaces to exercise, meet up with friends and enjoy the weather but disappointing that some were not putting rubbish in the bins provided, or if these were full, taking it home to recycle.

Cllr Graham McAndrew, the executive member for environmental sustainability, added: “Littering is an eyesore, antisocial, and poses a danger to children, dogs and wildlife.

It costs the council and taxpayers a lot of money to clean up which could be better spent elsewhere, so I would encourage everyone to take their litter home and dispose of it in a safe and responsible way.”

BRIEFING

East Herts may review spending plans for major projects including theatres and leisure centres as impact of Covid-19 begins to bite East Herts Council is likely to undertake a review of the number and scale of its planned major projects as budgets come under strain from the impact of Covid-19 and other projected increased spending needs.

The local authority has a number of major projects either planned or already underway with budgets agreed. These include £30million for a new arts, shopping and housing development at Old River Lane in Bishop’s Stortford for which planning permission has yet to be sought; some £20million for a replacement to Grange Paddocks Leisure Centre in Bishop’s Stortford which is under construction; and £20million for the redevelopment of Hertford Theatre, due to start next year.

Also budgeted for is a £16million multi-storey car park at Northgate End in Bishop’s Stortford to free up land for the Old River Lane development and £10million for a refurbishment and extension to Hartham

Hertford Theatre’s redevelopment is due to begin next year

Leisure Centre in Hertford.

Other projects include the redevelopment of Hartham play area, improvement works to Bishop’s Stortford’s Castle Park, the refurbishment of Pinehurst Community Centre in Hertford and a hydro next to Hertford Theatre.

As Axis went to press the council’s executive was set to discuss a report from the deputy leader and executive member for financial sustainability, Cllr Geoff Williamson, in which he recommends that a review of

the planned capital programme is undertaken with the business case for major projects updated to include any impacts from the pandemic.

In his report, he explains that grants and a Government compensation scheme have reduced concern for the 2020/21 financial position.

However, predicted budget gaps for the following three financial years up to 2024 already stood at £1.6million before the effects of the Covid-19 lockdown were taken into account.

Now it is clear also that expected parking revenues are not likely to be achieved (although charging has re-started in car parks most use is short term with the long term parking usually associated with commuting not having returned); and new housing is adding additional costs to waste collection. The council also believes that bringing in a change promised by Boris Johnson that every household will receive a separate weekly food waste collection by 2023 will cost an extra £1million a year.

The latest predictions forecast that net savings of £1million will need to be made in 2020/21 and 2021/2 and £2million in 2023/4, targets which, Mr Williamson says “are unlikely to be achieved without some difficult decisions”.

He said that councillors may well decide to continue with the capital programme in its current form but said it was important that they did so based on the fresh information contained in the report.

Leisure centres: New plans for Hartham revealed as Stortford remains on track Updated designs for a new-look Hartham Leisure Centre in Hertford can be viewed on East Herts Council’s website along with a video which talks the public through what is proposed.

Anyone wanting to comment on them as part of a consultation has until Monday 7th September, although there will be a further opportunity once the designs are finalised and a formal planning application is submitted in mid-September.

As part of a £9million investment in the centre the council is planning a two-storey extension on the footprint of the existing reception area, plus landscaping and external seating.

Once complete, the centre will include an improved pool hall, refurbished wet and dry changing facilities, a 130-station fitness suite, three studios, soft play facility, reception foyer and a café with a seating area.

A first set of designs were widely criticised by the authority’s own councillors on its development management committee in January as being too industrial and lacking high enough sustainability credentials.

Instead of approving them, the committee deferred making a decision so that alternatives could be drawn up.

The new design features a mono-pitch roof and a large glazed area that looks out across the common.

The opposite side of the building features an integrated living wall.

The plans can be found at eastherts.co.uk/ harthamdevelopment.

Construction of the extension is planned to commence in the Spring of 2021 with the majority of facilities including the pool and gym remaining open and operational throughout. Once the new building is complete around

The planned Hartham Lesiure Centre viewed from Hartham Common

12 months from work starting, the pool will temporarily close for around six months whilst the pool hall and changing rooms are refurbished.

Grange Paddocks Meanwhile, in Bishop’s Stortford, building works on a new Grange Paddocks Leisure Centre are still on schedule despite the

challenges of the pandemic.

The new centre is being built to the south of the existing facility which will be demolished when the new one is complete.

So far, learner and competition pools have been taking shape, the building’s steel frame has been erected and in September works will see the formation of the roof of the building. axis magazine 9

SHOPPING & BUSINESS NEWS

Handy new supermarket replaces café in the centre of Hertford Six years after opening Hertford Café, owner Adem Altunatmaz has identified a different business opportunity and converted his shop in Railway Street into a new supermarket.

Town Express opened during August and has already proven to be busy, fulfilling a need right in the centre of the county town for a large convenience store.

Hertford has been without a town centre supermarket since Waitrose closed its Bircherley Green store, so the opening means people in the town centre now have a handy alternative to travelling to the big name supermarkets on the edges of the town for daily essentials.

Town Express is open seven days a week from 8am to 11pm and Adem has packed the shop with a wide range of products, operating as both a grocery and off-licence.

Inside you will find frozen food, pasta and other fried foods, jams

and preserves, nuts, snacks, crisps and sweets as well as household essentials, beer, cider, wine and spirits. Adem is also stocking a commendably large number of products that are organic, vegan and vegetarian. From the front, the shop may seem small but it goes back a long way and is packed with products. We’re sure you’ll find it useful when in town.

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10 axis magazine

Adem in his new supermarket, Town Express, in Railway Street, Hertford

Working from home? New co-working space offers an attractive alternative September sees the launch of a new co-working space at The Mill House in Hertford, a joint initiative between the venue and women’s networking group Mama Hive.

The Mill House is a multifunctional warehouse-style space at Dicker Mill in Marshgate Drive which can be hired for everything from health and wellbeing classes to workshops, talks and events.

The new bookable half and full day co-working sessions are open to anyone (men are welcome too!)

– and are ideal for freelancers and small business owners or anyone looking for a change of scene from the office.

To make the space Covid-secure

each co-worker has their own desk with plenty of space and there is no face to face seating.

Tables and chairs are cleaned between bookings and antibacterial sanitiser and wipes are available on each table.

A half day session is £10, a full day £15; or you can book a whole week for just £40.

W-fi is included and there is unlimited Nespresso coffee, free parking, a dedicated table and soft seating, power points, a kitchenette with access to tea and coffee making facilities and a fridge and a community wall where you can promote your business.

For more details and to book visit themillhousehertford.com.

SHOPPING & BUSINESS NEWS

SPONSORED CONTENT

Love Hoddesdon helps town to bounce back Having played a crucial role in supporting local businesses during the Covid-19 crisis, Love Hoddesdon continues to lead the recovery of the town as many businesses have now been able to reopen.

Love Hoddesdon is a not-forprofit company responsible for the business improvement district (BID), representing around 200 businesses in Hoddesdon town centre.

During lockdown it provided daily updates to businesses about the Government announcements around closures and financial support schemes, as well as advice and guidance for different types of business as they were allowed to reopen their doors to the public.

Now with around 90% of businesses open to the public, Love Hoddesdon is co-ordinating a Recovery Plan to help get shoppers back to the High Street.

Increasing confidence Several national surveys highlighted one of the key challenges will be convincing shoppers it is safe to shop on the High Street, so Love Hoddesdon introduced its ‘Shop Safe’ Scheme. This aims to increase public confidence and give reassurance that shopkeepers are taking steps to protect their health.

To assist, the BID provided many businesses with free starter packs of PPE and details of how to keep their premises safe for shoppers.

