HOTSPOT
WE LVE HERTFORDSHIRE
establishing itself as a desirable location in its own right.
• Unbeatable rail and road links WHO LIVES HERE? • Loads of green space Ware has a population of over • Fantastic independent shops and 18,000 and is increasingly popular restaurants to explore with families moving out of north • A range of areas each with their London, looking for that extra bit of own character space or a positive change in lifestyle. • Stansted and Luton airports The biggest employer in Ware is local for a quick getaway GlaxoSmithKline and there are plenty of employment opportunities in the town, but the close proximity to London means it is also a prime location for commuters. You can be on the underground in less than half an hour and there are twice hourly services from Ware station to London Liverpool Street.
SHOPPING Shopping in the town centre is based around the historic high street which proudly boasts thriving independent shops. Mr Simm’s Olde Sweet Shoppe is very popular, selling both traditional sweets and catering for the growing demand for imported American brands, while The Book Nook is a newer addition to the town and incorporates a cafe into the friendly book store. There are also two big supermarkets in the town, conveniently located just off the high street.
DRINKING AND EATING OUT Ware is home to some excellent restaurants, not least The Sea Tree, an alternative fish and chippy serving traditional dishes along with a range of fresh seafood. There are also plenty of smart restaurants for cosy nights out. While Ware is somewhat limited in options for nightlife, that is part of what helps it to retain its small-town charm. Luckily Hertford, Ware’s noisier neighbour, is a mere four miles away and has plenty of options.
LEISURE
Gazebos, Ware
The town’s main sport offering is Wodson Park, a leisure complex which includes an athletics track, sports halls and courts and a fitness suite. Fanshawe Pool & Gym is also highly rated, but swimmers in the town are best served in the summer months when Ware Lido attracts the crowds. The town’s positioning on the River Lea allows for picturesque walks along the waterside and the famous gazebos on the banks are an historic feature unique to Ware.
STEVENAGE Stevenage was designated to be the first of the UK’s post-war New Towns. Seven decades on, a new £1bin regeneration project is breathing fresh life into the town.
WHO LIVES HERE? Somewhat ironically for a town whose original purpose was to get people out of London, Stevenage is the perfect base for those travelling into the city. During rush hour, commuters benefit from trains every eight minutes, with the fastest journeys taking only 19 minutes. Stevenage has been listed as one of the top 10 most affordable commuter towns in the UK and there is a fantastic range of properties at prices significantly below those in surrounding areas. There are a further 1,100 new homes being built in Stevenage by 2021, with thousands more to follow, offering even more opportunities for first time buyers to set up home in the town.
SHOPPING Stevenage has a number of established shopping areas including the town centre, retail parks and the Old Town. The town is already home to major household brands including Debenhams, Next and Primark and the regeneration programme promises to bring even more brands to the town’s central areas with the Town Square North Block project first on the list.
DRINKING AND EATING OUT Many well known restaurant and pub chains, including ASK, Beefeater and TGI Fridays, can be found in Stevenage and offer reliable food at reasonable prices. However, if you look beyond the everyday offerings there are some unique eateries to explore including a traditional pie and mash shop, Mack’s, in the market square. The nightlife in the town centres on the high street, with multi-purpose venues like the popular Cinnabar which transforms from a relaxed cafe to a cocktail bar and club.
LEISURE One of Stevenage’s biggest appeals is the opportunities it offers to those looking for an active, outdoors lifestyle, and Fairlands Valley Park alone is enough to understand why. The nine-time winner of the Green Flag Award offers sailing lakes, zip wire lines and access to water sports facilities within its 120 acres of green open spaces. Those looking to enjoy a healthy lifestyle in the town are well served by local clubs including tennis, cricket and hockey. Stevenage also benefits from 40km of segregated cycle networks, inspired by Dutch infrastructure, offering residents safe and sustainable travel around the town.
SOResi.co.uk 21 So-Resi-Magazine-2020-Vol2.indd 21
17/01/2020 15:04
