News, opinion, and the occasional rant — from someone who actually lives here
Ayres End Lane and East Common close for up to 11 weeks from Monday 26 October for gas works. That's the official bit. The unofficial bit is that it's the 17th Harpenden road closed or coned off since April, and some of us would like a word.
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Kalimera, a new Greek bakery and café, has opened on Leyton Road. We haven't eaten there yet, but the navy shopfront and its lemons are hard to miss.
The mystery tenant for the former M&Co at 6 High Street is STRONG Pilates, the Australian reformer franchise with rowing machines attached. It's due to open in early 2027.
OVEE, a new "British Asian" restaurant, is moving into Thompsons Close, where Cinnamon used to be. It was due to open on Thursday 22 October, but that date has quietly vanished, so watch this space.
We joined the opening-day rush at Bread Ahead on Harpenden High Street. The full kitchen menu won't arrive until Wednesday and the doughnuts wait until 11am, but the croissant, pain au raisin and sausage rolls were outstanding. A very promising start.
Borough Market's cult bakery Bread Ahead opens on Harpenden High Street on 12th October, its first UK bakery outside London. Expect sourdough and doughnuts baked fresh on site, an all-day café, and an upstairs baking school with classes from January 2027.
After years of hearing about it from everyone else in Harpenden, we finally made it to Bar Azita on Station Road for a child-free lunch. Tapas, cheap cocktails and a bill that came in lower than expected: a slightly slow welcome aside, it's easy to see why the place is packed.
Thameslink's chief executive has unveiled a pocket-sprung, memory-foam, wingback seat that will roll out from 2027. Lovely. Now, about actually getting one.
After years of ignoring a crumbling pavement, Shadow Highways Chief Cllr Matt Cowley heroically turns up just in time to watch the new tarmac dry—and take all the credit. Read our breakdown of the latest political 'miracle' in Harpenden.
Editor's PickBrad & Dills "The Park" has cemented itself as a cornerstone of Harpenden life. From outstanding coffee and legendary bagels by day to sourdough pizzas and cocktails by night, it nails the suburban dream with style—but it’s the wonderfully warm team that makes this cafe feel like home.
Editor's PickThe Silver Cup is, without a doubt, our favorite place in Harpenden. Combining Michelin-level cooking from Matt with warm, family-style hospitality from Olivia, this Common-side gem has marked all our family’s milestones—and remains one of the absolute best reasons we call this town home.
Before Hatching Green properties and school runs became our reality, the White Horse was our first welcoming introduction to Harpenden life. With an incredible sun-soaked beer garden, plenty of parking, and a menu that is resolutely and comfortably "fine," it remains the ultimate casual pitstop—just don't mistake it for a candlelit date night spot.
