Andrei Lussmann reveals his mission to revolutionise sustainable dining in Berkhamsted, blending eco-friendly cuisine with the sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere of his acclaimed restaurant.
Hello!
Welcome to the inaugural issue of The Guide!
We’re Adam and Annabelle, friends and local business owners. We’re incredibly proud to introduce you to our brand-new monthly magazine for Berkhamsted; quite simply, it’s the magazine we’ve always wanted to read.
The Guide will celebrate our beloved town, curated by those who know Berkhamsted best. In every issue, we’ll shine a spotlight on the independent businesses, shops, and local events that make our community so special. Think of us as your go-to source for everything happening in Berkhamsted, from new openings to festivals via one-off pop ups.
This month, you’ll find us bargain hunting at the first Berko Posh Independents’ Jumble Sale, before sipping garden cocktails at Prime’s brand-new secret cocktail bar. We’re especially excited to visit UpFest; Europe’s largest live street art festival has made Ashridge House its canvas until 15th September.
We hope you enjoy following The Guide as much as we’ve enjoyed creating it.
If you’d like to promote your business or share an event in an upcoming issue, drop us a line at info@theguideberkhamsted.co.uk
COVER STAR
Lussmanns is leading Berkhamsted sustainable dining revolution, meet our cover star’s local heroes
WHAT’S ON IN SEPTEMBER
Your essential monthly guide to events large and small in and around Berkhamsted
LAST OF THE SUMMER WINE
Your guide to eating and drinking al fresco throughout this month
NOTES FROM A FLOWER GROWER
Local flower grower
Julie Woodford shares seasonal gardening tips
A BIT OF YOU TIME Nutritionist and hormone specialist
Hannah Alderson on how to step into September, happier & healthier
Published by: Adam Game & Annabelle Maguire
Editor: Adam Game
Features Editor & Writer: Amy Rose Everett Design: www.mattstraker.com
made to ensure the accuracy of the content within this publication, The Guide assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. The views expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the editorial team or the publisher.
Printed in the UK using vegetable-based inks on eco-friendly, FSC certified paper.
10 things to do this month
SEPTEMBER 1
HOSPICE OF ST FRANCIS GARDEN PARTY
This colourful garden party is a firm favourite in Berkhamsted’s summer events calendar, this year’s 20th Anniversary promising to be extra special. Expect a lively mix of activities including circus skills, puppet shows, crafts, and a dog show. Kids will love the face painting and sand art, while adults peruse the Pimm’s tent, and explore the quaint ‘Shop Local Village.’ Enjoy an impressive selection of food stalls, from punchy street food to indulgent cream teas.
Advance tickets are available online. Prices will increase at the gate, so get booking.
Adults £7, Children £3 Under 3s and carers free 12pm - 5pm
There’s no feeling quite like it: the excited rush of entering a sale, tables groaning with prospective treasures. This one-off,
can’t miss summer event sees Berkhamsted high street retailers part with samples, archive pieces and last season’s stock for up to 75% off.
Uncover gems from your favourite independent businesses, including &Quirky, Cook & Butler, Amelie, Berkhamsted Bookshop, Elizabeth Anne Interiors and more. Be the first in with early buyers entry, £5 from 10-11.
Calling all makers, movers and shakers! Up to 50 independent small businesses from all walks of life sell handmade products, art, jewellery and gifts across two indoor venues, on the first Saturday of the month. When you’ve found the perfect birthday gift (or Christmas card - yes, we’re thinking about it), there’s a coffee
and cake shop to stop in. We love the inclusivity of this event: entry is free, dogs are welcome, and there’s lift access.
Free entry
10am - 4pm Berkhamsted Town Hall, HP4 3AP BOOK: Popupbazaarberko.com
SEPTEMBER 13 & 14
BERKO BEER FEST
Now in its ninth year, this lively event brings together fantastic local bands, top food vendors and beer enthusiasts. Friday is Comedy night, boasting comedians straight from Edinburgh Fringe - catch Andy Parsons, Shazia Mirza and Matt Richardson plus compere James Alderson. Saturday is all about the music, showcasing ten local bands. Both days offer the chance to sample (up to!) 25 cask beers, 26 craft beers, and 18 ciders from breweries in and around the Chilterns. There’s a full bar
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service, with lager, too. Buy advance tickets online to avoid disappointment.
Put your best foot forward to help locals experiencing homelessness and poverty. Make new friends while walking a scenic, dog-friendly 2 or 10-mile route, at historic Berkhamsted Castle. Enjoy a community day with activities, and join an insightful guided tour. The two mile route is suitable for all, expected to take between 40 minutes and 2 hours, factoring in playground and doggy water stops. All participants aged 15 and under must be accompanied by a registered, participating adult. Your registration fee helps fund DENS core services which support local people facing crisis.
