Eating
Hitchin is open for business as over 100 businesses still trading

Published
9 months agoon

Hitchin unlike many other towns has a rich diversity of independent businesses that have been able to stay open during the lockdown. The town is still able to boast many independent food retailers, our own independent department store, amazing and innovative fashion retailers, a wealth of hair and beauty salons, and an even greater range of coffee shops and restaurants.
Hitchin Bid has created a list of businesses currently open and trading in Hitchin. We have separated this list into Food & Drink businesses and Retail businesses. As town centres up and down the country prepare to re-open following the government’s announcement that non-essential retail can begin to trade again from next Monday, 15th June, this list will be updated regularly.

Hitchin Roads could be closed to help social distancing
Updated: 12th June 2020
Hitchin Food & Drink businesses
Name | Food available | Telephone | Current offering |
---|---|---|---|
Ali Baba Kebab | kebabs, burgers, pizza, fish and chips, wraps, drinks | Delivery & Collection | |
Allinghams Butchers | Family Butchers | 01462 459605 | Walk in |
Asda Stores | Supermarket | 01462 663400 | Walk in, Delivery & Collection |
Bodilly's | Chinese | 01462 631103 | Delivery |
Bodrum Takeaway | burger, kebab | 01462 442509 | Delivery |
Bosphorus | Turkish food | 01462 451 904 | Delivery |
Caffé Elite | sandwiches, roasts, breakfasts, desserts, milkshakes | 01462 451298 | Delivery & Collection |
Cake Hole | Delicious wedding cakes, birthday cakes, cupcakes, belgian chocolates | 01462 420553 | Delivery |
Cantina Carnitas | marinades and sauces only | 014624 23686 | Delivery & Collection |
Caribbean King | authentic Caribbean food | 07562 200815 | Delivery & Collection |
Cornish Hearts | Cornish Pasty’s, Coffee, Cold Drinks, Ice Cream, Milkshakes, Cakes/Gluten Free, Vegan/Vegetarian Options | 07832 332 470 | Walk in & Delivery |
Curry Express Limited | indian food | 01462 452466 | Delivery & Collection |
Dhaka Restaurant | Traditional Northern Indi- an Food | 01462 451732 | Delivery |
Dominos | pizza | 01462 440440 | Delivery |
Eat Well | chinese | 01462 451488 | Collection |
Fabio's Gelato | Great tasting homemade artisan Gelato | 01462 618642 | Delivery & Collection |
Farm Fresh | Mini mart & butcher | Walk in | |
Fussey & Baer | Coffee beans, home brewing equipment, cakes & doughnuts | Delivery | |
Groundworks | Tea and Coffee | Collection | |
Halsey's | Cheese, coffee beans & tea leaves | 01462 432023 | Walk in |
Holland & Barrett | health food shop | 01462 451643 | Delivery |
Hotel Chocolat | chocolate | Delivery | |
Iceland Foods | Supermarket | 01462 432320 | Walk in |
Kazoku Limited | japanese | 07438 853 471 | Delivery & Collection |
Little Deli | fine local cheese, food and drink | 01462 454162 | Delivery & Collection |
Lussmanns | ready-to-cook’ meals, fresh veg, fish & cheese and essential pantry items | 01462 440089 | Delivery |
M&S | Supermarket | 01462 458583 | Walk in |
Molly's Tearooom | cakes and sandwiches | 01462 337470 | Delivery & Collection |
Pizza Go Go | pizza | 01462 438 844 | Delivery |
Quotidian | Artisan bakery & accom- paniments | 01462 422697 | Walk in |
Raj Douth Tandoori | delicious Indian takeaway food | 01462 437674 | Delivery |
Sainsbury's Hitchin | Supermarket | 01462 454833 | Delivery, Collection & Walk in |
Sandwidges | sandwiches, salads etc | 01462 459383 | Delivery & Collection |
Southern Fried Chicken | chicken, pizza burgers and chips, drinks | 01462 626663 | Collection |
Sukawatee | Thai food | 01462 450255 | Collection |
Tastebuds | sandwiches, salads etc, sweet treats | 01462 455733 | Collection |
Town Fryer | Fish and chips | 01462 437021 | Collection |
UVA | wines and food | 07860 378 982 | Delivery |
