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Enjoy St Albans Food & Drink Festival returns this September

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St Albans Food & Drink Festival

The St Albans Food & Drink festival, now in its 14th year, features an exciting programme of events across September including Tom Kerridge’s Pub in the Park, Stars at the Bars and the Oaklands Farm to Fork.

St Albans, in Hertfordshire, has a remarkable history and reputation for food and drink and the month-long event is hugely popular with locals and visitors looking for an incredible foodie experience.

There will also be a 24-hour photography challenge, pub quizzes and iconic film nights, livestock events, street food nights, Bollywood dancing, live radio events and pop-ups a plenty – it truly is a jam-packed festival with something for everyone.

Manager of St Albans Bid, Denise Parsons, said… 

“We are delighted to sponsor the festival which celebrates our food and drink heroes who have gone above and beyond during lockdown. There is something for everyone to enjoy, including live music which is hugely welcomed and adds to the vibrancy of our outdoor events.”

St Albans Food & Drink Festival

Highlights… 

Tom Kerridge’s Pub in the Park event on 10th-12th September in Verulamium Park brings together special chefs, artisan products and top musicians for one big party- with live music from big names such as All Saints, Basement Jaxx, Gabrielle and the Lightening Seeds.

The awards for the district’s best food and drink businesses are one of the festival highlights but due to the pandemic have been scaled down to one prestigious award this year. Nominations for the Kate D’Arcy Award, recognising an individual who has given exceptional customer service to their community during the pandemic, are open until Monday 23rd August and the nominees will be invited to a presentation event on Monday 20th September at St Michael’s Manor Hotel.

St Albans Food & Drink Festival

The festival culminates with the incredible FEASTIVAL street event on Sunday 26th September. The central streets in the town centre will be peppered with over 100 food and drink stalls, street entertainment, bars with live music, art and crafts activities, cookery demonstrations, face painting and fun for all ages.

Just 20 miles and 20 minutes by train from London St Pancras International and excellent road connections, St Albans is easily accessible, making it the perfect day or staycation destination.

Where to stay? 

Accommodation in the city centre ranges from small and intimate bed and breakfasts to large hotels including the stunning country style Manor hotel, St Michaels Manor, the luxurious Sopwell House and the Victorian Grade II listed Torrington Hall.

Find out more details about the St Albans Food & Drink Festival and where to stay at EnjoyStAlbans.com 

*NEW* 2021/2022 official St Albans Visitor Guide out now! Click here 

Foodie Related Notes: 

  • An historic inn-keeping city, St Albans has the most pubs per square mile in the country and is home to England’s Oldest pub, Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, as confirmed by The Guinness Book of Records. 
  • Did you know the hot cross bun originated in St Albans. The ‘Alban Bun’ was created by Brother Thomas Rocliffe, a 14th Century Monk at St Albans Abbey, who developed the recipe and would feed the poor on Good Friday.
  • The city is famous for its café and pub culture with a fantastic range of award-winning eating and drinking establishments.

About St Albans: 

  • St Albans is one of the best-kept secrets in UK tourism. A historic gem of an English Cathedral City just 20 miles and 20 minutes by train from London is easily accessible by road with links to the M25, M1 and A1(M).
  • The city’s colourful history and heritage can be seen in the Roman remains and the beautiful medieval architecture and picturesque buildings that look spectacular all year round.
  • A fabulous shopping destination, St Albans is home to an array of innovative independent retailers and well-known chains.
  • There are lots of green, open spaces and parks, making St Albans a family-friendly destination.   

*NEW* 2021/2022 official St Albans Visitor Guide out now! Click here. Find out more details about the St Albans Food & Drink Festival and where to stay at EnjoyStAlbans.com 

Never full or satisfied, I am always willing to try new things and visit new places. Lover of food and all things FAST - Not necessarily fast food. If I am not in the office, you can find me near a track or under a car. I also work with great people in TrendLife's Editorial team.

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Brakspear Expands Estate with Purchase of Historic Pub in Maulden

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Henley-based WH Brakspear & Sons is thrilled to announce the purchase of The George, a charming 16th-century Grade II listed inn in the heart of Maulden.

Henley-based, WH Brakspear & Sons, is delighted to announce that it is currently purchasing the freehold interest in The George Public House, a beautiful, 16th century, Grade II listed inn located in centre of the idyllic Bedfordshire village of Maulden.

The George was taken over by Maulden villagers, Julian and Emma Smith, in 2011. The couple bought and completely refurbished the then derelict pub whilst sensitively renovating its many original architectural features using local contractors, Kingshall Estates UK Ltd.