Adults £10, Children £5
Under 3s and dogs go free
her way up from working-class origins to be at the top of her game in defending, cross-examining, and winning. An unexpected event forces her to confront the lines where the patriarchal power of the law, the burden of proof, and personal morals collide.
£17.50 6pm
The Vyne Theatre, Berkhamsted, HP4 1EH BOOK: Vynearts.co.uk
SEPTEMBER 16
GUIDED TOURS OF BERKHAMSTED CASTLE
From 9am - 1pm (see website for more details)
Berkhamsted Castle, HP4 1LJ BOOK: Dens.org.uk
SEPTEMBER 15
NT LIVE PRESENT PRIMA FACIE
National Theatre Live presents a screening of Prima Facie at The Vyne Theatre in Berkhamsted. This gripping one-woman play features Jodie Comer’s (Killing Eve) Olivier and Tony Award-winning performance, captured live in 2022 during a sold-out run at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London’s West End. Follow Tessa, the young, brilliant barrister who has worked
Step back in time to explore the secrets of our town’s iconic Norman motte and bailey castle, once surrounded by a deer park for hunting. You’ll learn about its former residents (everyone from Richard Earl of Cornwall, to Queen Margaret of France and Edward the Black Prince), until the castle’s decline in the late 15th century. The main path is wheelchair-accessible, with gravel surfaces, and there’s nearby parking available. Book via the Chiltern Society website.
There’s nothing like a magical late summer evening under the big top. This beloved all-human circus features international artists, from soaring acrobats to brilliant comedians. A mix of mind-blowing aerial acts, a tightwire, and plenty of daring juggling guarantees a colourful night out for the whole family, plus there’s a BBQ, pizza, candyfloss and a fully-licensed bar. All money raised directly funds the repair of Little Gaddesden School’s roof.
£18 individual tickets
£62 for a group of four, From 6pm Little Gaddesden Playing Field, HP4 1NN BOOK: Pta-events.co.uk/folgs
SEPTEMBER 28
THE GREAT CHILTERN COME & SING: CARMINA BURANA
Part of the 2024 Chilterns Heritage & Culture Festival, join the “Come & Sing Carmina Burana”, featuring Carl Orff’s famously bawdy cantata and the iconic O Fortuna. Singers will enjoy an all-day event, ending with an informal performance to an audience in the evening. Sung by Tring Choral Society and local choirs, the event pulls together professional soloists, a charming children's choir… and yourself, if you’re feeling brave. Singing and audience places must be booked in advance via the Chiltern Society website.
Dean’s Hall, Berkhamsted School BOOK: Chilternsociety.org.uk/ heritage-festival
BUDDHIST MEDITATION WORKSHOP s
Led by a Sangha member, relaxing meditation workshops take place every Saturday in the Temple. You’ll receive instruction in both sitting and walking meditation, with time for questions and discussions on practice. Open to everyone, there is no charge or booking required. The perfect way to take a break from your routine and find peace within.
Free
Every Saturday 2pm - 4pm Amaravati Buddhist Monastery, St Margarets, HP1 3BZ BOOK: Amaravati.org
THROUGHOUT SEPTEMBER
“For me, it’s all about ethics. I had a vision to make sustainable dining accessible to all.”
Lussmanns is leading Berkhamsted’s sustainable dining revolution, meet our cover star’s local heroes
The Five Bells by Lussmanns is a community staple, the handsome listed building on Berkhamsted High Street the scene of countless birthday celebrations, low-key dates and Sunday lunches. You might have noticed that the menu changes regularly - but did you know it’s crafted from the finest ingredients grown, reared, caught, or produced in the UK?
Owner Andrei Lussmann told The Guide how Lussmanns has grown to set the standard for accessible, sustainable dining across Hertfordshire - and from humble beginnings, too. The first cafe opened in Notting Hill, way back in 2002.
“For me, it’s all about ethics. I had a vision to make sustainable dining accessible to all. We’re more Nottingham than Notting Hill. Classy, but classless!
“My aim has been to show that it’s possible to be both ethical and profitable.”
Lussmanns quickly made a name for itself with great sandwiches, celebrity customers (David Bowie was a fan), and the occasional hiccup, such as two robberies during the early days. These experiences shaped the restaurant’s ethos, inspiring staff to work harder than ever before.
Nowadays Berkhamsted locals love Lussmanns for its relaxed feel. A creative mixture of marble, wood, leather and glass is painted in soft, muted colours, nothing too brash. The cosy bar area is the first thing you see as you come in, the perfect place to duck into for a quick snack when it starts raining. The dining room suits slightly more formal occasions, serving the full Lussmanns menu as well as bar classics and the famous Sunday Roast. There’s a large outdoor terrace, ideal for long summer lunches, your pooch snoozing under the table.
