Topic ID 6920
Cinema ? Primarni ? Scooter shop ? Children Toys ? Science museum ? What would you like to visit when you head into town
Reply ID 91430
It would be easier to list what there was rather than what there wasn't tbh.
Reply ID 91431
Already discussed http://www.hertford.net/yoursay/topic.php?id=6535
Reply ID 91432
And the cinema issue has been comprehensively covered ... http://www.hertford.net/issues/cinema.asp
Reply ID 91434
wish Hertford had.... a suitable, affordable car parking payment policy!!!!! To allow shopping to thrive, workers to work and nightlife to boost local economy/jobs/wages etc... Dear Santa.. please help!!!![:)]
Reply ID 91436
Hertford has a scooter shop.........Highway Cycles down Hartham Lane.
Reply ID 91437
A gastro pub.
Reply ID 91438
A Japanese restaurant.
Reply ID 91441
l agree with Drama Queen. Sort that and then other outlets might well decide to open here.
Reply ID 91448
Nando's
Reply ID 91450
Is this some sort of Hertford.net version of Mornington Crescent and Billywindsock has just won with a variation on the Bull Plain rule?
Reply ID 91451
Patisserie Valerie
Reply ID 91452
An indoor low rent market like Stevenage. (What was McDonalds in Maidenhead)
Reply ID 91453
As long as don't get stuck in Nip, I'm happy to play.
Reply ID 91455
Posted - 06 Dec 2012 : 19:46:11 Is this some sort of Hertford.net version of Mornington Crescent and Billywindsock has just won with a variation on the Bull Plain rule? Golden, what is the Bull Plain rule??
Reply ID 91456
A pub with a decent jukebox and decent beer, a "grown up" pub which is fun.
Reply ID 91457
Hey..when Sainsbury's shuts soon we will have room for all of the above :-)
Reply ID 91458
What makes you think Sainsbury's will be closing soon.
Reply ID 91459
quote:It is getting much busier.
Originally posted by nixter
Hey..when Sainsbury's shuts soon we will have room for all of the above :-)
Reply ID 91460
A decent mens shoe shop.
Reply ID 91461
I didn't think there was even a rubbish mens shoe shop already [:p]
Reply ID 91462
I was thinking more making use of Hertford's character i.e: Making use of the supposed Hertford Templar tunnel system to use as a music bar, evening activity. (Edinburgh is a good example for attracting visitors to their 'caves') A roof top restaurant overlooking the town or Hartham Park A little tram line through the town and on to Ware (Ware has a Lido open in Summer) Substitute boat for tram above
Reply ID 91463
quote:I'm glad that you asked. The Bull Plain rule only applies on a Thursday afternoon and dates back to the times when most of Hertford's shops were shut on a Thursday afternoon. Billywindsock's variation was the subtle use of the templar tunnels reference in his post which was quite brilliant and put Market Square out of play; he let himself down with his next post as any fool knows that nip isn't applicable on this variation and doesn't rule out another play.
Originally posted by Kaystarr
Posted - 06 Dec 2012 : 19:46:11 Is this some sort of Hertford.net version of Mornington Crescent and Billywindsock has just won with a variation on the Bull Plain rule? Golden, what is the Bull Plain rule??
Reply ID 91464
quote:Yes but.... Today is Friday and Old Cross Double Back applies (when there is an "r" in the month) [;)]
Originally posted by Goldenquote:I'm glad that you asked. The Bull Plain rule only applies on a Thursday afternoon and dates back to the times when most of Hertford's shops were shut on a Thursday afternoon. Billywindsock's variation was the subtle use of the templar tunnels reference in his post which was quite brilliant and put Market Square out of play; he let himself down with his next post as any fool knows that nip isn't applicable on this variation and doesn't rule out another play.
Originally posted by Kaystarr
Posted - 06 Dec 2012 : 19:46:11 Is this some sort of Hertford.net version of Mornington Crescent and Billywindsock has just won with a variation on the Bull Plain rule? Golden, what is the Bull Plain rule??
