My top 10 places in Bishop’s Stortford: Cricket, Costa, the Stort and Spoons on A-level student Alex Banidhai’s list

Alex Banhidai is about to start Year 13 at The Bishop’s Stortford High School, where he is studying A-level politics, history and English literature. Earlier this summer he spent a week’s work experience at the Indie and took our challenge to write about his 10 favourite places in Bishop’s Stortford

I was born and grew up in Bishop’s Stortford. Some of my 10 favourite places to go have been here far longer than I have…

Bishop’s Stortford Cricket Club

As a member of the club’s senior 2nd and 3rd teams, there is nowhere else I would rather spend my Saturdays. From a cricketing perspective, its pristine facilities and incredible wickets provide a top-quality environment for me to develop as a cricketer.

But what really makes BSCC my favourite place in Stortford is the atmosphere and sense of community. On a hot summer’s Saturday, the packed-out bar is perfect for players and families to go after the game and socialise, which is a big contributor to my enjoyment of the game.

In winter months, my Saturdays are spent longing for the rain and cold to stop and for the grass on the outfield to grow green. The cricket club is the emblem of my summer, whether it be playing, watching or socialising.

Costa

Only in recent months has the value of the Costa coffee shop become so apparent to me. You will often find me in there either studying with a latte or chilling with friends. The relaxed ambience and general coffee shop vibe mean it is the first place in the town centre I turn to if I need somewhere to go and study.

Empire Cinema

The former cinema holds an array of childhood memories for me – from watching new big films as a child, such as Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens, to going with my mum and brothers as something to do at the end of a school holiday. The cinema is always an exciting experience for me (not just because of the popcorn!).

The walk by the River Stort

Although this is not a physical place in itself, the memories of this walk that I often take to get from my house to the centre of town will always be held close in my heart.

Not only does the walk provide a scenic, picturesque alternative to the bustling town centre, but the river itself is calming. When I was younger, my dad and I would often ride our bikes along the river, and it was the route I used to cycle to school in Year 6.

The Port Jackson

Wetherspoon’s – the staple of British culture! In my eyes, nothing beats a grubby Spoons breakfast with friends. A particular memory I have is one morning after New Year’s Eve when the Spoons breakfast that gave us all the boost of energy we needed to get through the day ahead.

Bishop’s Stortford Squash & Racketball Club

Throughout my childhood, when I was a competing squash player, the squash club at Silver Leys was my second home! My dad and I would spend countless hours training and hitting balls, preparing me for upcoming competitions.

It enabled me to reach a high standard, due to the brilliant coaches who ran the ‘junior morning’ sessions I attended from the age of five. As I got older, representing the club’s first team and being a part of the team that won the Hertfordshire cup was an unforgettable experience.

Although my competing days are over, much like the cricket club, the strong sense of community makes it one of my highlights of the town and a place I still enjoy going.

Franco Manca

Number 7 please! The fairly recent addition of this restaurant to Stortford’s high street has definitely been a positive one for me. I enjoy going there with friends and particularly last summer, throughout my GCSEs, it was a place my friends and I went to unwind from the stress of exams.

Although Italian restaurants have saturated competition in the town, for me, due to its authentic feel and vibrant atmosphere, Franco comes out on top.

Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe

During my life, as I have grown up in Stortford, many things have come and gone, but the one constant for me on the high street has been traditional sweet shoppe Mr Simms.

When I was younger, I would do all I could to persuade my mum to go into the shop, promising I just wanted to ‘look around’, but I knew if I played my cards right I would be able to come out with a delicious assortment of bonbons and Haribos.

Although I don’t go there as much anymore, purely for its heritage and the memories it brings, Mr Simms flies straight into my top 10.

H@ME & EAT

Although it may look like a run-down junk store from the outside, I can assure you that inside Home and Eat is one of the nicest places I’ve ever eaten in.

I go only once a year, with my dad and brothers for a full English breakfast on Christmas Eve. Each year I look forward to their excellent array of sausages, bacon, eggs and hash browns.

Not only does it serve amazing breakfasts and brunches, but it also sells hot tubs and lots more outdoor furniture, only adding to its modern appeal.

Bishop’s Stortford Escape Rooms

I have spent many a jovial birthday party tackling the tricky yet incredibly fun escape rooms near South Mill Arts. Although I am yet to be successful in escaping without the helpful clues of the assistant on the loudspeaker, I return the following year to try my luck again. Not only have I spent many hours enjoying these with friends, but also with family in the family Christmas edition room.

For me, the challenging and complex nature of these escape rooms provides both entertainment and a test of my intellect – the perfect mixture for an action-packed, exhilarating afternoon!

Yes, although Stortford is a quiet market town with not being for us teens to do, once you look carefully and try a wide variety of things (as I have done), there’s certainly something out there for everyone.