Axis magazine February 2026 issue

CONTENTS

Inside your February magazine...

05-08 y Briefing

Catch up: Find out about the major local news stories that affect you

16-22 y What’s on

Theatre shows, film screenings, art exhibitions and a literary festival

11-13 y Shopping & business news

Tesco backs Teens Unite charity and ShowOff opens in Hertford

23-27 y Food & drink

Renowned real ale pub Old Cross Tavern is now offering food too

14 & 15 y FROM PARLIAMENT: Our MPs write exclusive columns for you 26 & 27 y FOOD & DRINK GUIDE: Support your local restaurants

Front cover images (clockwise from top)

Three new films for February to see: Wuthering Heights, Send Help and GOAT (all p21); Artwork by Shirley Heathfield, which is showing in a retrospective at Courtyard Arts (p19); Author Bonnie

who is appearing at Bishop’s Stortford College’s Literature Festival (p19).

ABOUT AXIS

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

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

Our editorial content is targeted towards readers’ interests, to maximise readership and gain the best exposure for our advertisers. The magazine is delivered to homes and businesses in selected areas and copies can also be picked up free from venues across the area.

CONTACT US

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

PUBLISHERS: Aaron Gransby & Justine Woods

DIGITAL EDITION:

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BRIEFING

Changes made to some parking proposals as council listens to residents’ feedback

East Herts Council says it has listened to feedback from the public on proposed changes to the operational hours, tariffs and maximum stay periods across its car parks and reduced their impact where it can.

At its meeting on Tuesday 13th January the council’s leading Executive group approved the changes which will come into effect from 6th April, following amendments that have been made to them in response to public consultation held in October last year.

As had been proposed, weekend charges will still be introduced in car parks in Sawbridgeworth and Buntingford to bring them in line with other areas.

However, the planned inflationary tariff increases for these car parks will not now be applied, addressing concerns raised about the potential economic impact on local residents and businesses.

Saturday charges will be introduced at weekday rates, while the Sunday charge will be set at an all-day rate of £1.50, reduced from the originally proposed £2.10. While a three hour proposed limit on free parking for Blue Badge holders will also still be introduced, in response to feedback that this

may not provide them sufficient time, holders will also now have the option to stay longer and pay for the additional time beyond the first free three hours.

The council’s Executive Member for Environmental Sustainability, Cllr Tim Hoskin, said: “The council is incredibly grateful to everyone who gave feedback on our proposals back in October. We have listened carefully to what people told us and, while we believe reversing the changes would not be the right approach, we have sought to reduce their impact where we can.”

More car parking changes at a glance town by town

Car park charges in Bishop’s Stortford, Hertford and Ware will rise in line with the Consumer Price Index while other changes set to take effect from 6th April are as follows:

In Bishop’s Stortford

l Introduction of a 2.5-hour parking charge at Grange Paddocks A

l An extension of operational hours to 8pm at Grange Paddocks B and C

l The conversion of several under-used Disabled bays to Parent and Child bays at Northgate End

l Corrections to arrangements at Link Road and Jackson Square, including car club bays and operational hours.

In Hertford

l Introduction of a maximum stay of three hours for all customers at Gascoyne Way level A

l Amendments to provide both short-term and long-stay parking at Old London Road.

Pay for parking in way that makes you ’appy

Motorists using East Herts Council-run car parks now have more choice in how to pay after the local authority went live on the National Parking Platform in January.

A collaboration between the Department for Transport and the parking sector, the National Parking Platform allows drivers to pay using any approved app rather than, as is so often the case, having to download multiple new ones.

Drivers can now choose which of the existing popular apps including

RingGo, JustPark, Appy Parking, Caura, APCOA Connect and the council’s existing provider, PayByPhone, they would like to use as they will now all work in all East Herts car parks.

‘It makes sense’

East Herts Council’s Executive Member for Environmental Sustainability, Cllr Tim Hoskin, said: “We’ve all experienced the frustration of arriving at a car park and finding you can only pay through an

app you don’t have. That’s why it makes sense to bring these services together in one place.

“Drivers won’t need to download anything new – they can simply enter the location code as normal in their preferred app. The platform also encourages healthy competition between providers, which could lead to better offers and features for users.”

In Sawbridgeworth (Bell Street)

l Retention of existing Monday to Friday tariffs with no inflationary increase

l Introduction of Saturday charging at same tariff levels as Monday to Friday

l Introduction of a flat £1.50 allday charge on Sundays and Public Holidays.

In Ware

l Merger of Amwell End East and West car parks into a single car park

l Merger of Kibes Lane North and South car parks into a single car park operating as short-stay Monday to Saturday and long stay on Sundays and public holidays

l Renaming the Library Car Park to Burgage Lane and reducing the maximum stay to three hours.

The local authority has gone live on the platform alongside Welwyn Hatfield and Stevenage councils. Now you can pay

Old River Lane site: Feedback starts to come in on the new development plans...