In addition, it has given away 1,000 hygiene key rings which allow users to use keypads on

Brown tourist signs, floral displays, a defribrillator and hygiene key rings have all been introduced in Hoddesdon

cash machines without the need to physically touch them. It is also working with Broxbourne Council to utilise Government support under the Reopening High Streets Safely Fund to put in a range of measures including to provide public hand sanitiser facilities and encourage shoppers to maintain social distancing and wear face coverings in shops.

Helping businesses To directly help businesses, the BID continually promotes shopping locally and aims to again develop regular networking opportunities, training sessions, guidance documents and other opportunities to support businesses in adjusting to the new normal, such as pavement

licences, support from local delivery companies and making savings on utility bills.

Forthcoming projects Hoddesdon is well known for its superb range of town centre events and whilst currently it is very difficult to hold these, it will continue to look for opportunities to introduce some small scale events over the coming months to draw people back into the High Street.

It is also implementing a number of projects, in conjunction with Broxbourne Council, to enhance the look and feel of the High Street. Recent projects include: l An increased level of floral displays in the town; l Installation of a public

defibrillator outside the library; l The installation of brown tourist attraction signs on key routes to promote the town Over the coming months there will also be: l The installation of a 12 camera fully monitored public town centre CCTV scheme; l Improvements to the lighting of Hoddesdon Clock Tower; l Enhanced levels of festive lighting in the Christmas period.

These are all intended to contribute towards making Hoddesdon town centre more appealing to shoppers and visitors and hopefully encourage them to shop local rather than online as so many small, independent businesses try to bounce back after the pandemic.

Then make sure you…

Do you…

Hoddesdon

SHOP LOCAL EAT LOCAL SPEND LOCAL

www.lovehoddesdon.co.uk axis magazine 11

TAXING MATTERS

SPONSORED CONTENT

The silly season 2020-style: A real life game of Where’s Wally...?

Stuart Everett of Hertford accountants Meyer Williams goes in search of The Great P...

Hello? Is there anyone in there?

With it being the holiday season, the new academic year yet to begin and with Parliament in recess, there is traditionally little real news about at this time of the year.

This means the stories on the front pages of the tabloids being read on the beaches of the UK (and probably Spain and other countries) tend to be lighthearted and possibly even concocted by journalists. (To be fair, if they were made up, it was to keep us smiling and stop us having to read the usual scaremongering!).

Of course this year is like no other and most people’s foreign holidays have either been cancelled or subject to a fortnight of quarantine, so the Brits have once again had, in the main, to settle for knotted handkerchiefs and cramming on to British beaches like sardines (a paradise for viruses!).

And the tabloids, as you would

imagine, have been full of stories about the failed and incompetent policies of the Government.

However, once again they have missed the point.

Our leader, the Great P, has come up with a brilliant strategy to suit his lifestyle. It’s ‘The Great P’s Hands-Off and On Holiday Policy’ … a non-interventionist Government that gets involved in nothing at all and when it all goes wrong blames the experts and prints more money to make everything look good in the rose garden. After all, if you have no policy, it cannot be a failed or incompetent one!

But not all Government ministers have cottoned on to this – the misguided ones are trying their best to actually do things, although because they lack pragmatism and experience they are making a hash of it for the Great P. For example, who on earth came

up with the idea of the ‘elitist algorithm’ to decide on exam grades? Surely only a public schoolboy with no experience of the real world could do!

They seek him here...

But wait, all is not lost! The Great P has restored the natural balance to the silly season.

What a genius move: stealing the dismal headlines by getting us to play a real-life game of Where’s Wally…?

Having disappeared some weeks ago from public view, leaving the inexperienced Cabinet to look after the shop and watch the R rate steadily increase past one (shame they cannot achieve a steady increase in the FTSE 100 too), The Great P bursts back into the headlines apparently having spent a night under canvas in a Scottish farmer’s field without permission. Obviously it was made worse by him lighting

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 12 axis magazine

a campfire (had he not heard of Eat Out to Help Out?).

The purpose? It can only be so he could tell everybody he knows what it’s like to be homeless!

(If only the homeless had tents and armed bodyguards).

Apparently, once his whereabouts became known, his bodyguard said it was unsafe and he left immediately for destination unknown. Had he not done so, it could have ended like a low budget remake of the final scenes from Skyfall with Nicola Sturgeon gaining the upper hand.

Where did he go? Some said London, others said Cyprus.

Perhaps the best result would be if we never found Wally!

What has all this to do with tax I hear you say … not much but it is the silly season after all!

When it comes to tax we are definitely hands-on so please phone if you need help and advice.

PROPERTY

WHAT’S ON THE MARKET

Enjoy a slice of history along with eco-friendly, riverside living Now open for viewings: Four new homes on part of pumping station site Viewings are about to begin on a new luxury, eco-friendly, gated development of four riverside family houses in Stanstead Abbotts.

The development, called 1-4 Pump House Lane, is on the site of two former buildings that were part of Rye Common pumping station.

It has been designed and built by family-run Berkshire-based Quorus Property Group and the houses are for sale through Thomas Childs & Co in Hertford.

The two original buildings housed filter beds which cleaned the drinking water from the New River which to this day continues to serve much of London.

However, the cleaning and filtering process now takes place further downstream in north London, making the original buildings redundant.

Quorus bought the site at auction in 2015 and director and architect Steve Algar and his colleagues have worked since then to come up with a really unusual scheme which fully honours its heritage.

The main living space on the upper ground floor opens out onto a rear garden with views across the nearby New River

When the filter beds were emptied of the charcoal powder that filled them and the buildings around them demolished, Quorus discovered a series of heavy concrete foundations which Steve retained to help develop the footprint of the new site.

About the houses He decided to create four new homes (one for each of the old filter beds) which, after discussions with planners at East Herts Council, it was decided should be very modern in style.

The four houses are linked, though separated acoustically through the

A concrete stair bridge leads to the main entrance of each of these four stunning individual family houses

building of a garage in between each, and are built into the lower levels of the original filter bed foundations.

Each is designed over four levels, and includes 2,200 sq ft of space.

The lower ground floor has two bedrooms plus an additional 975 sq ft space that each owner will be able to choose how to use. It could be ideal for a gym, a yoga space, home office or just a large den, and offers the opportunity to personalise each home.

There are two further bedrooms on the next level (ground floor), though one of these could be used as an extra reception room, whilst

the main living/dining space and kitchen is on the upper ground floor. The main entrance, reached via a concrete stair bridge, is on this level too.

The fourth level contains a sunken roof terrace and all four houses have a green living roof and rear gardens. The river frontage is an attractive mix of glass, brick and flint and each house has views over the New River and fields opposite.

Internally, each house will have luxury kitchens and bathrooms and bi-folding doors whilst the design means that all rooms have lots of natural light, even on the lower levels.

A sculpture welcoming residents and visitors to 1-4 Pump House Lane is to be created using some of the original architectural pieces salvaged during the building work and a metal board explaining the site’s history will be placed next to a bench as well, to help ensure the site’s heritage is not forgotten.

Viewing information The show house was almost finished as Axis went to press, with the full development due to be completed in the next three months.

Prices for the two end houses are £950,000, with the two middle properties available at £925,000.

Call Thomas Childs & Co on 01992 721321 to arrange a viewing or request further information. axis magazine 13

PROPERTY

PROPERTY SEARCH: FOUR GREAT ONE-BEDROOM HOUSES ON THE MARKET NOW

Small but perfectly formed Ideal for single people, couples and those downsizing from a larger property, a traditional one-bedroom cottage or house is a nice alternative to the easier-to-find one-bed flat.

