The independent, intelligent guide to everything that matters locally
December 2024
TIME TO CELEBRATE LAUNCH EVENTS LIGHT UP OUR TOWN CENTRES
STAY INFORMED
WE KEEP YOU UP TO DATE WITH THE MAJOR NEWS
CHRISTMAS CALENDAR YOUR GUIDE TO THE BEST EVENTS THIS DECEMBER
PERFECT PANTO WHICH FESTIVE SHOW WILL YOU BE SEEING?
SEASONAL DINING THE NEW EATERIES OPEN IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS
04-17 y Briefing
How we celebrated the start of the festive season plus news round-up
28-29 y Pantomime time
Sleeping Beauty, Dick Whittington, Aladdin, Cinders? Make your choice!
24-30 y What’s on this Christmas Make the most of the run-up to the festive season with these events
31-35 y Food & drink
New openings plus great local venues for Christmas dining
15 & 17 y FROM PARLIAMENT: Our MPs write exclusive columns for you 19 y SHOPPING NEWS: The latest local business openings and news
Front cover images (clockwise from top)
from
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.
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
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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.
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Do we know it’s Christmas? We surely do now!
Along with some appropriately wintry weather, the festive season has kicked off with light switch-ons and shopping events in our town centres, and panto taking over our local theatres.
First up was Bishop’s Stortford BID’s Festive Fun Day on Sunday 17th November, an afternoon of activities, entertainment and shopping in the town centre, along with the switching-on of the tree lights in Market Square.
Hertford lights up
It was closely followed by Hertford Gala on Friday 22nd November which saw thousands descend on the county town for an evening of shopping, festive food and drink and the switching-on of the town’s Christmas lights.
The tree in Salisbury Square was
magically decorated for the occasion by the Secret Society of Hertford Crafters with tiny mice, glass slippers, clocks, golden pumpkin coaches and invitations to a ball.
A display around the base depicts that ball within a castle (we wonder which one!), promoting the panto Cinderella at the town’s newly-reopened theatre, BEAM.
To book visit beamhertford.co.uk and for pictures of the brilliant work created by the yarnbombers see page 6.
The afternoon of Friday 22nd November also saw the opening of what was supposed to have been a three-day Christmas market in the grounds of Hertford Castle. The third day sadly fell victim to the arrival of the strong winds from Storm Bert which saw the market cancelled on safety grounds.
Hoddesdon LOVES Christmas
Bert also threatened the festive spectacle that is Hoddesdon Loves Christmas on Sunday 24th November although in the end, while many stallholders were unable to attend and high winds meant the planned fireworks display could not go ahead, the day was still a huge success.
Thousands turned out for live entertainment on the stage throughout the day, later lining the streets for the ever-popular Father Christmas Parade.
This was followed by the switching-on of the lights on the town’s Christmas tree (once again sponsored by local restaurant Nonna’s Kitchen) by CBBC’s One Zoo Three stars Aaron and Tyler Whitnall from Hertfordshire Zoo.
The crowds were also delighted to
see both zoo CEO Lynn Whitnall and zoo founder Peter Sampson (the brothers’ grandad) up on stage for the event, which was organised by Love Hoddesdon BID and Broxbourne Council.
The fun goes on in Cheshunt Saturday 23rd saw the first Cheshunt Festive Family Fun Day organised by local retail association Love Cheshunt. Dance studios LMA kindly offered use of their premises to move the event indoors (away from the effects of Storm Bert) where there were performances, stalls and a visit from Santa! As Axis went to press Sawbridgeworth was set to welcome Christmas on Saturday 30th November with the switch-on of the town’s lights. For other events coming up see page opposite.
Your complete guide to Christmas!
The Christmas Guide, published by the team behind Axis, is now out. It offers our pick of the best local events and activities for you and your family to enjoy this Christmas. From light switch-ons and shopping events in our town centres to panto at our local theatres, places to find Santa or simply to enjoy food, wine and time with friends and family, the guide features it all – and more.
It includes pages of gift ideas from local shops along with advertising from the area’s best local businesses. It was delivered to a selection of homes in November, is available while stocks last in venues that regularly stock Axis magazine or can be viewed or downloaded online on our website axismagazine.co.uk or on issuu.com (search for The Christmas Guide).
Ware Dickensian Evening Friday 6th December 6pm to 10pm
Closed to traffic between 6pm and 10pm, the streets of the town are taken over with stalls from local craftspeople, traders, groups and charities. There’s carol singing, entertainment and fairground rides along with the chance to meet Mother and Father Christmas in the Christmas Arcade. There’s a Christmas Indoor Market in the Drill Hall, Christmas Bazaar in Place House Hall, and a Christmas Tree Festival in Leaside Church while St Mary’s Church will be open offering a warm space, hot drinks, stalls and carols. Ware Museum will be welcoming visitors until 9pm. Shops open late. Dickensian fancy dress encouraged! dickensian.org.uk
Waltham Cross Christmas Festival
Saturday 7th December 10am to 6pm
A fun-filled day of shopping and entertainment in the High Street featuring live music, community Christmas stalls and food and drink – along with the chance to meet Santa and his reindeer. broxbourne.gov.uk
Bishop’s Stortford Christmas Fayre
Saturday 7th December
9.30am to 4.30pm
A second event for the town centre, this one organised by Bishop’s Stortford Town Council and featuring a festive market along a pedestrianised North Street, Market Square, Potter Street and South Street with gifts galore alongside the town’s regular market. There’s also entertainment and food stalls –plus Santa will be popping by. bishopsstortfordtc.gov.uk
The Secret Society of Hertford Crafters put recycling at the heart of their spectacular Cinderellathemed yarnbombing of the town’s Christmas tree this year. Look closely and you might spot anything and everything from milk bottle tops, plastic bottles, sweet wrappers and yoghurt pots to old clothes and costume jewellery, off-cuts from sheds and even estate agents boards – all cleverly repurposed!
Following on from the display’s unveiling just ahead of Hertford’s Christmas Gala, the yarnbombers will have a stall in Salisbury Square between 11am and 3pm from Thursdays to Sundays until 22nd December.
Offering Christmas and Cinderellathemed items and gifts, it will be raising money for the Hertfordshire Breast Unit Appeal. You can also donate at ssohc.co.uk.
St Clare Hospice is inviting people to come together and remember their loved ones at one of the charity’s Light Up a Life services. This year, the two services are being held at the hospice in Hastingwood on Thursday 12th December at 7pm and Saturday 14th December at 4pm. There will be readings and music as well as festive stalls to browse, and refreshments served in the hospice dining room after the service has ended.
The services are open to everyone, regardless of faith or a connection to St Clare, and offer a place to come together in unity and remem-
brance. For further information about attending, visit stclarehospice.org.uk/light or call 01279 773750.
l Local people are invited to a Christmas carol and memorial service at Woollensbrook Crematorium in Hoddesdon at 6.30pm on Wednesday 11th December. The service will include readings and Christmas carols. Those attending can also light candles to remember loved ones. Refreshments will be available and the service is free. For more details, visit woollensbrookcrematorium.co.uk.
Making our high streets welcoming to shoppers over the festive period is a collective effort with both town councils and local retailers playing their part.
In Hertford the Town and Tourist Information Centre has launched its annual Winning Windows competition on behalf of the town council with a theme for 2024 of A Victorian Christmas.
