Opinion

Did L'artista live up to the hype?

Review: Is L'artista the 'best restaurant in Watford'?

Stephen Woodard claims former MP Dean Russell and Watford Borough Council deserve the 'real credit' for securing the £16million funding to redevelop the Colosseum and Town Hall

Stephen Woodard claims former MP Dean Russell and Watford Borough Council deserve the 'real credit' for securing the £16million funding to redevelop the Colosseum and Town Hall

2

'Real credit' for £16m redevelopment belongs to former MP and council

6

Review of Gail's - Watford High Street's new food hotspot

Brett Ellis with his best friend Ian who died last month

Brett Ellis with his best friend Ian who died last month

1

Why I want to be more like Ian

Peter Taylor has asked how Donald Triump was able to beat Kamala Harris to become US President. Main image: PA

Peter Taylor has asked how Donald Triump was able to beat Kamala Harris to become US President. Main image: PA

44

'Trump's victory must act as a warning'

Disinfectant wipe containers can be dangerous as Brett Ellis discovered. Main image: Pixabay

Disinfectant wipe containers can be dangerous as Brett Ellis discovered. Main image: Pixabay

4

The dangers of a wet wipe lid

Matt Turmaine says there was standing room only for Rachel Reeves' budget. Main image: PA

Matt Turmaine says there was standing room only for Rachel Reeves' budget. Main image: PA

National government

10

'The drive and determination to deliver change'

A famous Monty Python sketch has been made 'redundant' as a result of 'choppers' replacing lumberjacks. Image: PA

A famous Monty Python sketch has been made 'redundant' as a result of 'choppers' replacing lumberjacks. Image: PA

1

The 'nonsense' clamp down bringing us 'cave dwellers' and 'fishers'

Stephen Woodard has criticised Watford MP Matt Turmaine for taking a 'principled stand' over the decision to turn of the giant advertising board at London Euston

Stephen Woodard has criticised Watford MP Matt Turmaine for taking a 'principled stand' over the decision to turn of the giant advertising board at London Euston

2

'Time to stand up for the hard-working families of Watford'

Finding a charging point is one of the reasons electric vehicles are a downgrade in Brett Ellis' eyes. Image: PA

Finding a charging point is one of the reasons electric vehicles are a downgrade in Brett Ellis' eyes. Image: PA

1

The only upgrade we need is a change of mindset

Peter Taylor says a 'lifeline' has been taken away from almost 10,500 pensioners in Watford

Peter Taylor says a 'lifeline' has been taken away from almost 10,500 pensioners in Watford

18

'Lifeline cut for almost 10,500 Watford pensioners'

Police on the streets of Hartlepool during the violent protests in the summer. Image: PA

Police on the streets of Hartlepool during the violent protests in the summer. Image: PA

36

Threats to freedom of speech have taken a 'dark turn'

Matt Turmaine MP was at the Labour conference where Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer gave his keynote speech. Main image: PA

Matt Turmaine MP was at the Labour conference where Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer gave his keynote speech. Main image: PA

National government

52

'We're starting to bring about change'

People attending the Haworth Steampunk Weekend in West Yorkshire. Image: PA

People attending the Haworth Steampunk Weekend in West Yorkshire. Image: PA

The fascinating spectacle of Steampunk

Crowds watching the Watford Carnival parade in 1968

Crowds watching the Watford Carnival parade in 1968

Trying to keep dying carnival tradition afloat

Does its hygiene really need

Does its hygiene really need

2

I tried the Watford takeaway recently given a 1/5 food hygiene rating - verdict

Stephen Woodard has criticised Watford MP Matt Turmaine for voting for the cut in the winter fuel allowance. Main image: PA

Stephen Woodard has criticised Watford MP Matt Turmaine for voting for the cut in the winter fuel allowance. Main image: PA

10

Time for MP 'to start standing up for the people of our town'

Brett Ellis is not a fan of the security features used to access online content

Brett Ellis is not a fan of the security features used to access online content

The security features that fail to fill the gap

Watford Mayor Peter Taylor

Watford Mayor Peter Taylor

Local government

15

'Cavalier approach' by Government risks making life 'worse for many'

Is Fry Days worthy of its glowing Google rating?

Is Fry Days worthy of its glowing Google rating?

10

We gave Watford's best-rated chippy a try - did it live up to the billing?

Mat Osman plays bass in 90's band Suede

Mat Osman plays bass in 90's band Suede

4

The 'astounding' death of bands in the UK charts

Matt Turmaine has found there are many hurdles to negotiate as a new MP. Image: Pixabay/Matt Turmaine

Matt Turmaine has found there are many hurdles to negotiate as a new MP. Image: Pixabay/Matt Turmaine

16

Being an MP is a marathon, not a sprint

Many Oasis fans tried multiple ways of getting tickets for the reunion concerts. Image: PA

Many Oasis fans tried multiple ways of getting tickets for the reunion concerts. Image: PA

1

Still half a world away in quest for Oasis tickets

The French Olympic team during the opening ceremony. Image: PA

The French Olympic team during the opening ceremony. Image: PA

1

A 'gob-smackingly pretentious and seedy' opening ceremony

Brett Ellis completed the 'full house' after seeing Noel Gallagher perform in Brighton. Image: PA

Brett Ellis completed the 'full house' after seeing Noel Gallagher perform in Brighton. Image: PA

2

Not looking back in anger as concert trips become more infrequent

Stephen Woodard has accused Labour of putting the planned rebuild of Watford General Hospital 'deliberately into question'

Stephen Woodard has accused Labour of putting the planned rebuild of Watford General Hospital 'deliberately into question'