So this month, we have found four small but perfectly formed houses to suit those for whom one bedroom is room enough…

The Ford, Little Hadham £355,000 A stunning Grade II listed detached character cottage with views over open countryside. Modernised but with many period features including open fireplaces, it features a kitchen-dining room, living room, bedroom, bathroom, driveway and courtyard garden.

David Lee, Bishop’s Stortford 01279 657666

Roydon Road, Stanstead Abbotts £275,000 This lovely Grade II listed double fronted cottage is brimming with character and has its own south west facing courtyard garden.

It has a living room with a separate kitchen downstairs and bedroom with fitted wardrobes and bathroom upstairs.

William H Brown, Ware 01920 465411

New Road, Ware £325,000 This unusual terrace is set over three floors in the heart of Ware. It has a ground floor kitchendining area, first floor living room and shower room and top floor bedroom, with off street parking to the front and a private courtyard garden with gated rear access.

Elliot Heath, Ware 01920 293333

Baldock Road, Buntingford £235,000 A delightful semi-detached cottage in the centre of Buntingford with a south-facing private courtyard garden and off street parking. Features a living-dining room, kitchen and shower room to the ground floor and a good sized upstairs bedroom.

Jonathan Hunt, Buntingford 01763 272727

14 axis magazine

HOME

HOME IMPROVEMENTS SPECIAL

Apply for a Government grant to make your home greener We’ve had business support grants, furlough and Eat Out to Help Out, but now Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s next scheme to help the economy recover from the Covid-19 lockdown will benefit homeowners and help them make their homes more energy-efficient.

The Green Homes Grant is due to go live at the end of September and will give more than 600,000 homeowners in England vouchers of up to £5,000 to cover twothirds of the cost of installing insulation, heat pumps, draught proofing and other measures to help cut their energy bills by up to £600 a year.

Householders on low incomes (see separate section on this page for who qualifies) will receive 100% of the cost of the work, up to a maximum of £10,000.

The scheme will cover a range of green improvements from insulation of walls, floors and roofs, to the installation of low-carbon heating, like heat pumps or solar thermal.

The Green Homes Grant will give homeowners, including owneroccupiers and social or private landlords, vouchers to install one or more of the following: l Solid wall, under-floor, cavity wall or roof insulation; l Air source or ground source

Where to get advice on what you could have done

heat pump; l Solar thermal.

You have to apply for one of these so-called “primary measures” first but once an application has been approved, homeowners can also apply for a voucher for further “secondary” energy-saving measures. These include one or more of the following: l Double or triple glazing, or secondary glazing, when replacing single glazing; l Upgrading to energy efficient doors; l Hot water tank/appliance tank thermostats/heating controls.

Applicants will be offered a list of TrustMark and MCS registered tradespeople in their local area to carry out the work.

Once the works are agreed, vouchers will start to be issued from the end of September so work can begin.

An example of the way the scheme will work is if an owner of a semi-detached or end-terrace home installed cavity wall and floor insulation costing around £4,000, the homeowner would pay only £1,320, with the Government paying the other £2,680.

Doing so could save the owner over £200 a year on their bills and reduce their carbon footprint by cutting 700 kg of CO2 a year for their home alone.

So keep an eye out for the official launch of the Green Homes Grant scheme later this month to find out how you can apply for a voucher.

You can get advice on improving the energyefficiency of your home from the Simple Energy Advice (SEA) service.

SEA will suggest appropriate home improvement measures that homeowners may be able to apply for support in funding.

Visit simpleenergyadvice.org.uk to see what you could have done to your home.

Who will carry out the work once approved?

The new scheme is also expected to support over 100,000 jobs in green construction. Builders, plumbers and other tradespeople will need a Government-backed seal of approval to provide their services as part of the new £2billion scheme and the Government has already begun asking tradespeople to sign up for TrustMark or Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) accreditation to give people confidence in the quality of work carried out.

£5k or £10k? Do you qualify for a bigger 100% grant?

The Government says people on low incomes will be able to receive vouchers for up to £10,000, covering 100% of the cost of the works. You qualify for the Green Homes Grant low income scheme if you own your own home and are in receipt of any one of the following benefits: l Income-based Jobseekers allowance (JSA); l Income-based Employment & Support Allowance (ESA); l Income Support (IS); l Pension Guarantee Credit; l Working Tax Credit (WTC);

l Child Tax Credits (CTC); l Universal Credit (UC); l Disability Living Allowance (DLA); l Personal Independence Payment (PIP); l Attendance Allowance; l Carer’s Allowance; l Severe Disablement Allowance; l Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit; l Contribution-based Jobseekers allowance (JSA); l Contribution-based Employment & Support Allowance (ESA); l Housing benefit.

LOOKING TO IMPROVE YOUR HOME? The next 8 pages feature local businesses that can help you this autumn...

Mini emporium with a selection of dealers selling antiques, vintage and retro collectables 4 Mill Bridge, Hertford SG14 1PY 01992 509547 axis magazine 15

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NEWS: NEW STORE OPENING

VFM Home Living store in Harlow offers value for money furniture from big name high street brands Recently opened on Edinburgh Way’s Queensgate Retail Park in Harlow, VFM Home Living is an independently-owned discount store offering furniture and home accessories at very affordable prices.

The ‘VFM’ in the name stands for value for money and the shop stocks regular lines as well as end of line furniture from major brands and liquidated stock, with savings of up to 70% off regular high street prices.

Currently in stock are items from Harveys and Lombok, both of which recently went into administration, and staff are expecting ranges from Laura Ashley to arrive in store soon too.

New items arrive each week with products usually including sofas, tables, cabinets, TV stands, beds and home accessories.

The shop offers up to 12 months’ interest free credit and a prompt delivery service, often next day.

VFM Home Living has a second store on the Roaring Meg retail park in Stevenage whilst a new Lakeside branch is set to launch soon.

To get a flavour of what’s on offer, see their Facebook page (@vfmfurniturestore) or Instagram (vfm_homeliving) or better still pop into store.

It’s in the unit that was formerly home to Decathlon.

It’s open 10am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday, from 9am to 6pm on Saturday and 10.30am to 5pm Sunday.

Store controller Naz Chohan (right) and team members Roxanna Indrei and Denise Cerejo will be happy to help you at VFM Home Living

VFM Home Living Queensgate Centre, Edinburgh Way, Harlow CM20 2DA 01279 434327 Vfm-homeliving.co.uk

How to personalise your home Framing your pictures and most treasured mementos is a great way to personalise your home.

The well-established Ware-based Landseer Picture Framing will frame everything from prints, paintings, medals, photos, sports shirts and programmes to ribbons and uniform badges.

They can stretch your canvas onto frames and they can cut mounts to any specifications whether it is a one hole mount or multi-hole mount.

16 axis magazine

They hold many mouldings styles and colours and mount board in stock.

In addition, they also stock a good selection of Sam Toff limited edition prints as well as a range of other gifts that will enhance your home’s interior.

Landseer Picture Framing 27b Baldock Street, Ware SG12 9DH 01920 486522 landseerpictureframes.com

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The bespoke kitchen of your dreams John Ladbury and Company is an established family-run business of over 40 years specialising in bespoke kitchens and furniture.

This small but thriving company, based in Welham Green, offers a wealth of expertise and experience in designing, manufacturing and installing kitchens.

John Ladbury and Company work towards one goal: to make their craftsmanship and service the very best they can to ensure customer satisfaction.

Quality, style and attention to detail are the top priorities in this motivated, forward-thinking business where experience and excellence go hand in hand.

If you are interested in having a John Ladbury and Company

kitchen, you will initially be invited to their large showroom which displays the best in inspirational and traditional designs and showcases the leading appliance brands including Wolf, Miele and Quooker.