To enter, retailers should email tic@hertford.gov.uk and supply the business name, address and phone number along with email address and a contact name.
More information can be found at hertford.gov.uk.
While many shops had already revealed their windows ahead of the town’s festive gala towards the end of November, the closing date for entering and completing a display is Sunday 8th December.
After this, Mayor Rachel Carter and chair of the council’s Develop-
Here is the winning entry from Hertford and Stortford MP Josh Dean’s Christmas card competition, which was on the theme of My Favourite Things About Christmas. The winning design, which will be included on the MP’s official Christmas card and will be shared with the King and Prime Minister, came from eight-year-old Margot Phillips-Ladd from Morgans Primary School in Hertford.
ment and Leisure Committee Cllr Ann Woodward will tour the town, announcing their 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize winners on the council’s social media channels.
In Ware, where news was broken earlier this year that the town’s time honoured festoon lanterns would have to be withdrawn from use due to safety compliance issues, Ware Town Council urged shopkeepers to help keep the town merry and bright by lighting up their shop windows.
Along with organising new Christmas displays for the town centre the council launched a Christmas Windows Prize Competition with a £500 prize for the Best and Brightest Window and £250 prize for the runner-up.
More details can be found at waretowncouncil.gov.uk within the November newsletter.
Judging is set to take place during the first week of December.
As the nights get darker and the colder weather sets in, Hertfordshire’s libraries are encouraging residents young and old to take part in their Winter Reads challenge which offers the chance to win prizes including an iPad. The challenge runs through to 31st January 2025 and you can join at any time. Simply pop into your local library and pick up an adult’s Winter Reads bookmark or child’s Winter Reads collector card and pick six challenges from the selection they offer. Challenges are designed for everyone – whether you’re a prolific reader or someone who hasn’t picked up a book in years.
For adults who might not feel confident reading or haven’t read in a long time, Quick Reads are a series of more than 100 books, written by popular authors such as Mark Billingham, Rowan Coleman, Sophie Hannah, Dorothy Koomson,
Hertfordshire County Council and partners across the county have come together to produce an online directory of ‘warm spaces’ where local people can stay safe and warm this winter. The directory provides local residents with details of libraries, family centres and community spaces near them where they are welcome to go to stay warm. You can find it online at hertfordshire.gov.uk/warmspaces.
regular
but
There are also non-fiction books, like biographies, in the collection. Challenges could be as simple as borrowing and reading a book from a library display or reading a page a day through the challenge period.
Examples of challenges that children can take part in include “Time Travellers” – reading a book set in a different time period, or “Fact Finder” – discovering a new information book.
As they complete a challenge participants mark it off on their bookmark or collector card, and return to the library to get a stamp for each completed challenge. On completion of six challenges you’ll be entered into the prize draw to win an iPad and other book-related prizes. Find out more at hertfordshire.gov.uk/winterreads.
STEVENAGE • 01438 316623
HITCHIN • 01462 438422
KNEBWORTH • 01438 812365
BUNTINGFORD • 01763 274111
WELWYN GARDEN CITY • 01707 390018
WELWYN • 01438 714686
HERTFORD • 01992 582052
WARE • 01920 468551
LETCHWORTH • 01462 684292
HODDESDON • 01992 471709
HARWOOD PARK • 01438 812515
HARPENDEN • 01582 762570
of East Herts and Broxbourne wary of prospect of a single authority for Hertfordshire
Councils in Hertfordshire are anxiously awaiting the publication of a Government White Paper on English devolution, expected this month, after rumours emerged that the county’s district and borough councils could be abolished to make way for one ‘super’ authority covering the whole county.
How do things work now?
At the current time services are provided to Hertfordshire residents by tiers of local government which are responsible for different services. Hertfordshire County Council is responsible for, among other things, highways, recycling and waste, education, social services and the county’s fire service.
Then 10 district or borough councils such as East Herts and Broxbourne provide refuse collection, collect council tax and business rates, run parks, leisure facilities and car parks and provide planning services.
Below these, on the ground are the very local town or parish councils such as Hertford, Ware, Bishop’s Stortford and Sawbridgeworth town councils that look after allotments and cemeteries, provide tourist information services, administer local grants, and organise events and activities for residents such as the recent festive light switch-ons.
What does devolution mean?
The Government is keen to ‘devolve’ more powers away from Westminster which, with long term funding settlements, would enable local decision-makers to take decisions that benefit their communities better, and boost economic growth and opportunity.
Examples of devolved powers could include those over planning and development, transport and urban regeneration.
Over the summer the Government invited local leaders to submit expressions of interest in devolution deals. Hertfordshire County Council leader Richard Roberts was one who responded saying the
county was seeking devolution of the powers and funding that would enable it to increase investment in priority areas such as its transport links, education and health.
In a statement in mid-September he said: “Against a backdrop of financial pressures and growing demand for our services we’re seeking a devolution deal for Hertfordshire that maximises our many strengths and enables us to better tackle the challenges we face.
“From investment in our roads and public transport to keep Hertfordshire moving, to tackling health inequalities and growing our green spaces, transferring key powers and funding transferred from central government to local decision-makers will help us ensure our places are thriving, our people are healthy and our businesses prosper.
“With an economy worth £46bn and population of 1.2m residents, Hertfordshire is an economic powerhouse larger than many cities and city regions. We have a strong track record of innovation and are ideally placed to drive growth in globally important sectors including biosciences, advanced manufacturing, and film and TV production.
“A strong devolution deal for Hertfordshire from central government could enable us to help more people to access good jobs and skills, and new high quality, sustainable homes in the right places.”
A new form of local government?
However, devolution could come with some level of local government restructuring.
For example, the agreed powers could be devolved to a Combined Authority, made up of a group of local councils with an elected mayor taking collective decisions (Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is one example already in existence). Or powers could be devolved directly to the county council.
What is the reaction so far?
Following speculation at the end of November that any deal for Hert-
fordshire could see its second-tier councils scrapped, their leaders were quick to respond.
The leader of Broxbourne Council, Cllr Mark Mills-Bishop said:
“We are open to discussions if the Government wants to talk about devolution and will study the contents of any White Paper.
“However, I do not want local decisions and power moving away from our people and Broxbourne. It would damage local democratic credibility and accountability.
“Hertfordshire is a successful, dynamic county and Broxbourne is part of that success. I see no compelling reason, nor is there any ardent view on my part, for a new governance regime in the county.
Our members want Broxbourne to remain part of the current system.”
East Herts Council leader Ben Crystall said: “We all want efficient, cost-effective and properly democratic local government. But the truth is size really does matter and moving key decisions away from smaller district councils and the communities they serve, to a huge, distant, unitary authority, may not
deliver the change we need.
“I understand why the Labour Government is looking for quick fixes – sadly a decade of Conservative government cuts has created a legacy of broken services, and local authorities on the edge of bankruptcy. But it’s not clear that the proposed changes will save us any money – in fact there’s evidence that larger councils are not always more efficient. Moving services like planning to a unitary for example, takes them even further away from where the impact is felt, and could end up being more expensive.
“Ensuring better shared services between districts would be a far more effective way to reduce costs.
“Just as importantly, how can moving decision-making away from towns, parishes and districts, which already work directly with communities, and passing it to a unitary authority be more democratic?