Reply ID 91465
Can we now have late arrivals at the Hertford traders Christmas Ball. I'll start with Mr & Mrs Am and their octegenarian Uncle Simon or "Old Si Am" - boom boom!
Reply ID 91466
Mr. and Mrs. Tavern and their cantankerous grandfather Old Cross Tavern!
Reply ID 91467
Mt & Mrs Ed inburghwoolshop?
Reply ID 91468
Rather obviously - W.C. and his Irish cousin Paddy (Fields that is). Mr & Mrs Tee and their relaxed but absent minded daughter "Serene Dippy Tee" (oooohhh!)
Reply ID 91469
Lord and Lady Wontbelongbeforeadminshutsthisdown and their mobile device obsessesed daughter Elizabeth - or "i-Betty Wontbelongbeforeadminshutsthisdown"
Reply ID 91470
Mr and Mrs Perdrug and their daughter Sue.....
Reply ID 91471
Lord Coe's tax efficient daughter, Tess.
Reply ID 91472
I think we should confine oursleves to local traders but what the heck.... Recently canonised for creative application of tax and planning laws - Mr Richard Bucks - henceforth to be known as "St. R. Bucks" Tenuous I know but you should have a dig when you can.
Reply ID 91473
Mr and Mrs Woods and their son, recently returned from a tour of duty with the French Foreign Legion - "Beau Le Woods".
Reply ID 91474
Mr and Mrs Doscomingtohertford and their nan. Mr and Mrs Georatrun and their son.....
Reply ID 91475
Mr and Mrs Ners and their daughter who runs the newsagents. I think she's called Jen
Reply ID 91476
Mr & Mrs Orated-Room, and their son, Dec along with his girlfriend, Miss Bou Tini
Reply ID 91477
Mr & Mrs Bany-Radio, and their American cousin, Al.
Reply ID 91478
Mr and Mrs Fords and their cycling fanatic son, Hal....
Reply ID 91479
I regret to announce that a political demonstration is taking place outside apparently led by Mr and Mrs Tendensee and their daughter Millicent.....
Reply ID 91480
Mr & Mrs Almaildeliveryoffice and their son Roy Mr & Mrs Uralhealth and their son Nat Mr & Mrs Yum and their daughter Cathy
Reply ID 91481
The aristocratic gentleman, Edward Hall, who usually prefers to be addressed as Count.E.Hall ?
Reply ID 91482
The national chain of M.T. Boarded and Unlet seem to be expanding in the town.
Reply ID 91483
quote:Mr Rshalls and his mum have turned up too. There could be trouble.
Originally posted by elcartero
Mr and Mrs Fords and their cycling fanatic son, Hal....
Reply ID 91485
Mr & Mrs Solesfarmshop and their Tourettes suffering son
Reply ID 91486
Mr & Mrs Kroom and their son Theo.
Reply ID 91487
The ancient society of local Arthurs is represented by Art Fordglass, Art Fordelectricals and Art Fudjoyneri.
Reply ID 91490
I REALLY try to be positive (if you can't say something good...) but I really do think, that where the "high street" is failing is it's complete disregard for the fact that people want customer service and will shop around. This may sound like a bit of a moan but I dropped my watch off for a new STRAP on 17 November. I'm still watchless. I went into jewellers today (as I was passing) to see if by mistake my watch had been 'fixed'(?) (after all, it had only been 3 weeks for the strap (I should add, it's quite a rare make, "Casio"). Apparently, they were waiting for me to pay for the deposit. I then added (and produced receipt for £19.50 (for a strap!)) that I'd paid on 17 Nov and after a bit of digging it appeared that I had paid the deposit (thanks!) and we were waiting for a date from Casio. "so we'll chase this up on Monday if it hasn't arrived". I really have no idea why the high street is dying. grr thoughts?