One of their designers will talk you through every aspect of your kitchen and advise, where appropriate, on the design, build, type of worktops and paint colour.

From conception to completion the team will take care of your design requirements and project manage the kitchen you have always wanted to suit your lifestyle and budget.

Call to arrange a time to visit the showroom in Welham Green and find out more.

John Ladbury and Company Unit 11 Alpha Business Park, Travellers Close, Welham Green AL9 7NT 01707 262966 johnladbury.co.uk

John Ladbury and Company Unit 11 Alpha Business Park, Travellers Close Welham Green, Hertfordshire AL9 7NT

Telephone: 01707 262966 www.johnladbury.co.uk

esTABLisHed 1978

axis magazine 17

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Dobsons celebrates a magnificent 85 years in businesses with some very Dobsons, the luxury Cheshuntbased kitchen, bathroom and glazing company, have achieved that rare accomplishment in modern times of celebrating 85 years in business this year.

Still trading on the same Turners Hill site that Frank Dobson started the company on all those years ago, the business is going from strength to strength and is now managed by the fourth generation of the Dobson family.

Dobsons through the years In Dobsons’ early years they formed part of an emergency repair group carrying out works to many buildings damaged in London during World War II. Then in the 1960s and 70s Dobsons developed the business into shop fitting, fitting out many of the early local supermarkets and building societies.

The 80s saw the beginning of the transformation of Dobsons into the company it is today, when they moved into the domestic market and opened a window and door showroom on their site.

The showroom was expanded when they added fitted kitchens to their product range in the 90s and over the last 20 years Dobsons have also added bathrooms to their portfolio to provide the complete home service.

The firm of family values Dobsons put their success over the years down to their family values of honest trading, excellent service and quality products – not to mention the

18 axis magazine

expertise of their loyal staff, many of whom have been with them for numerous years.

Dobsons know how important it is to always be looking to move forward as a business and ensuring their showroom, which is one of the best and most comprehensive in the south east,

is always up to date with the latest fashions, trends and new products on the market, and they never rest on their laurels.

Always up to date Their showroom was extensively refurbished last year and now houses exclusively Stoneham

hand-built kitchen furniture in large stunning room sets alongside premium appliance brands. Their large Villeroy & Boch bathroom studio features the latest in luxury bathing and showering and their window and door showroom showcases aluminium bi-fold doors, uPVC and aluminium windows and a comprehensive range of front doors. Dobsons pride themselves on creating your dream project, whether it be a kitchen, bathroom, glazed extension or new windows and doors.

Their friendly, experienced staff will discuss your needs to provide a solution which is right for you and then take care of the complete project from design through to installation; all expertly project-managed for a perfect seamless finish.

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special offers this September – get in touch to find out more now!

September offers To celebrate turning 85 Dobsons will be running a series of birthday offers throughout September across their entire product range, details of which can be found on their website dobsonshome.com.

Why not visit their stunning showroom, currently open by

appointment only, for ideas and inspiration and make the most of these fabulous offers?

Dobsons 128 Turners Hill, Cheshunt EN8 9BN 01992 623066 dobsonshome.com

Kitchens Bathrooms Windows & Doors Glazed Extensions

• Browse our new brochure www.dobsonshome.com

• Visit our inspirational showroom

128 Turners Hill, Cheshunt, EN8 9BN

• Talk to our designers 01992 623066

axis magazine 19

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How to really make it your own

Find your ideal fireplace

To truly make a house your home you want to add your personality into it and what better way to do than to create bespoke items?

Fashion Flooring and Interiors can not only make your curtains and blinds to your specifications but can also make cushions and throws to complete the look.

But the bespoke look doesn’t end there: if you are looking to add a real statement wall they can help you create your own wallpapers – just find an image you love and they will do the rest.

You can also make your floor more distinctive by selecting your own colours for Victorian floor tiles to create a custom design.

If you can’t find a rug you love you can have one made just for you: pick any kind of carpet

With the onset of autumn, the Hertfordshire Fireplace Gallery welcome you safely back to their extensive showroom in Potters Bar. They have been helping customers with their fireplace requirements for almost 20 years and offer the largest selection of fires, fireplaces and stoves in Hertfordshire, displayed in attractive and spacious room settings, at prices to suit every budget.

With many stunning styles from contemporary hang on the wall designs to more traditional surrounds in limestone, marble and timber, you won’t need to go anywhere else!

No chimney or gas? Then why not opt for the versatility of an

and edge it in a coordinating or contrasting colour or a different texture. Finally, don’t forget your lighting: simple lamp shades can be made for you and the shop also works with a hand blown glass company to produce truly personalised pieces.

Fashion Flooring and Interiors 1-3 High Street, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 2LS 01279 651514 fashionflooringandinteriors.co.uk

A wide range of carpets, wood & wood laminate, luxury vinyl tiles, rugs, bespoke curtains & blinds, wallpapers, lighting, cushions, occasional furniture, accessories & much more…

Free measuring & estimates on flooring, curtains & blinds 1-3 High Street, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 2LS 01279 651514 interiors@fashionflooringandinteriors.co.uk www.fashionflooringandinteriors.co.uk 20 axis magazine

electric or LED fireplace with realistic flames?

Free local delivery is available, plus a full installation service by their team of qualified Gas Safe and HETAS engineers.

So call in today to browse the complete range and book your free no obligation survey, or check out their website for the latest offers and new products.

Hertfordshire Fireplace Gallery 9 Barnet Road, Potters Bar EN6 2QX 01707 657070 hertsfireplacegallery.co.uk

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Create your perfect bathroom For inspiration and everything you need to create your dream bathroom head to Hoddesdon Tile and Bathroom Centre.

Based on a business estate and so with ample free parking outside, this family-run company has been helping both retail and trade customers with their home improvement projects for more than 25 years.

A tile showroom on the ground floor offers ceramic, porcelain and mosaic tiles along with all the fixing goods, sealants and cleaners you might need.

Upstairs, in the refurbished bathroom showroom, a series of room sets showcase a wide range of baths, showers, basins, toilets, taps, towel rails and more, providing inspiration and everything you need to create

your perfect bathroom.

You can either buy whatever you need if you plan to install it yourself or speak to the friendly team about the expert planning and fitting service they offer.

They can visit your home, measure up, plan your room and fit everything for you if required.

A prompt delivery service is also available for larger items.

Not being based on the high street with its resulting large overheads helps to make the prices at Hoddesdon Tile and Bathroom Centre really competitive. And the free parking right outside leaves you more time to browse without feeling time-pressured.

The showroom is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and on Saturday from 9am to 4pm.

Hoddesdon Tile and Bathroom Centre Units C2 & C3 Geddings Road, Hoddesdon EN11 0NT 01992 470146 hoddesdontile-bathroomcentre.com

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

hoddesdontile-bathroomcentre.com axis magazine 21

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Get a quality new look for your home The family-run In-Ex Design team have over 26 years of experience in the kitchen industry and are passionate about creating brilliant kitchen and bedroom designs, with high levels of customer service.

Several years ago they moved into the prominent former Barclays Bank building on the corner of Broxbourne High Road and Nazeing New Road, where they now have a light and airy showroom that showcases the quality products they offer.

Recently they have expanded the showroom area by renovating the bank’s former vault downstairs.

Behind the heavy iron safe door (which is still in situ) you will discover a new luxury bathroom range offering inspiration and a wide selection of high quality

products including sanitary ware, furniture and accessories.

Upstairs, you can find the quality kitchen and bedroom furniture and designs that In-Ex are already well known for.

They offer a wide range of work surface choices from quartz to solid wood, acrylic and laminate in a vast range of finishes.