“Surely residents should be able to create and shape the places where they live? Local decision-making is the most effective way to do that and to keep residents engaged in the democratic process.”
The future of East Herts Council’s historic home Wallfields in Hertford is again under scrutiny.
In a time of budget pressures, the council is aware that the building is a valuable asset, and that it is also no longer fully occupied by council staff.
The council has been trying to rent out part of the building to bring in revenue for some time and had been in discussions with Ware-based office space provider High Oak Business Centres about it taking over some of the space to rent out as small offices.
But, at a meeting of the council’s
Audit and Governance Committee on 30th October, interim chief executive Helen Standen told councillors that High Oak had now decided not to go ahead. Ms Standen said discussions were continuing with an NHS provider over taking space in the building but that, as any such deal would take some time to come to fruition, East Herts would need to also look at other options to bring in some rental income in the meantime. But she said the council would also put together a business case for selling the building and relocating the council’s staff.
East Herts Council has been strongly criticised by auditors over the production of its accounts and its financial reporting in recent years. The council is to be issued with something known as a “statutory recommendation” which means it will be legally obliged to release a public response explaining to voters what has happened.
“Significant failures” were highlighted in a damning appearance by Ernst and Young’s Debbie Hanson in front of the council’s Audit and Governance Committee on 30th October.
At the meeting, Ms Hanson told shocked councillors that continued failures in the way East Herts prepared its accounts and financial information for the financial years 2021/22 and 2022/23 had led to the decision to issue the statutory
recommendation, which she said was “highly unusual”.
The council, which is now led by a joint Green Party and Liberal Democrat administration, was run by the Conservatives at the time of the failings, though it is council officers who are responsible for the preparation of the accounts and financial statements.
Ms Hanson highlighted what she called “significant weaknesses” in the council’s governance with examples including accounts for 2021/22 being published 18 months late and for the following financial year six months late. She pointed out issues with the quality of the reports when they were finally published, with some documents missing and another
Hertfordshire’s anti-fraud team is celebrating a successful year of safeguarding taxpayers’ money.
To coincide with International Fraud Awareness Week in November Hertfordshire Shared Anti-Fraud Service released details of some of their successful investigations over the last 12 months.
The service investigates acts of, or attempts to commit, fraud against the county council, Hertfordshire’s district and borough councils, as well as neighbouring local authorities.
included from the wrong year.
The public is also meant to have 30 days to inspect the annual accounts and ask questions about them. Ms Hanson said there was no evidence this had happened.
The auditors have a legal duty to check and sign off the council’s accounts, and give their opinion on them. The Government, which is aware that many audits are behind schedule, has set a deadline of 30th December this year for all audits to be concluded for years up to 2021/22 so that it can ‘reset’ the public audit system.
The last financial year’s accounts, for 2023/24 are then due to be filed by February next year, something which Ms Hanson felt East Herts would be unlikely to achieve. In conclusion, she said that the decision to issue a statutory recom-
In the past 12 months SAFS received 1,760 allegations of fraud. Investigations into social housing fraud saw 29 houses recovered. Other work saw 112 instance of blue badge fraud detected along with 48 instances of fraud in education, including school admissions and 41 investigations were carried out into the alleged abuse of social care payments. For information about how you can keep yourself protected against fraud or to contact the Shared Anti-Fraud team visit hertfordshire.gov.uk.
mendation was “not something we do lightly,” adding that it “highlights the significance that we view the issues with”.
She said the weaknesses highlighted in the council’s financial reporting need to be addressed as a matter of urgency, concluding: “It is very serious, and we are saying there are significant weaknesses in governance. In my 30 years in audit, we have only ever issued one statutory recommendation. They are only issued when we are very concerned about something.”
Cllr Geoffrey Williamson, who was executive member for financial sustainability in the previous Tory-run administration, looked visibly shocked as the report was made and said he “was struggling to recognise some of the issues that were highlighted”.
Hertford and Stortford MP Josh Dean has written to Hertfordshire County Council urging it to apply for funding which could keep Fanshawe and Leventhorpe swimming pools open for at least another year. The two pools are owned by the schools in Ware and Sawbridgeworth on whose sites they sit, and managed under a contract that East Herts Council has with Everyone Active which sees them used by both pupils and the public.
At the end of October it was announced that the withdrawal of funding from the Government’s Education Skills Funding Agency meant that the pools would have to close from 23rd December this year. The news was met with dismay by users. And a petition urging the Government to reinstate funding organised by Sawbridgeworth Town Council has garnered more than 3,000 signatures.
At the end of November Mr Dean had a meeting with education minister Stephen Morgan MP who confirmed that guidance had been issued on exceptional circumstances funding for 2025/6.
Mr Dean said it meant that Hert-
fordshire County Council was able to apply for a further 12 months of funding and encouraged them to do so. He said: “I understand that a year-on-year funding settlement is not a perfect solution. However, securing an additional year of funding from 2025 to 2026 would enable our pools to remain open and provide time for our local councils, schools and community
stakeholders to explore a more sustainable long-term solution, such as a community ownership model.”
His intervention in the situation won him cross-party praise, with both Sawbridgeworth’s Conservative county council representative Cllr Eric Buckmaster and East Herts Council’s executive member for leisure Cllr Sarah Hopewell thanking him for his work.
Author Ken Follett CBE has officially opened Ware’s new library. The best-selling author, whose spy and thriller novels have sold millions of copies worldwide, joined Hertfordshire County Council leader Cllr Richard Roberts, its chairman Cllr Terry Douris and Executive Member for Education, Libraries and Lifelong Learning, Cllr Caroline Clapper at the event on Thursday 14th November. Also in attendance were the project team who worked to deliver the new library which has moved from its previous home, a grade 2 listed former maltster’s house, to the more modern building along the road at 41-46 High Street.
Mr Follett said: “Libraries have long been important to me and they play a crucial role in making the UK a literate country. I’m delighted to celebrate the opening of a new one.”
The library’s new home boasts a single-level, accessible layout with improved public and staff spaces – there are pod-type enquiry desks and help points for easy access to information, accessible toilet and baby change facilities, an expanded children’s area, dedicated young adult area, public PCs as well as Samsung Galaxy tablets available
for use within the library. The facility also offers chargeable services including scanning, photocopying and printing (including wifi printing from personal devices). The library is open 10am to 5.30pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, from 2pm to 5.30pm on Wednesdays and from 10am to 5pm on Saturdays.
Reqs, county’s most famous fire investigation dog, passes away
Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has paid tribute to fire investigation dog Reqs who passed away on Thursday 14th November. Reqs, who retired in July last year, was believed to have been one of Britain’s longest serving fire investigation dogs and, the service said, would be remembered as a dedicated and hard-working member of the team.
In November last year he became the 42nd recipient of the PSDA Order of Merit in recognition of his dedication and hard work.
Fire investigation dogs are trained to detect substances which can start fires, helping investigators determine if a fire has been started deliberately and helping improve conviction rates.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Mark Barber said: “Reqs faithfully served alongside his handler Nikki Harvey for 11 years prior to his retirement last July.
“During his time in the service he attended 500 fires, in order to identify the presence of flammable liquids, which will have helped with criminal convictions.
“Today we are paying tribute to a valued colleague, and we send our heartfelt condolences to his handler Nikki Harvey.”
