Hertfordshire

Regional reporting on foodservice and hospitality activity across Hertfordshire, with updates from St Albans, Watford, Hitchin, Hemel Hempstead, and Harpenden. This section highlights restaurant and pub openings, commuter-driven dining patterns, local sourcing, and F&B strategy shaped by a mix of affluence, tourism, and family-led demand. Designed for chefs, operators, and hospitality professionals, it offers insight into trading conditions and opportunities across one of the South East’s most commercially active counties.

Nov- 2025 -

27 November

Restaurants

Browns to open first Hertfordshire restaurant

Mitchells and Butlers will open a new Browns Brasserie and Bar in Bushey, Hertfordshire, on 28 November as part of the brand’s plan to grow its presence in suburban high streets. The launch brings the chain to 28 sites across the UK.The restaurant, on High Road, occupies a Grade II…
Read More »
Oct- 2025 -

3 October

Food and Drink

Vincenzo’s to open New York-style pizza slice shop in Shoreditch

Vincenzo’s will open a new shop in Shoreditch this November, bringing New York’s pizza-by-the-slice tradition to east London. The site on Bethnal Green Road marks the first expansion for the brand, founded in 2022 by chef Tom Vincent in Bushey, Hertfordshire. While the original shop became known for its whole…
Read More »
Sep- 2025 -

23 September

Awards & Events

Full list of winners for AA Hospitality Awards 2025 unveiled

Chef Gareth Ward of Ynyshir and sommelier Nataliia Maiseionok of Fischer’s Baslow Hall were among the headline winners at the AA Hospitality Awards 2025 in London. The event, held at JW Marriott Grosvenor House, brought together more than 960 guests from across the sector. Awards were presented in 18 categories,…
Read More »
Apr- 2025 -

11 April

Pubs and Bars

Marston’s rolls out 459 rapid EV chargers nationwide

Marston’s has installed 459 rapid and ultra-fast chargers across 193 sites, after introducing the company’s first EV charger in December 2018 at The Bakehouse in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire. As a result, Marston’s claims it operates more rapid and ultra-fast EV chargers than any other hospitality company in the UK,…
Read More »
Mar- 2025 -

20 March

Catering Companies

Hertfordshire Catering appoints new executive chef

Hertfordshire Catering Limited (HCL) has appointed David Stanley as its new executive chef. With “extensive” experience across multiple sectors of the food industry, Stanley brings a passion for nutrition, innovation, and delivering high-quality meals. In his new role, he will lead the development of HCL’s school catering offerings, ensuring quality…
Read More »
Apr- 2024 -

3 April

People

Adnams appoints new CEO

Southwold brewery Adnams has announced the appointment of Jenny Hanlon as its new chief executive officer. Hanlon, 48, will become the first female CEO of the brewing business in its 150 year history. Hanlon, who has been serving as the company’s chief financial officer, will succeed Dr Andy Wood OBE…
Read More »
Jan- 2024 -

26 January

Catering Companies

Chartwells announces raft of new contract wins and retentions

Chartwells Independent has announced it has successfully won two new three-year contracts with South Hampstead High School and Wimbledon High School. Both schools are members of the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST), the UK’s largest group of independent schools educating 20,000 girls each year. Chartwells Independent will also support both…
Read More »
Oct- 2023 -

5 October

Pubs and Bars

Peach Pubs to operate The Three Horseshoes in Hertfordshire

Peach Pubs has been announced as the new operator of The Three Horseshoes in Letchmore Heath, Hertfordshire. The pub, which has been standing for over two Centuries, was acquired by Mark Cherry, director of Caraeno Limited, in 2020. The property underwent a substantial refurbishment programme to “meet the demands of…
Read More »
Sep- 2023 -

27 September

News

Octagon Bar opens at Sopwell House in St Albans

Octagon Bar at Sopwell House has officially opened its doors in St Albans to customers in Hertfordshire. Set in the heart of the Georgian manor house, Octagon Bar is inspired by the drinking dens of London and serves an inventive menu of blended cocktails. Featuring an ornate marble topped bar…
Read More »
Jul- 2023 -

20 July

Catering Companies

ESS secures Bedfordshire Police catering contract

The Energy, Government and Infrastructure sector of ESS, part of Compass Group UK and Ireland, has secured the Bedfordshire Police as its latest catering contract. ESS said that key to the award was the company’s “commitment to welfare through a variety of food offerings and environments that enable officers and…
Read More »