Discover Stortford is run by the Bishop’s Stortford Improvement District (BID). There are over 300 BIDs in towns and cities across the UK. BIDs bring together local businesses within a designated area to invest in, and improve, the environment and drive economic growth. The aim is to raise the profile of the town centre and improve the experience for those who visit, live and work here. Our BID managers are Karen Burton (left, who many of you will know from her 20 years as the proprietor of Karen’s Cakes on Northgate End) and Madeleine Lees (right, formerly Marketing & Communications… Read more »

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Karen Burton and Madeleine Lees (formerly BID Chair and Marketing & Communications Manager respectively), as joint BID Managers with immediate effect. With Karen’s experience as a successful independent business owner over the past 36 years, 20 of them in Bishop’s Stortford (Karen’s Cakes) and Madeleine’s background in business consultancy, advertising and branding spanning 25 years, we believe we have a strong team to spearhead initiatives and deliver the Bishop’s Stortford BID’s second term business plan. Click here for the announcement in The Bishop’s Stortford Independent and to find out more about Business… Read more »

Paisa on the corner of North Street and Northgate End is a finalist in the Best Bar category in the Herts & Beds Muddy Stiletto’s Awards. If you haven’t already voted, click here and support this fabulous independent business, which we’re proud to have in the town. It takes just a few seconds. Voting closes on Thursday 18th April at 1pm. Cheers and best of luck guys! #MuddyAwards2024 #bishopsstortfordbusinesses #bishopsstortfordBID #bestbar #INLOVEWITHLOCAL

Aristocrat returns to Jackson Square today, raising vital funds in our community for Isabel Hospice. Pop along to the Community Space (former Game Unit, near Vision Express) and grab yourself a bargain. Up to 80% off men’s and women’s designer clothing. The sale runs from Monday 15th April – Saturday 27th April, 9.45am – 5.15pm. Photo (l to r): Aristocrat co-owner Lawrence Taylor, Mayor Cllr Richard Townsend and Isabel Hospice volunteer, ambassador and fundraiser Renee Friend.

On Saturday, Karen Burton from the Business Improvement District (second from left), joined the Mayor Cllr Richard Townsend, and the Isabel Hospice team, at the official opening of their second shop in Bishop’s Stortford. The new South Street premises (next to B&M) is dedicated to selling a large array of pre-loved quality items, from clothing and accessories to homeware – promising something for everyone. Profits from every purchase contributes towards changing the lives of people in the local community, who need specialist care and support living with a terminal or life-limiting illness. This new branch will operate alongside the already… Read more »

We’re delighted and excited to announce that two, yes TWO, of our Bishop’s Stortford BID businesses are regional finalists in the 2024 Muddy Stiletto Awards! Muse Boutique on Bridge Street (Best Women’s Fashion & Accessories category) Paisa Wine Bar on North Street (Best Bar category) Proud doesn’t come close! Vote here now and help these deserving local independents secure the win! Voting closes on 18th April.

There’s lots on offer in Bishop’s Stortford this school holiday. Here’s some suggestions to keep the kids (big and small!) busy over the next couple of weeks. See individual websites for more details. Easter Fun Day with games, crafts and face painting with Cards for Bravery on Sat 30th March at Jackson in the Community Space (former Game unit next to Vision Express0. Spring Art Exhibition on Wed 3rd – Sun 7th April in the Jackson Square Community Space. Check out a variety of clubs and events throughout the holiday at the library on The Causeway, including crafts, Lego and… Read more »

From 1st April 2024, East Herts parking tariffs in the town centre will be changing. The good news is long-stay parking costs at Northgate End, including four and five hour plus all day, will be reduced helping our town centre workers and hopefully freeing up more spaces at Elm Road, Basbow Lane and Apton Road for shorter stay shoppers. To read about all the new town centre parking tariffs, and the rationale, click here

Find our monthly column on page 17 of the April Flyer, widely available across the town centre. You can also access a digital version of the magazine here We talk about changes across the town centre, and the need to move with the times, highlighting some newness in various parts of the BID area.

The latest issue of the Beautiful Bish is out now! Check out our feature on pages 38 & 39, highlighting some of the new openings, services and refurbishments available in the town centre this Spring. Businesses featured include Wood Grill and the incoming boutique cinema at Station Road, Skew on Adderley Road and their new sushi bar and Rosey Lea Tearooms’ refurbishment at Market Square as well as Koko Brasserie (South Street), Kemphaus (Florence Walk) and what’s now Bishop’s Butchers (previously Humphrey’s on Market Square). The Bish is widely available in businesses across the town centre. Pick up your FREE… Read more »

The Easter bank holiday is almost upon us. Seeing family and friends? Having visitors? Here’s some season gifts and decorations spotted around the town… Hand-crafted Easter bunny ‘dolls’, each one is unique. Available from Olyra Greek Bakehouse on Riverside Wharf alongside a fantastic array of seasonal sweet treats to eat in or take away. Beautiful handmade biscuits from Pasticceria Di Leo in Florence Walk, including cute chicks and rabbits. The perfect treat this Easter! Egg-cellent, Easter themed craft and activity packs to keep the kids (and big kids!) busy. Available at The Works on Potter Street. Planning your Easter table?… Read more »

Let’s be honest, Easter shopping is usually a fairly last-minute affair. Yet to get organised? Rest reassured there’s a fantastic selection of seasonal treats available. Here’s some of what we’ve spotted, right on your doorstep… Hotel Chocolat, Potter Street: Luxury ostrich egg (pictured), plus a fun selection of sheep, chicks and egg on toast also available. Mix and Match offer – 2 for £20. Le Peche Mignon, High Street: Bunnies, half a dozen (chocolate) eggs and top quality Venchi Easter eggs, beautifully packaged from Italy. Mr Simms, Potter Street: Milk chocolate rabbits perfect for trails, as well as seasonal sharing… Read more »