Watch Commander Nikki Harvey, for whom Reqs was both colleague and beloved family member, said: “His achievements over the course of his career show just what a remarkable dog he was, and I feel privileged that I got to share his life – training and working with him, taking him for long walks, watching him play with his toys and enjoying his retirement.”
A new car dealership and business park are to be built alongside the A10 near Cheshunt, forming the latest major development that is transforming the A10 corridor.
The corner site, known as Rush Meadow, sits to the north of Lieutenant Ellis Way and just south of the new Theobalds Enterprise Centre and Google’s planned data centre. It is on the other side of Lieutenant Ellis Way from the Waltham Cross Sunset Studios, for which the initial land-forming and access works have been completed.
A planning application for the site was approved by Broxbourne Council’s planning and regulatory committee in October.
It allows for the demolition of the building called Nonsuch House and complete redevelopment of the site. The business park would be sub-divided into smaller units to allow for occupation by a range of businesses.
Hertfordshire Police are appealing for the public’s help after a large inflatable planetarium was stolen from the University of Hertfordshire’s Bayfordbury Observatory close to Hertford.
It is thought that the thieves, who stole a trailer from the site, may not have realised that the educational resource and associated equipment was in it.
The theft took place between 8.40pm and 9.40pm on Monday 21st October and it is believed a silver Land Rover Discovery may have been used.
PC Demi Jessop said: “The loss of the planetarium has devastated the university. It has wider repercussions for the public, including local schoolchildren, as they will no longer have the opportunity to explore and learn from it. I am appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information to get in touch.”
The Dean of the School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science at the University, Professor Dan McCluskey, called the theft “utterly heartbreaking”. He said: “We regularly use this vital resource at
The planetarium offers a unique learning experience
large events, to provide thousands of people with a magical learning experience into the heart of our solar system every year.”
He urged those who took it to return the planetarium to the university, saying it was of no use to anyone without the expertise to operate it, and also urged members of the public to keep their eyes open in case it has been dumped.
Pishiobury Park declared to be a nature reserve
Efforts made by East Herts Council to introduce positive conservation management and to improve visitor facilities at Sawbridgeworth’s Pishiobury Park have seen it declared a local nature reserve by Natural England.
A nature reserve is an area of land, protected due to its local special interest, which offers people the opportunity to study and enjoy nature. The grade 2-star listed park was designed by Capability Brown in the 18th century. It has great ecological significance, being characterised by a mosaic of diverse and locally important wildlife habitats. Most of the park is grazed by rare breed cattle which maintain a diverse grassland sward and there are several aquatic habitats including pond, natural spring and drainage ditch.
If you think you may have seen the planetarium you can email demi.jessop@herts.police.uk. You can also report information online at herts.police.uk/report or call the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference 41/88452/24.
Or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org.
Jackson Square Shopping Centre will hand over the new unit that is being created to house TK Maxx to the discount retailer in July 2025, centre manager Michael Smith said in an update in November. After that there will be an eight to ten week “fit out” period before the much anticipated new store opens to the public.
The centre is undergoing a major redevelopment to make way for TK Maxx along with other new retail units. A new entrance is also being created on The Causeway.
In the last month, I’ve been closely scrutinising the Government’s Budget and the impact it will have on my constituents in Broxbourne, as well as the wider country.
I was shocked but not surprised that Labour broke their election promise and chose to raise taxes on working people.
Increasing the national insurance contributions paid by employers means a higher tax on jobs and, inevitably, lower wages and fewer employment opportunities.
Rather than encouraging entrepreneurs to expand their operations and employ more people, the Government are only making it more challenging for small businesses.
The Budget also announced a 6% uplift in funding for Special Educational Needs provision, which is desperately needed.
However, I’ve been calling for a more fundamental reform of the funding system to ensure the resources provided to local authorities actually match demand. This would make a real difference in Hertfordshire, which currently receives the third lowest funding per head despite a 223%increase in the number of children with Education, Health and Care Plans.
I was most incensed, however, by the Government’s changes to inheritance tax rules for agricultural property.
This will see farmers forced to pay tax on their inheritance, at a rate of 20% on farms worth more than £1m.
The previous exemption for farmers enabled small family farms, like Hill Cross Farm near Wormley, to be handed down through the generations – but this is now at risk.
Family farms in our area operate on small margins, with their owners
working all hours of the day for very little return.
Faced with a tax bill of millions, some will undoubtedly be forced to sell all or part of their farm to raise the funds.
Farmers simply do not have the cash to spare.
In November, I was pleased to join our local farmers outside Parliament and to call for the Government to reverse this damaging policy.
In my last column, I said that I would raise the recurring problem
I am continuing to hold regular in-person surgeries to discuss issues and concerns with constituents. If you have a problem you’d like to raise with me, please contact my office at lewis.cocking.mp@parliament.uk or by phone on 01992 845335.
of long traffic delays caused by roadworks. I’m pleased to say that I led a Westminster Hall debate on this issue, which attracted cross-party support.
I will continue to press the Government to take action to reduce disruption and transform the experience of every road user.
As I approach my first Christmas as MP for Broxbourne, I would like to wish all Axis magazine readers a Merry Christmas. I look forward to continuing to serve you in the new year.
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Having had windows and doors open during the summer months, now is a great time to check the condition of locks and keys.
We have achieved early action at Hertford North station, now I am looking forward to getting more things done
I’m pleased that my recent letter to Govia Thameslink (GTR) raising concerns from constituents has led to the installation of clear signage at Hertford North station, clarifying that contactless payments are not valid on journeys north of Hertford. Building on this progress, I am keen to work with GTR to see improved services at the station, and with Network Rail to ensure a lift to Platform 1 is installed as soon as possible to improve accessibility.
Last week, I met with Stephen Morgan MP, Minister in the Department for Education, to discuss the proposed closure of Fanshawe and Leventhorpe swimming pools. He confirmed that guidance on exceptional circumstances funding for 2025/26 has been issued. This guidance means that Hertfordshire County Council can apply for a further 12 months of funding, and I have encouraged them to submit an application. While year-on-year funding is not ideal, securing this support would keep our pools open in the meantime and provide time for our local authorities, schools, and community stakeholders to explore sustainable long-term solutions, such as community ownership. I am committed to supporting
these discussions to ensure a viable future for our pools, safeguarding them for the short term and for generations to come.
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Hertford Regional College in Ware to find out more about the courses they offer on-site. The college boasts industry-standard facilities, ensuring students are equipped with the practical skills and hands-on experience they need to succeed in their chosen careers. It was inspiring to see the opportunities the college provides for young people in our community, and I look forward to visiting them again in the future.
At the end of November, we marked UK Parliament Week, a fantastic opportunity for young people in our community to find out more about Parliament, how our democracy works and how they can get involved. It was great to visit Chauncy School in Ware to answer questions from year 7s and sixth formers, and it was great to see them and many other schools in the constituency getting involved in the week’s activities.
On a recent visit to Hertford and
Ware Food Bank, I heard about the damaging impact of rules introduced under the previous Conservative government preventing Jobcentres from referring claimants to food banks. At the end of November, I raised this issue in the House of Commons, and I’m pleased that Minister Alison McGovern MP has agreed to meet with me to discuss this issue in greater detail.