Waitrose | Supermarket | 01462 423399 | Walk in |
Wakelins | Coffee Beans from aroudn the world | 07947 481700 | Delivery |
Webb's | Greengrocers & pet food | 01462 455247 | Walk in |
Wee Vinoteca | a small but ever-changing range of wines to suit all budgets | 01462 454881 | Delivery |
Wholesome Weigh | Wholefoods & cleaning products | Delivery & Collection |
Hitchin retail businesses
Business name | Offering | Contact number | Method |
---|---|---|---|
Amore Salon | Gift vouchers and competitions | 01462 450573 | Online |
Ann Marie Ladieswear | Ladies clothing for all occasions | 01462 458224 | Delivery |
Arkley Fine Art | Hertfordshires leading contemporary fine | 01462 612596 | Delivery |
Art Nest | Paintings, prints, ceramics and glass, greetings cards and bone china products | 01462 454019 | Delivery |
Bathstore | Bathroom fittings, accessories and a com- plete design service | 01462 539194 | Delivery |
Beat School Uniforms Limited | School uniform and sportswear stores | 020 3362 2930 | Delivery |
Beer Shop | Craft Beer | 01462 337440 | Delivery |
BMAS Bath Mobility | Bathing Mobility Advisory Service | 01462 889097 | Delivery |
Candlibrium | Handmade candles | ||
Cane & Able | Rise/Recline Armchairs; Beds; Wheel- chairs; Powerchairs; Scooters; Walkers; Walking Sticks | 7966153709 | Delivery |
Dance of Hitchin | Dancewear and fancy dress accessories | 01462 435988 | Delivery |
Elite Sportswear | A huge range of clothing and equipment for a range of sports and cater for all lev- els and budgets | 01462 452366 | Delivery |
Fizz | Bath Bombs, Soaps and all things Fizzy | Delivery | |
Fly 9 | Interiors boutique, filled with products by brands and makers based in the UK and beyond | 01462 432624 | Delivery |
Gatwards | Family run jewellery business | 01462 434273 | Delivery |
Gifted4Gifts | Home fashions and gifts | 01462 338764 | Delivery |
Glenray Jewellers | Jewellery | 01462 455563 | Delivery |
H Town Rags | Vintage Second hand and new clothing | 07712 598977 | Delivery |
Health Emporium Limited | Wholefood, claening product, beauty and | 01462 436881 | Walk in & Delivery |
Hermitage Road & Co | Eclectic lifestyle, gifts, furnishings, lighting, jewellery, fashion, toys | 01462 423885 | Delivery |
Hooray & Co | Childrens Store stocking unique gifts, toys, books, party and interior products for babies and children. | Delivery | |
Jamie's Shoe Repairs | Shoe repairs and key cutting | 01462 436789 | Delivery |
Jo Jo Maman Bebe | Baby clothes, equipment and toys | Delivery | |
Joules | Clothing and shoes | Delivery | |
Juicy Vapes | Huge varieties of eliquid | 01462 438514 | Delivery |
Love 2 Shop | Clothing | 01462 455773 | Delivery |
M&S | Stylish women's clothing, footwear & ac- cessories | 0333 202 0720 | Delivery |
Maison Blanc | Cecond hand furniture, restoration and paint | 01462 625265 | Collection |
Magnet | Kitchens | 01462 454958 | Delivery |
Mailboxes Etc | Delivery, courier services. Business leaflet printing | 01462 477900 | Delivery |
Merryfields | Newsagents, maps and off licence | 01462 459170 | Walk in |
Mill Fabrics | Soft furnishings and window treatments, from cushion covers to hand sewn cur- tains from blinds to wooden shutters | 01462 433944 | Delivery & Collection |
Millets | Outdoor Clothing, Footwear & Equip- ment | 01462 413567 | Delivery |
Mini Mench | Home décor, baby/children good | 01462 440963 | Delivery |
Mint Velvet | Clothing and shoes | 0345 456 2200 | Delivery |
Mobile Store | Mobile phone reapairs and accessories n/ n | 7515875525 | Delivery |
Monsoon Accessorize Limited | Clothing and shoes | 0844 811 0068 | Delivery |
Next PLC | Clothing and shoes, homeware | 0333 777 8000 | Delivery |
P & P Laboratories Limited | Denture repair | 01462 459829 | Delivery & Collec- tion |
PaperChase | Cards and stationary | 020 3322 4788 | Delivery |
