Discover a Vibrant Culinary Scene Just Twenty Minutes From London
If you’re seeking top-quality tipples and award-winning cuisine, look no further than St Albans, a must-visit foodie destination just a short train trip from London. From historic markets and cosy pubs to contemporary cafés and international eateries, the cobbled streets of the city host an ever-evolving culinary scene. Here are ten reasons why St Albans is a wonderful choice for your next food-fuelled getaway.
- The thriving independent food scene
St Albans is home to myriad independent restaurants that are sure to delight. For a real treat, visit Thompson St Albans, a fine dining restaurant in the heart of the city that has come to be recognised for its quality ingredients, creative dishes, and innovative Head Chef Phil Thompson. With a 3 AA rosette restaurant status, you can enjoy outstanding flavours and exquisite service in a tranquil setting. Set in a 600-year-old building in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter, Loft Bar serves the best of Mediterranean cuisine – cooked simply but with imagination – and champions local suppliers where possible. The Silver Palate Deli at 1 Market Place offers a whole host of premium products such as cheeses, charcuterie, coffee and, open seven days a week, is the perfect spot for a takeaway bite of fresh salad among other delicious lunch options.
- Pubs galore
Did you know there are more pubs per square mile in St Albans than anywhere else in the country? The first stop from London back when stagecoaches were journeying north, St Albans is full of historic pubs and inns that would offer a place to stay and a bite to eat for weary travellers. Many of these establishments exist to this day and still invite guests to enjoy delicious refreshments and hearty meals within walls full of stories and character. Ye Olde Fighting Cocks – celebrated as England’s oldest pub – should be high up your list of pubs to visit in St Albans. The Boot (for a remarkably historic venue), Dylans at The Kings Arms (for award-winning food) and The Horn (for glorious live music) are also up there.
- Food and drink festivals
Each year, St Albans showcases its remarkable selection of drinks and dining options during various popular events across the city. The Gin & Jazz Festival is hosted on historic George Street and invites guests to enjoy specialist cocktails and live music as they shop the night away at local retailers. St Albans Beer & Cider Festival is one of Hertfordshire’s biggest celebrations, where cask ales meet international pints and delicious street food and prime entertainment top off the experience. Foodies Festival is a bumper weekend celebrating food and drink with cooking demos by top chefs, artisan market, feasting tent, live bands, kids’ activities and more. Last but not least, Pub in the Park is one of the city’s most anticipated festivals where ticketholders can discover Hertfordshire’s best local produce, the foodie’s paradise Artisan Village and sip on delectable drinks to the soundtrack of the nation’s most beloved music artists.
- Café and brunch culture
Is there anything better than enjoying a cup of tea or a lazy brunch with family and friends? St Albans’ café and brunch culture is second to none and invites diners to indulge in sweet treats and savoury dishes at creative new openings and established local favourites. Hatch, George Street Canteen, and Toast are particular highlights. The Waffle House – located within a 16th century watermill on the river Ver – offers an extensive menu of teas, coffees, milkshakes, pancakes, and waffles (both savoury and sweet) and mouth-watering items to be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The Abbots Café Kitchen in St Albans Cathedral, Bakers + Baristas and Black Sheep Coffee are all great spots for a cup of coffee and a snack.
- Markets
It would be difficult to talk about food and drink in St Albans without mentioning the city’s beloved markets. From weekly traders to dedicated farmers and vegan markets, visitors can pick out artisan olive oil, honey, breads, and pastries among plenty of delicious local delicacies. A variety of freshly made street food will fuel you as you spend a few hours roaming the historic cobbled streets of the city where vendors have been selling goods for hundreds of years.
- International dishes
For more than 30 years, Thai Rack has been serving delicious food from its enviable location beside St Albans Cathedral. Diners can choose from an exciting range of traditional dishes prepared by an experienced team of Thai chefs while enjoying spectacular views of the abbey. Sauté Restaurant offers Turkish fare and cocktails presented in relaxed yet sophisticated surrounds with an intimate feel. Ingredients are freshly sourced, authentically spiced, and blended into traditional recipes that evoke the rich heritage of Turkey. Veer Dhara serves a rich mosaic of flavours from India, using only the finest ingredients with a focus on affordability, excellence, and tradition. The atmosphere is vibrant, and the food delicately crafted by experienced chefs.