Andrei perfected this design after 30 years in hospitality, learning the restaurant trade at Forte and Bass, and later Pizza Express, where he managed flagship restaurants and directed operations in the Channel Islands. With a degree in Hospitality & Business from Birmingham Polytechnic, Andrei drew on experience and a passion for good, ethically sourced food when he dreamed up Lussmanns. His journey led him to work with Fish Diner and Corney & Barrow in the City, where he developed a love of really good winethat definitely shows in Lussmanns’ menu. Since opening the first restaurant in Hertfordshire, Lussmanns has proudly expanded to five of the county’s towns: St Albans, Hertford, Hitchin, Harpenden, and Berkhamsted. Recent openings in Woburn and London mark an exciting new chapter. Andrei has been particularly thrilled about returning to London in 2024, speaking to us fresh from his latest launch in leafy Highgate.
A SEASONAL CELEBRATION OF BRITISH INGREDIENTS
Lussmanns’ menu changes every six weeks, reflecting the seasonal availability of fresh, local ingredients and showcasing items at their peak. The à la carte menu features a selection of free-range and organic meat, Marine Stewardship Council-certified seafood, and 95% UK-grown fruits and vegetables. Loosely Mediterranean dishes are inspired by Andrei’s self-taught culinary journey and his love for simple, honest ingredients.
“It’s fish, it’s grill, and it’s vegetarian - a third of each.”
Starters such as South Coast sardines on toast, grilled nectarine & broad bean salad with Somerset goat’s cheese, and South Coast crab linguine showcase the restaurant’s commitment to sustainability - and top quality. Main courses like South Coast whole butterflied mackerel with salsa verde, Greek salad with North African spiced organic Devon lamb, and chalk stream trout with romesco sauce reflect
“… each ingredient meets the highest standards of quality and sustainability”
sustainable choice that offers rich, deep flavours. Environmentally-conscious farmer ensures that the mutton is ethically raised.
3. Hertfordshire Gardener (Gin):
This local gin maker crafts a unique gin using herbs sourced from Berkhamsted and Harpenden. Their garden-inspired gin is a testament to the creativity and craftsmanship of local artisans and is available to enjoy at Lussmanns or purchase for home.
4. Lewis of London (Dairy):
A local dairy producer, Lewis of London provides fresh dairy products, including their celebrated ice cream. This family-owned business has grown from its Jewish roots into a thriving local enterprise.
5. Stickleback Fish (Seafood):
Lussmanns’ determination to celebrate the finest British ingredients. Each dish is crafted with care and attention to detail you’ll be hard pressed to find elsewhere. Championing Local Suppliers
At the heart of Lussmanns’ success is its commitment to using low-mileage produce wherever possible. “We have a very strong relationship with all of our suppliers,” Andrei notes. Lussmanns is proud to partner with some of the UK’s best-in-class suppliers, ensuring that each ingredient meets the highest standards of quality and sustainability.”
LUSSMANNS’
LOCAL HEROES
1. Mad Squirrel Brewery (Beer):
Based in Hertfordshire, Mad Squirrel Brewery provides a selection of craft beers, including their exclusive Lussmanns Gulvner beer.
2. Hammonds End Farm (Mutton):
Located in Harpenden, Hammonds End Farm supplies high-quality mutton, a
Based just 25 minutes away, MSC-certified Stickleback Fish supplies fresh, sustainable seafood. Their commitment to quality and ethical sourcing aligns perfectly with Lussmanns’ values.
A COMMUNITY STAPLE WITH A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Lussmanns’ dedication to sustainability and ethical dining has earned it the prestigious Three Star rating from the Sustainable Restaurant Association and recognition as the first restaurant group outside London to be certified by the Marine Stewardship Council in 2014. As Andrei reflects, “All our restaurants are designed to be the kind of places I would like to eat in. I hope you like them too.”
Lussmanns Berkhamsted
Open daily from midday 163-165 High Street, Berkhamsted, HP4 3HB 01442 949 999
maydur@lussmanns.com
SEPTEMBER READING LIST
THE ARTIST’S
PALETTE
ALEXANDRA LOSKE
NON FICTION, £35
We know about great artists, but what about the colour palettes that made their work possible? Loske’s new coffee table book remembers paintings of 50 great artists - and the paint, too.
THE EMPUSIUM
OLGA TOKARCZUK
FICTION, £12.99
Feminism, folklore, and horror in a Silesian mountain sanitarium: Olga Tokarczuk transports us to the eve of World War I.
WANT GILLIAN ANDERSON
(ED)
NON FICTION, £18.99
Gillian Anderson exposes how women really feel about sex, motherhood, infidelity, fantasies, and exploitation through both wrenching and hilarious anonymous letters.
BONE BLACK BELL HOOKS
BIOGRAPHY, £10.99
Bell Hook’s seminal memoir on girlhood, female creativity, childhood wounds, and the comfort of books finally lands in the UK.