They work closely with builders and architects to help ensure your new room is absolutely as you want it.

In-Ex only use their own fitters as well, to ensure a high quality installation.

Pop into their Broxbourne showroom to see some of their designs for yourself and find out more.

It’s open Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 5pm and Sunday from 10am to 4pm.

In-Ex Design 15 The Precinct, High Road, Broxbourne EN10 7HZ 01992 809000 in-exdesign.co.uk

Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms

New luxury bathroom showroom open downstairs in The Vault

Designed, Built and Professionally Fitted – For a free design consultation call 01992 809000 or 0800 9800538 15 The Precinct High Road Broxbourne Herts EN10 7HZ (The old Barclays Bank) 22 axis magazine

Factory/Outlet 14A Burnt Mill Industrial Estate Elizabeth Way Harlow CM20 2HS

01992 809000 sales@in-exdesign.co.uk www.in-exdesign.co.uk

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Give your kitchen a seasonal clean and facelift Keeping your kitchen in good order is a worthwhile investment for your home and, with studies showing we spend on average over 70 per cent of time here when at home, any kitchen makeover you plan should be well thought through.

Ultimately, your kitchen should be functional and practical.

Here are Dream Doors’ five key steps to keeping your kitchen clean and tidy: Effective storage Pull-out storage systems which fit into existing units, or new units which Dream Doors can provide, are a great way to store plates, food etc. Having large cutlery drawers with separators allows you to neatly store your essentials so you can easily find them when cooking.

Cutlery drawers are best placed near to your hob, though not underneath as family members may often need access while you

are cooking.

Have enough counter space Having a combi-oven/microwave saves counter space as there is no longer a need to have a standalone microwave. Not having enough worktop space means your kitchen will look cluttered. Make sure you have enough room to prepare food as well as entertain and eat.

will look far neater than a standalone. And make sure you get a big enough dishwasher!

Maximise kitchen units You need more units than you realise and many people waste wall space which could provide you with more storage. Dream Doors can provide made-tomeasure units to fit any given space. Why not fit your bin in a cupboard too? Integrated bins for general waste, and recycling bins with dividers, are very handy and mean your main bin doesn’t get full as quickly whilst also helping you recycle efficiently. Finally, integrate your appliances – for example an integrated dishwasher

Regularly wipe down surfaces Make sure you regularly wipe down kitchen surfaces after use.

If you like cleaning to be straightforward then perhaps an induction hob is best for you as these are flat and sleek with no grooves or gas rings to clean around.

Seasonal clean Go through your cupboards at least twice a year to space-save – in the Spring and just before winter to make sure you do not have spices and items from the 1990s lurking around!

Dream Doors 5 Star Street, Ware SG12 7AA 01920 463302 dreamdoors.co.uk/eastherts

axis magazine 23

WEDDINGS SHOWCASE

How a Covid-19 local wedding became happy couple’s best day ever When the Covid-19 pandemic put paid to their plans for a fairytale wedding in a chateau in France this summer, Hertford couple Danica Maynerd and David Macnab were determined to still get married in style.

So with the help of friends, family and local businesses, the couple, who live in Nelson Street, Bengeo, put the date back two months and put all their efforts into organising a ‘Hertford Covid-19 Wedding’ instead.

David, who is an account manager for a data firm, and Danica who works for KFH estate agents and is also a professional mermaid and underwater model, met back in December 2013 at a burlesque club in London whilst they were both out separately for their firm’s Christmas parties.

They had been due to be married with more than 60 guests at The Fairytale Cheateau in The Dordogne on 6th June this year.

Rather than wait a year in the hope that they would be able to revive their original plans, they

Images from Danica and David’s Covid-19 wedding / Pictures: Paul Dale

reorganised everything to marry locally instead.

The ceremony took place at historic St Leonard’s Church in Bengeo, officiated by Vicar Robert Thompson, with the permitted maximum 20 people, on Saturday 8th August.

Because no singing was allowed in church there were no hymns, but Danica and David’s near-neighbours helped them out by playing their music as Danica walked down the aisle.

Fortunately, those neighbours were none other than Rowena

Calvert and Rhys Watkins, who organise the Hertford International Concert Series featuring world class classical musicians! They were supported by Danica’s mum, Leslie Maynerd, who played saxophone.

Local businesses played a big part on the day too; the couple got ready and stayed for their wedding night at the boutique B&B Number One Port Hill in Bengeo; flowers were from Love Flowers in Market Street and Speedy Services arranged signage for Nelson Street to be closed for a street party afterwards which was catered for with a hog roast

by Tubby Hog Roasts of Bishop’s Stortford.

The couple’s neighbours surprised Danica and David by decorating the street with bunting for the party too.

Although their original dreams of a fairytale French wedding were not fulfilled, the couple agreed that their inpromtpu Hertford Covid-19 Wedding was “the best day ever!”

Ware Priory is open for weddings again

Up to 70% off sale at Mary’s of Enfield Mary’s of Enfield, the Hoddesdon-based mother of the bride and occasionwear specialist, currently has a sale on with discounts of up to 70 per cent available on some items.

Mary’s of Enfield are renowned stockists of designer fashion wedding outfits for mothers of the bride and groom, plus stylish evening and occasionwear dresses, ladies’ smart/casual 24 axis magazine

daywear fashion collections and co-ordinating accessories.

A family-run business since being established down the A10 in Enfield in 1972, the shop, which is now at 27b High Street in Hoddesdon, continues to offer top quality clothing and an extremely high level of customer service. Call 01992 466066 or email info@marysofenfield.co.uk for further information.

These examples shown above are are all from the stylish Spanish label Marfil: Pictured from left to right: l Fuchsia and purple colour block halter neck gown was £615 now £250; l Full length halter neck gown was £480 now £250; l A-line polka dot dress with full skirt and red flower print was £255 now £150.

Ware Priory is now open again and is able to host both weddings and other events.

The team at the Priory have been working hard within the ever-changing Government guidelines to hold superb catered events. Work has included risk assessments, putting up appropriate signage and carrying out cleaning and sanitising procedures. You can now book wedding ceremonies, receptions, celebrations, wakes, other sit-down meals and business or group meetings for up to 30 guests. Call 01920 460316 or visit warepriory.co.uk for more information.

Occasionwear sale now on – up to 70% off selected items!

Leading the way for mothers of the bride & groom

Premier stockist of Condici, John Charles, Ispirato, Irresistible, Ian Stuart, Veni Infantino & many more.

Sizes 6-26.

27b High Street, Hoddesdon EN11 8SX 01992 466066 info@marysofenfield.co.uk | www.marysofenfield.co.uk

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

D A N C E

T O A S T

It’s the day you’ve been dreaming of.

Whether you’re planning a small and intimate affair or grand and glamorous party, our timelessly elegant interiors and refurbished function rooms are the perfect backdrop to say ‘I do’.

L O V E

Weddings / Parties / Business Events and so much more…

Call 01920 487722 or email hanburymanor.events@marriotthotels.co.uk www.memoriesmademarriott.co.uk/hanburymanor

Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club Cambridge Road, Thundridge, Ware, Hertfordshire SG12 0SD

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

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

axis magazine 25

VISIT THE PARK, GARDENS & WOODLAND WALKS THIS SEPTEMBER. OPEN EACH THURSDAY - SUNDAY UNTIL 27TH SEPTEMBER. TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE AT

WWW.HATFIELD-HOUSE.CO.UK

WHERE THE CITY ENDS & THE COUNTRY BEGINS

HATFIELD-HOUSE.CO.UK

01707 287010

*A family ticket includes 2 adults and up to 4 children. Your ticket will be stamped on the day of your first visit, you will need to show this at this ticket office on your return visit in order to receive free entry for 2 adults and up to 4 children. This offer is valid on family tickets bought from 22nd July – 30th August. The second free visit must be taken before the 1st September 2020 subject to opening times, when this offer will end.