Friday 6th December: Via Teams Friday 13th December: Hertford
Email josh.dean.mp@parliament.uk to book an appointment
I know many of you will be making holiday plans and preparation, excited to spend time with your loved ones. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for all of your support before and since my election as your MP, and wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I look forward to continuing to serve Hertford and Stortford in 2025 and beyond.
A new creative space for photographers and video-makers to hire has been launched in Stapleford, north of Hertford. Hertford Studios is the brainchild of husband and wife team Rob and Charmaine Mills.
Rob is a commercial photographer, having worked with major brands for over 15 years, while Charmaine has been a marketing manager for a similar length of time.
The idea came through their own search for creative spaces that offered the necessary facilities. Realising that there was nothing around locally that fitted the bill they decided to launch their own, without the higher prices often associated with similar London venues.
Hertford Studios offers a mix of versatile studio spaces to hire that is perfect for all kinds of commercial photography, video and content creation, including for green screen shoots. Equipment can also be hired.
Rob said: “We provide a welcoming, relaxing and creative environment essential for the production of standout content and imagery and our facilities cater for everyone – from seasoned creatives and agencies to brands and beginners.” For more information and details of how to hire spaces, visit hertfordstudios.co.uk or email hello@hertfordstudios.co.uk.
Isabel Hospice has opened a new clearance shop in Hoddesdon, offering a wide selection of preloved items including clothing, accessories and homeware all at prices from £1 to £3. It is the charity’s second shop in Hoddesdon, with its existing store also remaining at 124a High Street. The new shop is at
number 59, in the unit previously occupied by Bowmans. Profits from every purchase go towards changing the lives of people in the local community who need specialist care and support living with a terminal or life-limiting illness.
The new shop and some of its team are pictured above.
Health food shop Natural Health in Hertford has been announced as the winner of the 2024 Retailer of the Year award run by the magazine Natural Living. Julie Goodwin, who owns the shop in Old Cross, said: “This means so much to us. Our staff and therapists work closely together as a team and many of
them have been part of Natural Health for 25 years. Many of our customers have supported us throughout this time and it has been so nice to hear them come in and say they voted for us and the reasons why. It has really brought home to us how fortunate we are to have such a lovely community within the town.”
A Hertfordshire-based service for those experiencing domestic abuse is urging those going through this to make contact with them.
The Beacon Domestic Abuse Support Hub delivered by One YMCA will refer people to support services suitable for their individual needs.
They aim to empower those who have experienced domestic abuse to move forward with their lives by making it easier to access support and advice.
Friendly, trained staff will take calls from individuals themselves or from concerned third parties.
What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse is any controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse carried out by a current or previous intimate partner or family member.
It can happen at any point during
or after a relationship or within a family setting.
Anyone over 16 can experience domestic abuse regardless of gender, sexuality, disability, race, ethnicity or religion. Some groups face additional risks and barriers to accessing support.
It’s not always easy to recognise domestic abuse.
Myth: Domestic abuse is not just physical violence.
It can also be emotional, psychological, sexual, financial or technological abuse and involve stalking and harassment. It takes courage to leave an abusive relationship and it takes strength to share your story and ask for help.
Fact: On average victims experience 50 incidents of abuse before getting effective help. (Safelives)
Advice for supporters
If you think someone you know might be experiencing abuse: l Ask and really listen; l Avoid judging or telling them what to do; l Give reassurance and encourage them to get support.
For anyone living in Hertfordshire who has experienced sexual abuse of any kind, One YMCA’s Herts ISVA Service can offer specialist help.
The Independent Sexual Violence Advisors will deliver tailored sessions to individuals on safety, relationships, health and wellbeing.
They can also provide advocacy services and support with the criminal justice process, if needed.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse and would like support, get in touch with the Beacon Domestic Abuse Support Hub by calling 0300 002 0008 or by using the other contact details in the advert opposite this page. In an emergency, always call 999.
We’ve had the privilege of providing private wealth services to individuals, families, entrepreneurs, businesses, and landowners for more than 200 years.
Our full range of legal services
For further information and advice please contact
A Hoddesdon-based charity has launched its 2024 Christmas Appeal, aiming to help local vulnerable families cope with the festive season.
While Christmas is a time of joy for most, it can also bring great stresses and strains on vulnerable families who are struggling. HABS Strength In Mind Therapeutic Service co-ordinates donations to help such families at this time of the year. Last year, the charity delivered more than 500 sacks of Christmas presents to local children who might otherwise have gone without, provided £5,000 in support for utility bills for those struggling to afford them and provided festive meals for more than 100 families. It’s a great initiative, and one that is supported annually by many local businesses including
Peter Cuffaro Estate Agents in Stanstead Abbotts, Christopher Stokes Estate Agents in Hoddesdon and Cannon Travel in Hoddesdon, among others.
To donate, or find out more, visit habsfamily.co.uk or find them on GoFundMe.
Isabel Hospice has launched a Christmas campaign to raise £140,000 to support the vital care it provides to those in the community affected by life-limiting illness.
The campaign consists of a series of festive events, services, raffles and activities to help raise funds. These include a Winter Wishes Raffle with various cash prizes
and a £2,000 grand prize; Lights of Love services; Rudolph Run fun run at a location of your choice; Christmas Jumper Day on Wednesday 11th December and a Christmas tree collection and recycling service.
For full details of all of these and other activities, visit isabelhospice.org.uk/togetheratchristmas or call 01707 954850.
Ware Christmas Together is back this year, offering a free festive dinner for people who would otherwise be spending Christmas Day on their own.
For over 20 years this free festive lunch has been providing food, company and Christmas cheer to those who, for whatever reason, might be alone on the day.
Local businesses help support the event. Last year, The Mixer provided the roast and Milady Tea and Coffee Lounge supplied yule logs.
Transport can be arranged and, if you cannot make it to the venue, a lunch can be delivered instead.
Volunteers to assist with serving the meal, have conversations with the guests or help in the kitchen are also welcome.
The meal is on Christmas Day in Riverside Hall, Priory Street,
Ware SG12 0DE from 12.30 to 3pm.
Best Reception in Ware are kindly taking calls from those wanting to come along – just call 01992 531833 to enquire about either coming to the dinner or helping out.
Santa’s popping up
Hertfordshire Zoo
Meet Santa in his grotto every weekend up to Christmas plus Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th December. Admission to the grotto and receipt of a small gift is all included in your admission price to the zoo in White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne.
hertfordshirezoo.com
Tyndalls Garden Centre
Tyndalls in Sedge Green, Nazeing again hosts its famous Winter Wonderland. Walk through the attractions to where the elves are busy preparing for Christmas on the way to Santa’s grotto. Tickets are £18.99 for children
all over... here’s where to see him ALL YOU NEED FOR CHRISTMAS!
and £3.99 for adults (or child for Winter Wonderland walk only without Santa visit and gift). tyndallswinterwonderland.com
Hatfield Park
Santa will be at The Old Palace every Sunday up to Christmas for A Palace Visit with Santa, in which children’s storyteller Alex Shows will explain the history of Hatfield House before a tour and chance to meet Santa and receive a gift in front of the fireplace. £25 per child (with parents). hatfield-house.co.uk
Southern Maltings
Ware’s Southern Maltings hosts
OVO’s critically acclaimed production of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol returns to the Roman Theatre in St Albans for a third time this year with a new adaptation by Mark O’Sullivan. Taking audiences on an open air promenade journey through the stunning grounds of the UK’s oldest theatre, this is a unique festive experience that immerses audiences in the spirit of Christmas past, present and yet to come.