26TH SEPTEMBER A THOUSAND FEASTS NIGEL SLATER
£20
A witty and sharply-observed collection of all the good bits in life. Nigel Slater has filled notebook after notebook with reflections on food, and his travels, now beautifully assembled here. Traverse all four corners of the world through this simple, imaginative memoir: savour Nigel’s vivid descriptions of eating mango in monsoon rain, and hunkering down during a blizzard in a Vienna Konditorei. The best bit about this sort of travelling? No jet lag, no delays, and you can leave your raincoat in the wardrobe.
Enjoy 10% off all books featured in this issue at The Berkhamsted Bookshop by mentioning The Guide at time of purchase. SAVE 10%
TURTLE MOON HANNAH GOLD
CHILDREN’S, £14.99
Beloved children’s author Hannah Gold’s latest sun-soaked mystery sees Silver and her friends race to track down a rare leatherback turtle’s stolen egg.
NEXUS
YUVAL NOAH HARARI
NON FICTION, £28
The bestselling author of Sapiens delivers this urgent exploration of information networks, from stories around campfires to the omnipresence of AI.
THE WICKEDEST CALEB FEMI
POETRY, £14.99
Caleb Femi transcends the bounds of poetry in this kaleidoscopic collection, cleverly spanning a raucous house party from first drinks through to the bitter end.
INTERMEZZO SALLY ROONEY
FICTION, £20
Global phenomenon
Sally Rooney is back with a razor-sharp portrayal of brotherhood, grief, and romance in one of the most hotly anticipated novels of the year.
HOUSE
The serene gardens of Ashridge House have transformed into a vibrant canvas for the summer months. Urban street art by 20 world-class artists stands proud against the grandeur of the Grade II* listed estate.
Everyone is invited to discover this stunning juxtaposition of history and contemporary creativity. Intricate murals, colourful installations, and striking graffiti create a fully immersive experience.
Workshops are running until 5th September, where you can learn to spray paint your own name, graffiti-style, with the help of the experts. Artisanal pizzas and cold
beers from local brewery Mad Squirrel will power you through, alongside the daily delights of The Bakehouse Café.
Whether you’re an art aficionado or simply looking for an imaginative day out with your family, Upfest promises a thought-provoking blend of modernity, and historical charm.
MEET THE MAKERS
1. WRDSMTH
Known for his vintage typewriter pieces, WRDSMTH merges street art with inspirational quotes. Stencilled precision and thoughtful messaging blends LA’s vibrant street culture with the estate’s serene backdrop.
2. CURTIS HYLTON
UK muralist Curtis Hylton specialises in grand-scale artworks that combine
Art house
This summer, Europe’s largest live street art festival, UpFest Art House, is making Ashridge Gardens its home
nature with wildlife. His murals, known for their bold and realistic style, connect viewers to the natural world.
3. ANNA HIGGIE
Australian-born Anna Higgie combines traditional and digital techniques to create vivid, nature-inspired art - she’s adept at mixing contemporary aesthetics with classical elements. Higgie’s colourful works infuse the Ashridge gardens with a fresh, dynamic energy.
4. WOSKERSKI
Look out for murals drawing on Ashridge’s educational legacy; WOSKerski creates a visual dialogue between past and present.
5. PERSPICERE
UK-based Perspicere is known for his distinctive use of sewing thread to create
complex, layered portraits. His technique results in hauntingly beautiful, dimensional images that captivate and intrigue.
UNTIL SEPTEMBER 15
Entry £12, From 9.30am - 4.30pm Gardens close at 6.30pm. Ashridge House, Berkhamsted, HP4 1NS.
BOOK: Ashridgehouse.org.uk
Learn street art techniques and create your own masterpiece. Pre-booking is essential, available until September 5th. Enjoy hot and cold drinks at the Pop-up Art Café, artisanal pizzas, and refreshing summer drinks at the pop-up bar. The Bakehouse Café is open daily from 8.30am - 5pm.
Ashridge House/Liam Bononi
Best of Barkhamsted
Our powers to resist darling dog accessories? Non-existent.
From gourmet biscuits to eco-friendly dog toys , we’ve sniffed out Berkhamsted’s finest products for four-legged friends. Handpicked for their exceptional quality and charm (just like your pooch), Your loyal companion deserves the best, so why not treat them to
1. ‘Happiness is Being a Dog Person’ Mug, £16.95, Shop for Good at number twenty
2. Handmade Apple & Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits, £4.99, Doggy Treats UK, Berkhamsted Market
3. Rope Dog Lead, £26, Cook & Butler
4. Terracotta Dog Bowl, £38, Cook & Butler
5. Doodle Bone Dog Collar, from £8.50, Groom
6. Eco Dog Toys, from £8.99, Doggy Treats UK, Berkhamsted Market
7. Dog Cupcake, £3.99, Groom
8. Dog Teepee, £129, Shop for Good at number twenty
What’s on
Monday 16.