Concerns about the height of the buildings proposed in redevelopment plans for Old River Lane in Bishop’s Stortford feature heavily in the comments submitted to East Herts Council in response to developer Cityheart’s recent planning application.

Cityheart is seeking permission to redevelop the former Causeway car park and Charringtons House sites close to Waitrose with up to 171 homes along with retail and commercial spaces.

The plans also include a new public square on land to be retained by East Herts Council which could, if future funds allow, be a site for an arts centre.

The plans were submitted in December with comments being invited from the public and statutory consultees ahead of the application being determined by the council. Here is what people thought:

The public says:

A majority of the public comments have mentioned the building heights. These range from four to six storeys which objectors say is out of keeping with the conservation area. There are also concerns, shared by Historic England, that views across the town from Castle Park and Link Road to the United Reformed Church and beyond to grade 1 listed St Michael’s Church in Windhill would be disrupted, with a similar situation in reverse looking from the town towards the Scheduled Monument Waytemore Castle.

Historic England says: Historic England had raised concerns in 2023 about a previous application for the site that was later withdrawn by Cityheart. Then it said that the development would harm the significance of the conservation area and setting of the castle and other listed buildings. Of the current application it comments: “The site has been reduced in size but in the main part a series of large blocks are proposed broadly as before, with heights of four to five storeys and one element at six storeys. This does not take the opportunity the site presents to enhance the conservation area by introducing building of a scale, massing and grain which reflects the historic pattern of development and organically grow from it but rather would detract from it.”

It advises East Herts, in determining the application, to take account of the duty set out in planning law to pay special attention to the desirability of preserving or enhancing the character or appearance of conservation areas.

Bishop’s Stortford Civic Federation says: Bishop’s Stortford Civic Federation has a number of concerns about the development including its proposed height and massing and the proposed number of homes. It has launched a petition which is open until 6th March calling on East Herts Council to convene a development management forum so that local residents can raise concerns which might then be able to be resolved ahead of the application being determined.

Find it at democracy.eastherts.gov. uk/mgEPetitionDisplay.aspx?id=64.

Bishop’s Stortford BID says: Bishop’s Stortford BID, which represents businesses in the town, says its members have varied views on the overall development and it will be leaving them to support or object to the plans individually. However, it has raised concerns about the proposed public square and pavilion, questioning whether the design of the pavilion is suitable for its proposed use; a lack of toilet facilities within or adjacent to the square; lack of clarity as to whether utilities such as water and electricity will be available and a lack of identified secure storage, all issues which it says, would limit the ability of the BID and other local groups to make much use of the space.

Survey will ask for your views on improving our town centres

A survey of residents and businesses being carried out by consultants on behalf of East Herts Council will help the authority to develop strategies for each of its five town centres. These will then be used to create new planning policies that will form part of an updated District Plan. The council says a random selection of residents in and near the five towns will be surveyed over the phone and online. They will be asked how they are currently using the town centre/s, what they like or

dislike about them, and to suggest improvements that would encourage them to visit more often.

Businesses in the town centres will be visited face to face during the week commencing Monday 9th February and asked to complete a survey to provide their views, particularly around the challenges they face trading in the towns, as well as improvements they would like to see.

The surveys will be carried out anonymously on behalf of the coun-

cil by The Retail Group. East Herts Council’s Executive Member for Planning and Growth, Cllr Vicky Glover Ward, said: “We are fortunate in East Herts to enjoy buoyant town centres, but that doesn’t make us immune to the challenges facing high streets across the country.

“We want to ensure our planning policies set our town centres up for success and we can only do that by hearing from the people who make our town centres so special.”

Plans to improve grounds around historic Hertford Castle revealed

The ambitious programme of works that, subject to funding, will be carried out to the heritage features and wider grounds at Hertford Castle, have been revealed in a planning application submitted by Hertford Town Council to the planning authority, East Herts.

The Hertford Castle Greenspace Renewal project, a partnership between the town and district councils along with Hertfordshire County Council’s Countryside Management Service, aims to increase accessibility to the historic castle grounds, conserve important historic features, enhance biodiversity on the site and improve facilities for visitors.

The project has been advanced so far with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and a final application for delivery phase funding is currently with the Fund and a decision due next month. Should this, and the planning application be approved, work could start on site in January 2028 taking just over a year to complete.

Back in Norman times Hertford Castle was a motte and Bailey construction with an earth mound (the motte) that would have once held a wooden tower; and an enclosed courtyard used for housing and defence (the Bailey).

The castle has been rebuilt over the years and the building called ‘the castle’ today is actually a gatehouse built in the 15th century that is now home to the town council while the grounds are a public park. The plans for their improvement

The grounds of Hertford Castle should see many improvements include the creation of a new pedestrian, cycle and vehicle access bridge from the St Andrew Street car park. The existing motte bridge will be removed and a new bridge suitable for both pedestrians and cyclists will be provided to the south. The historic motte itself will remain a non-accessible feature of the grounds but enhanced with historic-style fencing and planting. The surviving sections of the castle walls will be repaired; the Ashley Webb Shelter that was added in 1938 to mark the coronation of King George VI and is currently in a state of disrepair, will be renovated and the 18th century icehouse within the Moat Garden will be made safe and if possible, opened to the public.

