Eating
What to eat… Lockdown life in St Albans as a foodie
Within a week or two of lowdown, as major foodies, we were massively missing going out for dinner and continuing to work our way around the array of fabulous St. Albans restaurants.
We began missing the simple things; like walking into town on a Saturday morning and enjoying the amazing street food that the St. Albans market has to offer. Luckily for us, and for St Albans food lovers, many street food stalls, cafes, restaurants and even local home cooks, started providing delivery services, and boy have we made the most of them!
We have highlighted just a few of our favourite street food lockdown deliveries below, and info on how you can get your hands on them!
Killa Waffles – @killa_waffles
Usually based at London street food markets, we have been lucky enough to have this amazing business delivering in their local area of St Albans during lockdown. If you love fried chicken (who doesn’t!) then you have to try Killa Waffles! They are delivering around St Albans and the local area every Friday to Sunday evening.
For our Friday night take away a couple of weeks back we ordered the Killa Mac & Cheese, which is their mouth-watering mac and cheese topped with buttermilk fried chicken and homemade garlic mayo and chipotle sauce on the side. Because there is always room for a little more, we also ordered Killa Nacho Fries topped with pulled pork, shredded cheese, sour cream, homemade guacamole and tomatillo salsa…we haven’t stopped thinking about them since!
Thankfully, they are still delivering for the rest of June in St Albans and we hear their Godzilla burger is a must try! 2 x southern fried chicken, beef brisket glazed with a spicy BBQ sauce, American cheese, lettuce and a mix of garlic and siracha sauce, YUM! If this sounds like your kind of burger, then make sure you check them out on Instagram and secure your delivery slot!
Peddling Pizza – @peddlingpizzas
The most delicious award-winning Neapolitan style pizzas you will try, each one hand-stretched to order with their 24-hour slow-fermented dough, its light, delicious and not to be missed! You can get your hands on one on a Wednesday or Friday and there is always a special on the menu each week.
For our most recent order, we tried The Peddler – salami, nduja, fresh chilli and a drizzle of homemade chilli honey, plus, The Zucca – pumpkin cream, basil, mozzarella, gorgonzola and you even have the option of adding some heat with a topping of nduja!
The most recent special you can get your hands on is a sweet pizza with a baked custard base, crumbled brownie and hot Nutella drizzle, we’ll say no more!
Pink Cactus – @pinkcactus_uk
Mexican street food that’s fun, full of variety and just delicious! They have been parked up alongside Peddling Pizzas at the Mermaid Pub in St Albans on Saturday evenings and are offering both collection and delivery throughout the week. On their menu, you will find Burritos, Tacos, Nachos and loaded fries. Mexican Tacos are their signature dish and we would recommend trying a selection of all their flavours, you can then pick your own favourite!
Not quite street food but we could not miss sharing what has become a Tuesday lunchtime tradition for us! Anne from Taste of Vietnam St Albans cooks up authentic Vietnamese dishes and has been serving St Albans her delicious homemade food for just over 3 years.
We have been making the most of her homemade Vietnamese Banh Mi’s which are traditional Vietnamese sandwiches made up of a crusty baguette, your choice of meat, pickled vegetables plus coriander and mayo, a real Asian delight! They can be booked for collection through her Facebook and Instagram pages and we have not found a better lunch to sit and eat in the sunshine during lockdown!
You can also order a 3-course authentic Vietnamese meal on a Friday evening, with traditional dishes such as steamed rolls, Pho, grilled chicken or fish curry, all freshly cooked by Anne herself (she even includes some Vegan options!)
To keep up to date with all things food and drink in St Albans, follow The St Albans Foodies on Instagram @stalbansfoodies – We have just surpassed 1,000 followers and have something very exciting coming soon!
This autumn, step into the world of Downton Abbey as The Ivy Marlow Garden celebrates the cinematic release of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale with an elegant limited-edition menu. Launching on 3rd September 2025, the specially curated menu will be available across The Ivy Collection restaurants nationwide*, inviting guests to dine like the Crawleys in true aristocratic style.
A Taste of the 1930s with an Ivy Twist
Inspired by the refinement of 1930s dining and the glamour of the Crawley family, the Downton Abbey at The Ivy menuis priced at £27.95 for two courses or £34.95 for three courses. Guests can expect dishes steeped in heritage, luxury and comfort, all reimagined through The Ivy’s signature touch.
Highlights include:
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Starters:
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Severn & Wye Smoked Salmon with brown bread, lemon and butter
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Salade Du Verger with figs, pecans, truffle vinaigrette and whipped feta
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Mains:
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The Ivy Shepherd’s Pie – slow-braised lamb and beef with Cheddar mash
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Grilled Lemon Sole on the Bone with beurre noisette, capers and lemon
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21 Day Aged Sirloin Steak with peppercorn sauce
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Braised Duck Curry blending British tradition and global flavour
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Garden Vegetable Curry – a vibrant vegetarian option
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Desserts:
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The Ivy Chocolate Dome with honeycomb and caramel sauce
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Orchard Apple Tart with Calvados – flambéed for a dramatic finish
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Caramelised Crème Brûlée – a comforting classic
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Raise a Glass to Downton Abbey
To elevate the occasion, guests can toast with The Ivy Guest Champagne or indulge in The Gilded Peach Cobbler – a 1930s-inspired cocktail crafted from sloe gin, Crème de Pêche, Beesou honey aperitif, pineapple syrup, and Champagne. A drink worthy of the grandest Downton dinner party.
