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.
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Sep- 2023 -27 SeptemberNews
Today’s news in brief – 27/09/23
Hydes has achieved a “record” turnover of £34.1m for the year ending 2 April, marking a £5.8m increase from the previous year’s total of £28.3m. The company credits some of its success to long-term energy cost contracts, which shielded them from inflation’s financial impact. Despite challenges such as rising consumable…
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27 SeptemberNews
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…
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Jul- 2023 -20 JulyCatering 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…
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Jun- 2023 -8 JuneCatering Companies
Former HCI president Paul Foulger dies age 85
Paul Foulger, former president of the Institute of Hospitality and former head of catering and employee services at Sainsbury has died at 85. Foulger joined the Hotel and Catering Institute (HCI) back in 1953, 18 years before the HCI merged with the Institutional Management Association (IMA) to form the HCIMA,…
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Dec- 2021 -20 DecemberPubs and Bars
Hertfields takes on third leased pub
Hertfordshire-based events and hospitality company Hertfields has taken on its third leased pub – The Fox at Pirton near Hitchin – following a £170,000 refurbishment with Star Pubs and Bars. The company said the investment has aimed to restore the local to “its former glory as a great quality traditional…
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13 DecemberPubs and Bars
Oakman plans further sites amid sales boost
The Oakman Group has unveiled details of further expansion plans, with plans to open 70 sites by June 2026, having welcomed a period of sales growth in its latest trading update. The pub group delivered sales of just over £26m in the 21 weeks ended 5 December, having reported a…
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Nov- 2021 -17 NovemberPubs and Bars
Farr Brew takes on third Star Pubs & Bars lease
Hertfordshire based brewer and multiple pub operator, Farr Brew, has taken on a substantive lease for The Eight Bells in Old Hatfield and is undertaking a joint £230,000 refurbishment with Star Pubs and Bars. The Eight Bells is the company’s third Star Pubs and Bars lease, with another pub on…
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May- 2021 -4 MayPubs and Bars
Fishermann Pub Group opens second site with Star Pubs and Bars
Fishermann Pub Group, a Hertfordshire pub operator, is set to open its second site with Star Pubs and Bars – following a £550k joint refurbishment. The Rose and Crown at Welwyn has been transformed from a previously wet-led local pub, into a venue which also now serves food. In addition,…
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Dec- 2020 -18 DecemberCoronavirus
UKH: Tier 3 expansion will bring hospitality ‘further heartbreak’
UKHospitality has warned the recently announced expansion of Tier 3 will “bring further despair” to struggling businesses across the hospitality sector. It comes as UK government officials yesterday (17 December) announced that the majority of the South East and East of England would enter Tier 3 this weekend, as coronavirus…
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17 DecemberCoronavirus
Restrictions widen as millions enter Tier 3
UK government officials have announced that the majority of the South East and East of England will enter Tier 3 this weekend, as coronavirus cases continue to rise in many parts of the country. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said that the increased restrictions were necessary in order to control the…
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