Guided Tour of Berkhamsted Castle Berkhamsted Castle, 10am - 12pm
The Garden Party20th Anniversary Ashridge House, 12pm
Thursday 26.
Dacorum Health Walk Millennium Garden, Canal Fields, 10am
An Evening of Motown The Gatsby, 7pm Back to the 80s Warehouse Pizza, 8pm - Late
Friday 27.
Pottery Painting with Glazetime at DJs
DJ’s playzone, 10am - 12pm
Bootleg Blondie Civic Centre, 7.30pm - 10.30pm
Live Music: Dennis Mad Squirrel, 7pm - 10pm
Cinema Under The Stars
Open Door, 6.30pm - 10pm
Saturday 21.
Pottery Painting Open Door Berkhamsted, 10am
Hemel Hempstead Band: An Afternoon Concert All Saints Church, 4pm - 6pm
The Pepper Foundation: Bollywood Night Pendley Manor, 7pm
Saturday 28.
Box Moor Trust: Autumn Festival Blackbirds Moor, Hemel Hempstead
The Great Chiltern Come & Sing Dean’s Hall, Berkhamsted School, 5:30pm - 7pm
ETC Theatre: Steel Magnolias Civic Centre, 7.30pm - 9.45pm
Sunday 8.
Chiltern Three Peaks Challenge Princes Risborough School to Ivinghoe Beacon Pitstone Green Museum: Open Day Pitstone, 10.30am - 4.30pm
Sunday 15.
Berkhamsted Farmers Market
High Street, 10am - 2pm Tour of St Peter’s Church Church Lane, 3pm - 4pm
NT Live: Prima Facie (15) The Vyne Theatre, Berkhamsted, 6pm
Sunday 29.
Box Moor Trust: Autumn Festival
Blackbirds Moor, Hemel Hempstead
Behind the Mirror: Death and the Maiden Berkhamsted Town Hall, 4pm - 5.30pm
Indian summer
Drink wine among the flowers, before it’s too late.
Make the most of those last fading rays by bringing the indoors out. Chic, weather-resistant garden furniture, pretty serving plates and (Citronella) candlelight will create cosiness as the evenings draw in. Pour yourself a glass of fizz, light the pizza oven and savour every chance to dine outdoors.
7.
8.
1. Bistro set, £129, Woods Garden Centre
2. Steel Serving Plate, £6, &Quirky
3. Wooden Serving Board, £25, &Quirky
4. Salad Bowl, £49.95, Shop for Good at number twenty
5. 12” Gas Pizza Oven, from £329, Woods Garden Centre
6. Lussmanns Garden Gin, £35, Lussmanns
Citronella Scented Tin Candle, £14, White Jasmine, Berkhamsted Market (Wednesdays)
Brass Pepper Mill, £84, Cook & Butler
BERKHAMSTED ANTIQUES & VINTAGE STREET MARKET
A treasure trove at Berkhamsted Uncover gems at the monthly Antiques & Vintage Street Market
Held on the first Sunday of each month, Berkhamsted Antiques & Vintage Market has established itself as a not-to-be-missed event for lovers of antiques and vintage enthusiasts. From March until December, the High Street is filled with stalls, selling a huge range of items from vintage furniture, mirrors and lighting, to pre-loved clothing, records, toys and books.
In 2023 the market expanded to include a second venue in the Civic Centre, where you can find tables filled with jewellery, silver, vintage textiles, glass, prints and more.
"Since 2021, the market has grown into a wonderful community event," shares the organiser. "It's really about bringing together people who share a passion for antiques and vintage finds. We wanted to create something special for the town.”
RESTORATION GAME
Stall holders from as far as London, Norfolk, and the South of England bring an eclectic mix of finds: think vintage pottery, mid-century sideboards, restored radios, costume jewellery, colourful Italian blown glass and vintage textiles. Beautiful silver, jewellery and collectables fill the Civic Centre.
SUPPORTING SUSTAINABILITY
You might pick up a vintage trunk that becomes your new coffee table (and a talking point in your living room), or a period brooch to wear to a wedding. “Antiques and vintage items promote sustainability, and let you take home a piece of history.”
ONE-OF-A-KIND FINDS
A short stroll will take you past mid-century and painted furniture, vintage clothing, records and books, or garden antiques. "It's a mix of everything, and that's what makes it exciting. You never know what you're going to discover.”
We recommend grabbing a coffee and arriving early to browse as many as 50 stalls along the High Street and the indoor antiques fair. Many stall holders are happy to hand deliver larger pieces, so visitors can stick around to enjoy Berkhamsted at their own pace (and take advantage of Sunday’s free street parking).
A pint at one of the pubs on the canal, or an afternoon ramble through the National Trust woodland, rounds off a perfect Sunday.
