Axis magazine September 2021 issue

The independent, intelligent guide to everything that matters locally September 2021

INSIDE: YOUR GUIDE TO THE MONTH AHEAD IN THE NEWS

Hollywood studio is coming to Broxbourne

WHAT’S ON

From open days to open studios, it’s all happening!

FOOD & DRINK

Lomo Bar & Grill is back with a vibrant new menu

YOUR HOME

12 pages of inspiration for your home this Autumn

WEDDINGS

Are the trends sparked by the pandemic here to stay?

Your leading high quality local news magazine since 2003

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WELCOME

SEPTEMBER 2021 | NO. 224

What’s inside this issue ABOUT AXIS

05-08 y News round-up Boost for Broxbourne as film and TV studio planned for borough

17-28 y Improve your home A 12-page special feature offering local inspiration for your home

Axis magazine was founded in 2003 by two award-winning former local newspaper editors who still own and run the business today.

We are the independent, intelligent guide to everything that matters in and around eastern Hertfordshire and we aim to provide a concise, useful guide to local life.

Our editorial content is targeted towards readers’ interests, to maximise readership and gain the best exposure for our advertisers.

The magazine is delivered to homes and businesses in selected areas and copies can also be picked up free from venues across the area.

CONTACT US

Axis Magazine, Lyric House, 6b St Andrew St, Hertford SG14 1JA 01992 500198 info@axispublications.co.uk axismagazine.co.uk

PUBLISHERS:

Aaron Gransby & Justine Woods

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

29-32 y A month filled with events From Open Studios to Heritage Open Days, car shows and dog festivals...

33-35 y Food & drink Find out about the new menus at Lomo Bar & Grill in Hertford

As Axis went to print, Hertfordshire Community Foundation launched a Just Giving page to raise funds to help Afghan families arriving in the county.

Show your support at www.justgiving.com/campaign/hertsrefugee Front cover images (clockwise from top) Artwork by Clare Hogan, who will be among the many artists taking part in Herts Open Studios this year (p32); An artist’s impression of the Sunset Studios planned for Broxbourne (p5); Still from the film Ainbo: Spirit of the Amazon which is now showing in local cinemas (p31).

SUBSCRIBE For just £25 per year we’ll send you your own copy of Axis by post upon publication each month.

Call us on 01992 500198 with card details to start a subscription or send a cheque made payable to Axis Publications Ltd to the address in the Contact Us section above.

ADVERTISE

Here at Axis we look to build long-lasting relationships with local businesses that understand the benefits of advertising to an affluent and intelligent audience on a regular, ongoing basis.

To find out more about promoting your business with us please call 01992 500198. axis magazine 3

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BRIEFING

NEWS WORTH KNOWING

Hollywood’s coming to Broxbourne as Sunset announces £700million plan to build major film studios next to the A10 The owners of Hollywood’s Sunset Studios have announced plans to invest more than £700million in creating a new film and television studio in the borough of Broxbourne.

Blackstone and Hudson Pacific Properties have acquired a 91-acre site just off the A10 at Cheshunt at a cost of £120million, for the studios’ first expansion outside of the US and where they plan to create a major new centre for film, TV and digital production.

They say the development would be a hub for UK and international productions.

The project is expected to create more than 4,500 permanent jobs and contribute £300million annually to the local economy.

In the US, Sunset Studios has hosted some of the biggest small and big screen hits including When Harry Met Sally and La La Land as well as numerous Academy Award-winning films.

The news was widely welcomed with politicians at both national and local level stating their enthusiasm for the plans.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “This investment is excellent news for the UK’s film and TV industry, pumping hundreds of millions of pounds into the local economy and creating thousands of jobs for the people of

Hertfordshire. The creative industries are at the heart of our plans to build back better.

“This will be a hub for both UK and international productions,

showcasing home-grown talent on the global stage”.

Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport Oliver Dowden MP called the planned facility

“yet another vote of confidence in the UK’s booming film and TV industry.”

The leader of Broxbourne Council, Cllr Lewis Cocking, said the borough looked forward to working with Blackstone and Hudson Pacific saying: “Creative industries are of strategic importance to us and the creation of over 4,500 permanent new jobs and the associated boost to the local economy is just what we need following the pandemic.”

The leader of Hertfordshire County Council and Chair of Hertfordshire Growth Board, Cllr Richard Roberts, said: “This announcement is fantastic news for Hertfordshire and, together with the new Sky Studios development currently being built at Elstree, is another clear sign of our county’s continued attractiveness and status as home to the UK’s world-class creative media industry.”

The site of the planned studios is on an area of land currently known as Park Plaza West which sits to the north of junction 25 of the M25, to the west of the A10 and south of Lieutenant Ellis Way. The land is allocated in the borough’s Local Plan 2018-2033, which lays out how land in Broxbourne ought to be used, as a strategic employment site.

Brookfield Riverside: Council to use compulsory purchase powers if landowners don’t sell Broxbourne Council has resolved in principle to use compulsory purchase powers to acquire the remaining land needed for its redevelopment of the Brookfield area should discussions seeking to purchase it by agreement from owners fail.

The local authority plans a new town centre, Brookfield Riverside, on land adjacent to the existing Tesco and Marks and Spencer site just off the A10 at Cheshunt. The

development would provide new shops, restaurants, leisure facilities, offices and homes, as well as a new civic centre for the council.

Brookfield Garden Village, a separate component of the plans, would provide up to 1,250 new homes nearby in a new garden suburb.

Most of the land needed for the development is already owned by Broxbourne Council and its partner Hertfordshire County Council

but some land remains in third party ownership.

While the council intends to continue negotiations with those parties it says that compulsory purchase should be an agreed contingency measure so that should talks fail the development timetable is not held up.

Should the council need to confirm a CPO, the landowner would receive compensation at the market value.

Brookfield Riverside is planned to be a new town centre axis magazine 5

BRIEFING

Spotlight to reopen next year as council agrees profitability plan The Spotlight, Hoddesdon’s theatre and entertainment venue, is set to reopen at the end of February next year with bookings now being taken for productions from March 2022 onwards.

Despite similar venues in other areas reopening soon after the lifting of lockdown restrictions, Broxbourne Council said it would not reopen the theatre until it was financially viable to do so.

Social distancing measures when lockdown first eased would have meant reduced capacity for shows as well as the private events such as weddings that it hosts, and the Spotlight was already reliant on a £158,000 subsidy each year.

Closure during lockdown gave the council time to consider the way the venue operates and as it reopens there are plans to work towards increasing profitability with a restructuring of its operations and staffing, a new business plan and programming priorities.

These have been agreed by the council’s Cabinet after members considered a report by consultancy Fourth Street which appraised a number of possible options for the venue. Some of these options were looked at as a result of unsolicited approaches from other organisations.

Options considered included outsourcing operations to a

commercial operator; establishing a trust to run the Spotlight; significantly modifying and updating the Spotlight building and spaces; and closing the venue completely.

Unsolicited approaches included one from Rye House Group which proposed buying and relocating the theatre to the Rye House Kart Raceway and Rye House Stadium site and redeveloping the existing site for housing.

Bellis Homes suggested developing the car park with residential units to fund refurbishment of the venue while Love Hoddesdon BID and Howlin’ Entertainment together suggested the establishment of a not for profit company to manage the venue.

After considering all the options presented in the Fourth Street report, the council’s Cabinet opted for one suggesting it continue to run the Spotlight in-house, thereby retaining control over the venue and programming.