Don’t Miss the Grand Finale
Sean Burbidge, Executive Chef at The Ivy Collection, shared:
“We’ve taken great joy in creating dishes that reflect the elegance of the era, inspired by the film’s characters, 1930s flavours, and even dishes once served at The Original Ivy. We hope each plate transports guests into the world of Downton – with all the charm, nostalgia and indulgence that entails.”
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the Crawleys or simply seeking a luxurious dining experience, this limited-edition menu offers the chance to relive the grandeur of Downton Abbey — one plate at a time.
Book Your Downton Abbey Dining Experience
Available from 3rd September 2025 at The Ivy Marlow Garden and participating Ivy Collection restaurants nationwide*.
️ Book your table here: Downton Abbey at The Ivy
*Menu available at all Ivy Collection restaurants except The Ivy Dawson Street, Dublin. The Original Ivy (West Street, London) will offer a bespoke menu.
Follow The Ivy Collection on Instagram: @the_ivy_collection
As the summer sun casts its golden glow over Rome, there’s no better time—or place—for a last-minute escape than Palazzo Dama. Tucked just steps from the Tiber and Piazza del Popolo, this former aristocratic villa-turned-boutique hotel offers a serene yet stylish base for soaking up the Eternal City’s vibrant culture, timeless charm, and relaxed summer rhythm.
A City Break for the Soul
Rome in the summer is a city of open-air concerts, riverside strolls, and golden hour light spilling across cobbled piazzas. Whether you’re slipping out of your sandals for a dip in Palazzo Dama’s hidden pool or heading to a concert at the Baths of Caracalla, the hotel offers a seamless blend of relaxation and exploration.
By day, the city is yours to discover—perhaps after a slow breakfast in the garden or a long lunch under the olive trees at PACIFICO, the hotel’s lush Nikkei restaurant. As the evening settles in, the hotel’s concierge can help secure tickets to Rome’s summer cultural lineup—from Nick Cave at Roma Summer Fest to candlelit opera under the stars.
Poolside Calm in the Heart of the City
One of Rome’s best-kept secrets? Palazzo Dama’s peaceful pool, set in a garden of lemon and olive trees—a rarity in the city’s historic core. It’s the perfect spot to cool off with a cocktail, nap in the shade, or gather with friends for aperitivo. And while guests have it on their doorstep, it’s also open to non-guests for lunch and evening dining—a welcome retreat for any urban explorer.
From Pisco Bars to Private Spas
Dining at PACIFICO is an experience in itself. The fusion of Peruvian and Japanese cuisines brings an unexpected twist to the Roman culinary scene—think Wagyu carpaccio, fresh ceviche, and expertly crafted cocktails served beneath Warhols and crystal chandeliers.
For those needing a true pause, the DAHAM Health & Beauty Spa offers a tranquil break from the city buzz. Unwind with a Turkish bath or tailored wellness treatment before heading out again—or don’t. The calm may be too tempting to leave.
Wake Up Where History Meets Glamour
Each of the hotel’s 29 rooms and suites offers a glimpse into Roman elegance, with design details that nod to its noble past while embracing contemporary luxury. Want to explore the city with flair? The concierge can arrange a vintage Fiat 500 tour or bicycles to meander through Rome’s tree-lined avenues at your own pace.
Make It a Summer to Remember
Whether you’re in Rome for a cultural fix, a romantic escape, or just to lounge in a lemon-scented garden, Palazzo Damais a rare find: a boutique retreat that feels both deeply Roman and delightfully removed from it all. For those seeking a spontaneous summer getaway, this hidden gem is calling.
Award-winning chef Carlo Scotto unveils his most personal project yet with BEAR – a daring 14-seat chef’s table opening this July at the Crazy Bear Hotel in Beaconsfield.
Launching on Wednesday 30th July, BEAR strips back fine dining to reveal something raw, refined, and deeply expressive. Set inside an immersive open kitchen, this intimate space offers diners an unforgettable front-row seat to Scotto’s innovative culinary storytelling.
Carlo Scotto’s Next Chapter
Following the success of Amethyst in London, Scotto’s newest venture draws on his global experience in the kitchens of Gordon Ramsay, Angela Hartnett, and the Galvin Brothers. At BEAR, his signature style evolves into something even more daring and personal — a stripped-back, ingredient-led experience that feels more like a private dinner party than a restaurant.
A Seasonally Driven, Emotionally Charged Menu
The menu at BEAR showcases Scotto’s fearless approach to flavour, technique, and presentation. It’s a culinary journey that spans continents while remaining rooted in seasonal British ingredients.
Expect dishes like:
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Langoustine with Pickled Attika Kohlrabi, jalapeño & purple shiso
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Hand-laminated brioche with Carlo’s unique three-layered butter
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Moroccan-spiced duck with morels poached in aged pickled rum
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British asparagus fermented in tempeh and wild garlic jus
Two Menus, One Exclusive Table
Guests can choose between two tasting experiences:
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Carlo’s Edit – A six-course seasonal snapshot
Available Tuesday to Saturday at 6pm -
The Full Experience – An eight-course immersive journey
Available Tuesday to Saturday at 7.45pm
Both menus are available with thoughtfully selected wine pairings.
A Unique Setting at Crazy Bear Beaconsfield
Located inside the iconic Crazy Bear Hotel, BEAR benefits from a setting as distinctive as its food. The hotel itself blends 15th-century charm with modern opulence, offering a lavish escape just outside of London.
With BEAR, Beaconsfield welcomes a new era of destination dining — one that’s sure to attract serious food lovers from far and wide.
TrendLife Will Be Visiting This Summer
We’ll be visiting BEAR by Carlo Scotto later this summer to experience the menu firsthand. Keep an eye out for our full review and behind-the-scenes look at one of 2025’s most exciting new openings.