Paws,Fur & Fin | Pet supplies | 7956053513 | Delivery, Collec- tion & Walk in |
Pebble Sanctuary | skin care products | 01462 458885 | Delivery |
Phase Eight | Party dresses, occasion dresses, wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, workwear and casualwear | 01462 454647 | Delivery |
Planet Furniture Ltd | Kitchen designers | 01462 452233 | Delivery |
Poundland | Clothes, pet food, home supplies and groceries | 01462 339678 | Walk in |
Professional Dry Cleaners | Dry Cleaning / Laundry Pressing / Ironing | 01462 450491 / 07728 263551 | Delivery & Collec- tion |
Riot Lounge | Men and womens clothing | 07944 094503 | Delivery |
Rockahula Kids | Childrens fashion accessories | Delivery | |
Rosita Lollipop | Children's and family clothing store | 07944 094503 | Delivery |
Rubarb | Womens clothing boutique | 01462 451088 | Delivery |
Shepard & Akay | Lens solutions, contact lens comfort (rewetting) drops, and dry eye products | 01462 432088 | Delivery |
Specsavers | Appointments, Glasses & Contact Lenses | 01462 422255 | Walk in & Delivery |
Stephanie Rose | Florists specialising in country style flow- ers for all occasions | 01462 433550 | Delivery |
The Car Agents | Car sales, emergency MOT and repairs | 01462 441460 | Delivery |
The Haberdashery | Habedashery supplies | 1462454208 | Delivery |
The White Stuff Limited | clothing and shoes | 020 3752 5360 | Delivery |
The Wine Stop | Wines, Spirits & Beers | 01462 437965 | Walk in |
The Works | Craft supplies | 01462 440889 | Delivery |
Tim's Art Supplies | Art and craft supplies for the amateur to the professional | 01462 455376 | Delivery |
Town Garden | Independent Florist | 01462 434440 | Delivery & Collec- tion |
Twisted Fabric | Clothing and footwear | 01462 458940 | Delivery |
Unikorn | Alternative stockist, piercings | 01438 357754 | Delivery |
Vaper Trails | Vapping equitpment | 01462 432959 | Delivery |
Vaper's Rest | Vaping products | 01462 451499 | Delivery |
Vinegar Hill Limited | gifts, home accessories, jewellery | 01462 338120 | Delivery |
Vintage Bay | Gifts, artisan Homeware & hand crafted, reclaimed, vintage and gifts , that’s ex- traordinary! | 01462 339108 | Delivery |
Waterstone's | Mainstream and academic book retailer | 01462 422329 | Delivery |
Well Run Sports | Running shoes and clothing | 01462 432061 | Delivery & Collec- tion |
White Wardrobe | Wedding dresses | 1462431734 | Delivery |
Wilde | Bespoke engagement rings & modern jewellery | 01462 338747 | Delivery |
Wilko Retail Limited | DIY, gardening, homeware | 3330051256 | Walk in |
Wood & Stone Floors | Supplier and installer of wood and stone floors | 01462 457234 | Delivery |
Lover of all things FAST. 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.

Eating
Could this be the biggest clue for a Five Guys in Stevenage?
Published
2 months agoon
5th January 2021
Regardless of lockdowns and coronavirus, people want food. Fans of Five Guys could be getting a late Christmas present with a new Five Guys in Stevenage. A recent job post on the Five Guys recruitment page for a General Manager in the Stevenage area has got locals excited about the possible arrival of the much loved American Chain.
Could this be the biggest clue for a Five Guys in Stevenage?
Spotted by an eagled eyed member of ‘Stevenage Chit Chat‘, the advert for a General Manager drops a few clues at a possible opening of a Five Guys in Stevenage.

Unit 10 appears empty on Google Maps
Clue No.1 for a Five Guys in Stevenage – The perfect scene
Nothing cements a clue in a mystery more than a location. The recruitment team have placed a X on the spot and that is 51°54’02.4″N 0°12’33.7″W. For all the normal people reading this, that is Unit 10 in Stevenage Leisure Park. This was home to Pizza Hut since late 2002 but this recent Google treasure map shows the unit is currently empty.