There will now be a focus on professional productions and cinema to maximise income and a new dedicated website which should launch soon. The renewed focus on programming does mean that amateur dramatics companies hiring the Spotlight will be encouraged to fill the gaps in the programme rather than be able to book years ahead as at present.

The Spotlight will reopen in February 2022

Broxbourne closes its One Stop Shops One Stop Shops based at Hoddesdon and Waltham Cross libraries, which act as a point of contact between residents and the Borough of Broxbourne, are to be closed permanently.

The facilities have been closed since the start of the first Covid-19 lockdown in March 2020 and the council, which leases the space from which they are provided, has now decided that ending the service will save it around £115,000 per year.

It says the shops’ closure since March 2020 during the pandemic has not prevented customers being able to interact with the council.

Residents have instead made use of the council’s website and those without internet access have been able to telephone for assistance.

Staff from the One Stop Shops have been redeployed to the council’s customer helpline ensuring that the service has maintained a high standard during the pandemic.

A new team of Mobile Locality Officers are able to carry out the fast delivery of items such as food waste caddies and recycling boxes following an email or phone request, removing the need for residents to pick them up from One Stop Shops.

Lidl plans store in Bishop’s Stortford

Pishiobury Park now a nature reserve

Supermarket chain Lidl has announced plans for a new foodstore in Bishop’s Stortford on the site of Gates of Stortford car showroom in Stansted Road.

The company has submitted a planning application to East Herts Council and has also set up a consultation website for the public which can viewed at bishopsstortford.expansion.lidl. co.uk. Here the company sets out its aspirations for the store which would be its first for the town, and within East Herts.

It would boast the latest in-store facilities including Lidl’s popular bakery, customer toilets, 147 large format parking spaces, electric vehicle charging points and secure cycle parking outside.

Locals know that Sawbridgeworth’s Pishiobury Park is a special place – and now it’s official.

East Herts Council announced in August that it had successfully achieved Local Nature Reserve status for the site.

Confirmed by Natural England, the formal recognition gives protection to an area, acknowledging its importance locally to wildlife, geology, education and enjoyment.

It lets the public know that it is a place worth visiting both educationally and for enjoyment and also allows relevant local authorities, town and parish councils to create byelaws if they need to, protecting the area from damage.

Cllr Eric Buckmaster, East Herts Council’s executive member for

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An artist’s impression of the proposed new Lidl store

The planning application can be viewed on the council’s website, eastherts.gov.uk, using the planning reference 3/21/1756/FUL.

wellbeing, said: “The Local Nature Reserve status at Pishiobury could not be more welcome. This is something that East Herts Council, Sawbridgeworth Town Council, the Friends Of group and residents have been working towards for many years and it is testament to everyone’s hard work that this application has been successful.”

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BRIEFING

Bright Eyes installed in Harlow street as Hepworth sculpture is loaned to major Wakefield exhibition

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Church plans new facilities after selling hall for ORL scheme

Eva Rothschild’s Bright Eyes has temporarily replaced Barbara Hepworth’s Contrapuntal Forms

A sculpture by leading artist Eva Rothschild has been installed in a Harlow street and will form part of the town’s famed Sculpture Trail until March next year.

The 10ft tall work, Bright Eyes, has been installed at Glebelands, temporarily replacing another sculpture, Barbara Hepworth’s Contrapuntal Forms, which has been loaned to The Hepworth Wakefield for a major exhibition of her work.

Barbara Hepworth is considered one of the most important artists of the 20th century and the piece, designed for the Festival of Britain, was both her first commission and, later, the first sculpture in Harlow’s collection.

As part of his master-planning of Harlow new town in the 1950s, architect Frederick Gibberd was keen that those living there would have access to art and founded Harlow Art Trust to commission

and buy works for display and to maintain them.

The town, boasting works by Hepworth, Henry Moore, Auguste Rodin and Elisabeth Frink to name a few, became the world’s first officially designated Sculpture Town in 2010 and now has its own Sculpture Town website along with an app dividing the collection into five trails.

Eva Rothschild is a contemporary artist, internationally renowned for her large-scale public commissions.

Her show “Hot Touch” was the inaugural exhibition at The Hepworth Wakefield when it opened in 2011.

Eleanor Clayton, curator at The Hepworth Wakefield said: “We are delighted to collaborate with Harlow on this exciting sculptural exchange. Barbara Hepworth’s art has an enduring influence on Eva Rothchild’s work, and, as Rothschild was the first contem-

porary artist to have an exhibition at The Hepworth Wakefield, we felt a sculpture by her was the perfect choice to temporarily replace Hepworth’s Contrapuntal Forms. We very much hope the people of Harlow enjoy experiencing Rothchild’s Bright Eyes as much as visitors to The Hepworth Wakefield are enjoying seeing Contrapuntal Forms, Hepworth’s first major public commission, in the city of her birth.”

Harlow Art Trust’s Artistic Director Kate Harding said: “The loan brings with it the opportunity to experience a new piece of art in a setting that has otherwise changed little over the past 70 years. We hope residents and visitors alike will enjoy Bright Eyes and be encouraged to seek out more of Harlow Sculpture Town’s unique and growing collection.”

For more information visit Sculpturetown.uk.

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The United Reformed Church in Bishop’s Stortford’s Water Lane has submitted plans to East Herts Council for an extension to the Grade 2 listed building.

The scheme would also involve landscaping to the front of the church and around the rear entrance to Florence Walk shopping arcade to create a new public piazza, a place for people to sit, gather or where events or market stalls could be hosted.

The church recently sold its church hall building nearby in Water Lane to East Herts Council to enable the site to be used as part of the Old River Lane regeneration project.

While popular with hirers, it was little used by the congregation itself and the church said it could not sustain two buildings into the future.

It now plans an extension to the Italianate-style church, which was built in 1859, allowing operations to take place on one site while also providing new facilities for the community.

The plans can be viewed on East Herts Council’s website – reference 3/21/1948/FUL.

Delayed Little Hadham bypass to open in winter The new A120 Little Hadham Bypass is now scheduled to open this winter (2021/2) after Hertfordshire County Council and its partners revised its completion date.

The scheme, which will see a new 3.9km bypass constructed to the north of Little Hadham, was originally anticipated to be completed early in 2021 but delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic have pushed the date back, first to this summer, and now again to the winter.

Once open the bypass will speed up travel times along the road which currently sees congestion and delays to journey times caused by traffic building up at the Little Hadham traffic lights between the A10 and Bishop’s Stortford.

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SHOPPING & BUSINESS NEWS

Let there be light! Fashion Interiors opens second store in Stortford Four years on from opening, a combined flooring and interiors store in Bishop’s Stortford has proved so successful that it has opened a second shop round the corner focusing on lighting and accessories.

Fashion Flooring and Interiors, in High Street, continues to offer both flooring (downstairs) and interior design including curtains, blinds, cushions and upholstery (upstairs), and now Kathryn Hughes, who runs the interiors side of the business, has opened the new store just a minute’s walk away in Potter Street.

At the new shop she is able to offer even more lighting options as well as further ranges of the kind of artistic and striking sculptures, ornaments and objets d’art her shop has become known for.

The new shop, called purely Fashion Interiors, opened in August and has already proved a popular addition to the town. It can be found almost opposite the main entrance to Jackson Square

10 axis magazine

shopping centre, right in the heart of Bishop’s Stortford.

The extensive lighting department features table lamps as well as a great range of wall and ceiling lights from brands including Laura Ashley lighting, while the volume of accessories on show make it well worthwhile to pop into the shop for a browse.

Both shops are open six days a week from Monday to Saturday.