THE BERKHAMSTED ANTIQUES & VINTAGE MARKET
Berkhamsted High Street & Civic Centre, HP4 3HB
One fact the organisers are keen to promote: buying antiques is green.
“These pieces add integrity and interest to interiors - and they support the environment.”
First Sunday of every month (March to December) 9.30am - 3.30pm
Next market - Sunday 1st September
FREE PARKING AVAILABLE
www.berkhamstedantiquesmarket.co.uk
COOK & BUTLER
Independent home goods and lifestyle shop, stocking a curated collection of sustainable homeware and lifestyle products, plus antiques and vintage items.
A vintage clothing shop, tucked away in the corner of Waitrose car park. Wellstocked with vintage pieces from across the 20th century, plus vintage homeware and accessories.
Antiques and vintage centre spanning two floors, with individual dealers selling furniture, jewellery, records, rugs and collectables.
134 High Street, Berkhamsted, HP4 3AT 01442 877 007
@homeandcolonialantiques homeandcolonial.co.uk
HUNGRY
Last of the summer wine
It
may have taken its time, but at last, summer is here. Here’s your guide to eating and drinking al fresco (al Berko..? We’re coining it).
THE GATSBY
When balmy nights turn a little breezy, The Gatsby’s outdoor terrace stands head and shoulders above the rest: it has heaters, and lots of them. A reliable option for large groups, the lunch and early evening set menu of two courses is £16.95, or three for £22.95. Expect Greek feta & baby spinach puff pastry, yellowtail tuna nicoise and a glorious caramelised apple tart tatin, served under twinkling lights with a Provence rosé in hand.
PRIME
A beefy menu belies the prettiness of steak specialist Prime’s brand-new secret cocktail bar. The leafy enclave can play host to weekend celebrations and private events, its nifty retractable roof realising ‘al fresco’ drinking dreams into the Autumn. Just as well, because the gin selection is excellent; herbaceous and citrus blends muddle with fresh fruits and purees to make English summer garden cocktails. Ours is a La Poire Club: Grey Goose La Poire, lemon juice and fresh raspberries, topped with egg white.
LUSSMANNS
Berkhamsted’s quintessential summer dining experience. Lussmanns dog-friendly summer terrace was made for hazy evenings spent sampling local beer from Mad Squirrel, Tring Brewery, and
Three Brewers of St Albans. Try the loosely Mediterranean, always ethically-sourced menu; the Andalusian gazpacho makes use of tomatoes at their absolute peak, alongside South Coast sardines on toast, and butterflied mackerel with a tangy salsa verde. For pudding, they’ve gone full English – well, almost: Eton Mess with a hint of basil. If summer holds out, look out for burger nights and barbecues.
THE COURTYARD CAFÉ
During the 1930s, Ashridge House’s courtyard was the site of a swimming pool. Now it flourishes as a low-key outdoor eatery, connected to The Bakehouse, known for artisanal cheese toasties and moreish Marmite twists. Day visitors settle here to eke out the last of the evening sun; as darkness falls, clever lighting illuminates the majestic architecture of the Grade I country house, loved by cyclists, families, and handsome hounds.
Ashridge House
Last of the summer wine (cont’d)
CRYSTAL PALACE s
Sandwiched between the town’s train line and the Grand Junction Canal, you can stop here for some fresh air after a long journey home. Stocked full of local ales, world lagers and fruity cocktails, time it right and you’ll find a sun trap from which to watch the boats pass by. On Monday through to Friday, Lunch Club is a draw: choose between filling plates like honey-roasted ham, egg & chips or wild mushrooms & garlic on toasted sourdough and a drink for £12.
THE BOAT
Languorous lunch breaks with an unspoilt view of Grand Union Canal offer a slice of respite. The Boat’s outdoor terrace is perfect for spending a stolen hour in the sun, a generous lunch deal offering a complimentary
pint of Amstel or glass of wine alongside your B.L.T. It’s a charming spot to kick off the weekend, too; take advantage of Fizz Fridays, where you can pick up a bottle of Moinet Prosecco Superiore DOCG for £26.
THE OLD MILL
Garden pods. There’s something instantly magical about these that makes us want to book one immediately, and happily anyone can, for 8-10 people. The Old Mill marks its grand reopening with a selection of pub classics, an egg-centric weekend brunch menu and a programme of family-friendly events. Our plan? To catch a Pizza Tuesday, and nab a Calabrese and a glass of wine for £14.95.
Tory McTernan Photographer
Further afield Fancy a day out? These events and festivals are all within an hour of home THE GUIDE ELSEWHERE
THROUGHOUT SEPTEMBER
WADDESDON MANOR, AYLESBURY
This French Renaissance-style château is filled to the rafters with treasures, its beautiful gardens and grounds perfect for enjoying the last days of summer. Five course dinners will be held in the Manor restaurant on 7th and 21st September (£125), showcasing Waddesdon’s finest estate produce, and paired perfectly with curated wines.
