Situated on the banks of the River Lea and just a few minutes drive apart, Hertford and Ware are rightly gaining a reputation for their interesting, unique, independent retailers and restaurants. Nicola Jelliman takes a closer look. Steeped in history the county town of Hertford offers plenty for the discerning shopper, bon viveur and culture buff with an array of interesting places to visit and enjoy, from the newly refurbished Hertford Theatre and cinema house, the Hertford Museum  recently long listed for the prestigious Arts Fund Prize 2011, courtyard arts, Hertford’s leading visual arts venue and of course Hertford Castle itself.

Covered in scales, fur or feathers, for many, pets wheedle their way deep into our affections and become a part of family life. Jill Gilbert discovers how animal lovers can give their pets the very best care possible.  Incredibly there has been a veterinary practice on the site of the Bishop’s Stortford Veterinary Hospital (BSVH) for over one hundred years! If those vets who first set up a practice could see it now, they couldn’t help but be amazed for it now rivals any human hospital for modern equipment and care.

Stores in Bishop’s Stortford have some weird and wonderful titles we tend to take for granted. Curiosity got the better of Catherine Dalzell, who decided to dig beneath the surface and discover some fascinating answers to the question... Located on the corner of North Street and Bridge Street is a purple liveried store with the sign Ce’ The Jeweller. How many times have you sauntered past, glanced admiringly at the wares on display and wondered how to pronounce the letters Ce’? Is it Chee, See, Ke? I asked owners Jan and Rob Drewett to explain. ‘Ce’ is pronounced ‘see’,’ says…

A fabulous example of how independent businesses can be successful - Florence Walk has a unique collection of charming boutiques, gift shops and cafes. Charlotte Franklin and our young photographer Tessa Zupyn, explore the hidden gems off the beaten track and report back to Mwaah with everything you need to know. Instead of just a simple walk through between Waitrose and the busy North Street of Bishop’s Stortford, Florence Walk is growing in popularity by sheltering sociable and stylish shops for all ages.