Fashion Interiors 8 Potter Street, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3UL 01279 507744 fashionflooringandinteriors.co.uk l See also page 21.

Fashion Interiors’ owner Kathryn Hughes (centre) with staff Abigail and Francesca inside the new shop in Potter Street

SHOPPING & BUSINESS NEWS

SPONSORED CONTENT

Discover Stortford this Autumn Bishop’s Stortford BID announces the launch of new website and gift card to support businesses Bishop’s Stortford town centre has been buzzing once again over the Summer, with businesses bouncing back and doors open to welcome everyone.

With Autumn approaching now, it’s a fresh start for many: the beginning of a new year at school and college and more people returning back into the office after a long time working from home. As we enter the new season, we’re keen to share with you our exciting news and invite you to come and Discover Stortford this Autumn.

New Discover Stortford website

We’re delighted to launch our new website later this month.

At www.discoverstortford.co.uk you can stay up to date with all the latest news, offers, events and store openings in the town centre.

The website includes a directory listing of all town centre businesses and will be regularly updated with news from the town.

Discover Stortford Gift Card

New for our town is a gift card scheme. It’s the ideal present for local friends, family and colleagues, and a great way to support our high street. For more information about the Discover Stortford Gift Card, go to www.bishopsstortfordgiftcard.com.

More town centre events

Now that restrictions have eased, we are looking forward

to organising more town centre events over the coming months, especially as we build up to Christmas. All details will be posted on the new Discover Stortford website and our social media channels.

Visit an award-winning business

Our town Mayor, Councillor Keith Warnell, has set up a new award for Bishop’s Stortford town centre businesses.

The first winners were Premier Travel, who despite extremely challenging circumstances have still supported many community organisations and charities, and the August winners are Nostimo Café on Market Square.

They received multiple nominations thanks to their friendly and welcoming service.

Next time you’re in town, pop in and sample some award-winning service!

If you’d like to nominate a Bishop’s Stortford business, simply send an email to info@bishopsstortfordbid.co.uk and tell us why they deserve to be recognised.

New store openings

From legal services to fine dining, aesthetics to florists, Bishop’s Stortford has become the new home for a variety of businesses in the last year. We’re proud of our vibrant town centre with a range of offerings and we’d love to welcome you too. Come and Discover Stortford this Autumn.

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

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PROPERTY NEWS

SPONSORED CONTENT

Double award win proves the excellence of Shepherds Estate Agents Shepherds Estate Agents in Hoddesdon and Cheshunt is celebrating winning two separate industry awards.

Shepherds was chosen as Gold winner in the Best Estate Agent in Hoddesdon category of the British Property Awards 2021 and also won the Residential Estate Agents of the Year award for Hertfordshire in the 2021 Corporate Liveware Awards.

Founded in 1975, Shepherds is an independent local estate agent which operates mainly along the A10 Corridor, from Enfield to Wareside and covering every town and village in between.

Shepherds is a well-established independent agency and a leading expert in both selling and renting, as well as commercial and block management.

The company is run by hands-on directors and local staff with a vast knowledge of the industry.

They know the property business inside out and use their knowledge to improve the way property is bought, sold or let, both short and long term.

At Shepherds, their sole focus has always been on recognising how difficult and demanding moving home can be and working hard to provide a service that makes the entire process as simple and efficient as possible for all parties concerned.

Residential sales If you place your property for sale with them, Shepherds’ team of experts will market your property across all their platforms and will carry out professional photography, create a bespoke

Shepherds team work closely with the Mayfair office and network of 300 offices across the UK, delivering an outstanding bespoke or tailored sales and lettings service.

Quality of service is important to Shepherds and they are also members of the Guild of Property Professionals which has been working alongside independent estate agents for 25 years, ensuring all partner estate agents believe in three simple values: knowledge, integrity and results.

By working together, Guild members raise and maintain standards in the property industry.

Shepherds is managed by (l-r) rentals manager Nicola Moore and directors Adam and Diane Sanders

colour floorplan, produce brochures, accompany viewings, and display your property in the windows of both their branches.

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Lettings service Shepherds’ lettings service was launched in 2000 and offers a high level of service for landlords and tenants alike. Its dedicated team looks after a large portfolio of managed properties ranging from studio apartments to large period houses. Services are offered to landlords on a fully inclusive fee structure with no hidden charges to ensure full transparency. Shepherds’ lettings service is associated with ARLA, the Guild of Lettings and Management, the Tenancy Deposit Scheme and the Property Ombudsman service to ensure clients are fully protected.

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WEDDINGS SHOWCASE

The legacy of lockdown: the latest wedding trends With the restrictions caused by the pandemic now hopefully behind us, will weddings ever be the same again?

The answer is surely yes, but there are some rather different trends emerging too, as a result of many of the changes to couples’ plans caused by the Covid restrictions.

For example, weekday weddings have become more popular, as a result of venues being fully booked and having to offer alternative days to couples whose weddings have been delayed.

Traditionally, even the best and most popular venues have struggled to book weddings outside of weekends – but that is changing.

Sustainability is another subject that is now being talked about increasingly when it comes to weddings. Of course, this is not just down to Covid – it’s a topic that is becoming more urgent by the day; but it is one that people have had more time to think about over the last 18 months, hence its rise up the weddings

agenda. Two examples are the rise in digital invitations and virtual celebrations.

So-called ‘micro weddings’ with 50 guests or fewer became the law during the restrictions, but these more intimate celebrations, inviting just those nearest and dearest to you rather than that great-aunt you haven’t seen since you were a baby, are a trend that could be here to stay.

Conversely, those who had to scale back their Covid-era wedding are opting to do it all over again with an expanded guest list! These so-called ‘sequel weddings’ have even seen some couples hold off on set-pieces such as the first dance until the second wedding to make it even more memorable.

And finally, both for safety reasons and to make guests feel more special, another trend that has come to the fore has been couples serving individual wedding cakes rather than opting for one huge cake to be cut.

These are often placed at your spot for a seated dinner. Nice!

Will small, intimate weddings be here to stay now lockdown is over?

The latest trends for wedding rings For ladies, diamond-set wedding rings continue to be the go-to choice, but colour is coming back, with yellow and red gold proving popular, as well as coloured stones to complement the engagement ring.

For gents, combinations are the thing. These can involve either alternative materials such as Titanium ot Tantalum with an inlay of carbon fibre or Platinum mixed with yellow gold, as well as different surface finishes – such as polished, satin or scratched.

For advice on the best wedding rings to suit you, visit Chapter 79 in Market Place, Hertford (chapter79.co.uk).

These Tantalum & Titanium and two-colour bands are available for grooms from Chapter 79

Evening wear Special occasion wear

Weddings return to historic Ware Priory The weddings team at Ware Priory are thrilled that weddings are back and the venue has played host to some truly magical days already over the past month.

Each of the couples have enjoyed the work that has been done to

improve the venue during lockdown, including to the riverside grounds, as well as internal refurbishments.

For information on holding your wedding at this historic venue in the heart of ware, visit warepriory.co.uk.

Prom dresses Bridesmaids’ dresses + Small selection of informal wedding dresses 54-56 High Street, Cheshunt EN8 0AQ 01992 642652 axis magazine 15

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

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

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

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

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

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

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12 PAGES OF HOME IMPROVEMENT INSPIRATION FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES STARTS HERE

Fancy escaping to the country? Cottagecore brings comfort and cosiness to the fore Who hasn’t dreamt of upping sticks to a thatched cottage deep in the countryside in the past year?