19

'Meaningless support' for new Watford General Hospital

Brett Ellis believes the Tobacco and Vapes Bill is 'unworkable'. Image: PA

Brett Ellis believes the Tobacco and Vapes Bill is 'unworkable'. Image: PA

3

Stifling choice is worse than smoking

Peter Taylor says it is 'vital' the Government delives the funding for the rebuilding of Watford General Hospital

Peter Taylor says it is 'vital' the Government delives the funding for the rebuilding of Watford General Hospital

12

'A new hospital is needed - not another review'

SZA performing on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbuy. Image: PA

SZA performing on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbuy. Image: PA

11

'The weakest Glastonbury line-up ever'

Matt Turmaine says he will press the case for the rebuild of Watford General Hospital when he meets the health secretary

Matt Turmaine says he will press the case for the rebuild of Watford General Hospital when he meets the health secretary

27

MP 'infuriated' by delay in Watford General rebuild

Brett Ellis refuses to dance to the Amazon 'feedback' tune. Image: PA/Brett Ellis

Brett Ellis refuses to dance to the Amazon 'feedback' tune. Image: PA/Brett Ellis

1

A small price to pay for convenience and laziness

Doctors are having to treat illnesses that date back to medieval times. Image: PA

Doctors are having to treat illnesses that date back to medieval times. Image: PA

The unwelcome return of medieval 'nasties'

6

'Thank you, Watford, for the opportunity of a lifetime'

Sometimes it is quicker to go 'old school' and use a knife in the kitchen instead. Image: Pixabay

Sometimes it is quicker to go 'old school' and use a knife in the kitchen instead. Image: Pixabay

4

Another gadget destined for the under the kettle cupboard graveyard

(Left) Hannah Hunt, (right) Louise Hunt. Inset: John and Carol Hunt pictured in 2015. (Image: Facebook/Hannah Hunt, Louise Hunt, Carol Hunt)

(Left) Hannah Hunt, (right) Louise Hunt. Inset: John and Carol Hunt pictured in 2015. (Image: Facebook/Hannah Hunt, Louise Hunt, Carol Hunt)

A community 'heartbroken' by a 'cruel and inhuman act'

Brett Ellis believes there is 'little finer' than a full English for breakfast. Image: Pixabay

Brett Ellis believes there is 'little finer' than a full English for breakfast. Image: Pixabay

1

You can't beat a full English for breakfast

Matt Turmaine is among the many new Labour MPs getting used to their new roles. Main image: PA

Matt Turmaine is among the many new Labour MPs getting used to their new roles. Main image: PA

Getting used to life at 'Hogwarts for grown-ups'

Grange Hill being filmed in Bushey in 1994

Grange Hill being filmed in Bushey in 1994

Lamenting the loss of kids' freedom

Ice cream is a 'mainstay' of Brett Ellis' diet. Image: Pixabay

Ice cream is a 'mainstay' of Brett Ellis' diet. Image: Pixabay

A loathing of fair-weather ice cream fans

According to Cycling UK, one cyclist is either killed or seriously injured every week

According to Cycling UK, one cyclist is either killed or seriously injured every week

1

The cyclist vs driver debate is so tedious - you have a lethal common enemy

The school prom has grown into an industry. Image: Pixabay

The school prom has grown into an industry. Image: Pixabay

Ensuring Izzy will go to the ball

Hornets boss Tom Cleverley in pre-season training this week

Hornets boss Tom Cleverley in pre-season training this week

4

New fixtures offer opportunities for Hornets to get early points on board

Jeremy Clarkson at the Bahrain Grand Prix in March. Image: PA

Jeremy Clarkson at the Bahrain Grand Prix in March. Image: PA

2

Sexiest man award provides hope again

The Garrick Club voted to allow women members last month

The Garrick Club voted to allow women members last month

1

Why would a woman want to join a club like the Garrick?

The demise of the insult made popular by Only Fools and Horses would be 'a sad miss'. Image: PA

The demise of the insult made popular by Only Fools and Horses would be 'a sad miss'. Image: PA

10

The sad demise of plonker and ninny - but what is a bampot?

A move to the Shetland Islands could appeal to Brett Ellis 'if things don't improve and soon'. Image: Pixabay

A move to the Shetland Islands could appeal to Brett Ellis 'if things don't improve and soon'. Image: Pixabay

Unhappiest areas need a shake up to give them hope

Matt Turmaine feels there is a 'mood' for change in Watford

Matt Turmaine feels there is a 'mood' for change in Watford

14

'A mood for wanting change in Watford'

Brett Ellis is a fan of a caravan holiday

Brett Ellis is a fan of a caravan holiday

1

The appeal of a holiday in a box on stilts

Peter Taylor celebrates the local election results with his fellow Liberal Democrat councillors

Peter Taylor celebrates the local election results with his fellow Liberal Democrat councillors

3

'Changes to our bus services can't come soon enough'

Brett Ellis sees nothing controversial in the stance taken by JK Rowling. Image: PA

Brett Ellis sees nothing controversial in the stance taken by JK Rowling. Image: PA

6

New law taking 'the coward's way out'

Hornets fans watching their team in action at Southampton

Hornets fans watching their team in action at Southampton

26

A thank you to Watford's 'outstanding' fans

Dean Russell claims the changes will deliver a welfare system that's 'compassionate, fair and fit for the future'.

Dean Russell claims the changes will deliver a welfare system that's 'compassionate, fair and fit for the future'.

8

'People who can work should work'

Brett Ellis was not amused at the decision not to renew Frank Skinner's contract. Image: PA

Brett Ellis was not amused at the decision not to renew Frank Skinner's contract. Image: PA

1

Axing Frank Skinner was 'rank lunacy'

Brett Ellis question why we bother opening the front door at election time. Main image: PA

Brett Ellis question why we bother opening the front door at election time. Main image: PA

3

The return of the grinning politicos