Clue No.2 for a Five Guys in Stevenage – A job for an ‘accomplice’
Did we mention there is a second job advert for a ‘Assistant Manager? If one job advert was not enough proof, two should be enough to convince you that plans are afoot for a Five Guys in Stevenage.
Clue No.3 for a Five Guys in Stevenage – A motive
What more motive do you need than hungry people in Stevenage in need of a good burger? A Five Guys in Stevenage is well overdue. It could even tempt Sir Lewis Hamilton back to Stevenage.
Eating
Canadian restaurant chain Tim Hortons set to open in Milton Keynes

Published
5 months agoon
10th October 2020
Milton Keynes has been chosen by iconic Canadian restaurant brand, Tim Hortons®, to be their first drive-thru site in the South of England. Known for its signature coffee and delicious donuts, Tim Hortons will be opening its first drive-thru in Milton Keynes.
Located in Milton Keynes’ Kingston Centre Retail Park, the drive-thru site will also offer in-store dining. Many locals will not have heard of Tim Hortons but like another North American chain, Five Guys which launched in the UK in 2013, Tim Hortons is steadily building a fan base.
Tim Hortons in the UK
The first Tim Horton restaurant opened on Argyle Street, Glasgow, in June 2017. Since then, they have grown to 23 stores in the UK with Milton Keynes set to be the first Tim Hortons restaurant in The Three Counties. Leicester City Centre is home to the chain’s flagship store.
Tim Horton’s menu consists of your normal cold and hot beverages, breakfast selection, main meals, and Timmies Minis. Timmies Minis are designed for children with a selection of wraps, melts and sandwichs. We will first in line for the opening of the Milton Keynes’ Tim Hortons and will tell you what’s the best on the menu.
New Jobs in Milton Keynes
, The move is being welcomed locally as it shows confidence in Milton Keynes and will create new jobs in Milton Keynes at a much needed time. The new store opening is set to create 40+ jobs for the local community. These will be a combination of full-time and part-time opportunities.
Kevin Hydes, Chief Commercial Officer of Tim Hortons® franchise in the U.K commented “We are delighted to bring positive news this year to Milton Keynes. We are thrilled to have secured a fantastic location for our most southernly restaurant in England.
“With our previous openings causing overnight queues and fans travelling from up and down the country, we expect this to be a huge occasion for us. We look forward to engaging with the Milton Keynes community and know this is the start of exciting times to come”.
Eating
Four Fantastic Food Bloggers to follow: October 2020

Published
5 months agoon
7th October 2020
The Home Counties is home to some of the finest places to eat in the UK. It is also home to some of the best up-and-coming food bloggers who are pushing food envy to new levels. 2020 has been a unique year and if there is one thing that we as a nation have done right this year, it would be appreciating good food.
We have handpicked four fabulous food bloggers who are worth following. From amazing recipes to insider knowledge of the finest places to dine, these foodies need to be on your feed.
Major_Bites – instagram.com/major_bites/
1. What’s your favourite place to eat?
This is so tricky it’s unbelievable 😅. If I wanted a takeaway sandwich, it would be @chillibs for their amazing grilled sandwiches. If I had to pick the most amazing fried chicken that looks like it should be in a fine dining restaurant the way it’s served, it would be @chicken_george_jnr. For awesome pub food with roast dinners that are to die for, I would pick @thevichitchin and finally for something baked and naughty, @puddingstop. I’m addicted to there cinnamon buns and their raspberry and white chocolate blondies… oh and their cronuts.
2. Favourite meal/type of food?
This question is as old as time… pasta or pizza 🙈. I’m fully in love with pasta for the varieties of sauces and shapes etc… who doesn’t love a big carb hug with handfuls of cheese and truffle shavings? 🤤 @oldskoolpantry do a proper spaghetti carbonara which is to die for with lots of Parmesan, chunky fresh black pepper and lots of bacon. I equally love a Pizza and it would have to be made by my mentor Adam from @peddlingpizzas who inspired me to start making my own pizzas.
3. Favourite drink?
My go-to in the morning is an Espresso. I do like other coffees too but have had less milky ones of late. @chianaturallyhealthy do an amazing turmeric coconut latte. I love a strong full-bodied red wine such as a Malbec or a Plavic Male from Croatia. Beer and cider is good but I’m a sucker for cocktails especially an Espresso Martini 👌🏼.