- Family-run food outlets
Popular Italian restaurant L’Italiana on historic French Row translates remarkable traditions and flavours to generously portioned dishes. This restaurant is a must-visit for fans of authentic Italian fare where local produce is championed and the home-from-home feeling is palpable. Award-winning INFUSE on Waddington Road serves up modern Indian food where the emphasis is on exceptional taste and first-class ingredients. Run by Sameer and Ganga, a charming duo from Delhi, the restaurant is an authentic look into life back in India.
- Mouth-watering burger and steak
St Albans sure knows how to cook up a good feast with The Meating Room and Craft & Cleaver having become particular favourites among meat-eaters. The former serves up gourmet burgers with 100% British beef and exciting combinations of toppings and sauces. Craft & Cleaver is an independent barbeque joint just off St Peter’s Street. Here, diners can enjoy ethically reared meat from burnt ends to smoky ribs accompanied by sides including fries, mac n’ cheese, coleslaw, and tater tots. Don’t skip the cocktails and craft beers, which are particular highlights.
- Al fresco dining
While English weather can be famously unpredictable, when the sun comes out St Albans is an obvious choice for a bite outside. There are more than enough al fresco dining options to choose from but here are a few to get you started: historic The Peahen serves contemporary dishes within its rustic but spacious garden; The Hub on Verulam is renowned for its Open Kitchen restaurant where seasonal dishes can be taken in the open-air dining area; and Aspava is great for show-stopping Turkish dishes enjoyed on their beautifully lit and comfortable patio.
- Culinary awards
Establishments offering winning food and drink have been duly awarded including Farr Brew’s flagship pub The Elephant and Castle who were finalists in the Best Pub Garden category of the Great British Pub Awards 2024, and Dylans at the Kings Arms who were awarded Top 100 Gastro Pub 2023 and occupy 72nd place on the respected Estrella Damm Top 100. Lussmanns Sustainable Fish & Grill has been awarded the prestigious Menu of the Year two years running at the UK’s Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) annual awards recognising a strong commitment to sourcing MSC certified fish and seafood. At this year’s Great Taste Awards organised by the Guild of Fine Food, a stream of St Albans producers and retailers were recognised for outstanding food and drink including The Fleetville Larder, Buongiorno Italia and Smallford Farm Shop.
Find your St Albans at www.EnjoyStAlbans.com @enjoystalbans
Where to Stay…
Accommodation ranges from small and intimate bed and breakfasts to large hotels including the White Hart Hotel & Restaurant and the Hilton’s Samuel Ryder Hotel, both in the centre of town, the stunning country style Manor hotel, St Michaels Manor, luxurious Sopwell House and the Victorian Grade II listed Torrington Hall.
St Albans is waiting to be explored, discover more at www.enjoystalbans.com
About St Albans
- St Albans is a must-visit UK destination. A historic gem of an English Cathedral City, the stunning cathedral is the oldest place of continuous Christian worship in the country
- The city’s colourful history and heritage can be seen in the beautiful medieval architecture and picturesque buildings that look spectacular all year round
- Formerly known as “Verulamium”, this is a city packed with Roman history with high quality roman artifacts and well-preserved mosaic flooring in a museum within walking distance from city centre
- A premier shopping destination outside London, St Albans is home to an array of innovative independent retailers and big brand names
- The city is a ‘Mini London’ for foodies with a plethora of old pubs, award winning restaurants and top chefs- plus Britain’s oldest pub, Ye Olde Fighting Cocks
- Enjoy lots of green, open spaces and parks- making St Albans a family-friendly destination
- Easily accessible by road and train, St Albans is conveniently located close to the M25, M1 and A1(M) and just 20 miles and 20 minutes by train from London.
For images or more information please contact kathy@pr4.com or call 07957 383070