The 60-minute, outdoor performance will delight adults and children alike. A sell-out for the last two years, this year’s performances run until Tuesday 31st December, at various times.
The Roman Theatre of Verulamium is in Bluehouse Hill, St Albans AL3 6AE. Tickets are £25 for adults, £15 for under-18s and £65 for a family ticket. Book at ovo.org.uk.
Christmas Experience events on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th December for children aged two upwards. Children can make decorations, play festive games and see an elf perform a reworked version of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Christmas Tree, before meeting Santa. Tickets are £15 per child, £5 for adults. southernmaltings.co.uk
Van Hage
Santa will be in his grotto at Van Hage garden centre in Great Amwell, all the way up to Christmas Eve. Tickets are £13 per child and can be booked online. bluediamond.gg
If you’re a fan of the Christmas light trails that have become so popular in recent years then book a slot now for the Farmer Christmas Light Trail and Grotto at Tewinbury Farm near Welwyn. The 700-acre farm has been transformed into a winter wonderland until 1st January. Starting at the historic main farmhouse, you follow twinkling woodland trails through an enchanted archway, cathedral
of lights, past Santa’s sleigh into the field of lights before turning along the snow path from where you can see the farm covered in a white blanket of snowflakes. Food and drink will be available too.
Prices are £16.50 for adults and £11 for children. Visiting Santa’s grotto is an additional £5.50 per child. Book at tewinbury.co.uk. The farm is in Hertford Road, Tewin AL6 0JB.
Hertford Choral Society
Saturday 14th December
Hertford Choral Society’s Christmas concert this year is called Christus Natus Est and features Christmas music and carols at All Saints’ Church in Hertford on Saturday 14th December at 5pm. The concert will be conducted by Manvinder Rattan with the choir of Benington CofE Primary School. Tickets are £20 resevred or £15 unreserved, £5 students via ticketsource.co.uk. More details at hertfordchoral.org.uk.
Ware Choral Society
Saturday 7th December
Ware Choral Society presents its festive concert, On Christmas Night, at The Drill Hall in Amwell End, Ware on Saturday 7th December at 7.30pm. Tickets are £15 and can be bought at warechoral.org.uk or on the door. Children’s choirs from Thundridge CofE Primary School and Ponsbourne St Mary’s CofE Primary School will also be taking part.
Broxbourne Community Choir
Saturday 7th December
Enjoy a festive musical tour with Christmas songs from around
Rattan will lead
the world sung by Broxbourne Community Choir and St Augustine’s Children’s Choir at Christ Church in Ware on Saturday 7th December at 3pm. Admission is £10 for adults, children under 16 go free. The event raises funds for charity Mudlarks.
Carols in the Chapel Saturday 14th December Carols in the Chapel, on Satur-
Winter runs to get you out in the fresh air and support our local charities
Get into the Christmas spirit by taking part in a charity reindeer run on Sunday 8th December starting and finishing at Hertford Town Football Club off West Street, Hertford.
There are 10k, 5k and 1.5k routes at this family-friendly event in aid of Mudlarks, a local charity that supports adults with learning disabilities and mental health concerns.
Fancy dress (including Santa costumes, obviously) is positively encouraged and reindeer antlers are included with registration, which will help top off any outfit perfectly. Registration, which starts at £7.50, is open from 9am to 10am on the day. Find out more details at mudlarksgarden.org.uk/run.
l Teens Unite in Broxbourne teams up with LK Fitness to hold a Santa Dash event on Sunday 17th December to raise funds for its work.
It is a 5k walk, jog or run starting and finishing at Broxbourne Sports Club and is expected to attract hundreds of Santas. Adult tickets are £11 and children £8, family £32. Entry includes your very own Santa Suit. Book online at teensunite.org.
day 14th December, is a Christmas carol performance from The Harmonaires at The Chapel at Haileybury School in Hertford Heath, to raise funds for Isabel Hospice. It is part of the charity’s campaign Together at Christmas, which aims to raise £140,000 this festive period through a series of events and fundraising initiatives. For full details visit isabelhospice.org.uk.
Singalong to Ware Brass
Sunday 22nd December
A singalong concert with Ware Brass has been organised by Ware Town Council in the grounds of Ware Priory on Sunday 22nd December from 3.30-5.30pm. Wrap up warm and bring a candle. Mince pies and mulled wine available, with proceeds to the Mayor of Ware’s charity. More at waretowncouncil.gov.uk.
An art exhibition that doubles up as a Christmas fair with unique gifts
Gallery at Parndon Mill in Harlow hosts its annual Present Arts exhibition this month, in which local artists and makers exhibit a wide range of artworks and pieces that make perfect Christmas gifts, from cards through to sculptures. This is a
fabulous way to find genuinely unique gifts for the people who matter to you. The venue in in Parndon Mill Lane, off Elizabeth Way in Harlow at CM20 2HP. Call 01279 426042 or visit parndonmill.co.uk for opening times.
S a nt a’s G rot to
T h e G ri n c h V i s i t s Eve r y S a tu rd a y
E l f Ad ve n tu re Tra i l
Fe s t ive Trea t s
C h r i s t m a s L ig h t s
Sleeping Beauty
The Spotlight, Hoddesdon
Thursday 12th-Monday 30th
December
Written and directed by Marc Day, The Spotlight’s festive treat will be packed with music, dance, comedy and audience participation, with an added touch of sparkle and feathers!
Standard tickets: £22.50-£26 adults, £20.50- £24 concessions, £80-£94 family. thespotlightvenue.com 01992 441946
Aladdin
Wyllyotts Theatre, Potters Bar
Friday 13th to Tuesday 31st
December
A classic tale filled with magic, laughter and wishes galore and
some of the best-loved panto characters including Widow Twankey, the evil Abanazaar and Wishee-Washee.
Standard tickets: £21 adults, £18.50 children, £70 family. wyllyottstheatre.co.uk 01707 645005
Harlow Playhouse
Dick Whittington
Friday 29th November to Sunday 5th January
Harlow panto legends Jimmy Burton-Iles and Ben Parsley are back again for this year’s spectacular at the Playhouse. Tickets: From £15 to £28 depending upon performance; family tickets also available. harlowplayhouse.co.uk 01279 431945
Saturday 30th November to Wednesday 1st January
BEAM’s first panto is one of the best-loved tales of all.
Standard tickets: £23 adults, £21 children. Family discounts available at checkout. beamhertford.co.uk
No phone booking
Millfield Theatre, Edmonton
Aladdin and the Legion of Genies
Thursday 5th to Monday 30th December
Aladdin embarks upon a remarkable adventure with twists, turns and wishes granted by the magical genie.
Tickets: From £22 adults, £18 children and concessions, £75 family. millfieldtheatre.co.uk 0208 807 6680
South Mill Arts, Bishop’s Stortford
Robin Hood Saturday 7th December to Saturday 4th January
Expect lots of men in green tights as Robin Hood and his merry acolytes ride into Bishop’s Stortford. From the team that bought you last year’s hit show.