The pandemic saw us all reconnect with nature – whether spending time in the garden or walking in the countryside.

Snuggling up with a blanket and a book in the evening or rediscovering traditional hobbies such as knitting, sewing and crocheting became the new norm.

“Cottagecore” is the name given to a lifestyle trend that’s seen us all embrace a more simple, nostalgic way of life and it’s a trend enjoying popularity in interior décor too.

We’re unashamedly embracing all things rural – from pretty prints on walls and quaint patterned fabrics to vintage china and dried flowers.

Left: Matalan bronzed rabbit ornament, £8 Top right: English Weekend room set by George Home at Asda Centre right: Set of 3 herb pots, Cath Kidston, £15 Bottom 1st right: Arts and crafts bedroom room set, Dunelm Bottom 2nd right: Honeysuckle soft stone fabric from jacquelinemilton.co.uk

axis magazine 17

JOHN LADBURY

Beautiful Handcrafted Kitchens

DESIGN • BUILD • INSTALLATION 40 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

01707 262966 | WWW.JOHNLADBURY.CO.UK Showroom: UNIT 11 ALPHA BUSINESS PARK, TRAVELLERS CLOSE, WELHAM GREEN AL9 7NT

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Attention to detail makes a John Ladbury kitchen

Pantries (above) are back in fashion, while greens and blues are on-trend colours for kitchens this year

Attention to detail is what John Ladbury is all about.

The company, which is based in Welham Green, specialises in designing, manufacturing and installing its unique range of bespoke, handmade kitchens from its Hertfordshire workshop and showroom.

It offers a broad choice of both timeless classic and stunning contemporary styles to suit your individual home and lifestyle.

John Ladbury’s reputation grew from small beginnings into the thriving and productive bespoke kitchen company it is today.

Quality and attention to detail, combined with a passion for perfection, has ensured that this family business has continued to go from strength to strength.

John Ladbury uses only the best

materials sourced from reputable environs, including solid hardwoods, natural stone and other premium quality goods from the top distributors.

The latest trends At John Ladbury, you can find out about and take advantage of the very latest trends in kitchens, including different coloured sinks and worktops in a variety of different surfaces including copper, stone, enamel and quartz, including the natural veined look.

Strong colours are in again at the moment – think dark blues and deep greens – adding real character to the heart of your home.

Pantries are also very trendy at present, helping to keep the kitchen organised!

You can find inspiration for your

new bespoke kitchen from the pictures on this page, but to find out more, give the family team at John Ladbury a call and see for yourself what the kitchen of your dreams can really look like.

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

axis magazine 19

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Make a fireplace your room’s focal point

The Hertfordshire Fireplace Gallery has the most up-to-date modern designs encompassing the latest technology in fire realism.

The media feature wall (pictured) is the latest fireplace trend that features a built-in electric fire with a flat screen TV above and housed within a constructed chimney breast. With many new homes being built without fireplaces, and advances in electric fire designs, the media wall has become increasingly popular with homeowners. Not only is this aesthetically pleasing, it is also space saving by having both focal points on one wall – an ideal

way of bringing a bit of luxury to your living room!

Call into Hertfordshire Fireplace Gallery’s showroom to view the media wall plus a full range of other contemporary and traditional gas fires, stoves and fireplaces to suit all budgets and tastes. Free local delivery is available, as is a full installation service by their Gas Safe and HETAS engineers.

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

FIREPLACES, FIREPLACES AND MORE FIREPLACES...

• • • • •

Natural stone • Marble & wood surrounds Gas & electric fires • Stoves & fire baskets Fire accessories & mirrors • Surrounds from £349 Gas fires from £175 • Supply only • Free surveys Full installation service by HETAS & Gas Safe engineers Showroom open Mon-Sat - 9am-5pm

01707 657070

Return of the 70s: the drinks trolley is back in vogue Just when you thought nothing else could surprise you in 2021 – prepare for the return of the drinks trolley, part of a growing trend that’s seeing the 1970s back in fashion.

With staying in the new going out, this Autumn/Winter is set to see the best hosts wheeling out updated versions of the ’70s classic.

If you haven’t got one hiding up in the loft never fear, the high street has them in a range of styles to suit every home and budget whether you plan to invest in one that can double up as a stylish permanent storage space or simply fancy a bit of fun during the festive season.

Main image, top: Oliver Bonas Lida Bar Trolley, £295 Set of four Joli Champagne saucers, £34.50 Top right: Habitat Kayleigh drinks trolley in brass, £125; Japonica crane table lamp, £45; Prosecco glass, £4.50; Champagne coupe glass, £4.50, Martini glass, £4.50; Tumbler, £4.50 Centre right: John Lewis and Partners + Swoon Cole glass bar cart in black, £199 Bottom right: Lipsy Home (available at Next), drinks trolley £140

9 BARNET ROAD, POTTERS BAR, EN6 2QX www.hertsfireplacegallery.co.uk 20 axis magazine

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Find inspiration for all your home at Fashion Flooring & Interiors Fashion Flooring & Interiors have celebrated the opening of their second store in Bishop’s Stortford, at the perfect time of year when people are turning their thoughts to improving their homes.

If you are unsure of where to start or need some help in pulling everything together, the experts at Fashion Flooring & Interiors are here for you.

They can assist you with flooring, curtains and blinds, wallcoverings, lighting and all the finishing touches – and guide you through the whole process to ensure you achieve the look you desire.

Fashion Flooring & Interiors offer everything you need to style your home. In their original store in High Street, the ground floor showroom has a huge range of carpets, from ultra-soft deep piles to classic Berbers and wool twists, along with funky patterns, zig-zags and stripes. If you are looking for a hard floor, they have real wood, engineered

wood, laminates and luxury vinyl tiles. The lower ground floor is filled with rugs, which are a great way to add a colour or extra texture while cosying up a room.

Up on the first floor you will find fabrics galore, with plains, textures, patterns, velvets, silks, cottons and so many more. You can also have curtains, blinds, cushions and throws made for you and even have your furniture upholstered. They have a large number of wallpapers, perfect for making a dramatic change to a room that is relatively quick to achieve, plus lighting and accessories.

In the new second shop round the corner in Potter Street, you will find the only dedicated lighting shop in Bishop’s Stortford, with a wide range on display and thousands of others available to order.

Also in the new shop is a great choice of accessories, providing those individual finishing touches that make your home your own.

Fashion Flooring & Interiors 1-3 High Street, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 2LS 01279 651514

Fashion Interiors 8 Potter Street, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3UL 01279 507744

www.fashionflooringandinteriors.co.uk

Visit our newly-opened lighting store at 8 Potter Street, Bishop’s Stortford!

Across our two stores, we have a wide range of carpets, wood & wood laminate, luxury vinyl tiles, rugs, bespoke curtains & blinds, wallpapers, lighting, cushions, accessories, occasional furniture and much more…

Free measuring & estimates on flooring, curtains & blinds 1-3 High Street, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 2LS | 01279 651514 | 8 Potter Street, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3UL | 01279 507744 interiors@fashionflooringandinteriors.co.uk | www.fashionflooringandinteriors.co.uk axis magazine 21

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New quartz and granite worktop showroom opens its doors The Stone Company is a familyrun business with 15 years’ industry experience that has just opened a new showroom in Bishop’s Stortford.

Run by Charlotte Billson and Anthony Tagliarini, it specialises in granite and quartz for kitchen worktops, bathroom vanity unit tops and fireplace hearths.