Interpretation boards at these historic features will explain their significance to visitors. The existing dated but popular children’s play area will be replaced with a new one, The Ruins, inspired by historic features of the site. There will be improved pathways, new signage, more benches, a lighting scheme that complements the castle’s heritage while ensuring the grounds remain inviting and secure in the evenings, and a series of river enhancement measures including the restoration of eroded river banks.

l You can view and comment on the planning application on East Herts Council’s website eastherts. gov.uk (application reference 3/25/2006/LBC).

More ideas for future from Green-led town council

As well as being the lead partner on the plans to improve the castle grounds, the Green Party-led Hertford Town Council says it has a number of other initiatives planned that will see it care for valued historical sites and enhance local green spaces.

Announcing an increase in its precept at the end of January (the amount it tells East Herts Council to collect on its behalf from council tax payers during the coming financial year), council leader Cllr Alex Daar

said what equated to an increase of £21.11 per year on a band D property would help it to fund a number of new and exciting projects, many of them once-in-a-generation opportunities.

Among these are plans to invest in the town’s grade 2 listed Seed Warehouse in Maidenhead Yard, once a seed and grain store for Alfred McMullen and now providing storage on the ground floor for Hertford Museum, along with office space and the Mill Bridge

Ware’s permanent banking hub confirmed

Cash Access UK has announced that work is underway to provide Ware with a permanent new banking hub to replace its temporary facility in Amwell End.

The location, 75 High Street, rather ironically, was previously home to a branch of HSBC. The hub should open in March.

Cash Access UK is a not-for-profit company that is funded by major high street banks.

Its hubs provide access to cash and banking services in communities where there are a lack of other banking facilities.

Ware Town Council lobbied hard to secure the hub after the high street banks shut down their branches one by one.

Broxbourne Council elections to go ahead

Local government elections in Broxbourne will go ahead this May, council leader Corina Gander has confirmed.

Rooms that are used for community events.

It has also put in a bid to buy land at County Hall in Pegs Lane where the buildings are expected to be sold off for redevelopment after the soon to be abolished county council moved its operations to Stevenage. Other plans for the town include a new bike hire scheme, additional benches, enhanced street cleaning, the creation of a waymarked circular walking route, improvements to allotments and more planting.

The Government had given councils with elections due this year the chance to apply to have them cancelled, pending the ongoing reorganisation of local government.

Some Hertfordshire councils, Welwyn-Hatfield and Stevenage, did apply for this but Broxbourne decided not to.

Cllr Gander said: “I am absolutely clear that Broxbourne Council will not be asking for the 2026 Broxbourne Council local elections to be delayed. I believe in democracy and giving people a voice. Therefore, I am not prepared to deny them their voice at the ballot box!”

Private Chapels of Rest

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

Valentine’s-inspired T-shirts sold in Tesco Extra to benefit Broxbourne-based charity Teens Unite

A Valentine’s collaboration between F&F and Broxbourne-based Teens Unite will see £2 from every T-shirt in a limited edition Mini-Me collection sold in Tesco Extra stores and online donated to the charity’s vital work supporting teenagers and young adults living with cancer. Valentine’s Day can be a very different experience for young people with cancer as the excitement of first love is often put on hold while they navigate treatment, isolation and visible changes from hair loss to weight fluctuations.

At a time when they should be thriving, cancer isolates young people from the world. Many become distanced from friends, fall behind in education, are unable to work, and miss out on key milestones. Connection is vital at this time, and Teens Unite provides it through activities, programmes and residential stays, helping young people so they don’t have to carry the weight of a diagnosis alone but can rebuild confidence, form friendships, learn new skills and begin to rebuild their lives.

The limited edition Mini-Me T-shirts from F&F and Teens Unite Fighting Cancer offer a fresh take on ‘young love’. Rather than focusing on lust and romance, the collaboration celebrates the bonds that matter most – bringing families together at this sentimental time of year while supporting young people facing cancer, for whom connection and

solidarity mean everything.

The collaboration includes two matching T-shirt designs, the Amour Tee and the Love Club Tee, available in adult and kids sizes and available at the majority of Extra stores across

England and Wales and online at tesco.com. Children’s T-shirts are £6, adult sizes £12.50.

A £2 donation will be made by Tesco Stores Limited to Teens Unite for every T-shirt sold up until 1st

March, with a maximum donation of £50,000 being raised to help the charity extend its support to more young people across the UK. To find out more about Teens Unite Fighting Cancer visit teensunite.org.

Yazmin’s ShowOff brings a new aesthetic to Hertford

She may be well known as a star of The Only Way is Essex but Yazmin Oukhello’s new aesthetics and luxury beauty salon has given Hertfordshire something to show off about. The reality TV star is the founder and owner of ShowOff, which has opened on the corner of Market Street and Railway Street in Hertford, in the premises that were previously home to Toni & Guy.