WHAT’S ON

SOCIALLY DISTANCED THINGS TO DO

Luna Cinema returns to Hatfield House

Having launched its drive-in cinema experience at venues including Knebworth over the summer, the Luna Cinema is back with its traditional outdoor format (albeit socially distanced with pre-booked pitches containing set-out chairs for two or four people) in the beautiful

grounds of Hatfield House this month. A series of films will be shown from Tuesday 22nd to Sunday 27th September.

The programme is: Tuesday 22nd: Back to the Future; Wednesday 23rd: Dirty Dancing; Thursday 24th: Rocketman; Friday 25th: Harry Potter and the

Philosopher’s Stone; Saturday 26th: Grease; Sunday 27th: Joker.

Doors open at 6pm each evening with the film beginning at 7.30pm. Tickets are £39 for a seated pitch for two or £78 for four and must be booked online. thelunacinema.com

Not that you need one, but there is a new reason to visit The Gibberd Garden in Old Harlow over the next two months.

A new sculpture has been installed in the garden as part of the New Geographies project, a region-wide arts commissioning programme which aims to bring contemporary art to unexpected places across the east of England.

The installation Green / Blue was created by artist Krijn de Koning, who personally selected the garden as the site for his work.

It is in situ now and will remain so until 25th October.

De Koning’s sculpture is very much at home in The Gibberd Garden. Created by Sir Frederick Gibberd, the master planner of Harlow new town, it is widely acknowledged as one of the most important 20th century gardens in the UK. Sir Frederick divided the garden into separate ‘rooms’ – and scattered works of art and paraphernalia from his various

builds throughout it.

De Koning’s sculpture was created in partnership with UH Arts, the University of Hertfordshire’s arts and cultural programme, and The Gibberd Garden Trust.

The garden is open on Wednesdays and Sundays from 2-5pm until 25th October.

Admission is £5, concessions £4, children aged 5-16 £1. You do not need to book but payment is by card only. It’s in Marsh Lane, Harlow CM17 0NA. thegibberdgarden.co.uk

ROB HARRIS

Take a fresh look at The Gibberd Garden through new sculpture

Fairy trail on show at Hertford Castle

As Axis hits the streets there are just a couple of days left to experience Hertford Castle’s enchanted fairy trail. The trail was launched on 22nd August and ends on Sunday 6th September. It features various mythical creature displays hidden within the castle grounds and around the flower gardens, river, stone walls and ancient trees.

It’s proven hugely popular with local families so far and is free to enjoy.

Duxford hosts Battle of Britain Air Show IWM Duxford, Europe’s largest air museum, is hosting its first air show of the year, the Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show, from Friday 18th to Sunday 20th September. Attendance is limited so pre-book your tickets quickly.

Duxford is also open daily, with tickets priced at £20.25 for adults, £16.20 concessions and £10.10 child (aged 5-16). iwm.org.uk axis magazine 27

WHAT’S ON

Herts Open Studios goes online only this year

Artists taking part in Open Studios include those from whom examples are shown above (clockwise from top row left: Gerrard Mikelsons, Helen Dowley, Jayne Evans, Mike Rollins, Dawn Elliott and Janet Cawthorne

Herts Open Studios, the monthlong annual celebration of art and artists across Hertfordshire, is to be a virtual event this year, to mark its 30th anniversary.

Usually, hundreds of artists around the county throw open the physical doors to their studios and galleries, enabling visitors to come in, see their work, find out more about the creative process and, of course,

purchase some great art.

But with coronavirus restrictions making that all a bit more difficult this year, organisers Herts Visual Arts decided to hold the 2020 event online instead.

So for 30 days throughout September, the event website will be filled with work from featured artists as well as live online discussions and workshops.

Each day there will be a

different themed virtual trail too and you can find out more about local artists – some professional, some amateur, through videos and online galleries of their work whilst using the search functions to find the medium of work you are most interested in.

Visit the website and look under the Open Studios tab to keep up to date with all the activities. hvaf.org.uk

Heritage Open Days: venues finding ways to open their doors The annual Heritage Open Days event during September is another to suffer from the fall-out of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The event usually sees hundreds of buildings that are often closed to the public, or have restricted public access, open their doors so that local people can find out more about the hidden history on their doorsteps.

This year, for understandable 28 axis magazine

reasons, the list of venues taking part is much smaller than usual across Hertfordshire and Essex and the organisers are promoting some online events for the first time too.

In and around East Herts, only two events were listed before Axis went to press: tours of Hertford Castle on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th September and guided walks around Panshanger Park, on the

outskirts of Hertford, on Saturday 12th September.

There are, however, a number of events taking place in Berkhamsted and St Albans, including a chance to see inside the wonderful historic signal box at St Albans South.

It’s possible more local events will be added so for full details, including how to book for events that are taking place, visit: heritageopendays.org.uk

Christmas is NOT cancelled: theatres to get creative over festive shows Harlow Playhouse has become the first of our local theatres to announce its revised Christmas plans and it has found a way to put on an alternative Christmas season (oh yes it has!).

Its planned panto Cinderella has been postponed until 2021 but a production of Treasure Island will take place instead, in a way that will be safer for audiences and more viable for the team to produce with current social distancing measures in place.

The new family Christmas adventure will still feature Harlow favourites Jimmy Burton-Iles and Ben Parsley.

Capacity will, of course, be limited and families are urged to book early to guarantee their seats. The show is scheduled to run from 4th December to 3rd January. More information including prices can be found at harlowplayhouse.co.uk. l Meanwhile, Hertford Theatre is postponing its panto, The Curious Adventures of Alice in Wonderland, until 2021, when it will be performed at a venue to be announced as the theatre is due to close for rebuilding by next Christmas. It too is planning an alternative this year, with details due to be released soon.

Danad subject of new museum exhibition Hertford Museum launches a new exhibition this month, Danad: Mavericks of Marden Hill, to run from Saturday 19th September until 9th January at the museum in Bull Plain.

Danad was a group of ground-breaking artists and architects centred around a creative community at Marden Hill, a listed Georgian mansion house near Tewin, between 1958 and 1962. The exhibition will feature original works by Tom Adams, Sir Peter Blake, Bernard Cohen, Barry Daniels, Robyn Denny and Edward Wright.

The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm and admission is free. hertfordmuseum.org.uk

WHAT’S ON: AT THE CINEMA

As new releases gather pace, here are four of the best films out this month

Tenet (12A) Now showing Like everything this year, the release of the new Christopher Nolan film has been subject to delays but that probably makes it all the more anticipated. It’s a sci-fi action thrill-fest in which the Protaganist (John David Washington) is armed with just one word (Tenet) and journeys through a twilight world of international espionage to fight for the survival of the world. The cast includes Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki, Michael Caine and Kenneth Branagh.

Dream Horse (PG) Out on Friday 4th September Another film whose release has been delayed from earlier this year, Dream Horse tells the heartwarming real life story of some ordinary Welsh folk who form a syndicate and breed a racehorse, who they name Dream Alliance. The horse goes on to be trained by one of the top National Hunt trainers, Philip Hobbs, and has a successful career which includes winning the Welsh Grand National. The film tells of the joy he brings to his working class owners.

The New Mutants (15) Out on Friday 4th September This original horror thriller is set in an isolated hospital where a group of young mutants is being held for psychiatric monitoring.

