For the next in our miniseries about the places that we at Freshbinz Ltd service, we’re taking a look at Old Harlow.
As many of you probably know Old Harlow was just plain Harlow back in the mists of time. The town is so ancient that it predates the first written record in the Domesday Book.
The current area of Old Harlow was originally planned as the site for the new town, but due to the amount of agricultural land that would have been lost, the plans were changed and the new town was built to the west of Old Harlow.
But what is Old Harlow like today? It still has a village feel with several grade I and grade II listed buildings. But if you like to pop out for a pint or a bite to eat there’s plenty of choice, including The Chequers, The Crown and The Green Man where you can have a good lunch in cosy surroundings, either in the bar or slightly more formally in the restaurant. The Green Man also has rooms available, so if you don’t have enough space for visiting relatives to stay this is a great option.
If you like a curry, and who doesn’t? the Raj Lodge is a great place to go, likewise the Bengal Cottage. Or if a full English is more your thing you should try Café Blue, they certainly know how to do a good fry up. If it’s fish and chips or a kebab you’re after the local chippy has plenty of choice. For a more up market eating experience you could do not better than try Coho at the end of Old Road, where the food is excellent, the staff friendly and helpful and the atmosphere warm and welcoming.
Need a haircut, a manicure, a tattoo? All these things are also well catered for in the paved area of Old Harlow.
But if it’s culture you’re after there’s also plenty on offer, from The Gibberd Garden, (home to the late Sir Frederick Gibberd, the designer of Harlow New Town) with its statues and sculptures, to Old Harlowbury chapel which is protected under the ‘Ancient Monument Act’.
Then there’s The Victoria Hall, a small independent theatre which in ‘normal times’ offers a variety of shows, from live music to pantomimes.
Even during lockdown regulations, there are still plenty of picturesque walks in the area, particularly along the River Stort with its plethora of wildlife, wildflowers, and brightly painted barges.
If you don’t know Old Harlow you might be surprised to find out just how much is available, everything from an excellent meal, a bit of culture, or a stroll in the countryside, and of course restaurants and houses with nice clean bins!