Anthony, who began work as a carpenter and kitchen fitter, had spent the past 15 years helping to build up a quartz worktop company in another area before seeing that the growing demand for granite and quartz meant there was room in the market to launch his own business at the same time as using his practical skills to offer a complete service.

Incredibly hard wearing, granite and quartz worktops are made from stone fragments and quartz particles set in ultra-hard resin.

In recent years they have fast become the go-to choice for kitchens as they are both scratch and stain-resistant. Better still,

they are naturally beautiful and come in a range of colours to suit all décor and simply need to be wiped clean to restore their elegant appearance.

The Stone Company’s new showroom is open six days a week where you can see the huge range of colour and design options available, all offered at affordable prices. Out of hours appointments are also available.

Or, if you prefer, home visits can be arranged. This enables you to see product samples in your own home where décor and lighting are important factors in choosing styles and colours.

The Stone Company offers a complete service from template to installation using its own templating and installation teams with the fastest turnaround possible.

The Stone Company 4 London Road, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 5ND 01279 927096 www.thestoneco.uk

Luxu ry wor ktops at affordable prices New showroom now open – come and see our products in person • specialist in granite and quartz • Kitchen worktops • fireplace hearths • bathroom vanity unit tops the stone company 4 london road bishop’s stortford opening times Monday to friday: 9am-5pm Weekends by appointment

22 axis magazine

Herts cM23 5Nd 01279 927096 www.thestoneco.uk

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The luxury bathroom specialists you. This is one of the many reasons that they have a 5*rating on Trustpilot, the independent review site.

Dobsons’ large showroom in Cheshunt has recently been shortlisted as a finalist in the Bathroom Showroom of the Year category at the 2021 National Kbbreview Retail and Design Awards.

The Kbbreview – the bathroom, bedroom and kitchen industry’s leading trade magazine – has been running these awards for the past 27 years to celebrate the UK’s very best retailers, designers and manufacturers in the kitchen and bathroom industry and the winners will be announced later this month at a ceremony in Liverpool.

Why not book an appointment to visit Dobsons’ stunning showroom for ideas and inspiration and to talk to their experienced team of designers about your project? For more details visit dobsonshome.com.

If you are looking for a luxury bathroom, designed, managed and installed all from one place then Dobsons are the specialists for you. They take pride in getting to know their clients and designing outstanding rooms to suit their own individual needs.

Dobsons go the extra mile to create your dream room, whether ensuite, cloakroom or family bathroom, by redesigning your existing layout to maximise functionality, taking down walls to create a larger area or perhaps creating a new room where there wasn’t previously one.

Whatever your need their experts provide the know-how to make it happen.

A family business, established in 1935, Dobsons believe in putting their customers at the heart of everything they do and that’s why as part of the premium service they offer, they take control of your entire project and coordinate every aspect, taking the stress and hassle away from

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

Kitchens Bathrooms Windows & Doors Glazed Extensions

The premier destination for luxury kitchens and bathrooms in Herts • 1 28 Turners Hill, Cheshunt, EN8 9BN

• Browse our new brochure www.dobsonshome.com

• 01992 623066

• Visit our inspirational showroom 128 Turners Hill, Cheshunt, EN8 9BN

• www.dobsonshome.com

• Talk to our designers 01992 623066

axis magazine 23

IMPROVE YOUR HOME

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Flooring experts with more than 40 years of experience

K&A Flooring has been trading for over 40 years and is owned and run by Luke Andrews, the grandson of its original founder.

For over 35 years the business built its reputation for high quality supply and installation of all types of flooring trading from its warehouse and on a mobile

r

ove r o g fears! n i d y Tra 40

basis, but in 2017 K&A Flooring opened its first high street premises in Broxbourne.

In the shop you will find a wide range of floor coverings including carpets, engineered flooring, LVT (luxury vinyl tiles) and laminates from major manufacturers such as Alternative Flooring, Crucial

Trading, Cormar, Victoria, Quick Step, Karndean and Amtico.

K&A Flooring also has a fitting team who have been working together for many years.

You can visit the showroom to see samples or Luke and his team will bring them to you at your

home and they are happy to provide free estimates for any work you want doing.

K&A Flooring 54 High Road, Broxbourne EN10 7NF 01992 442181 www.kaflooring.co.uk

Looking to renew your carpets or flooring? Then talk to us…

CARPET

We have a wide range of carpets to suit every room and budget

WOOD FLOORING

Discover our elegant collection of engineered wood flooring

LAMINATE FLOORING

Easy to clean – the ideal choice for busy homes

LUXURY VINYL TILES

Wood, marble or stone-look finishes – the practical solution

54 High Road Broxbourne EN10 7NF

24 axis magazine

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How to tile your home with style Cheshunt Tile Centre celebrated 27 years of trading in July, a period of time that has seen them help home owners decorate their properties for the first time – before returning sometimes time and again as they refresh their decoration, or move home.

Their first 25 years in business saw the company operating from premises in Turners Hill before, in March 2019, they made a move to within Colemans Home Interiors showroom off Windmill Lane.

The new base is an ideal one as Colemans, another long-standing local business, offers complementary home improvement products including paints, wallpaper, fabrics and lighting.

Tile trends have changed considerably since Cheshunt Tile Centre was established. Once chosen mainly for practicality (their durability, water resistance and low maintenance qualities), today tiles are hugely popular for their aesthetic qualities and come in a

phenomenal range of materials, finishes, colours, shapes and patterns.

The team work hard to ensure the shop offers the latest products and trends with large format tiles (120 x 60) currently one of the biggest sellers.

While trends continually change, it’s the consistent quality of service on offer at Cheshunt Tile Centre that the team attribute to their success, particularly during the difficult pandemic period.

They can offer whatever level of help and advice you might need to make your selection from the thousands of kitchen and bathroom wall and floor tiles on offer, with sealants, cleaners, cutters and tiling tools also available.

If you need someone to carry out the work they will source free quotes for the work from their recommended tilers.

Both trade and domestic customers are welcomed at the showroom where you’ll find free parking outside.

Tiles are readily available and can be delivered locally free of charge.

Cheshunt Tile Centre is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm; Saturday from 9am to 3pm.

Cheshunt Tile Centre Within Colemans Home Interiors, Station Approach, Windmill Lane, Cheshunt EN8 9AX 01992 642211 www.cheshunttilecentre.co.uk

Celebr ating 27 ye ars of tr ading

Putting the style into tile

Free parking

n

CHESHUNT TILE CENTRE

Free local delivery

n

Free quotes from recommended tilers

n

Tiles readily available

Cheshunt Tile Centre Within Colemans Home Interiors, Station Approach, Windmill Lane, Cheshunt EN8 9AX 01992 642211 n info@cheshunttilecentre.co.uk n www.cheshunttilecentre.co.uk Open Monday to Friday: 9am-5pm, Saturday: 9am-3pm axis magazine 25

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Carpet, wood flooring or vinyl, no job is too big or too small for the team at Cheshunt Flooring No job is too big or too small for the highly experienced team of flooring experts at Cheshunt Flooring.

Collectively, the team have been working in the industry for over 75 years, so they know a thing or two!

They are passionate about what they do and will inspire you by explaining all the possibilities for either your home or workplace, offering accurate and impartial advice, turning the process of ordering your flooring from a chore to a joy.

Cheshunt Flooring are experts in the supply and fitting of vinyl, lino, safety flooring, laminate flooring, luxury vinyl tiles, solid timber and engineered wood and carpet for both domestic and commercial properties.

Brands supplied include Karndean, Amtico, Manx

Tomkinson, Lifestyle Floors, Gaskell and Kahrs.