When strange events start to take place both their new mutant abilities and their friendships are tested as they battle to escape their past sins and make it out alive. The film is directed by Josh Boone who also co-wrote it with Knate Lee and is based on the Marvel comics of the same name. It’s intended to be the last installment of the X-Men series.

The King’s Man (TBC) Out on Friday 18th September A collection of history’s worst tyrants and criminal masterminds gather to plot a war that could wipe out millions of people. Just one man has what it takes to stop them. And don’t worry, this organisational mastermind is not Gavin Williamson – instead discover the origins of the very first independent intelligence agency – The King’s Man. This prequel is the third film of the Kingsman series. Ralph Fiennes and Gemma Arterton head the cast.

Welcome back to

HENRY MOORE STUDIOS & GARDENS 4 July to 1 November 2020

Explore Henry Moore’s sculptures and studios in over 60 acres of glorious countryside.

Registed charity number 271370

Plan your visit and book online at henry-moore.org/studios-and-gardens axis magazine 29

WHAT’S ON: PLACES TO GO

Club? Community? Hotel? Birch can be whatever you want it to be...

The former Theobalds Park hotel begins new era as a city escape For those of us who live or work on the eastern edge of Hertfordshire where it meets north London, Cheshunt probably wouldn’t be the first place we’d think of heading for a bit of R&R. But that might all be set to change...

Just before the A10 meets junction 25 of the M25, hotelier Chris Penn, the former director of the Ace Hotel London, and entrepreneur Chris King have created their first Birch Community, billed as an ‘escape from urban living’ on the Theobalds Estate off Lieutenant Ellis Way. In the 19th and early 20th centuries the manor house and its 55 acres of parkland were home to the Meux family.

Most recently, locals will remember it as Tesco’s training academy and De Vere Theobalds Park hotel.

Now, following an extensive

programme of renovations and its opening at the beginning of August, it’s achieving nationwide attention; Condé Nast Traveller having recently described it as “the most exciting opening in the UK right now”.

What is it? Well, that depends on what you want it to be...

With 140 bedrooms it’s a hotel.

It’s also a members’ club, though not an exclusive one – anyone can join for a fee and then £100 per month and enjoy access, along with staying guests, to a wide range of facilities in what the owners describe as “your new playground”.

Birch, they say, “Looks like a hotel but feels like a festival” and is designed as a place to sit, pause, think, create and savour – and “leave in a better place than when you found us.”

There’s a co-working space, The Hub; Wellness space boasting gym, spin and yoga studios;

a pottery workshop; screening, music and art rooms plus a wide programme of cultural events, workshops and masterclasses.

Out on the estate you can join farmer Tom Morphew planting and growing while a programme of horticultural events includes beekeeping, forest sessions and spoon carving. A lido is set to open later this year.

Acclaimed chefs Robin Gill and Ben Rand of The Dairy Group lead an interactive bakery where you can learn how to make croissants and soda or sourdough bread, and two restaurants – Valeries and The Zebra Riding Club – both of which reference one of Theobalds’ most flamboyant former residents.

Sir Henry Meux, owner of Theobalds in the 19th century, caused a social scandal when he married the daughter of a Devon butcher, Valerie Susan Langdon, having met her when she was

reportedly an actress.

However, it was rumoured that Valerie worked rather as a banjo playing barmaid and prostitute at the Casino de Venise in Holborn under the name Val Reece.

The pair were never quite accepted by polite society but lived a lavish lifestyle. They indulged in a love of animals and Lady Meux could be seen riding around London in a phaeton drawn by zebras!

That might not be one of the activities on offer at Birch today but they promise you’ll leave with your own stories to tell...

Birch Lieutenant Ellis Way, Cheshunt EN7 5HW birchcommunity.com

SEE FOOD& DRINK OPPOSITE FOR MORE ONDININGAT THE ZEBRARIDINGCLUB

The screening room, Valeries and the library at Birch, where the design has been led by award-winning architecture and design collective Red Deer 30 axis magazine

FOOD & DRINK

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL RESTAURANTS

Saddle up for a meal to remember at Birch’s Zebra Riding Club The Zebra Riding Club at Birch, which is featured on the page opposite, offers a tasting menu of Robin Gill’s farm to table style cooking, and is open to all, not just Birch members or those staying there.

It’s set in the estate’s former stables, seats 70 and has an open kitchen where produce from the on-site farm and its surrounding woodland will be used as the cornerstone of its menus throughout the year.

It promises dishes that are straightforward and unfussy, with everything put together for a reason.

When we visited in August we enjoyed a menu at £48 per head, perfect for what should have been (though in reality really wasn’t) a balmy summer’s evening.

A selection of snacks included pan con tomate topped with a Cantabrian anchovy, bright courgette tartlets and skewers of crisp snowpeas.

The Coop was a corn and grain spicy soup topped with a soft boiled hen’s egg and followed by mains of wild harbour monkfish for one of us and embered mauve aubergine for the other who had opted for the vegetarian menu.

Dessert was a blackberry and

Chef Robin Gill and, right, some dishes and the Zebra Riding Club

almond ripple ice cream with white peach and rosemary sablé.

The menu, which will change regularly (and has vegetarian, vegan and pescatarian options), can be found online along with the Sunday lunch menu which is £38 per person.

Birch Lieutenant Ellis Way, Cheshunt EN7 5HW birchcommunity.com

Down Hall Hotel launches dining and room for the night offer Down Hall Hotel at Hatfield Heath has just opened its doors again and has some tempting offers on during September to entice diners back.

Customers can choose to dine in The Grill Room restaurant or Ibbetson’s Tea Lounge or, when the weather permits, outside on the terrace or in the gardens with pre-packed picnic hampers or a new teatime box.

Created by executive chef Chris Jones, all the menus at Down Hall celebrate the best of British produce with ingredients sourced

from the hotel’s vegetable garden and as locally as possible.

The Grill Room will be open for lunch and dinner, but if you fancy eating al fresco you can order an afternoon tea box to collect and take out into the grounds. The boxes can be pre-ordered for collection and cost £17.50 per person. They come with finger sandwiches, freshly baked buttermilk scones with homemade jam and clotted cream and a selection of cakes and patisserie. Soft drinks are included or a bottle of fizz can be

added for £25.

If you fancy staying for a post-lockdown date night, the hotel is running a Room’s on Us offer throughout September too.

Two people booking a room for the night pay a total of £140, then receive £70 per person in credits to spend on food and drink, thus getting the room free.

Call 01279 731441 to book this, quoting “Room’s On Us” offer.

In reality, it means you get bed, breakfast and dinner for £140 per couple! downhall.co.uk axis magazine 31

FOOD & DRINK

How the Fox and Hounds used lockdown to plot a new future The effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on the food and drink industry cannot be over-stated.

When lockdown forced pubs and restaurants to close back in March it took imagination, adaptability and enterprise to see beyond the closed front door and bills piling up on the mat inside.

Even with lockdown lifting, social distancing measures have reduced the number of diners that can be served at any one time, making many businesses unviable.

For James and Bianca Rix, who have owned and run Hunsdon’s acclaimed Fox and Hounds for 15 years, keeping the business going and supporting the local community during the Covid-19 pandemic have gone hand in hand.

And now, post lockdown, as well as re-opening to diners, they are successfully embracing a new, and different, era for their business.

When lockdown was introduced James and Bianca were among the first to adapt. They opened a twice weekly pop-up shop on the terrace selling produce that was proving hard to find in supermarkets such as flour and eggs, as well as well as fresh fruit, vegetables and meat – along with chef-prepared dishes to finish off at home.

Word quickly spread and the

shop got busier each week with many people saying they felt safer there than at the supermarket and were pleased to support the business while the pub was closed.