ShowOff is run day-to-day by Yazmin’s mum Lisa Oukhellou, who has 30 years of experience in the hair and beauty industry. The salon offers precision injectables, rejuvenating facials and restorative body treatments as well as hair, brows, lashes and nail services.

Yazmin said: “At ShowOff, it is never about changing you who are, it is about revealing the confidence that has always been within you.”

ShowOff is at 9-11 Market Street, Hertford SG14 1BD. For more information call 01992 475483 or visit showoffhertford.co.uk.

Josh Dean MP

YOUR MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR HERTFORD & STORTFORD WRITES FOR AXIS MAGAZINE EVERY MONTH

Why the progress we have made so far gives me encouragement for the year

As we move into the second month of 2026, I’m encouraged by the strong start to the year and more committed than ever to making Hertford and Stortford an even better place to live, work and learn. Last year brought real progress, but there is still more to do, and I remain committed to delivering meaningful change for our community.

Whether it’s tackling the cost of living, cutting NHS waiting lists, or attracting investment into our towns and villages, my priority is ensuring Hertford and Stortford feels the positive impact of the decisions made nationally.

I’m working with the Government as they take steps to ease the pressure on household finances and raise living standards. There is much to do, but these ongoing efforts will help to make a difference for our communities.

Tackling the cost of living

For local people, the cost of living remains the number one concern, which is why the Government is acting. Affordable travel is essential for work and education, so the £3 bus fare cap will now run until at least March 2027, helping people keep more money in their pockets. Prescription charges are also being frozen under £10, ensuring vital medicines remain accessible.

Wages and pensions are rising too. Both the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage will increase, giving millions a pay boost. The State Pension will rise as well, supporting older residents. From April, households will see an average of £150 off their energy bills, and with fuel duty frozen until September, these measures will help ease financial pressure.

This year marks a turning point for renters and workers.

The Renters’ Rights Act will end Section 21 “no fault” evictions, providing long overdue security

ahead

for tenants, and the Employment Rights Act will deliver the biggest improvement in workplace rights in a generation.

From April, free breakfast clubs will open in 500 more schools, saving families up to £450 a year and helping children start the day ready to learn. The Two Child Limit will be ended, lifting 450,000 children out of poverty and supporting families across our constituency.

Meet Josh at his constituency surgeries

Josh holds in-person surgeries twice a month. The next are in Hertford on Friday 13th February and in Sawbridgeworth on Saturday 28th February. To book an appointment, please email josh.dean.mp@parliament.uk with your full name, postal address including postcode, a contact number and details of your case.

At a local level, progress continues with work at Hertford North to install the lift to Platform 1 due to complete this year, improving station accessibility.

Now that 2026 is firmly in motion, I’m optimistic about what’s ahead. Residents want lower bills, better services and higher living standards, and I’ll keep working to make that a reality for Hertford and Stortford.

Lewis Cocking MP

YOUR

Trial by jury is a fundamental British right. Abolishing it is quite simply wrong

Trial by jury is one of this country’s most fundamental rights. But last year the Government announced plans to abolish jury trials in most cases.

Even after the election, ministers were saying that “jury service is an essential part of criminal justice”. Indeed, the Justice Secretary himself has previously said that trial by jury “entrusts the public to make life-changing decisions, rather than merely leaving it in the hands of lawyers”.

In a House of Commons debate last month, I put a fundamental question to ministers: “What has changed?”. Why are ministers now so keen to abandon this important tradition of our country?

Unfortunately for the Government, I don’t think Axis readers will be at all surprised that we are asking these questions.

From abolishing local councils and cancelling elections, to imposing an authoritarian Digital ID scheme – this all seems to be part of the same pattern. Again and again, this Government shows they are more than happy to curtail the voice and freedom of the British people.

No support for this plan

What is even more incredible is that this plan doesn’t have a shred of support from organisations who are actually involved in supporting victims and delivering justice.

The Bar Council says there is no evidence that the removal of jury trials would reduce the backlog, and the Criminal Bar Association warns that these plans could lead to “complete catastrophe”.

There is no doubt that the delays in our criminal justice system represent a serious crisis in our country. But if the Ministry of Justice had exhausted every possible route to get that backlog down, their proposals on jury trials might have a bit more credibility.

Having seen the justice system up close through my work with Hertfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, I know that vast amounts of time are lost before a case even reaches the court. On average, it takes 113 days to charge a suspect after a crime has been recorded.

Digital evidence, such as body-worn cameras and CCTV, has huge potential to speed up investigations. Studies have found that cases with this footage were submitted more quickly to the Crown Prosecution Service than those without. But investigators also warn about how time-con-

Meet Lewis at his constituency surgeries

suming that sort of evidence can be to process. The Government should therefore focus on ensuring the police, prosecutors and the courts can take full advantage of video evidence, so that it accelerates justice rather than slows it down. That’s just one example of the action ministers could be taking, instead of embarking on a policy that abandons such an essential component of justice in the United Kingdom.