Brakspear Expands Estate with Purchase of Historic Pub in Maulden

 

Departing owner, Emma Smith says,” The pub was a wreck when we bought it, but we replaced everything from the plumbing, electrics and the layout, built a new carpark and created a two-bed flat for a tenant. We then commissioned talented Birmingham-based, pub interior designers, Spencer Swinden, to create contemporary and cosy spaces to drink, eat and stay to a high spec.”

Now a thriving community hub, The George has a light and airy public bar, restaurant with 120 covers, a private function room seating 18-24 and seven, boutique-style, en-suite guest rooms housed in cottage style accommodation overlooking its landscaped beer garden with an attractive dining terrace, and currently has planning permission to build five additional bedrooms.

Tom Davies, Brakspear CEO commented, “We are delighted to announce the acquisition of The George at Maulden. It will be a fantastic addition to our estate. We don’t have many pubs in Bedfordshire, so we are really excited to be there, especially with the proposed Universal Studios development so close by.”

Having run the pub since 2016, Julian and Emma are leaving the pub in really good shape. “It’s been an amazing journey, particularly as we had no previous experience in hospitality when we started out.” says Emma. “We’ve absolutely loved every minute of our time at The George, but Julian and I are now ready to move on to our next adventure, which we’re currently deciding on. “The tenants will just be able to just jump straight in and run it with a wonderful, enthusiastic team of 40 staff ready to support them,” says Emma Smith.

Brakspear Expands Estate with Purchase of Historic Pub in Maulden

“Our vision is to retain The George as a community hub whilst also offering a wonderful place to relax, stay and dine if visiting from further afield,” says Brakspear’s Business Development director, Gerard Winder. “Brakspear is now looking for a new tenant with experience of the area and who can fit in to a local pub with a loyal following and a strong background in food and beverage to be able to operate a quality informal operation on a tenancy agreement”.

Brakspear Expands Estate with Purchase of Historic Pub in Maulden

The George lies eight miles south of Bedford and 13 miles from Luton. The market town of Ampthill is 2 miles away. Surrounded by the ancient Maulden Wood and halfway along the Greensand Ridge Walk, the area is a popular tourist destination with Centre Parcs, Woburn Safari Park, Woburn Abbey Deer Park and Woburn Golf Club close by. The proposed Universal Studios site is three miles away.  The nearest train station is Flitwick with direct mainline services to London St Pancras.

The George Inn, 6 George St, Maulden, Bedford MK45 2DF, https://www.thegeorgemaulden.com

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Discover Unity Place: Milton Keynes’ Premier Destination is Fully Open

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Discover Unity Place: Milton Keynes’ Premier Destination for Food, Work, and Play

Milton Keynes’ much-anticipated landmark visitor destination, Unity Place, has now opened all of its remaining facilities and is officially fully open. Located directly opposite MK Station Square, Unity Place is more than just a venue; it’s a vibrant community hub set to redefine the urban experience in the heart of the city.

A Culinary Haven: Diverse Dining Options Under One Roof

Unity Place offers an unparalleled shopping and dining experience. At the heart of this destination is the Urban Food Market, featuring an eclectic mix of street food vendors that cater to every palate. Here, you can indulge in rustic Italian delights at Raffaele Pizza, savor Taiwanese rice boxes and bao buns from Bian Dang, or enjoy the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine at Cantina Carnitas. For those seeking an elevated dining experience, Dipna Anand’s Kitchen & Bar is a must-visit. Celebrity chef Dipna Anand brings authentic Punjabi and South Indian cuisine to your table, with signature dishes such as tandoori lamb chops, paneer tikka, and lamb shish.

Dipna Kitchen & Bar - Food

Convenience Meets Quality: Shopping Essentials at Unity Place

Unity Place isn’t just about food. It’s designed to cater to all your needs under one roof. The Corner Store offers everyday essentials, while Baker’s Room tempts with freshly made bread, pastries, cakes, and coffee. Even grooming is covered, thanks to the high-end barbershop ROK, perfect for a stylish fresh trim.

Work and Play at Unity Place: The Ideal Balance

For those blending work and leisure, Unity Place provides an innovative solution. Partnering with co-working provider x+why, it offers flexible working spaces perfect for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and remote workers. The ground floor houses the public Santander Work Café, which includes co-working desks, bookable meeting rooms, and a branch for everyday banking needs. With over 60,000 sq. ft. of contemporary office space, Unity Place ensures a productive environment with breakout spaces, private offices, enterprise suites, and mission rooms.