Tickets: From £18.50 to £25.50 depending upon performance; family tickets also available. southmillarts.co.uk 01279 710200
l A performance of Cinderella takes place at Sawbridgeworth Memorial Hall in The Forebury, CM21 9BD at 10.30am on Monday 23rd December. Tickets are £6 from smht.org.uk.
l A series of pop-up Jack and the Beanstalk pantomimes is running at Hertfordshire Studios in Brewery Road, Hoddesdon from Friday 29th November to Sunday 8th December. Tickets £15 adults, £12.50 children and senior citizens. Visit hertfordshirestudios.com or
britishpantomimes.com to book.
l Pantaloons Theatre Company present Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol at Ware’s Southern Maltings on Sunday 8th December from 2-4pm. Doors open 1.30pm. Tickets £12 single and £40 family (2+2 or 1+3). Book at southernmaltings.co.uk.
l Broxbourne Theatre Company take over The Spotlight in Hoddesdon in the new year for their traditional production of Mother Goose. It runs from Wednesday
8th to Sunday 12th January at 7.30pm Weds-Fri, at 2pm and 6.30pm on Saturday and at 2pm on Sunday. Book online at broxbournetheatrecompany. co.uk or on 01992 441946.
l HD&OS, Hertford Dramatic and Operatic Society, present their traditional panto Dick Whittington at BEAM Hertford from Thursday 16th to Sunday 19th January. Visit hdos.org.uk for more information. Tickets are £19 adults, £17 for under-18s at beamhertford.co.uk.
Paddington in Peru (PG)
Now showing Guaranteed to be showing all the way up to Christmas! Everyone’s favourite marmalade-loving bear returns home to Peru with the Browns to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy.
Moana 2
Now showing
This Disney animation sequel sees Moana journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous waters for an adventure unlike any she has ever faced after receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors.
Wicked (PG)
Now showing
A brilliant prequel documenting the origins of the good and wicked witches made famous in the Wizard of Oz (which, surely, remains the ultimate Christmas film).
The Magic Reindeer: Saving Santa’s Sleigh (U)
Now showing
This is the third film in the Niko series. Christmas is coming and it looks like it’s going to be the best yet for Niko the Reindeer as he sets off to fulfil his biggest dream – taking his place next to his father on Santa’s Flying Forces. However, one night, Santa’s sleigh is stolen and Niko has to lead a daring mission to the frozen north to save the holidays!
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim (12A)
From Friday 13th December
Animation set 183 years before the events chronicled in the original trilogy of films, telling the fate of the House of Helm Hammerhand, King of Rohan.
Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (U)
From Wednesday 18th December
They’re back! Gromit’s concern that Wallace has become over-dependent on his inventions proves justified when Wallace invents a “smart gnome” that seems to develop a mind of its own. As
events spiral out of control, it falls to Gromit to put aside his qualms and battle sinister forces – or Wallace may never be able to invent again. And where would we be then, eh?
Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust is inviting people to sign up to 12 Days Wild, a festive nature challenge, which takes place from Christmas Day to 5th January, with the idea of doing one wild thing every day or night. Everyone who signs up will receive daily emails with ideas and activities to enhance wellbeing, such as embracing winter walks in nature or experiencing the magic of night-time star gazing. BBC TV presenter and Wildlife Trust Vice President Iolo Williams, who appeared at The Spotlight in Hoddesdon last month, is backing the challenge. He said: “From dawn to dusk, winter wildlife is busy all around us. Otters are always up early and if you see a trail of bubbles in the water, you’ll know they’ve spotted you first. Night-hunting barn owls venture out on cold winter days to find extra food and will woosh past you in the winter sun. Then, at dusk, starlings gather in the sky forming ever-shifting shapes and patterns known as murmurations. There
are so many wildlife adventures to be had during 12 Days Wild.”
Lea Ellis, Engagement Manager at Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust, said: “At this time of year, it’s easy to think that there’s not much worth going out for but even on a grey day we can all be boosted by the natural light and getting outdoors, or even taking it in through an open window. My tip for 12 Days Wild would be to embrace all weathers and be mindful of how it makes you feel with the sun on your face, raindrops falling off your nose or, the rosy-glow that the cold gives your cheeks.”
Spending time in nature is proven to help people feel happier and healthier. A Wildlife Trusts survey found that participants of the 30 Days Wild summer challenge felt 56% more connected to nature after taking part, and that it boosted the health of participants by an average of 30%.
l To sign up and find out more information about 12 Days Wild visit wildlifetrusts.org/12dayswild
Having made a big impression since opening in the summer, Nolaki is looking forward to its first Christmas.
Set just north of Bishop’s Stortford in the former Cock pub in the popular town of Stansted Mountfitchet, Nolaki is a high quality Mediterranean restaurant specialising in inventive Turkish cuisine.
They say beauty lies within, and with Nolaki this is certainly the case, with the unassuming former pub now transformed into an elegant, luxurious and sophisticated dining space.
Nolaki has both a lunch and
dinner menu, and a separate kids’ menu for the little ones.
During December, in the run-up to Christmas, it is also offering a festive menu, with three courses for £39.95, with a £5 welcome drink.
On this menu, there is a choice for each course, with starters such as deep-fried brie with plum sauce; butchers lamb kofte with beetroot sauce; and halloumi sticks with sweet chilli sauce. There are eight mains available including seabass with spinach cooked in garlic, onions and caper sauce; mixed shish (chicken and lamb skewers served with
rice and salad); and chicken and mushroom tagliatelle cooked in a white wine and cream sauce. For dessert, choose from homemade baklava, rice pudding and ice cream.
Nolaki is also open on 25th December this year, and its Christmas Day menu is £89.95 for a three-course meal with a glass of Champagne. Children under 12 can eat for £44.95.
Again, there is an excellent choice of dishes, with eight starters including duck served with tabbouleh and orange sauce. For your main course, you can also choose from a traditional
roast Christmas dinner with turkey, beef, the Nolaki Royal Roast or a vegetarian roast; or from Turkish classics such as a mixed grill or kleftiko before rounding the meal off with dessert.
Whether you are seeking a leisurely lunch, intimate dinner or a grand celebration, before Christmas or into 2025, Nolaki is well worth a visit – and the restaurant is available for private hire too.
Nolaki
30 Silver Street, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8HD 01279 812964
nolaki.co.uk
November saw the opening of a new venture for Oliver D’Arcy, head chef and owner of The George IV at Great Amwell, together with friend and business partner Ryan Frood.
Based in Hertford’s iconic Egyptian House building in Fore Street, Ember is a first-of-its-kind venue for the town – a restaurant and bar inspired by the growing number of music-led contemporaries of east London.
The pair have transformed the building, recently home to Tapas bar Anexo but probably best remembered as the first home in the town to Lussmanns (now just down the road in the Merchant’s House) into a dimly lit and cosy yet vibrant space with a ground floor restaurant featuring a vinyl DJ deck together with downstairs bar.
Come for food, drinks, or both –with music on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings from
Ember’s vinyl collection.
As you’d expect from Oliver the food is still very much centre stage here (the music is a big part of the pull but background rather than instrusive) – with a menu of small plates and sharing dishes.
Much of the menu is cooked on
the barbecue whose ‘embers’ give the restaurant its name.