Ministers have made quite a habit of U-turns lately – I don’t think any of us would mind this one being added to the list.

I continue 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 on 01992 845335

In addition, if you own a business or are involved in a local organisation and you would like me to come and visit, then please let me know!

Hometown Glory Candlelit Concert

The Award-winning Adele Tribute

Starring Natalie Black

Saturday 7 March, 7.30pm

Ireland the Show

An all Irish cast accompanied by the Keltic Storm band and Gael Force Irish dancers!

Monday 9 March, 7.30pm

Ode to Joyce

The songs and monologues of Joyce Grenfell

Wednesday 11 March, 2.30pm

The Searchers

Featuring Spencer James the lead vocalist and guitarist of 60s legends The Searchers

Friday 13 March, 7.30pm

The ELO Encounter – Blue Sky Tour

Featuring soaring strings, striking vocal harmonies of the ELO library

Saturday 14 March, 7.30pm

Rave On

The Ultimate 50s and 60s Experience Friday 20 March, 7.30pm

The Dubliners Encore

Packing 50 years of songs, stories and craic in one fabulous night!

Wednesday 25 March, 7.30pm

Flowers and Friendship Bracelets

The Ultimate Pop Concert Tribute

Taylor, Sabrina, Chappell and Miley Friday 27 March, 6pm

The Three Billy Goats Gruff

The perfect treat for little ones and the big kids that bring them! Sunday 29 March, 11.30am

A Tribute to Ms Rachel

The UK’s Ultimate Tribute to Global Sensation Ms Rachel Tuesday 31 March, 12noon

Doors and bar open 1.5 hour prior to event start.

Why not enjoy a relaxing pre-show drink and a slice of our delicious...

thespotlightvenue.com 01992 441946 (Monday-Friday 10am-2pm)

AUTHENTIC STONE BAKED Italian Pizza

WHAT’S ON The curtain rises on new-look Millfield Theatre

Millfield Theatre, the historic heart of entertainment in north London, is reopening this month after an extensive and ambitious refurbishment.

Managed by Platinum, a performing arts academy, the Edmonton venue has undergone a total transformation designed to elevate the experience for everyone who visits. From a complete replacement of the auditorium seating to a state-of-the-art lighting system, the revamp ensures Millfield remains a premier destination for the arts.

Since opening its doors in 1998, Millfield has been a cornerstone of the community. From the legendary Bruce Forsyth, who grew up just ten minutes away, to modern comedy icons and its own record-breaking pantomime directed by Platinum and Ri Creative, the Millfield stage has seen it all.

The new look is intended to honour that rich heritage whilst also

Platinum Principal Nina Lewis-Hart says the

providing a world class environment for the next generation of talent from Platinum Academy of Performing Arts.

“We are beyond excited to welcome our community back,” said Nina Lewis-Hart, Principal of

Platinum Academy of Performing Arts.

“This refurbishment isn’t just about new seats and lights; it’s about ensuring the Home of Entertainment in north London continues to inspire, laugh and

applaud for decades to come.”

l Check out the new-look Millfield Theatre for yourself – see the advert on page 20 for upcoming show highlights and book your tickets at millfieldtheatre.co.uk.

Easter panto at Harlow Playhouse See Ben Fogle at BEAM Hertford

Robin Hood is this year’s Easter panto at Harlow Playhouse and tickets are on sale now!

From the team that brought you last year’s Wizard of Oz comes a brand new laugh-out-loud show for the whole family.

It runs from Friday 27th March to Thursday 2nd April at the Playhouse and stars Fanny Galore as the glittering Spirit of Sherwood alongside Easter panto

favourites Ben Parsley (aka Silly Billy), Rob Stevens, Terry Burns and Katherine Hickmott.

Join Robin Hood and his band of Merry Folk as they outwit the wicked Sheriff of Rottingham, save the townsfolk and help our hero win the hand of the fair Maid Marion – and all in true panto style!

Book on 01279 431945 or at harlowplayhouse.co.uk.

Broadcaster and adventurer Ben Fogle brings his Wild touring show to BEAM Hertford on Tuesday 24th February. Best known for hit shows including Animal Park, Lost Worlds and New Lives in the Wild, Ben’s career has taken him to some of the most extreme locations in the world.

In Ben Fogle – Wild, Ben will share stories of hope, possibility and positivity, taking audiences

on a new journey to relive the inspiring and uplifting tales he has encountered along the way, in places as diverse as the wilderness of northern Sweden, the jungles of Honduras, the hostile landscape of Chernobyl and the mountains of Nepal.

Tickets are £35.75 and the show begins at 7.30pm.

Find out more and book online at beamhertford.co.uk.

Bishop’s Stortford College’s Literary Festival attracts big name authors

A clutch of successful and wellknown authors will be appearing at this year’s Bishop’s Stortford College Festival of Literature, which runs from Friday 6th to Friday 13th February and includes a series of events open to the public.