On the 12th September you can take a behind the scenes tour (Adult £28.50), viewing academic apartments never normally open to the public. We love the accessibility at Waddesdon; there are free shuttle bus tickets for Blue Badge holders and their carers (book in advance with a Grounds ticket). Experienced deaf guide and historian, John Wilson, gives a British Sign Language tour of the Manor’s ground floor on 6th September (Adult £28.50, Child £15).
Pick up training tips, enter your pooch into a dog show, catch a talk, spoil your dog with treats and accessories, and join the annual Big Dog Walk. Canine experts are on hand to guide you and your pooch through have-a-go activities like Hay Bale Racing, Catch The Flag and Agility. A fantastic day out for your four-legged friend and the whole family. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Adult tickets from £17.85.
Under 5s (and dogs!) go free Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd September Knebworth Park, Hertfordshire
BOOK: Dogfest.co.uk
29TH SEPTEMBER YOGA, ART & REST RETREAT, EATON BRAY
Join local yoga teachers Eleanor and Katrina at Bellows Mill, Eaton Bray, for a rejuvenating day of gentle yoga, mindfulness, and creative pursuits. Inspired by the change of seasons, this retreat will help you smoothly adjust to the shorter days.
You can’t take your dog to Glastonbury, but DogFest might be the next best thing. The UK’s favourite dog-friendly festival returns to Knebworth Park, where you’ll find excellent music, food and drink stalls, plus everything your dog would hope to sniff out, too.
Re-learn the art of taking rest, through unique healing modalities like acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, paired with nature walks, and delicious vegetarian food. This leafy escape focusing on mindful movement is ideal for those seeking new ways to take care of themselves.
£115
10.30am - 4.30pm
Bellows Mill, Eaton Bray, LU6 1QZ
BOOK: Eleanorlangtonyoga.com/workshops
Launching Sept 2024 Register & shop now
Bloom time
Local flower grower
Julie Woodford shares seasonal gardening tips
PHOTOS BY KATE CULLEN
FLORAL FANCY
Stepping into my flower beds in Berkhamsted is always an enjoyable task, I’m greeted by the sights and scents of September: Japanese Anemones, Hydrangeas and Rudbeckias are beautiful at this time of year. This is a month of transition, and for a florist, the time to celebrate the beauty of late bloomers, and prepare for the changing season.
For me, the delight of growing flowers lies in the entire journey, from planting seeds to witnessing full blooms. It starts with flicking through seed catalogues and visiting local plant nurseries, finding the perfect, tiny seedlings to nurture into robust plants. As you tend to a cutting patch or an allotment, each stage of growth brings a sense of accomplishment and wonder.
definitely adds to my sense of joy and wellbeing. Autumn is a gorgeous time to start gardening - do give it a go before colder weather sets in.
FLOWER OF THE MONTH: DAHLIAS
September is truly the month of Dahlias. They’re definitely unique, and stand out for their striking beauty. From white and coffee colours to fiery reds, pinks and oranges, they pop in any garden or bouquet. Dahlias are prolific "cut and come again" flowers, meaning that with regular cutting and feeding, they’ll continue to bloom until the first frost. Dahlia tubers can be ordered in Autumn and Winter for planting in late spring.
I think that gathering flowers to bring into your home, or gifting your most special flowers from the garden, is a wonderful, heartfelt gesture. Choosing them for their beauty, fragrance or perhaps personal significance is always an enjoyable job.
I love the sensory experience of gardening, and being outdoors. Feeling the soil and (occasionally!) the warmth of the sun
To keep your Dahlias looking their best, cut the stems and place them in a large vase filled with clean, tepid water. Be sure to remove all foliage that falls below the water line, as this helps to prolong their vase life. Changing the water frequently is also key to keeping them fresh and vibrant.
An outstanding cutting garden installation at RHS Hampton Court last year secured Hertfordshire florist Madge & Ivy’s invitation to Twickenham’s Strawberry Hill House Flower Festival.
SEPTEMBER GARDENING TASKS
1. GET DEADHEADING
Extend the flowering season by preventing plants from putting energy into seed production.
2. PLANT BIENNIALS
While the soil is still warm, give your biennials a head start. Foxgloves, Sweet Williams and Honesty will provide early blooms next year.
3. CLEAR OUT ANNUALS
As this year's annuals finish their season, commit them to the compost bin to enrich the soil for future planting.
4. SOW HARDY ANNUALS
Now is the time to sow hardy annuals like Nigella, Cornflowers, Calendula, and Ammi, either directly in the soil or in seed trays for earlier blooms next year.
5. PLANT SPRING BULBS
September is perfect for planting Spring bulbs such as Narcissi, Alliums, and Muscari. These will reward you with vibrant blooms in early Spring.