They can also supply artificial turf for your garden.

They offer a free measuring and planning service and will be with you every step of the way to make sure you absolutely love your new floor.

From their long-established showroom in Cheshunt’s High Street, they will happily supply and fit flooring in and around the whole area covered by Axis magazine.

Give them a call to see what they can do for you – you may well find their prices are less than you’d expect too.

Cheshunt Flooring 23 High Street, Cheshunt EN8 0BS 01992 632623 www.cheshuntflooring.co.uk

We don’t sell cheap flooring, We sell flooring cheap!

We supply and fit all forms of carpet, vinyls, lino, safety flooring, solid timber, laminate flooring and Amtico, to both domestic and commercial properties We can also supply artificial grass for your garden 23 High Street, Cheshunt EN8 0BS 01992 632623 www.cheshuntflooring.co.uk 26 axis magazine

An independent High Street business serving the area since 1985

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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 timepressured.

The showroom’s opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 9am-4pm.

Hoddesdon Tile and Bathroom Centre Units C2 & C3 Geddings Road, Hoddesdon EN11 0NT 01992 470146 www.hoddesdontilebathroomcentre.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 27

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Use the latest technology to protect your home from intruders Tindall Security are experts in making your home or commercial premises secure.

The company, which was founded in 1932 and has been based in Hertford for over 30 years, offers tailored services to suit your individual preferences and needs. From simple domestic burglar alarms to more sophisticated commercial protection and security solutions, Tindall’s team of experts provide an efficient and trouble-free service.

Sadly, burglaries are a reality of modern life. Research has shown, however, that homes with a secure network of protection are less likely to be targeted. By installing an effective security system in your home, you will be ensuring 24/7 surveillance that will protect your property even when you are not at home.

Tindall Security supply, fit and maintain a range of domestic alarm systems to enable you to protect your home from intruders. All come with self-moni-

28 axis magazine

Tindall Security can help you protect your property

toring apps which allow you to set and unset, receive alerts and view via your mobile phone or computer.

Its in-house team can design and install the latest technology, ensuring that which is most important to you is protected 24/7, all year round.

Services include a diverse range

of security networks, such as CCTV systems, Smart integration and door entry systems.

The design team will work with you to find you the best possible solution; a professionally qualified team will install your alarm or security system; and a team of maintenance engineers provide 24 hour, 365 days of the year

support, ensuring you of the best possible service.

You can book a free, no obligation survey too.

Tindall Security Unit 8 Mead Business Centre, Mead Lane, Hertford SG13 7BJ 0800 433 7748 www.tindallsecurity.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

PLACES TO GO, THINGS TO DO

Two opportunities to visit some of our best local attractions

See Scott’s Grotto during Heritage Open Days while St Albans Cathedral and Henry Moore Studios & Gardens take part in Herts Big Weekend HERITAGE OPEN DAYS

This year’s Heritage Open Days festival runs from Friday 10th to Sunday 19th September.

Each year, thousands of volunteers nationwide help to open up often hidden spaces that the public would not normally get to see, to broaden people’s knowledge of local heritage.

All the openings and events are free to take part in.

The Heritage Open Days website has a search facility that enables you to find the different venues near you that will be open, with full details of dates and times.

You can search by town, county or within a radius of miles from a postcode.

Among venues opening locally this year are Lombard House, home of The Hertford Club, in Hertford; Scott’s Grotto, Ware Museum, Place House, Southern Maltings and Leaside Church and Community Centre – all in Ware.

There are several venues nearby in Hertfordshire, including the wonderful St Albans Signal Box and Railway Museum and Ayot St Peter Church; as well as the Gibberd Garden and St Mary’s Little Parndon church in Harlow.

Events include guided walks around Hertford Castle on Saturday 11th September at 11am and 2pm (book on 01992 574322). You can find out more at heritageopendays.org.uk.

HERTS BIG WEEKEND

We can all be guilty of not going to see the great attractions on our doorstep, perhaps even of taking them for granted.

This year’s Herts Big Weekend event, organised by tourism promoter Visit Herts, pulls together dozens of great local venues, encouraging local people to visit them to find out more about what they can offer – and enjoy a great day out.

The event offers local people the chance to win free tickets to a wide range of attractions around the county by taking part in an online ballot.

The weekend officially takes place on Saturday 25th and

Sunday 26th September but, partly to make up for last year’s celebration having to be cancelled, this year’s is even bigger – with the tickets able to be used up to 22nd October.

Among the attractions taking part this year are Henry Moore Studios & Gardens, Knebworth House, Natural History Museum at Tring, Paradise Wildlife Park, Pendley Manor, St Albans Cathedral and Warner Bros Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter.

You can find out more and sign up to take part in the online ballot at hertsbigweekend.co.uk.

Do hurry – the deadline is Tuesday 7th September.

It’s the ultimate day out for petrolheads as supercars roar into Knebworth Petrolheadonism Live is the new, ultimate celebration of all things automotive and takes place at Knebworth House over two days on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th September.

The focus of the event is on supercars, classics, Americana and highly modified cars, so if you are the type who jumps a mile when a noisy car backfires near you, you might want to take some ear-muffs with you!

Attractions will include the Hypercar Enclosure featuring a once in a lifetime opportunity to see £50million worth of amazing cars.

There will also be a Lewis Hamilton Petronas Formula One Simulator and a Superbike Enclosure.

The event is aimed at all the family and visitors will also get free admission to Knebworth’s adventure playground.

There will be live events on in the main arena and guest of honour is Richard Rawlings, star of Discovery Channel’s Fast n Loud TV series.

Ticket prices are £25 for adults, £11.50 for children or £39.50 and £15 respectively for both days. Tickets are available through eventbrite.co.uk. axis magazine 29

WHAT’S ON

Climate alert: Local events aim to boost awareness A variety of events highlighting the threat to our planet through climate change are taking place locally this month.

Hertford and our Changing Climate A group of Hertford residents have come together to offer help and advice to anyone concerned about the impact of climate change.

They have organised a day of activities, called Hertford and our Changing Climate, on Saturday 25th September.

The event is intended to be enjoyable, informative and to encourage people to take the first steps towards starting to reduce emissions.

More than a dozen stalls in the town centre will show products including electric vehicles and electric bikes, whilst there will also be a day of informative talks at Friends Meeting House at 50 Railway Street from 10am to 5pm. These are free drop-in events which will offer advice on how to save energy in the home, reduce water usage and cut down on waste.

For full details of the programme, visit hacc-herts.org.

Environment, Climate, Hope On Saturday 11th September, All Saints’ Church in Hertford is hosting a day-long event called Environment, Climate, Hope featuring a range of illustrated talks, presentations, stalls and displays which will celebrate the

This homage to Banksy was one of the many highlights in a previous scarecrow festival

wildlife areas in easy reach of the county town.

The day will also promote awareness of what wildlife means to our wellbeing and suggest ways to live more sustainably and to protect the environment.

Activities will be spread over the three venues associated with All Saints’; with talks and films in the adjacent St John’s Hall; stalls and displays in the church itself and stalls and activities in the churchyard. Refreshments will be served all day, including lunch, and there will be activities for all the family. Eight-year-old busker Immi Davis will perform as will spoken word poet Nigel Braggins.

The programme runs from 10am to 4pm. For full details visit allsaintshertford.org.

Sustainable sale Meanwhile, St Augustine’s Church in Churchfields, Broxbourne is the venue for a sustainable event on Saturday 18th September from 2-4.30pm.

The idea is to encourage people to avoid waste and reuse or repurpose existing products.

