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Which Three Counties high streets will survive 2021?
2020 was a tough year for high streets across the UK. Many small independents shut their doors during the lockdowns to never open again. High streets across the Three Counties lost big name retailers such as Debenhams, Monsoon and Beales.
It is impossible to put the blame entirely on Covid-19. Some of these businesses were in decline for sometime but what does their disappearance mean for our high streets? Can the high streets across Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire survive more of the same in 2021?
With more of the UK entering tier 4 and talks of another national lockdown, local business owners are expecting to temporarily close their doors once again. Once again, some of these businesses may never reopen leaving gaping holes on our high streets.
We have looked at some of the larger towns/shopping areas in Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire to see how each will cope after another year of Covid-19.
High streets and towns that will bounce back after Covid-19
Watford – Because of its proximity to London and being home to Intu Watford, Watford’s high street and shopping disrtrict will bounce back fairly quickly. Watford’s nightlife will also bounce back when things return to normal and this will help the local retailers.
It is also important to remember that Watford is home to a number of service-based companies. When their employees return to their offices, lunch breaks and after-work browsing will benefit local retailers.
St Albans
There are a number of factors that point to St Albans faring better than most. From a higher ratio of independents retailers vs chains to the higher levels of disposable incomes of local residents, St Albans residents are happy to shop local and pay more for the experience. We don’t expect much change in St Albans after normality returns.
Hitchin
Another market town with a large number of independents, Hitchin residents like to shop local and the town benefits from out-of-town shoppers. Things will return to normal pretty quickly for Hitchin. From its outdoor offerings to its unique independents, Hitchin has plenty to get the streets busy again. Expect to see new retailers looking to make an impact like Hitchin’s Chicken George did when they opened in the middle of the pandemic.
Milton Keynes
Milton Keynes is pretty much too big to fail. Did you know that Milton Keynes has the 5th highest number of business startups in the UK? For every store that closes in 2021, there will be someone willing to take the risk. High Street retailer Next opening a Beauty and Home concept store in the former Debenhams store is an example of this. Yes, There were some closures in Milton Keynes last year, for example Pizza Express but most empty units won’t stay closed for long when the lockdowns are over.
High streets and towns that will struggle after Covid-19
Luton
The largest town in Bedfordshire should in theory be the most resilient. But Luton has been masking a lot of problems for a long time. The Mall Luton still hasn’t departed from the legacy of The Arndale. Aside from some new signage, the Mall is exactly the same layout as The Arndale and contains pretty much the same retailers you see in every other shopping centre.Overall, The Mall Luton is a good place to shop but outside of The Mall is not welcoming enough for families and out-of-town shoppers. Encouraging new shoppers to venture outside of The Mall is going to be an uphill battle without updating the adjacent areas.
Hemel Hempstead
With an ageing population and shortage of unique independent shops, Hemel Hempstead could struggle in 2021. Great efforts are being made to improve the shopping district with The Marlowees looking very modern but it desperately needs new blood in the form of forward-thinking trendsetting retailers. Decent parking and good transport links are great but further changes will be need to get out-of-town to take the plunge.
If things return back to normal in the Spring/Summer, Hemel’s outdoor area need to be utilised to help encourage shoppers back. Good quality outdoor food and entertainment with temporary setting is a must for High Streets going forward.
Stevenage
There is no denying that stevenage as a shopping destination has been struggling for some time. Stevenage is far from the slum Sir Lewis Hamilton described it as but it could do with some modernising. This is happening as part of the Stevenage Better regeneration project. The big issue is the speed of these projects. With most of the construction industry still working throughout the lockdowns, there is no better time for ambitious plans to modernise areas such like Queensway North and the Bus Interchange.
Bedford
We already discussed what needs to happen to improve Bedford High Street. Whilst this list is not comprehensive, it does cover the key problems with Bedford High Street and many other high streets across Bedfordshire.
In terms of retail , Bedford cannot compete with the likes of Milton Keynes so the High Street stakeholders need to focus on what Bedford did best (for a while). Bedford needs to look at its once thriving nightlife and entertainment sector. Split the High Street and surround roads into districts and do more to invite local entrepreneurs.