British Book Awards Author of the Year Bonnie Garmus opens

the festival on Friday 6th talking about her career including her debut best-selling novel Lessons in Chemistry. There are also appearances on Saturday 7th from musical artist and rapper MC Grammar and author Chris Whitaker, who will both be talking about their latest books; plus celebrity chef and

author Dipna Anand on Monday 9th; journalist and author Sathnam Sanghera on Tuesday 10th and author Natalie Haynes, twice nominated for the Women’s Prize for Fiction, on Thursday 12th.

For the full programme, and to book tickets, visit the college website bishopsstortfordcollege.org.

Experience Nine Lives in Colour

Nine Lives In Colour, an exhibition of artwork by Andrew Marsh, will be showing in the Stables Gallery at Courtyard Arts in Hertford from Tuesday 17th February to Saturday 14th March. These works began during lockdown, when Andrew started painting what was immediately around him… buildings, windows and fragments of sky. In 2022 the paintings shifted a bit and cats began to appear in them. Andrew says the cats are stand-ins for himself, rather than pet portraits. You can see these bold, colourful works at Courtyard Arts in Port Vale, Hertford SG14 3AA. Visit courtyardarts.org.

l Courtyard is also currently showing a retrospective of works by the late Shirley Heathfield, who was a talented pen and ink artist and watercolourist who specialised in landscapes and botanical illustration. It shows until Saturday 14th February.

Entries invited for new Hertford Photo Festival

A new cultural event is due to launch in Hertford this Spring. Love & Hope, Hertford Photo Festival, is a community-focused event which invites residents of all ages to enter.

The festival is being organised by Courtyard Arts, All Saints Church and BEAM Hertford, which will each display the entries, creating a vibrant new arts trail through the town and linking cultural venues. It will run from Tuesday 5th to Saturday 30th May.

People are being invited to submit up to three photographs on the theme of Love and Hope, which should be delivered to Courtyard Arts on Saturday 2nd May. Prizes will be awarded and entry is £10 per adult, free for children. Visit courtyardarts.org for an entry form and more details.

Glasshaus continues at Parndon Mill gallery

The annual glass exhibition Glasshaus XVIII continues at The Gallery at Parndon Mill in Harlow until Sunday 1st March. It features works by artists based at the mill and members of Just Glass, a society of more than 70 artists who teach or have been taught at adult education colleges. Admission is free at the gallery in Parndon Mill Lane, Harlow CM20 2HP. Visit parndonmillgallery.org.

The best new films to see this month

Send Help (15)

Out on Friday 6th February

An employee finds herself stranded on a deserted island with her insufferable boss when they are the only survivors of a plane crash. They must overcome past grievances and work together, if they are to make it out alive.

Wuthering Heights (15)

Out on Friday 13th February

The much-anticipated new version of Emily Bronte’s classic story. Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie star as Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw, whose passionate and tumultuous love story is set against the brooding backdrop of the Yorkshire moors. Emerald Fennell is the director exploring the intensive and destructive relationship.

GOAT (PG)

Out on Friday 13th February

A small goat with big dreams gets

a once-in-a-lifetime shot to join the professionals and play roarball, a high-intensity full contact sport dominated by the fastest, fiercest animals in the world, in this fun animated adventure.

Crime 101 (15)

Out on Friday 13th February

An elusive thief, eyeing his final job, encounters a disillusioned insurance broker at her own crossroads in life. As their paths intertwine, a relentless detective trails them hoping to thwart the

Local people are being invited to take on a Fire and Ice challenge in Ware in March to raise funds for the charity Project Possibility. 100 people are being sought to plunge into icy water at Ware Priory Lido and walk on fire in the Priory grounds on Saturday 7th March. You can take on the fire walk, the cold water swim – or both!

Project Possibility is a new charity founded by three local friends who wanted to do something genuinely inspiring for children. It designs hands-on projects that show children extraordinary things are within reach, from writing and publishing their own books, to creating films, music and green spaces. Sign up at projectpossibility.uk/ fire-and-ice

An open day/wedding fair is being held at Cheshunt Register Office on Sunday 15th February, giving prospective newlyweds the chance to explore the venue and connect with local wedding suppliers. The register office’s Octagonal Suite sits within a historic setting at the heart of Bishop’s College, a former theological college founded in the 18th century. It has a bright ceremony room with a vaulted wooden ceiling and excellent natural light, whilst the nearby gardens feature a small lake and a bridge over the New River for photo opportunities. The fair takes place from 10am to 2pm and entry is free. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP at hertfordhire.gov.uk/cheshuntopenday though this is not mandatory.

multi-million dollar heist they are planning. Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo and Halle Berry lead a top cast.

A Private Life (15)

Out on Friday 20th February

Jodie Foster (speaking French) stars as the renowned Parisian psychiatrist Lillian Steiner who mounts a private investigation into the death of one of her patients, whom she is convinced has been murdered. A French language, subtitled thriller.