There will be lots of free items, quality goods for sale at bargain prices and children’s activities.

Stalls include gifts, pottery, retro, pictures, bric-a-brac, hats and scarves plus refreshments and homemade cakes.

Scarecrow Festival back on the streets of High Wych High Wych Scarecrow Festival is back, when the village near Sawbridgeworth will be filled with the most amazing looking scarecrows depicting all sorts of individuals and scenes.

With everything that’s been going on in the world recently there should be lots of scope for the usual imaginative entries!

You can view the scarecrows, then browse craft stalls and enjoy a barbecue, cakes and refreshments at St James Church in High Wych Road on Saturday 11th September from 10am to 5pm and Sunday 12th from 11am to 5pm.

DogFest promises a weekend of canine fun for all at Knebworth this month DogFest 2021 takes place at Knebworth House on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th September.

This celebration of everything to do with our faithful, four-legged friends includes arena displays, expert advice, activities for your dog, shopping and food and drink.

Tickets must be bought online in advance of the event and daily prices are £20 for adults, £13 for children aged 5-16, £15 for concessions (students and seniors). There are weekend prices if you fancy going for two days 30 axis magazine

plus premium tickets including a drink and parking and various family options too – see the website for full details. General parking is £5 per vehicle.

The event runs from 9.30am to 5pm on both days.

For tickets visit dog-fest.co.uk.

WHAT’S ON

Bond is back – at last! Four films to see this month Ainbo: Spirit of the Amazon (PG) Now showing Moana meets Brave in this new animation. It is the story of a young girl who was born and grew up in the deepest jungle of the Amazon but discovers that her homeland is being threatened and embarks on a journey to seek help from the most powerful Mother Spirit of the rainforest.

Ainbo is determined to save her land and her people before it’s too late. A beautiful animation packing a powerful message.

Our Ladies (15) Now showing In 1990s Scotland, a group of Catholic schoolgirls get the opportunity to go into Edinburgh for a choir competition, but they’re more interested in drinking, partying and hooking up than they are in winning the competition. Described by critics as “a must-see riot of girl power”

classics, and at a time when the UK was slowly recovering from a decade of recession and Cool Britannia was becoming a reality, they perfectly captured the euphoric mood approaching.

This is the story of that weekend, one of the most important concert events of the last 25 years.

and “hilarious”, it’s enough to see off those Autumn blues.

Oasis Knebworth 1996 (15) Out on Thursday 23rd September The two concerts played by Oasis at Knebworth on 10th and 11th August 1996 were not only the pinnacle of the band’s success but have become legendary over the years. Packed with wall-to-wall

No Time To Die (TBC) Advance shows form Thursday 30th September Daniel Craig’s final outing as James Bond has been a long time coming, with successive launches put back because of a pandemic that even 007 couldn’t defeat. In No Time To Die, Bond has left active service and is enjoying a more tranquil life in Jamaica.

But his peace is short-lived when his old friend from the CIA Felix Leiter turns up asking for help.

The mission to rescue a kidnapped scientist leads Bond to the trail of a villain armed with dangerous new technology.

Bob Villains to play at Southern Maltings Bob Dylan tribute The Bob Villains will be playing a gig at Southern Maltings in Ware on Friday 17th September from 7pm. The Villains play over two hours of Dylan’s music, covering tracks from across his vast album repertoire. Anja Rodford will be joining on stage for this show, singing as Joan Baez. Southern Maltings is in Kibes Lane, Ware SG12 7BS and tickets are £10 from southernmaltings.co.uk or through Eventbrite.

COME AND EXPLORE THE GARDENS AT HATFIELD PARK THIS SEPTEMBER. WE CAN’T WAIT TO WELCOME YOU. WHERE THE CITY ENDS & THE COUNTRY BEGINS

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axis magazine 31

WHAT’S ON: THE ARTS

Herts Open Studios 2021 offers best of both worlds Herts Open Studios, the county’s premier annual art event, is back properly this year, offering art-lovers the chance to visit, meet and find out more about local artists.

Running from Saturday 18th September until Sunday 10th October, every venue taking part in Open Studios is free to enter, enabling visitors to enjoy everything from classical to contemporary, decorative to functional, figurative to abstract, wall-hung to 3D art. Artists will show and offer for sale their work, including original artwork, prints and greeting cards.

This year’s hybrid event captures the best of both worlds, with studios opening up to in-person visitors and pop-up exhibitions and local art trails. But the virtual world, in which most art had to exist during the pandemic, will also play a part, with many artists taking part in online events too and virtual Open Studios

By Caroline Lumb

Clockwise from top left: Work by Anna Croxen, Clare Hogan, Trevor Allen and Judith Moule, who will all be taking part in Open Studios

enabling people to view art 24/7.

You can discover studios and artists taking part through the website of organisers Herts Visual Arts, which hosts an

Book now for 10th year of Hatfield House Chamber Music Festival

Guy Johnston and Carolyn Sampson will both perform at the festival

The Hatfield House Chamber Music Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary this year with a programme running from Wednesday 29th September through to Sunday 3rd October.

Artistic Director Guy Johnston has put together a programme that looks back at the past decade but also celebrates the present and looks to the future with contemporary works and new commissions.

The line-up of performers includes regular festival artists and new additions to the roster of international chamber musicians who come to Hatfield each year.

32 axis magazine

Gallery at Parndon Mill re-emerges

Musicians include cellist Johnston himself, the Carducci Quartet, the Orsini Ensemble, clarinettist Julian Bliss, worldrenowned locally-based soprano Carolyn Sampson, plus on-tour IMS Prussia Cove and vocal ensemble VOCES8.

As well as the public concerts, schoolchildren will have opportunities to listen, take part and perform, and on the Saturday afternoon families are invited to come and experience Holst’s Planet Suite brought to life through storytelling and painting by artist James Mayhew.

Tickets are now on sale at hatfieldhousemusicfestival.org.uk.

online e-brochure to help you plan your day before you leave home.

For more information, visit hvaf.org.uk.

Re-Emergence is an appropriate title for the new exhibition at The Gallery at Parndon Mill in Harlow, which runs from Thursday 9th September through to the end of October. It features the work of artists Jo Howe and Caroline Lumb. Jo uses paper and books as her media while Caroline creates abstract images using her love of colour and mixed media.

The gallery also has a new online exhibition of floral work running at the moment, called Joy In Bloom. The Gallery at Parndon Mill is in Parndon Mill Lane, off Elizabeth Way, Harlow CM20 2HP. Call 01279 426062 or visit parndonmill.co.uk.

Manvinder takes over as musical director of Hertford Choral Society Hertford Choral Society has appointed a new musical director, who will take charge of his first performance, Haydn’s The Creation, at the end of October.

Manvinder Rattan has extensive experience rehearsing and performing across genres and repertoires and has been CEO and head of conductor training at Sing For Pleasure alongside being musical director of the John Lewis Partnership Musical Society since 1995, with responsibility for its 15 choirs and an orchestra.

He has been a judge on BBC2’s The Choir with Gareth Malone and a regular adjudicator for the BBC’s Choir of the Year as well as choral festivals around the country.

In 2021 he received a Fellowship of the Royal School of Music in choral directing.

Manvinder replaces Derek Harrison, who held the role for 44 seasons and was described by his successor as “a tough act to follow”.

HCS rehearsals for The Creation

Manvinder Rattan is looking forward to his role at HCS

begin on Tuesday 7th September.

If you are interested in joining the society you can find out more at hertfordchoral.org.uk – no audition is required.