Dunstable
Another area with an ageing population and lack of unique independent shops. Dunstable High Street has been on a decline for sometime. There is no way of getting away from it. Most of the lower-end chains will survive but the revival of commutable towns and ease of parking at out of town retail parks will add more pressure on dated high streets in towns like Dunstable and Bedford.
There are times when a business meeting calls for something more relaxed than a boardroom yet more polished than a standard pub table. My recent visit to The Bell at Ramsbury was exactly that — an informal get-together with a few business partners over drinks and supper, chosen for its reputation and setting rather than ceremony.
From the moment I walked in, the tone felt right. The interior blends exposed brickwork, solid wooden beams and soft, ambient lighting in a way that feels authentic rather than staged. The red leather banquette seating, plaid-backed upholstery and sturdy wooden tables create a space that is both comfortable and quietly professional. It’s the kind of environment where conversation flows naturally, without distraction.
Food That Delivers
The menu leans confidently into well-executed British classics, and what I appreciated most was its clarity. No unnecessary complication — just good ingredients handled properly.
The burger was a standout. A thick, juicy beef patty layered with melted cheese, sharp pickles and fresh tomato, all contained within a glossy seeded bun and neatly skewered. It arrived with golden, crisp chips served in a small metal bucket. It was generous without being excessive, indulgent but balanced — exactly what you want when you’re combining business with a relaxed meal.
I also opted for the cheeseboard, which felt thoughtfully assembled rather than routine. A creamy brie, a mature hard cheese and a well-balanced blue provided contrast in flavour and texture. The crackers were crisp, the chutney rich and slightly sweet, and fresh red grapes cut through the richness perfectly. It worked well as both a shared course and a conversation companion.
Dessert was simple but elegant — a poached pear presented upright in a light syrup, paired with a scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream set on a crumble base. It was refined without being fussy, and a fitting way to close the meal.
A Setting That Encourages Conversation
What makes The Bell particularly effective for business meetings is its layout. The dining area feels open yet private enough for discussion. After eating, I moved into the lounge space — leather Chesterfield-style sofas, a central fireplace, shelves of books and framed portraits creating a setting that feels more like a private sitting room than a commercial venue.
It’s a space that invites you to stay. Conversations continue without interruption, and there’s no sense of being hurried along.
Service That Understands the Room
Service throughout the evening was attentive, calm and efficient. Drinks were refreshed seamlessly, courses arrived at a comfortable pace, and the staff struck the right balance between presence and discretion — something I value highly in a business setting.
Final Thoughts
The Bell at Ramsbury succeeds because it knows exactly what it is. It doesn’t rely on trends or theatrics. Instead, it offers warmth, substance and consistency — all delivered in a setting that feels genuine.
For me, it proved to be an excellent choice for meeting business partners: relaxed but professional, hearty yet considered, welcoming without being overbearing. If you’re looking for a countryside venue that allows both conversation and quality to take centre stage, The Bell delivers with quiet confidence.
Work dinners can be deceptively hard to get right. With a large group, you’re not just relying on the kitchen — you’re relying on pacing, coordination, and a team that can stay calm when the room is busy.
My recent dinner at Miller & Carter Reading was exactly the kind of organised, reliable evening a work gathering needs. It was lively, slightly polished, and — most importantly — it ran smoothly from start to finish.
The space has that modern, uniformed Miller & Carter feel: dark tables, low lighting, and leather-style booth seating that leans smart without feeling stiff. Warm red table lamps add a soft glow across the room and help give the dining area a more settled atmosphere, even when it’s busy.
We were seated in a booth, which worked well for a group dinner — conversation stayed contained and it felt like we had our own “zone” within the restaurant. The only real downside was that, once everyone was seated, the booth felt a little cramped. The restaurant itself is spacious and clearly set up for bigger parties, but the seating can feel tight depending on numbers.
The noise level was on the louder side, and it stayed busy — but in a good way. It felt energetic rather than chaotic, and you could still talk comfortably across the table.
Food That Delivers
I started with halloumi fries and chipotle chilli jam. They were properly crisp, with that soft, salty centre you want from halloumi, and the jam added a gentle smoky heat that played well without taking over.