Reply ID 91495
quote:Sounds like the same shop that had my watch for about three months announcing, eventually, that it couldn't be repaired even though they sent it off to be looked at. I took it home and sent it off myself (to a place in Southampton) as per the manufacturer's website and they came back with a quote in three days. I paid by 'phone and it was back within a couple of weeks. Sometimes shops don't really do themselves any favours do they?
Originally posted by andymc
I REALLY try to be positive (if you can't say something good...) but I really do think, that where the "high street" is failing is it's complete disregard for the fact that people want customer service and will shop around. This may sound like a bit of a moan but I dropped my watch off for a new STRAP on 17 November. I'm still watchless. I went into jewellers today (as I was passing) to see if by mistake my watch had been 'fixed'(?) (after all, it had only been 3 weeks for the strap (I should add, it's quite a rare make, "Casio"). Apparently, they were waiting for me to pay for the deposit. I then added (and produced receipt for £19.50 (for a strap!)) that I'd paid on 17 Nov and after a bit of digging it appeared that I had paid the deposit (thanks!) and we were waiting for a date from Casio. "so we'll chase this up on Monday if it hasn't arrived". I really have no idea why the high street is dying. grr thoughts?
Reply ID 91499
is it too late to mention Mr & Mrs Geo, and their son? Apologies - but this thread beats counting sheep at night...
Reply ID 91500
quote:To allow them access to the ball they will have to be Mr & Mrs Geonursery (or Geocoop) - with little Benjamin of course. Moving further afield please welcome Mr & Mrs Greenbeepeepetrolstation and their son Russ.
Originally posted by Arty
is it too late to mention Mr & Mrs Geo, and their son? Apologies - but this thread beats counting sheep at night...
Reply ID 91501
Monsieur & Madame Tsfordshardware and their son who has also just got back from Foreign Legion service - Beau.
Reply ID 91519
...children's affordable shoe shop as I have to drive to Clarks in Harlow for my kids shoe's and an Organic Vegetable stall/shop would be lovely thank you!
Reply ID 91535
quote:Go to clark's outlet at Hatfield Galleria - 1/3 off children's shoes. not a huge selection, but every penny counts...
Originally posted by VC1
...children's affordable shoe shop as I have to drive to Clarks in Harlow for my kids shoe's and an Organic Vegetable stall/shop would be lovely thank you!
Reply ID 91541
...... Asda and a Morrisons. We would have a full choice of supermarkets and their various bargains without having to drive.[:D]
Reply ID 91636
... shop selling a varied selection of bird foods to cater for most common species found in the average suburban garden.
Reply ID 91637
quote:You are sooo right Aubend... I don't know how many times I've thought to myself 'where can I get some Finch seed on the hurry up?'. seriously though, I wish that shop well as sometimes it can take a complete change of approach on product to get people thinking and to become successful.
Originally posted by aubend
... shop selling a varied selection of bird foods to cater for most common species found in the average suburban garden.
Reply ID 91640
Wagamama , best chain restaurant by a long way , preferably in the Prezzo building .
Reply ID 91643
The dilemma is that new retailers are attracted by footfall but closing units reduce footfall. One solution could be to attract people into the town centre for reasons other than shopping. Perhaps if the windows of the empty shops could be used temporarily to display a changing catalogue of artworks, people would be attracted to the area when they otherwise wouldn't. Inevitably, these new visitor would patronise the existing businesses and perhaps a virtuous circle of increasing footfall attracting new businesses could become self sustaining. I believe the local councils own a number of valuable art works which could be put to use and perhaps local people could be encouraged to make loans of pieces I also believe the excellent mayor of Hertford Jane Sartin works for the either the British Library or British Museum. Perhaps she has some useful connections and influence to encourage some interesting exhibits. It could be part funded by the additional revenue from fees from car parking which is presently has capacity 40% under used. http://www.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk/Hertfordshire/Hertford-car-park-vacancies-need-tackling-18122012.htm
Reply ID 91651
quote:Firstly this requires the co-operation of landlords. Secondly there may also be insurance issues for both the buildings and artworks. A good idea in principle but look further and it becomes more involved.