Behind Enemy Lines comes to our libraries

Our local libraries are hosting Behind Enemy Lines, a one-woman show starring Louise Jordan as part of International Women’s Month. It tells the story of female secret agents in World War Two, extraordinary women of the Special Operations Executive whose courage, daring and sacrifice helped to defeat the Nazis. There are performances at Ware Library on Wednesday 11th March at 11am; Hoddesdon Library on Wednesday 11th March at 7pm and Hertford Library on Thursday 12th March at 7pm. Tickets are £8 including refreshments from the libraries or hertfordshire.gov.uk/library/events

What’s on at

The Dusty Show

The

The Magic of the Bee Gees

Wyllyotts Box Office: 01707 645005

Wyllyotts Theatre, Wyllyotts Place, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar EN6 2HZ wyllyottstheatre.co.uk

Love Hoddesdon unveils its 2026 town centre events programme

Love Hoddesdon BID has announced an exciting programme of major events for the town centre in 2026.

Always popular, their aim is to offer local people great things to do while boosting footfall in the town centre and supporting local businesses, which is the main function of the Business Improvement District.

Here are the dates to put in your diaries now:

Saturday 18th April: Hoddesdon Spring Fayre

Sunday 12th July: Classic & Vintage Vehicle Show

Sunday 23rd August: Rock Around The Clock Tower

Saturday 19th September: Food & Drink Fest

Sunday 8th November: Remembrance Sunday

Sunday 29th November: Hoddesdon Loves Christmas & Father Christmas Parade.

Midsummer Festival

In addition to these day-long events, Love Hoddesdon has also announced that its bi-annual Midsummer Festival is to return to the town this year!

The festival programme features a huge range of different events and attractions around the town during a two-week period

focused around Midsummer Day itself.

This year the festival will run from Sunday 14th to Sunday 28th June with events in the town centre including open-air cinema screenings on Saturday 20th and the Love Hoddesdon Gala Day which will close the festival on Sunday 28th June.

It will also promote a series of other great days out, arts events, entertainment and more across the whole town, in venues such as The Spotlight, Lowewood Museum, Hertfordshire Studios, St Catherine and St Paul’s Church, local sports clubs and Hoddesdon Library, to name but a few!

Nonna’s Kitchen wins festive window prize

The BID ran a successful Christmas Window competition for local shops in December which helped brighten up the town centre during the festive period. The well-deserved winner was Nonna’s Kitchen in Brewery Road, with two runners-up announced as The White Swan and Louise’s Florist, both in High Street. Brocket Road’s Studio 3 hairdressers was a close fourth as all areas of the town centre were well represented.

Businesses invited to Love Hoddesdon AGM

If you run a business within the Love Hoddesdon BID area, you are invited to the BID’s annual general meeting, which will be held at 6pm on Monday 23rd February at Stanboroughs in Conduit Lane. After the formal business of the AGM is conducted, the first of six special BID Forums this year will take place, during which local businesses are invited to have their say about the town and raise any topics they would like to discuss about the work of the BID or issues they are facing locally. It is also an opportunity for businesspeople to network with their fellow business owners.

FOOD & DRINK

Famous real ale pub Old Cross Tavern branches out with new food menu

Hertford’s most renowned real ale pub has launched a new food menu.

The Old Cross Tavern in St Andrew Street is now offering a small seasonal menu which will be changed regularly and updated daily on Instagram.

Recent sample starters have included Beer battered hake bites with tartare sauce; Devilled lamb’s kidneys with toasted sourdough; and Corned beef and Lancashire cheddar croquettes with mustard mayo (all priced around the £7 mark).

Sample mains have included Bavette steak with fries and salad (£15.50); Minted lamb koftas with hummus and salad (£14.50); and Pan-fried gnocchi with toasted walnuts, rocket and stilton crumb (£12.50).

Bar snacks such as Homemade sausage rolls and Black pudding Scotch eggs are also available. Landlord James Ashbourne describes it as “proper pub food, cooked properly” and, in keeping with the relaxed pub vibe that the Old Cross is renowned for, no booking is necessary, you are encouraged to just drop in.

The kitchen is open on Wednesday from 6-9pm; Thursday 12-2.30pm and 6-9pm; Friday

Landlord James Ashbourne has launched a food menu at the Old Cross Tavern

from 12-2.30pm and 5-9pm and Saturday from 2-9pm.

Award from Timothy Taylor

Meanwhile, the pub has also just received a Champion Club plaque from Timothy Taylor’s brewery, recognising the care and consistency the Old Cross puts into serving its classic pale ale, Landlord. The pub’s own landlord said: “It’s

always been about quality here – cellar work, line cleaning, and pulling every pint just right. This plaque is a nod to that effort, and to all of you who keep ordering the good stuff.”

You will find the Old Cross Tavern at 8 St Andrew Street, Hertford SG14 1JA. Check the latest menu on Instagram (oldcrosshertford).