The Creation will be performed at All Saints’ Church, Hertford on Saturday 30th October at 7.30pm. Tickets are £16 reserved, £12 unreserved, £4 students under 25 from 07936 719498 or by email to tickets@hertfordchoral.org.uk.

FOOD & DRINK

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL RESTAURANTS

Lomo Bar and Grill reopens with new relaunched menus Lomo Bar and Grill in Hertford is fully back open and has launched a range of new menus for local diners to enjoy.

Having first opened just before Christmas 2019, the stop-start restrictions caused by the Covid pandemic have meant Lomo has barely had a chance to get going.

The restaurant, which can be found in the premises that were formerly home to Rigsby’s Piano Café in historic and attractive St Andrew Street, is open seven days a week, serving brunch from 10am from a new Brunch n Lunch menu which has already proved really popular during the school holidays.

A new main menu has also been created alongside a children’s menu (three course option with a

drink for £8.95) and a refreshed drinks menu.

The new and improved main menu features a selection of tapas-style starters such as Pork belly bites and Chimichurri garlic prawns.

Mains include Cajun chicken skewers and 1.1kg tomahawk and Lomo flat iron 8oz steaks.

The smart and popular Lounge upstairs bar has now reopened too and is available for use from 6pm until 1am on Friday and Saturday with last orders at the bar taken at 12.30am.

Lomo Bar and Grill 25a St Andrew Street, Hertford SG14 1HZ 01992 587772 lomobarandgrill.com

LOMO

is back –

and better than ever!

Visit Hertford’s brightest bar and grill Now open seven days from 10am for brunch and lunch The Lounge is open until 1am every Friday and Saturday

Book a table now on 01992 587772 or via OpenTable

New & improved main menu, new drinks menu, plus a kids’ menu LOMO BAR & GRILL 25a St Andrew Street Hertford SG14 1HZ 01992 587772 www.lomobarandgrill.com

axis magazine 33

FOOD & DRINK

The Wine Column

By Ritchie Tough of Cavavin

Allow me to bust a few myths about wine drinking...

Here are a couple of myths that need ironing out.

Pearl Milk Bar introduces the bubble tea trend to Hertford Pearl Milk Bar has opened in Hertford, bringing the increasingly popular bubble tea drink to the county town.

The business was born during lockdown when owner Sude Horoz started offering bubble tea delivery in Hoddesdon from her home. Her new shop, which is at 53 Railway Street in the unit previously home to Love Locks salon, also offers hot and cold

drinks including freshly brewed organic coffee, organic smoothies and protein shakes.

Pearl Milk Bar is open seven days a week, from 10am to 7pm Monday to Thursday, until 9pm on Friday and Saturday and from 11am to 6pm on Sunday.

For more information about bubble tea in general and what Sude’s new shop has to offer, visit pearlmilkbar.co.uk.

Hoddesdon’s first Food and Drink Fest set for Saturday 4th September The town centre of Hoddesdon has been transformed this summer with a large number of pubs, cafés and restaurants now having pavement licences.

Love Hoddesdon BID (Business Improvement District) is now aiming to build on this feelgood factor by holding the first Hoddesdon Food and Drink Fest, on Saturday 4th September from 10am to 6pm.

A variety of international foods will be available for visitors to enjoy at stalls across the town 34 axis magazine

Al fresco Hoddesdon

centre, with a background of musical entertainment and children’s fairground rides, providing a great day out for all the family.

1. Sulphites causes headaches People often say red wine causes more headaches than white wine due to it having a higher sulphites content.

This is not true. Sulphites (sulphur dioxide) can also be found as a preservative in many common daily foods. Contrary to popular belief, sulphites do not cause headaches. In fact, our bodies produce 1,000 mg of sulphites each day. However to those with asthmatic issues, sulphites can induce an allergic reaction.

Incidentally, red wines have less added sulphites than white wines as their grape skins have natural preservative ability.

Be aware that cheaper, lower-alcohol white wines require more sulphites to prevent oxidation.

But we do have a sulphite-free wine from Bordeaux which so happens to be a natural wine – it’s £12.50 from the stunning Buzet vineyard.

As for headache, dehydration is the cause. To avoid a hangover headache, drink in moderation!

2. Wine does not travel You are on holiday, by the pool, it is warm, the local cuisine tastes like nectar from the gods and in the glass is a white/red/rosé that was dispensed from a petrol pump at a Euro a litre.

It tastes delicious, so you buy a few bottles, bring them home and open them at your next party. It tastes foul – the wine ‘has not travelled’. Wrong: it is you and your taste buds that have not travelled. Frankly, everything tastes good when you are relaxing on holiday. Context is everything when enjoying wine; mood and environment have a powerful influence on how much pleasure you derive from a bottle!

Cavavin is your local, independent wine shop.

It’s at 22 Maidenhead Street, Hertford SG14 1DR. Call 01992 558311 or visit cavavin.co.uk.

Online ordering available.

FOOD AND DRINK: SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL RESTAURANTS

ADVERTISEMENT LISTINGS

SAFFRON Indian

THE GEORGE IV Pub & Dining

THE GOLDEN FLEECE Pub & Dining

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

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

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

The George IV, located in idyllic Great Amwell, boasts a renovated heated outdoor terrace and private courtyard, making it the perfect venue to enjoy al fresco dining with innovative, freshly prepared seasonal dishes during the late Summer and Autumn.

The menu, which includes traditional pub classics, is served in a friendly pub atmosphere.

The restaurant is also an ideal place to hold private events including weddings, anniversaries, birthdays or corporate functions.

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

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

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

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

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

ERMAN’S KITCHEN Turkish

FOX AND HOUNDS Restaurant & The Fox Shop & Deli

This family-run restaurant, which opened in 2020, is now open again and still has its covered and heated outdoor space available for alfresco dining too. It offers a menu of Turkish cuisine, high quality drinks and cocktails and is also open from 8am daily for breakfast too. Erman’s is housed in a Grade II listed former pub that has been refurbished into three contemporary and comfortable dining areas plus the garden. The menu offers hot and cold starters, grills and Erman’s signature dishes that include Turkish fish and seafood specialities.

The Fox and Hounds, now in its 16th year of trading under owners Bianca and James Rix, is well established as one of Hertfordshire’s leading eating out destinations. The Josper oven, seasonal menus, superb Sunday lunch and relaxed atmosphere are all great reasons to visit. Bianca and James have also added a popular shop and deli in the bar area, selling their homemade ready meals to take away, Brindisa deli treats, fresh bread, pastries, flowers, plants and gifts from local suppliers.

Open from 9am (10am weekends) Weds-Sun.

VILLA ITALIA Italian

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

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

The popular authentic family-run Villa Italia restaurant in Sawbridgeworth opened in March 2019 and quickly became a firm local favourite.

It offers a wide range of crowd-pleasing Italian dishes to suit every occasion, including pizza, pasta, meat and fish dishes as well as homemade desserts. Villa Italia’s opening hours are Tues-Thurs 5-10.30pm; Fri and Sat 12.303pm and 5-11pm and Sun 12.30-5pm.

A roast dinner is available on Sunday with meats changing weekly – just call or email info@villa-italia-restaurant.co.uk to order.

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

Haultwick Hall, Ware – For Sale: £2,195,000 Haultwick Hall is an eight bedroom Grade II listed house built in the 17th Century with original features and beautiful gardens including two acres and paddocks.

Register your interest today on 01992 721 321

Haultwick Hall, Ware, SG11 1JQ

01992 721 321 n www.thomas-childs.com