For my starter, I went for the baked cheddar mushrooms (V) — mushrooms in a creamy Cheddar cheese and spinach sauce, served with toasted breads. It was rich in the best way: warming, well-balanced, and ideal for sharing if you’re eating as a group. The toasted bread did its job without feeling like an afterthought.
For the main, I ordered the 16oz ribeye, cooked medium, with peppercorn sauce. The steak arrived tender and full of flavour, with that signature char that Miller & Carter tends to do well. It was exactly what I hoped for from a ribeye — satisfying, juicy, and cooked as ordered.
On the side, I had sweet potato fries and the onion loaf. The fries were a solid match for the peppercorn sauce, and the onion loaf added that familiar, crowd-pleasing element that suits group dining — easy to share, easy to enjoy.
I had cider with the meal, though I can’t recall the brand. We skipped dessert, largely because the mains felt more than generous enough.
A Room That Handles Groups
What stood out most was how controlled the evening felt. With a large party, it’s easy for service to become uneven — drinks forgotten, starters delayed, mains landing at random. That didn’t happen here.
Drinks and starters came out quickly and smoothly, and the pacing between courses stayed comfortable all evening. Even with a busy room, nothing felt rushed or chaotic.
No single staff member stood out — not because the service wasn’t good, but because it was consistently attentive across the board. Everyone did what they needed to do, and for a work dinner, that reliability is exactly what you want.
We were there for around two hours, and the whole experience felt well-timed.
Final Thoughts
Miller & Carter Reading is a strong option when you want steak, structure, and a dining room that can cope with a lively crowd. The ribeye was tender, the starters were satisfying, and the service was well-paced and efficient — even with a big group.
If you’re booking for a work gathering, a celebration, or even a date night where you want something dependable, it’s a safe choice — with the small caveat that booth seating can feel a little cramped once numbers climb.
After a spectacular debut in 2025, Found Festival is set to return to the scenic Claydon Estate, Buckinghamshire, for the August Bank Holiday weekend in 2026. Following a three-day celebration of music, culture, and community, organisers have announced a limited number of early bird tickets frozen at 2025 prices, alongside a new tiered ticketing system to ensure accessibility for all.
A Shining Debut in 2025
Born from the 60-year legacy of Towersey Festival, Found Festival’s first edition brought together grassroots talent and cultural discovery in a family-friendly setting. The event delivered on its promise of “head-turners, not headliners,” with standout performances across Americana, folk, world music, comedy, and wellbeing experiences.
Highlights included:
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Elles Bailey delivering soaring country soul.
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Talisk impressing with jaw-dropping virtuosity.
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The Longest Johns bringing rousing sea-shanties.
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Honeyfeet captivating with soulful ferocity.
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Comedy from Robin Ince, Marcel Leconte, and rising star Chelsea Birkby.
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Family fun with Professor Elemental’s steampunk antics and Nutty Noah’s acrobatic storytelling.
Beyond the stages, the festival site came alive with Ceilidhs, dance and craft workshops, circus artistry, stone-carving demos, nightly fire shows, silent discos, and a dedicated wellbeing programme featuring yoga, breathwork, and a wood-fired sauna overlooking the estate’s lake.
Building for 2026: Accessible Ticketing
Co-director Joe Heap reflected:
“Found is an event built with love, creativity, and a whole lot of hard work. We’re delighted with how our first year has gone, despite the challenges. It’s increasingly hard to run an independent festival, and none of it would have been possible without the incredible support of our community.”
To ensure Found 2026 remains accessible, a tiered ticket system has been introduced:
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Supporter Tier: Pay a little more to help subsidise reduced tickets.
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Standard Tier: Covers the base cost of producing the event.
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Supported Tier: A subsidised rate for those needing financial help (released once enough Supporter tickets are sold).
Only 300 early bird tickets are now available — with camping included — at 2025 prices, plus reduced caravan-pitch rates and unchanged hook-up fees. Interest-free instalment plans will also launch at the end of September.
Dates and Tickets
Found Festival 2026 takes place Friday 28th – Monday 31st August 2026 at Claydon Estate, Buckinghamshire.
️ Tickets available now via Gigantic.
Whether you’re drawn by grassroots music, family-friendly creativity, or the wellbeing sanctuary by the lake, Found Festival 2026 promises another unforgettable summer celebration.
