<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=1810412969190584&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">

TOWN FOCUS: WARE

I took a couple of hours to explore Ware this week and was pleasantly surprised.

Considering I've lived in Hertfordshire on and off for most of my life, it's terrible that I've never been before. There are some delightful old buildings, many of which have been recently renovated.

It feels like a High Street making progress, with some great independent coffee shops and pubs, as well as beautiful shops. It hasn't been taken over by loads of the national chains.

I spent time chatting with Brett Cahill-Moreno, who runs Casita Bonita in a building which dates back 700 years.

"We stock Mexican goods and homewares and have a great shop front on to the High Street," Brett said.

"There was a hardware store here for many years and then a hairdresser, but now I'm bringing my own touch of Mexico, based on my family heritage."

Brett's father had a similar shop in Cancun for many years and Brett capitalised on his Dad's suppliers.

"My whole family lives out in Mexico and it's part of my heritage. I love the artistry, colour and vibrancy and want to bring some of that to Ware."

You'll find pots, mirrors, lights, photo frames and a great selection of tiles to bring your own bit of Mexico home.

"It's good to be part of Ware as it's coming to life and really developing," said Brett. "There's a buzz about the town and so much to discover - we have lots planned in the run up to Christmas."

Coming from Hitchin, I found lots of similarities in Ware, but it certainly has its own culture. Well worth a visit. Find out more at www.waretowncouncil.gov.uk