News
What to do in St Albans on Valentine’s Day
Are you looking to do something special this Valentine’s Day? With lots to see, delightful accommodation and award-winning restaurants, St Albans is a great destination choice for a Valentine’s Day break.
Whether you treat your special someone to a day out or stay the weekend, couples fall in love a little bit more on a visit here. With the help of St Albans bid, here are our top picks to really impress and make this Valentine’s Day a memorable one.
The White Hart Hotel St Albans
Situated opposite magnificent St Albans Cathedral, The White Hart Hotel offers characterful accommodation just moments from the city centre. Dating back to 1470 and one of the oldest buildings in St Albans, this former coaching inn is the perfect choice if you are looking for some old-world charm.
Dine in the hotel’s oak-panelled Tudors Restaurant and enjoy excellent culinary dishes in an intimate setting. Click here to book and for further information.
Sopwell House
Luxury hotel Sopwell House takes rest, relaxation, and warm hospitality seriously. Their Valentine’s Escape includes accommodation, dinner and access to the hotel’s impressive leisure facilities. If your beau is a spa lover, choose the Valentine’s Spa Escape which gives access to The Club at the Cottonmill Spa, an exclusive haven offering world-class facilities and treatments.
If you don’t have time to stay, The Brasserie and Restaurant offer Valentine’s menus so diners can enjoy top notch cuisine and an intimate atmosphere. Click here to book and for more information.
Travelodge PLUS St Albans
If your sweetheart loves to shop, then a stay at the Travelodge PLUS St Albans, with added style and comfort, is spot on. Boutiques, well-known brands and flagship stores are all around and if you need to refuel there many pubs, cafes and bistros on the doorstep.
Click here to book.
St Michael’s Manor
On the edge of Verulamium Park is luxurious St Michael’s Manor set in 5 acres of private garden with its own lake. Full of character the original house dates back 500 years and all guest rooms are elegant and individually styled. Click here to book.
The stunning Lake Restaurant is a 2 AA Rosette restaurant and whether you are a guest at the hotel, or visiting for the evening, the attentive service and tantalising menu will ensure a fairy-tale night. The Lake Restaurant opens daily for breakfast, lunch, Afternoon Tea and dinner. Offering a stunning dishes for all guests to enjoy.
Lussmanns
Award-winning Lussmanns Sustainable Kitchen in the city centre offers a relaxed and cosy vibe. Exquisite dishes are created from locally sourced produce and with sustainability at its heart, it is a popular choice.
Perfect for impressing your significant other is a fine-dining experience at Thompson St Albans. With 3 AA Rosette status, this restaurant serves wonderful dishes imaginatively created by Head Chef Phil Thompson, in a tranquil and intimate setting.
The Ivy St Albans Brasserie
If you are searching for a stylish restaurant then The Ivy St Albans Brasserie is the ideal venue with art deco interiors, plush furnishings and first-class service. Fall in love over one of the specially created cocktails inspired by heart felt love stories and be sure to save space for their decadent sharing dessert “Pillow Talk.”
Per Tutti Ristorante Italiano
Dine by candlelight and capture the essence of amore at Per Tutti Ristorante Italiano. An indulgent Valentine’s Day menu served with Italian passion and flair will impress that special someone on the most romantic day of the year. Click here for bookings
Premiere Inn St Albans
Another great city centre choice is the Premier Inn St Albans City Centre. This modern and comfortable hotel is a short walk from all the main attractions including St Albans Cathedral, Verulamium Park, the Clock Tower and all the amazing shops and restaurants- what’s not to love!
Inspiration for what to do in St Albans on Valentine’s Day
With a fantastic choice of hotels and restaurants, let romance blossom, fall in love or pop the question in St Albans this Valentine’s Day. Booking ahead is recommended as restaurants and hotels get booked up at this time of year.
Returning for the first time since 2019, this year sees the return of Wycombe Swan’s Summer Youth Project. Running since 1993, numerous participants have gone on to have successful careers both on and off stage. Join us on our next adventure! Build confidence, develop skills, have fun, and make long-lasting friendships.
About Wycombe Swan Summer Youth Project (SYP)
Over the two-week project, Wycombe Swan comes alive to the sights and sounds of 150 young people doing everything they can to put on a full-scale musical in time for curtain up!
Participants have the option of taking to the stage as a performer, or to make magic happen as part of the Technical Team.