Alongside wine and cocktails, Ember has Swiss lager 1936 on draught as well as canned and bottled beers including pilsner and IPA from Redchurch and natural lager Noam. Ember opened on Friday 22nd
November and, with the exception of 25th, 26th and 27th December when shut for Christmas, is open for lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Saturday and from 12noon to 6pm on Sundays.
Call 01992 937396 or visit emberhertford.co.uk.
Featuring a no-expense-spared and absolutely stunning interior design, No.14 is a new Asian fusion restaurant that has opened in Bishop’s Stortford’s North Street in time for Christmas.
Specialising in sushi, but catering for all, No.14 is spread over three floors, each as visually striking as the other, and each with its own bar at its heart.
Perfect for dining and drinking in the evening, No.14 is the latest in a family of restaurants in the town owned by the same family
who also have Roni’s next door at 16 North Street, Pircio and Rindio coffee shop. The wraps came off their latest venture at the end of November in the building best known in recent years for being home to fashion retailer White Stuff. No.14 serves high quality food and original cocktails in luxuriously decadent surroundings. Look it up now at no-14.com or call 01279 597548.
Don’t miss next month’s issue of Axis for more.
Now preparing for its first Christmas since opening in the summer, Nolaki is a high quality Turkish restaurant that has taken over the former Cock pub in Stansted Mountfitchet and transformed it into a stunning contemporary restaurant. The elegance of its interior and the inventiveness of its food are already earning it a real reputation. Open seven days a week from 12noon until late, Nolaki offers a lunch and dinner menu, together with fabulous wines and cocktails. During December it has a festive menu and is taking bookings for Christmas Day.
30 Silver Street, Stansted Mountfitchet
CM24 8HD
01279 812864
nolaki.co.uk
The newly-opened No.14 in the heart of Bishop’s Stortford is taking Asian Fusion dining and luxury to new heights in the town. No expense has been spared on the interior decor at this three-storey venue, which offers a dining experience very different from the everyday. While specialising in sushi, there is much more on the menu than that, and the high quality of its food is matched only by the originality and decadence of its cocktails. Stepping into No.14 is truly like stepping into a different world. Book the Chef’s Table for the best seats in the house.
14 North Street, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 2LQ 01279 597548 no-14.com
This dog-friendly country pub is surrounded by countryside and offers fresh, home-cooked fare using seasonal ingredients and local suppliers wherever possible. A selection of staple pub classics and changing seasonal dishes keep the menu fresh and inviting all year round. The beers at this free house are well-kept and refreshing and the wines varied and affordable. A weekday set menu, available Tuesday to Friday at lunch and Tuesday to Thursday at dinner offers two courses for £12.95 and three for £15.95. Book now for your Christmas celebrations.
18 Bury Lane, Bramfield SG14 2QL / 01992 554077 grandisonpub.com
Opened in November 2023, Vodina is a new Turkish restaurant and cocktail bar that is a welcome addition to the dining scene in Ware. The stylish, refurbished, family-friendly restaurant is smart, warm and welcoming and can seat 60 at a time, with room for both couples and larger groups. The main menu is available at all sittings and features traditional Turkish cuisine, alongside set menus for two or four people. There is also a £12.95 lunch menu which is available from 12-3pm. Vodina is open seven days a week from 12noon to 10pm. Book now for Christmas.
21-22 Tudor Square, Ware
SG12 9XF / 01920 486688 vodinarestaurant.co.uk
Based in the former Old Star pub in Wormley, Broxbourne, Manto’s restaurant offers authentic Turkish cuisine with a modern twist, using only the finest ingredients for its dishes. In the runup to Christmas, you can enjoy its festive menu with three courses for £45 per person, while on Christmas Day itself, Manto’s offers Christmas dinner with a choice of dishes including the traditional favourites for £90 per person, or £45 for under-12s. Manto’s has free parking for its diners and is open seven days a week 12noon to midnight. The kitchen closes at 10pm.
32 High Road, Wormley EN10 6LE 01992 414301 mantosrestaurant.com
Ruay Rôt means ‘rich in flavour’ in Thai and that is precisely what the food you can order for takeaway or delivery from Hertford’s newest eatery is. Just down the road from its previous and hugely popular Baan Thitiya restaurant, this new takeaway outlet offers authentic Thai food for you to enjoy at home, continuing Baan Thitiya’s story after 20 years in Hertford. You can order by phone or through the GoGetters and Deliveroo apps for delivery to Hertford, Ware and Hoddesdon. The menu includes many vegan specials. Outside tables are also available on warmer days.
6 Old Cross, Hertford SG14 1RB 01992 587706 ruayrôt.co.uk
Nestled in the picturesque village of Great Amwell, The George IV offers exceptional restaurant cuisine within a warm, friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Oliver and his team serve a menu of seasonal and fresh small and large sharing plates.
The George IV can also be the perfect venue for your next event. Whether it is an intimate wedding, baby shower, birthday or a special anniversary, there is a variety of dining options to suit any occasion in the private dining room and courtyard.
Cautherly Lane, Great Amwell SG12 9SW / 01920 870039 info@georgeivpub.co.uk georgeivpub.co.uk
Pircio is a family-run independent restaurant in Bishop’s Stortford that offers two different menus of Italian and Turkish cuisine. Both menus are cooked by teams of specialist chefs and diners can choose from pizza, pasta and other Italian classics or dishes such as halloumi, falafel, moussaka and lamb tagine.
The historic Drill Hall building has been smartly refurbished and can seat 200 people downstairs whilst there is also a mezzanine for private dining. Pircio is open seven days a week, all day.
Drill Hall, Market Square
Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3UU 01279 898181
pirciorestaurant.com
Thai
Baan Thitiya, Bishop’s Stortford’s premier Thai restaurant, is perfect for relaxed dining. Close to Bishop’s Stortford town centre, it also has its own parking. The restaurant is decorated in a contemporary Thai style and the extensive menu features high quality food prepared by Thai chefs with an emphasis on fresh, healthy ingredients and authentic, natural flavours. The restaurant has just launched a new lunch menu and also has an excellent wine list. A warm welcome and great service await you. Baan Thitiya is open seven days for lunch and dinner.
102 London Road, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3DS 01279 658575
baan-thitiya.com
Shishbourne is a Turkish/Mediterranean restaurant on Broxbourne High Road which is open seven days a week and offers a full menu all day, now including breakfast from 8am to 4pm. It is plush and luxurious with an unforgettable Instagrammable interior, great cocktails and an à la carte menu filled with Turkish classics. It also offers a bottomless dinner option from 6pm Monday to Thursday and a twocourse lunch menu from 12-3.30pm Monday to Friday. There is live entertainment on Friday and Saturday evenings too.
27 High Road, Broxbourne EN10 7HX 01992 313198 shishbourne.co.uk
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 freehouse 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 also available.
20 Green End, Braughing SG11 2PG 01920 823555 goldenfleecebraughing.co.uk
Roni’s, set in the heart of Bishop’s Stortford, is a fine dining restaurant where both the quality of food and the service combine to offer guests a memorable experience. Roni’s offers a wide range of traditional dishes, passionately crafted, including a vegan menu. There is a set lunch menu (Tuesday-Saturday) and a set evening menu (Tuesday-Thursday) while superb roasts are served on Sundays. You can also book the private dining room for your group or family. Roni’s is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 12noon, and closed on Monday.
16 North Street, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 2LQ 01279 508856 ronisrestaurant.co.uk