Originally posted by Enoughofthat
Perhaps if the windows of the empty shops could be used temporarily to display a changing catalogue of artworks
Reply ID 91654
The holy trinity of the reflex nay-sayer: Insurance, health and safety and data protection. I'm sure if we all think hard enough we can come up with a frustrating European directive or a child protection issue as well. Of course it is not as simple as just saying it. What enterprise ever is? I was just suggesting another approach to the problem. The old approaches don't seem to be working.
Reply ID 91663
quote:Steve's right - it would be very difficult to administer. My old shop in St.Andrew Street is still vacant after nine months and although it would be lovely to see it bright and colourful again with works of art, it would be totally impractical. Many times during the twenty years I was there I received phone calls from my alarm company at 4am asking me to attend a broken window or attempted entry. Really enjoyed that! I'm sure that my ex-landlord or anyone else wouldn't be happy to do this [:(!]
Originally posted by Stevequote:Firstly this requires the co-operation of landlords. Secondly there may also be insurance issues for both the buildings and artworks. A good idea in principle but look further and it becomes more involved.
Originally posted by Enoughofthat
Perhaps if the windows of the empty shops could be used temporarily to display a changing catalogue of artworks
Reply ID 91668
Which is fair comment, of course, and identifies a genuine obstacle. But what marks out entrepreneurs from the rest of us is not accepting that bureaucratic obstacles are insurmountable but determining how said obstacles are overcome. If there is a will there will be a way.
Reply ID 91699
quote:[:)] Prezzo have the moodiest staff I have ever seen!
Originally posted by Donostia
Wagamama , best chain restaurant by a long way , preferably in the Prezzo building .
Reply ID 91745
quote:I am in there right now and I see what you mean. I believe the lady who showed us to a table tried extremely hard not to display any sort of festive cheer whatever. She spent five minutes consulting a clipboard and scowling before giving us a table. Ho ho ho.
Originally posted by aubendquote:[:)] Prezzo have the moodiest staff I have ever seen!
Originally posted by Donostia
Wagamama , best chain restaurant by a long way , preferably in the Prezzo building .
Reply ID 92091
decent chinese restaurant now that Paddyfields have gone :(
Reply ID 92099
quote:You've obviously not tried Peking House!
Originally posted by simcut
decent chinese restaurant now that Paddyfields have gone :(
Reply ID 92100
quote:If we had a chinese as good as the Old Siam is for thai, we would be laughing.
Originally posted by buzzquote:You've obviously not tried Peking House!
Originally posted by simcut
decent chinese restaurant now that Paddyfields have gone :(
Reply ID 92103
quote:I've been to Thailand a few times. Got some Thai friends. The Old Siam does not really match up to the proper ethnic Thai restaurants.
Originally posted by Louis Mquote:If we had a chinese as good as the Old Siam is for thai, we would be laughing.
Originally posted by buzzquote:You've obviously not tried Peking House!
Originally posted by simcut
decent chinese restaurant now that Paddyfields have gone :(
Reply ID 92105
Whether it is authentic or not, the food is fantastic in my opinion. I don’t think that the Hakkasan (famous chinese) is totally authentic food wise but it is still fantastic.
Reply ID 92107
A bit easier to get to as well so I think we can cope with the lack of ethnic authenticity.
Reply ID 92108
Thanks for the comments Louis M. I expected this from Buzz who may have been to Thailand 'a few times' and claims to know Thai food better than my wife and my Thai chefs who are from Thailand and worked previously and several of the best Thai restaurants from that country. Buzz, I go to Thailand every month, I personally bring the freshest ingredients from that country and I know this gives us an advantage over virtually all other Thai restaurants in the UK. You plainly do not know what you are talking about (and yes, I saw your comments on trip advisor long ago). I accept we don't get things right 100% of the time, but I suppose I should wind my neck in and learn not to react to peoples comments whom I don't respect. However, you are posting this stuff on a public forum. Have I upset you in a previous life? Sorry to Steve if this is in the wrong place. And relax......