4. Most recent/ favourite recipe book bought?
My most recent cookbook was Simply Novelli by @jean_christophe_novelli which I got while I was at Jean Christophe Novelli cookery school.
5. Which food blogger would you recommend following?
@fat.Sam.eats is the king of food porn especially breakfast yolk porn. @artusbbq is a wizard with a bbq as you can imagine. @lickyplate for absolutely everything including good food-related puns.
Lydeatsfood – instagram.com/lydeatsfood
1. What’s your favourite place to eat?
Bedford is blessed with so many good restaurants that it’s impossible to choose just one! FatCap Smokehouse is always top of my list, real-deal American bbq cooked low n slow to perfection! Bridges Espresso Bar are the new kids on the Bedford foodie scene and they’re already a firm favourite of mine!
2. Favourite meal/type of food?
I haven’t met a cuisine I don’t like yet! Italian food is my favourite, especially my Nonna’s cooking. When I go out to eat, I love street food markets as it means I don’t have to choose one type of food and can eat everything!!
3. Favourite drink?
I’m most partial to a glass of bubbly but can’t say no to a proper Mojito! For a non-alcoholic beverage, I always go for a Diet Coke.
4. Most recent/ favourite recipe book bought?
My favourite cookbook is practically a family heirloom! It is a copy of Mrs Beeton’s Book of Household Management that belonged to my Great Nonna. She was given it when she first moved to England and it is over 100 years old. For a more contemporary cookbook, Ottolenghi is always a winner!
Make sure to check out my fellow Bedford foodie @teesfusiontable who makes the most amazing food.
Daniel_JohnEats – instagram.com/daniel_johneats
1. What’s your favourite place to eat?
One of my favourite places in St Albans has to be Tabure. The food is always great and the restaurant always has a good atmosphere. Love trying lots of dishes.
2. Favourite meal/type of food?
This is a hard one but I would say Italian food is my favourite. Though I love brunch food. This is something I make a lot of. Avocado on toast with poached eggs is always a good idea.
3. Favourite drink?
Espresso Martini or a G&T. Rhubarb and ginger gin is is my current favourite flavour.
4. Most recent/ favourite recipe book bought?
When I was last in Berlin I visited a restaurant called House of Small Wonder. Fusion cuisine offering Japanese and European dishes. I brought the Recipes & Stories cookbook and have enjoyed using it a lot.
5. Which food blogger would you recommend following?
So many food bloggers who have amazing content. I would recommend @eat.like.a.foodie who’s home cooking is inspired by their travels.
My_Rude_Food – instagram.com/my_rude_food
1. What’s your favourite place to eat?
We’re spoilt for choice locally, there are so many gorgeous eateries. In St Albans, I particularly like L’italiano or Lussmanns. But we’ve also got the Alford Arms down the road which is reliably wonderful and if I want steak then I love Prime in Chandlers Cross. I’m not great at choosing just one.
2. Favourite meal/type of food?
Oh dear, I’m already spotting a theme. It’s so tough to choose, I particularly love cooking whole foods from scratch & tend to borrow flavours from around the world depending on my mood. I love a charcuterie board especially at home in front of a fire. On balance I would probably pick Italian food if forced. But I adore Asian food and British obviously.
3. Favourite drink?
What I drink most is water. But if we’re talking alcoholic I love anything with lychee or pear maybe a Bellini or a martini & I’m partial to a glass of Malbec. But probably my favourite is fresh mint tea.
4. Most recent/ favourite recipe book bought?
I’ve got so many but I don’t really follow recipes, I’ve been cooking for over 30 years. I love The flavour thesaurus by Niki Segnit. For inspiration, I probably reach for one my Nigel Slaters or Claudia Roden.
5. Which food blogger would you recommend following?
@90foodie @thefierywhisk & @johnwmacdonald are all really good for inspiration & very friendly.
Four Fantastic Food Bloggers to Follow – September
Each and every month, we will be featuring four new food bloggers to follow. If you are a food blogger and would like to be featured. follow us on Instagram and drop us a DM. Read ‘September’s Four Fantastic Food Bloggers to Follow‘.
Join the #lunchNbloggers movement

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