A Local Guide to Much Hadham, Hertfordshire

Surrounded by tumbling hills on the border of Hertfordshire and Essex is where you will find the Genevieve Sweeney studio. We made the move here seven years ago, leaving London behind to embrace the tranquillity of the countryside and the increased headspace it has given us.

Although it took us 18 months to find a well-brewed coffee, our caffeine journey was of much enjoyment to our local customers, as they too had experienced the search for the best local cup of coffee. Hoping to help anyone local plan their next caffeine hit – as well as inspiring potential visitors to the area -, we have put together a little guide to our favourite spots in the area. These are places all recommended by Genevieve: where she escapes for inspiration, where she likes to relax, and of course her favourite spots for a great cup of coffee.

Grandey’s Place

Grandey’s Place is a centre dedicated to sustaining British heritage crafts, housing our own studio alongside a wide array of other craftspeople from upholsterers, globemakers and artists to ceramicists, metalworkers and milliners. Tours of the studios are held on the first Wednesday of every month, when you can meet some of the craftspeople in their workshops and studios.

Henry Moore Foundation

Just five minute’s drive from our studio, the Henry Moore Foundation is open from spring to autumn. Visitors can view Moore’s sculptures in the vast open gardens, visit the artist’s former home and participate in regular workshops. This is one of Genevieve’s favourite places to take a short break from reality and walk through the fields, watching lambs running and jumping on the statues in spring.

Paisa

Run by Italian friends, this wine bar is the place to enjoy the best cocktails in the local area and wonderful Italian wine. We like to come here for aperitivo, and recommend both their grazing boards and Italian sandwiches. When the sun shines on the little square outside the bar, it feels like you’re on an Italian piazza.

Le Petit Mignon

For everyone reading this for the coffee recommendations, we highly recommend this new cafe in Bishop Stortford. Their French-inspired menu is also delicious, and they have a small deli with treats such as cheeses, yoghurts and natural and biodynamic wines to take home.

Spotted in Le Petit Mignon, GS on the front cover of the The Bish Magazine, who celebrate, champion and put a spotlight on the independent businesses in Bishops Stortford.

Proto Artisan Bakery

Every weekend Genvieve visits Proto Artisan bakery in Ware for their croissants. They are insanely good – even better than croissants we’ve tried in France. We also really recommend their sourdough hot cross buns.

EAT17

This wholefood supermarket offers zero-waste essentials (such as olive oils, wines and legumes) alongside local produce. There’s also a wonderful street food market inside, filled with tasty offerings from local independents such as the best pizza in town, Petrucci’s, traditional thin Italian pizzas. Smokyy Eggs is our go-to for brunch.

Peach

Peach is a great option for brunch, burgers, coffee or cocktails. It’s where we always take vegan friends, as they have two separate kitchens for meat-eaters and vegans. Their burgers are especially delicious!

Chateau Cafe

Chateau Cafe in Bishops Stortford is perfect if you’re looking for somewhere to take the young kids where they can enjoy a small indoor soft play area as you sip coffee. The cafe is at the front of the soft play, and is the best coffee in the area, giving a big silver lining to an hour at soft play!

Further afield

Hitchin Lavender Farm

This wonderful lavender farm is a 50-minute drive for the studio, but is a must-visit if you’re in the area during the summer months. The purple fields smell and look incredible, and are a joy to walk around.

Chaters, Saffron Walden

Saffron Walden has a special place in Genevieve’s heart especially as her Grandparents once run an Antique store in the town. There is an inspiring mix of independent stores, including The Pantry Underwear who stock our British made socks and a fantastic local weekly market. One of my favourite haunts for aperitivo, fresh pasta and natural wine is Chater’s who is also home Vault Aperitivo, an independent modern distillery, specialising in Vermouth and botanical spirits.

Quay Side, Cambridge

One of Genevieve’s favourite things to do if she finishes work early during the summer months is to jump in her car and drive 40 minutes to Quay Side on the Cam River. Here, you can buy a glass of wine or beer from a local wine shop and order a pizza to enjoy on the banks of the river, watching the punters drift (or struggle!) by. Sometimes you can even see homemade boats created by the Cambridge students, including floating islands, sofas and jungles. It’s total bliss on a warm summer’s evening.

PAUS, Cambridge

This incredible outdoor breathing and bathing space is the perfect place to unwind. Run by a husband and wife who love to host their visitors and speak to you about the benefits of cold water therapy, it’s ideal for anyone who already loves cold water immersion or beginners. Guests move between cold water barrels, hot tubs and saunas, enjoying the benefits of both the cold water and hot temperatures. There’s also a brilliant restaurant serving fresh and delicious food.

If you live local or are tempted to visit the area, we offer an appointment service at the studio where you can visit Genevieve, browse and try on the latest collections as well as pre-ordering upcoming designs. It’s a really nice way for Genevieve to meet you all and to get to know local customers.

Email me@genevievesweeney.com to book an appointment.