Reply ID 92109
quote:[:D][:D]
Originally posted by Mosquito
Thanks for the comments Louis M. I expected this from Buzz who may have been to Thailand 'a few times' and claims to know Thai food better than my wife and my Thai chefs who are from Thailand and worked previously and several of the best Thai restaurants from that country. Buzz, I go to Thailand every month, I personally bring the freshest ingredients from that country and I know this gives us an advantage over virtually all other Thai restaurants in the UK. You plainly do not know what you are talking about (and yes, I saw your comments on trip advisor long ago). I accept we don't get things right 100% of the time, but I suppose I should wind my neck in and learn not to react to peoples comments whom I don't respect. However, you are posting this stuff on a public forum. Have I upset you in a previous life? Sorry to Steve if this is in the wrong place. And relax......
Reply ID 92112
Perhaps Buzz was hoping for some of those fried insects, frogs with skewers up their backsides and HAM doughnuts I saw in the night markets when I was in Thailand [:D] Almost forgot to mention the mini-milk ice lollies with sweetcorn stuck all over them....
Reply ID 92334
a butcher and a fishmonger
Reply ID 92335
quote:Both of which we had until they were priced out of the town centre by rents and the supermarkets. We have very good fishmonger on Fridays and Saturdays in salisbury Square and a very good butcher at Sele Farm
Originally posted by Jessicafunkjazz
a butcher and a fishmonger
Reply ID 92336
Wagamama
Reply ID 92339
quote:Does it have to be Wagamama or could it just be a "Japanese Restuarant"? [:)] No more chain restaurants please (although I'll make an exception for Patisserie Valerie (see earlier postings)).
Originally posted by Willow
Wagamama
Reply ID 92340
Waga's would be great!
Reply ID 92493
So after 4684 'reads' and 77 'replies' the answer is restaurants and better customer service. More shops closing, I bet our 'above national average' is slowly slipping away. On a separate note, house prices seem to be creeping up even though lots of new builds have being built. I wonder how many 'change of use' applications have been submitted to change some of those vacant shops into residential use.
Reply ID 92494
Deloitte are saying that up to a 40% reduction in physical retail outlets is not unrealistic. (page 9: http://www.deloitte.com/assets/Dcom-UnitedKingdom/Local%20Assets/Documents/Industries/Consumer%20Business/uk-cb-store-of-the-future-report.pdf ) As an 'enthusiastic' shopper myself, I would say that I do around 80% of my shopping for clothes and 'leisure'-type products such as e-books, music and DVDs online. This is because it allows me to do my research online instead of traipsing around shop after shop, plus I can immediately see whether they have the item I want in stock instead of finding what I want in a shop, only to be disappointed that they don't have it in the right size/colour etc. The remaining 20% tends to be done locally at independent retailers in Hertford. The reason I like shopping in Hertford at shops including The Women's Society, The Oak Room and Marmalade is that it is a lovely experience and I am more often than not rewarded for my efforts with good customer service and products that are not readily available elsewhere. In comparison with other small towns, Hertford does not seem to be too badly off (obviously I don't know the realities of independent retailers' bottom lines), but it is sad to see shops such as Marmalade closing down. There was an interesting article in yesterday's Sunday Times about how Bishops Stortford is suffering badly with numerous shops closing. I think the reality is that town centres do need to continually change - I think in Hertford, the fact that the coffee shops are busy every weekend is indicative of the fact that people like to spend time in town instead of facing the horror of Westfield (been once, never again); companies will need to respond by thinking of innovative ways to engage with people to make them want to visit in person.