Sip and Savor at Unity Place: A Destination for Drinks

Unity Place is also a haven for those who enjoy a good drink. The rooftop bar, Unity Sky Lounge, offers stunning panoramic views of the city alongside a fantastic selection of food and beverages. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or starting your evening, this is the perfect spot to relax. Additionally, Dipna Anand’s bar provides a cozy atmosphere for a pre-dinner cocktail or mocktail, while the fully stocked Unity Bar boasts an extensive drinks list to satisfy any preference.

Discover Unity Place: Milton Keynes’ Premier Destination for Food, Work, and Play

Why Visit Unity Place?

Unity Place is more than just a visitor destination; it’s an experience. Here are a few reasons why you should make it your next stop:

  1. Variety: With a wide range of dining options, there’s something for everyone.
  2. Convenience: Everything you need, from food to shopping to workspaces, is available under one roof.
  3. Community: It’s a vibrant hub that fosters community and connection.
  4. Quality: High-end amenities ensure a premium experience.
  5. Scenery: Enjoy breathtaking views from the rooftop bar.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Unity Place is set to become a cornerstone of Milton Keynes. Come and experience it for yourself – the future of urban living is here.

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Father’s Day With A Twist at Hertfordshire’s Sopwell House

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Sunday Roast with Beer or Wine Flight at Sopwell House

Deciding on a great Father’s Day experience can be challenging, but this year, why not treat Dad to an escape to the Hertfordshire countryside at Sopwell House? The hotel and spa are pulling out all the stops for Dad, from a sumptuous Sunday roast with beer pairings to a savoury afternoon tea.

Sunday Roast with Beer or Wine Flight

Elevate Dad’s Sunday roast with an optional craft beer from Tring Brewery. From a punchy Raven King IPA to Tring’s smooth Tea Kettle stout, savour every bite with a carefully selected beer to match each course. For those who aren’t as keen on beer, there is also a wine flight option available.

Start as you mean to go on with Spring shaved courgettes or spicy lamb croquettes, followed by the star of the show – a roast with your choice of chicken, beef, or pork, served with fluffy roasties, seasonal vegetables, Yorkshire puddings, and lashings of gravy. End on a sweet note with a choice of summery desserts – think Strawberry bakewell tart and Raspberry crème brûlée – plus an additional cheese course for those opting for the paired menu.

Price: £42 per person for Sunday lunch (£67 per adult including drinks pairing and cheese course).

Sunday Roast with Beer or Wine Flight at Sopwell House

 

 

Father’s Day Afternoon Tea

Adding a savoury twist to the quintessentially British pastime, treat Dad to an afternoon tea with a choice of bubbles or a pint of Pale Ale to complement the experience. Expect bites including quail scotch eggs and roast beef-filled mini-Yorkshire puddings, alongside sandwiches and freshly baked scones.

There is also a selection of sweet treats including a hazelnut praline and chocolate sable, and a coconut, yuzu, and lime macaron, all served with a glass of Taittinger Champagne or a pint of Tring Pale Four beer from the award-winning brewery. A punchy, West Coast IPA style beer, the Tring Pale Four beer is as at home with meats and fish as it is paired alongside sweet treats, making it the perfect accompaniment to Afternoon Tea!

Price: £57 per adult.

Available exclusively on Sunday 16th June, make your Father’s Day one to remember at Sopwell House, with bookings now available at www.sopwellhouse.co.uk.

Top 5 Father’s Day Gift Ideas

To complement your luxurious day out at Sopwell House, here are the top 5 Father’s Day gift ideas that will surely impress any dad:

  1. Personalised Gifts
    • Engraved Wallet: A high-quality leather wallet with a personalised message or initials engraved.
    • Custom Photo Book: A photo book filled with cherished memories, perfect for sentimental dads.
  2. Tech Gadgets
    • Smart Home Devices: Smart speakers like the Amazon Echo or Google Nest Hub to help around the house.
    • Noise-Cancelling Headphones: Great for dads who enjoy music, podcasts, or need some quiet time.
  3. Experience Gifts
    • Driving Experience: A track day or driving experience with high-performance cars.
    • Cooking Class: For foodie dads, a cooking class with a professional chef can be a memorable experience.
  4. Eating Out Experience
    • Restaurant Voucher: A voucher for a meal at a top-rated restaurant or a local favourite.
    • Afternoon Tea: A classic British experience, perfect for a relaxing afternoon with a variety of teas and delicious treats.
  5. Outdoor Gear
    • Camping Equipment: High-quality tents, sleeping bags, or portable grills for adventurous dads.
    • Garden Tools: For dads who love gardening, new tools or a garden gadget like a robot lawnmower.

Make this Father’s Day unforgettable with a delightful experience at Sopwell House and a thoughtful gift from our top picks!

 

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