All performances take place on our main stage in the 1,000 seated Wycombe Swan Theatre.
Only those wishing to have a principal/speaking role or be a dance captain need to audition.
Big Fish The Show
This year, the show is BIG FISH. Based on the novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton.
AUDITIONS (FOR THOSE WISHING TO HAVE A SPEAKING ROLE): Sunday 22 May
DATES: Mon 15 to Sunday 28 August
AGES: 9-21 (performers). 14-21 (technical team)
PRICE: £190
It is our wish that no young person misses out due to financial constraints. For this reason, we offer bursaries of up to 100% so that anybody can take part.
TO APPLY, AND FOR MORE INFO: Visit https://wycombeswan.co.uk/Online/summerproject
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday 13 May
Wells & Co’s Hertfordshire based pub, The Chequers, is opening its doors after an extensive refurbishment. Completed works include an entirely refreshed bar and dining area, redecorated throughout to create a modern and chic look and feel to the pub located in the civil parish village of Woolmer Green. The cosy interior boasts an intimate lounge area, large dining area and an extensive garden makeover inclusive of heated spaces and high table fire pits, perfect for those late-Summer evenings.
Upstairs has been reconfigured to make room for four en-suite bedrooms for guests to book, as well as a private dining room holding up to 20 people. The new dining room is perfect for all event needs, whether its a private party, private function or even to host a work meeting.
The updated food menu features seasonal and fresh dishes inclusive of much loved pub classics like fish and chips or the ever popular 21-day aged beef burger, where the team will also be donating 25p of every burger sold to local primary school St Michael’s. Aloingside the classics the full dining menu at The Chequers includes more indulgent dishes such as cajun sweet potato, okra, and black-eyed pea gumbo, wild porcini mushroom, truffle and ricotta filled mezzaluna pasta and new daily specials.
There is also a great new range of drinks behind the bar including a range of tasty Brewpoint beers brewed just down the road in Bedford, as well as a full wine and spirits list for guests to enjoy.
Greg Knox, General Manager for the Wells & Co. site said, “The Chequers has, quite simply put, been a transformational refurbishment. The pub is ready, our food is prepped, drinks will be flowing, and our team are on hand to welcome the people of Woolmer Green and beyond, back to their much-loved pub. I can’t wait to personally welcome everyone back.”
To book a room or table at The Chequers visit the website here: https://chequerswoolmergreen.co.uk/
After a two year break, Rock in the Priory 2022 is back and will be at its usual location on the Priory Island on Sunday, 17th July.
Showcase auditions were held at Southern Maltings on the April 10th and helped determine the line-up for the main event. The organisers are grateful to all the musicians who came along to perform.
The high standard of performances made the selection process difficult. The seven bands and three acoustic acts who will be entertaining the crowds on July 17th are listed below.
Quivering Lip
Quivering Lip are a two-piece originals and cover band playing rock and brit pop anthems. Quivering Lip wrote and recorded their first 5 track album Generation Panic in 2018, following it up with a new release “Ashes” in April 2019.
Quivering Lip are a two-piece originals and cover band playing rock and brit pop anthems.
Uptown Punk
Uptown Punk are a high energy, 5-piece pop/punk band, covering fan favourites from 90s to present. Their set is full of well known pop/punk tunes, with a bit of Rock thrown in. Artists covered include; Blink 182, Green Day, The Offspring, Foo Fighters, Sum 41 and many more.
Uptown Punk are a high energy, 5-piece pop/punk band, covering fan favourites from 90s to present.
Grace Whitford
Grace is a singer, pianist and songwriter based in Hertfordshire specialising in acoustic pop, golden oldies, jazz and much more. Take a moment to listen/watch her Thinking Out Loud cover.
Other artists performing at Ware Festival’s Rock in the Priory include Adam Fearn, Mr No Face, Back to the 50s, George Croucher, Junkyard Dolls, Second Bite, The Routine.
Ware Festival and Rock in the Priory
The last Rock in the Priory was held in 2019. This annual event is known for its excellent atmosphere and energy. It takes place in the unique setting of the Island bandstand, nestled within seven acres of picturesque riverside gardens of the 14th century Ware Priory building. Tickets in advance are £5 entry or a family ticket at £15 for two adults and up to four children. Further details about Ware Festival and Rock in the Priory can be found on rockinthepriory.co.uk