6. PREPARE FOR BIRDS
As Autumn approaches, wash out bird feeders and refill them. Birds will be returning to gardens looking for food; a well-stocked feeder helps them thrive in the colder months.
DON’T MISS: Strawberry Hill House Flower Festival 2024. Friday 13th – 15th September 10am - 4pm
Explore Julie’s stunning show garden at Strawberry Hill House Flower Festival until mid-September. This year’s ‘Nature Unbound’ theme showcases the very best of British-grown, foamfree sustainable floristry, and the creativity of the UK’s leading floral designers.
A bit of you time
Nutritionist and hormone specialist Hannah Alderson on how to step into September, happier and healthier
As we welcome into a new season, riding the waves of back to school energy after a long summer of indulgences, it can be common to dive into the next fad diet. After being “bad” you may want to throw yourself into being “good” – as tempting as this may be, this is not an ideal approach. As a nutritionist with a decade of experience, if you want to feel a little lighter and more confident after summer holiday season, here’s how to do it.
Step into September with a focus on your hormone health instead of stepping onto the scales and focusing on restriction. Shift that focus to balancing hormones and measure how you feel, your mood, your energy, your happiness.
It’s a floored model for nutritional status, sustainable weight loss, long term health and many other metabolic reasons. You eat food, not calories.
Your top priority is to create a happy home for your hormones. Firstly balance your blood sugar, prioritise protein and fibre at breakfast and reduce ultra processed foods, increase your energy expenditure with fun cardio movement alongside weight bearing exercise.
“I have never got a client to count calories once, and you don’t need to either.”
If you do focus on your hormonal health, for example by reducing elevated cortisol and / or oestrogen dominance via nutrition and lifestyle approaches you will see fat loss, particularly around the middle.
But let’s not make this the focal point of your success story and let’s definitely not make restrictive calorie counting a focal point either. Calories can be useful in some context as you gain an understanding how some foods are more energy dense than others, but I am not a fan of the concept as a sole metric to measure a food. I have never got a client to count calories once, and you don’t need to either.
Then look at daily strategies to reduce elevated levels of cortisol, for example breathwork, walking in nature and reminding the nervous system that it is safe and not under threat. Nutritionally I would suggest supporting your liver to ensure optimal oestrogen clearance. This could include flaxseeds in a daily smoothie and increasing your cruciferous vegetable intake too.
And finally, get that circadian rhythm in check where possible. Getting a good night’s sleep can be easier said than done (if you’re a new parent or have a gaggle of small children like I do) but we can all work on harnessing the production of melatonin in the lead up to bed by getting off your devices and wearing an eye mask.
For more follow @hannahaldersonnutrition hannahalderson.com
A peek into the weekends of Berkhamsted locals, from Friday cocktails to Sunday lie-ins. Fashion and personal stylist Jemma Cotterrell shares supper spots, pretty walks, and her go-to shops for designer labels
is a great walk, or the Golden Valley, near Ashridge. After that, a coffee and a Danish at Nena Craft Bakery is the best - it always makes me feel like I’m in a ski resort! I love Fred and Ginger and Dower House coffee, too. I’ll pop into Amelie Fashion, which stocks some great designer labels. They give excellent styling advice.
I SPECIALISE IN…
Colour and body shape analysis, personal shopping, and wardrobe edits. I love to help women feel confident in the clothes they wear.
I LIVE WITH…
My husband, and three children. I moved here from London, marrying my husband in 2009 at St Peter’s Church. I basically followed my sister, who already lived in Berkhamsted!
WHY I LOVE BERKHAMSTED…
I always bump into someone I know. The biggest surprise about moving out of London was how friendly people are. Everyone feels connected.
FRIDAYS…
I love to walk down Castle Hill and have a drink at The Crystal Palace. If we’re with the children, we’ll move on to Per Tutti - great service, friendly waiters and good prices. With friends or just my husband, Tabure is my restaurant of choice. The food is delicious; it has more of a London vibe.
SATURDAYS…
We enjoy a dog walk around the fields at the back of Castle Hill. The badger trail
In the evening, The Rex is wonderful. Showing current films and carefully chosen classics, there’s a lovely family feel. I love to order a glass of wine and cheese board with friends, then walk straight to The Gatsby for another cocktail and dinner.
SUNDAYS…
I would love to walk the dog with my husband at Hill Farm - but with two boys, Sunday mornings are taken up with taxiing to football matches!
BERKO TRADITIONS…
We watch the fabulous Berkhamsted fireworks with friends every November 5th, and we love the Festival of Lights at Christmas. Everyone sings songs around the tree, and we wander the mini fair on the High Street.
GOOD TO KNOW…
The yearly camping event organised by Bridgewater School is a big highlight in our children’s calendar.
BERKHAMSTED IS…
The perfect size. It’s a very welcoming and happy place, with lots to do and a strong community feel. I think having children grow up here means we know a lot of lovely parents, and have made friends for life.
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