The venture was so well received that they have now transformed an area of the pub into a shop and café as well as extended their opening hours so people can visit from 9am in the week and from 10am at weekends.

Coffee and pastries from local bakery Dolce Forno can be enjoyed inside, in the garden or taken away.

The Fox Shop sells a range of locally produced food and drink including fresh pasta and sauces, sausage rolls and sweet and savoury tarts made by James, plus fresh fruit and vegetables, top quality meat, deli items including mozzarella and salami and local Dawlicious ice cream.

There are gifts and homewares from Becky Alexander and Home County Candles and fresh flowers from local florist Ivy Bloom.

The shop is also the collection point for pre-ordered meals to cook at home, prepared by James, that include seasonal soups, savoury pies and quiches, weekly changing curries and Sunday lunches.

Bianca said: “We were overwhelmed with the support we received from our local

Bianca and James launched their pop-up shop during lockdown

community for our pop-up shop during lockdown and flattered by all the requests we had to keep it open when we reopened the pub.

We felt it would be crazy not to use this experience to adapt our business and to continue to serve the community.

“The Fox Shop is all about offering quality rather than quantity and we hope people will enjoy shopping whether it’s to

pick up some essential vegetables and meat, to collect one of our finish at home meals or to buy a gift for a friend.”

The shop is open during pub opening hours which are currently Wednesday to Friday 9am to 2.30pm and 5.30pm to 10pm; Saturday 10am to 2.30pm and 5.30pm to 10pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm. foxandhoundshunsdon.co.uk

Pizza Squisita pops up then takes over at Sawbridgeworth’s former Café of the Angels Pizza Squisita re-opened its doors in August after a refurbishment of what had been Sawbridgeworth’s Café of the Angels.

Mike Mason, who previously trialled pop-up pizza evenings under the Squisita brand at Angels, has now formally taken over the Bell Street premises after his friend Austin James, who set up and ran the popular cafe for 21 years, decided to take a break.

Building on the daytime business that Austin had created and its ethos of offering high quality, homemade cakes and meals, Pizza Squisita will be a café offering breakfasts, lunches, cakes and 32 axis magazine

bakes with products made in house. Where items need to be bought in it will be from other small family-run and independent businesses or companies offering high quality products made with integrity.

Examples include sauces from small batch supplier Sauce Shop, tea from Teapigs, soda from Square Root Soda and sausages from Harlow’s Churchgate Sausage Company.

Pizza nights return on Fridays and Saturdays from Friday 18th September and can be booked now. To find out more or to book visit pizzasquisita.co.uk.

Owner Mike Mason and the interior of the new Pizza Squisita

FOOD & DRINK

Revealed: The lockdown Deliveroo ordering habits of locals together with their favourite dishes

Top three: Salt & pepper squid from The Giggling Squid; KFC boneless banquet box; Manolya’s chicken shish

The eating habits of local residents during lockdown have been revealed by Deliveroo as it celebrates a year of running its food delivery service in Bishop’s Stortford, Broxbourne, Hertford and Ware.

The data it compiled over a three month period showed that Friday night was the most popular Deliveroo night in Bishop’s Stortford where 35 restaurants, 60% of which are independents, partner with the company.

8.39pm was the most popular time for ordering with salt and pepper squid from The Giggling Squid being the most popular dish ordered.

The next four most popular items ordered were boneless chicken tenders from Bridge Wings; The Classic One pizza from Dough & Co; chicken shish from Pircio and regular cod and chips from Dali Fish and Chips.

In Broxbourne, 70 restaurants partner with Deliveroo and most orders are made on a Saturday – and at the earlier ordering time of 7.25pm!

The most popular order was the boneless banquet box meal from KFC followed by The Greek Box from The Greek Street Food Company in Waltham Cross.

Strawberries from BP Marks and Spencer in Cheshunt were

Book a vineyard tour and tasting at the award-winning Saffron Grange Two English sparkling wines from family-run Saffron Grange vineyard have been awarded medals at the prestigious national WineGB awards.

Despite only launching last year, the vineyard, which is just outside Saffron Walden in Essex, held its own against formidable competition from established and leading vineyards to achieve a silver medal for its second release, the Classic Cuvee 2017.

Also honoured was one of the vineyard’s more recent releases, the new Pinot Noir Brut Rose 2018, which achieved a bronze medal and had also been singled out for praise by renowned critic Tamlyn Currin who reviewed it for the website of wine expert Jancis Robinson.

The WineGB Awards are the

leading awards for the UK wine industry attracting entries from the country’s finest producers.

Saffron Grange’s wines (which incidentally are all vegan) can be ordered at saffrongrange.com.

Better still, why not book onto one of the vineyard’s tour and tasting sessions?

The vineyard is around half an hour from Bishop’s Stortford and visitors can learn about the story behind it, the land on which the vines have been being nurtured

by Paul Edwards and his family for the past decade, enjoy a guided tour and the opportunity to sample and buy wines.

The tours are suitable for everyone from wine enthusiasts to complete novices and run until October.

Book at saffrongrange.com.

third followed by cod and chips from Fishy Delishy in Cheshunt and sweet and sour chicken balls from Hoddesdon’s Golden Dragon.

In Hertford and Ware they also like their Deliveroo on a Saturday but at the later time of 8.33pm.

The most popular dishes from the 30 restaurants signed up to the platform were chicken shish from Manolya in Ware, cod and chips from The Frying Pan in Hertford, a margherita pizza from Dinnio in Hertford, chicken tikka from Bismillah Indian takeaway in Hertford and chicken chow mein from Ware’s Wok U Love.

Make of that lot what you will!

JUST OPENED...

MUDLARKS CAFE OPENS IN ITS NEW HOME Mudlarks, the charity-run vegan and vegetarian café, in Hertford, has moved from Railway Street to the former Marshalls furniture store in Fore Street. The café uses produce from its own allotments in Cromwell Road and offers training and employment opportunities for adults with learning difficulties.

CHLOE’S PIE AND MASH SHOP OPENS ITS DOORS Hertford now has a traditional pie and mash shop – Chloe’s in Market Place, which opened its doors on Saturday 15th August.

The family-run restaurant sells pie and mash with liquor plus salt beef sandwiches and bagels and desserts. Vegetarian and vegan options are available too.

Chloe’s is at 14 Market Place.

CHEF GARETH DAVIES TAKES OVER AT THE GREYHOUND McMullen-owned The Greyhound pub in Bengeo (which was the brewery company’s first ever pub purchase back in 1836), has been taken over by Gareth Davies and Kate Gosnold who also run the successful Orange Tree in Sawbridgeworth.

The pub is at 146 Bengeo Street, Hertford – more next month! axis magazine 33

DINING OUT GUIDE: SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL RESTAURANTS

ADVERTISEMENT LISTINGS

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

PIRCIO Italian & Turkish

SPICE HUT Indian

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 at present from 10am to 3pm and is 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 summer’s day out complete.

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.

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.

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

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

19-21 Maidenhead Street, Hertford SG14 1DW 01992 554400 dilsindian.co.uk (new site coming soon)

FOX AND HOUNDS Pub, Dining Room & Venue hire

34 axis magazine

DINING OUT GUIDE: SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL RESTAURANTS

ADVERTISEMENT LISTINGS

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 open again and 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 now open again for dining in after the Covid-19 lockdown!

The Highland 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.

It continues to serve the finest steaks whilst also introducing new dishes such as burgers and ribs. 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 35

9-13 Parliament Square n Hertford n SG14 1EX

EXPECT MORE n FROM YOUR n ESTATE AGENT

For Sale: Fordwich Hill, Hertford £950,000 Five bedroom detached house in desirable cul-de-sac close to Hertford North station

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