Southern Maltings to host 25th Ware Real Ale Festival

The 25th Ware Real Ale Festival takes place at the Southern Maltings in Kibes Lane on Friday 20th and Saturday 21st February. The festival features more than 30 real ales with ciders, wine and soft drinks also available.

It is on from 6.30pm to 11.30pm on both days and there will be a barbecue both evenings, plus live music on the Saturday.

This is an over-18s event and only pre-booked tickets guarantee entry.

Tickets are £5 and can be booked at southernmaltings.co.uk.

Harley’s Lounge is now open Peach set to return to Hertford

Harley’s Lounge has opened at Lea Wharf in Hertford.

The all-day diner offers breakfasts, lunch and dinner and is a sister restaurant to one of the same name in Epping.

The large menu features mainly Mediterranean dishes with some Italian options as well as burgers and salads.

Visit harleyslounge.co.uk for more details and to book a table.

The independent restaurant brand Peach is set to reappear in Fore Street in Hertford in February. Following a refurbishment of the premises, the new Peach will be serving breakfast, brunch and lunch with speciality coffee. The previous restaurant closed, along with its sister venue in Bishop’s Stortford, last June. The new Hertford restaurant is understood to be under different ownership.

PIRCIO

Turkish

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 with an elegant interior and inventive dishes. Open seven days from 12noon until late, Nolaki offers lunch, dinner, fabulous wines and stunning cocktails. The restaurant is also available for private hire. From Monday to Friday 12-4pm it has a superb value two-course lunch menu for just £14.95 and a three-course lunch menu for £17.95. On Sunday, roasts are served from 12-5pm.

30 Silver Street, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8HD 01279 812964 nolaki.co.uk www.goldenfleecebraughing.co.uk

Italian & Turkish

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

VEYSO’S Turkish

The award-winning Veyso’s has long been one of Hertford’s most talked-about restaurants. Its chefs use the finest ingredients and traditional skills to produce innovative signature dishes and desirable cocktails in a bold and stunning environment. Behind the doors of Veyso’s lies an interior as well crafted as the food, with hand-carved wall art, mother of pearl-embedded wall beams – and the iconic Veyso’s staircase that leads to the basement. Open 7 days a week, Veyso’s has a menu for every occasion, from a light lunch to a great celebration.

97-101 Fore Street, Hertford SG14 1AS 01992 550055 veysos.co.uk

20 Green End, Braughing, Hertfordshire SG11 2PG Tel: 01920 823555 • Email: pub@goldenfleecebraughing.co.uk SUNDAYMOTHER’SDAY 15 MARCH Enjoy a romantic meal this Valentine’s Day at the Golden Fleece. Book your table today!

THE GEORGE IV Pub & Dining

The George IV offers exceptional restaurant cuisine within a warm, friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The team serve fresh and seasonal dishes, on both an à la carte and small plate menu, which can be enjoyed on the sun-drenched terrace over the summer months. Dart Club, located in the rear courtyard, is an interactive dart game that’s ideal for birthdays, team-building or just a friendly competition! The George IV can also be the perfect venue for your next event, such as an intimate wedding, baby shower, birthday or a special anniversary.

Cautherly Lane, Great Amwell SG12 9SW 01920 870039

info@georgeivpub.co.uk georgeivpub.co.uk

RUAY RÔT BY BAAN THITIYA

Thai

Ruay Rôt means ‘rich in flavour’ in Thai and that is precisely what the food here is. Just down the road from its previous and hugely popular Baan Thitiya restaurant, this takeaway and delivery 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. Since opening, a small number of tables both inside and outside have been added so you can now dine in too.

6 Old Cross, Hertford SG14 1RB 01992 587706

ruayrôt.co.uk

NO.14

Asian Fusion

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. An updated range of menus has been launched, with new à la carte, sushi and Sunday roast menus all available. On Tuesday, you can enjoy limitless sushi, and on Sunday both brunch and roasts are served. There is now also a DJ every Friday, Saturday and Sunday with live jazz every Thursday. 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

MANTO’S

Meze Bar & Grill

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. Taking inspiration from Turkey’s heritage, Manto’s aims to celebrate regional flavours and give a true flavour of the Mediterranean. The restaurant is open seven days a week 12noon to midnight, offering lunch, food throughout the afternoon and dinner. There is also free parking for customers. Book now for Valentine’s and Mother’s Day.

32 High Road, Wormley EN10 6LE 01992 414301 mantosrestaurant.com

THE GOLDEN FLEECE Pub & Dining

The Golden Fleece is an old English pub with a modern twist. Set in the pretty village of Braughing, Jess and Peter Tatlow’s pub has been a favourite for over 15 years. The menu is updated bi-monthly, allowing for fresh, seasonal and delicious locally-sourced food, and a specials board also offers changing dishes. The Fleece has an exceptional reputation, with plenty of choice for diners with gluten or dairy allergies and vegans/vegetarians, allowing everyone to enjoy a visit. A large, secluded garden with play area is perfect on warmer days or enjoy log burners on cooler ones.

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

RONI’S Fine Dining

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