WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBOURHOOD
As the entry point to our beautiful pocket of Hertfordshire for many people who are first-time residents, we thought we would create a ‘Welcome to the Neighbourhood’ page for you. This will highlight a dozen or more of our best recommendations, hidden gems and personal favourites of our local staff.
Watford | |
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NASCOT ARMS11 Stamford Road, Watford WD17 4QS Tel. 01923 225510This quaint little family run pub in the heart of Nascot Wood is famous with its locals for its warm welcome, guest ales, and televised sporting events. At the back of the pub is it’s hidden gem - an added Thai restaurant (Mr Ting’s Authentic Thai Cuisine) providing fresh dishes that are full of flavor and as authentic as it comes. |
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VILLIERS COFFEE HOUSE30a Villiers Road, Oxhey, Watford, WD19 4AHVilliers Coffee House is the beating heart of Oxhey Village, an independent, speciality café known for its warm community feel, exceptional coffee and consistently high-quality food. Using beans from Origin Coffee Roasters, their flat whites and seasonal specials are the main draw, but the food offering easily keeps pace. There is a relaxed village vibe inside – bright, friendly and filled with regulars – and on sunnier days the small outdoor seating area gives you the perfect spot to watch Oxhey life go by. Top Tip: Go early for the cinnamon buns! And bring your dog – there are water bowls, treats and a genuinely pet-friendly attitude which makes it a staple stop on the Oxhey ‘triangle’ walk. |
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FLOURISH CRAFT BAKERYUnit 2, Garnett Close, Watford, WD24 7GLA second contender for best Pizza in the area, Flourish Craft Bakery and it’s sister company The Loading Bay are tucked away in a North Watford Industrial Estate! By early morning, the oven is working flat-out’ by late morning the café fills with locals grabbing ancient sourdough loaves, pastries or settling in for brunch. This place may look modest if you google the address, but trust us – it’s anything but once you arrive. |
Rickmansworth | |
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WISHFUL DRINKING124 High Street, Rickmansworth, WD3 1AB Tel. 07477 495015Run by father and son duo, Steve & Sam Harlow, this local favourite is a fantastic taproom on Rickmansworth High Street. During the day it operates largely as a shop, where you can pick up one of a selection of over 60 ales, lagers and small-batch stouts. In the evening, the shop transforms to one of the towns most social and vibrant locations. Top tip – there is 2 for 1 Prosecco on a Friday before 6pm. Try and get a table outside for excellent people watching and catching the last of the sunshine in the summer. |
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DOLCE CAFE & RESTAURANT16 Moneyhill Parade, Uxbridge Road, Rickmansworth, WD3 7BEAn independent café/restaurant that delivers more than your average brunch spot. A favourite for Sunday Brunch, the restaurant morphs into a French-Italian fusion destination in the evenings, with a refined menu and atmospheric setting (yes, there’s even a cigar terrace!). They always have a good deal on their lunch offers or early dinner menu; it’s a great way to sample something elevated without over spending. |
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THE CAFÉ IN THE PARKRickmansworth Aquadrome, WD3 1NBThe Café in the Park is one of Rickmansworth’s most cherished spots — an independent, eco-focused café in the heart of the Aquadrome. Known for its wholesome, home-cooked dishes and warm community feel, it’s a magnet for families, dog-walkers and anyone grabbing brunch after a lap around the lakes. Expect everything from cooked breakfasts and generous salads to cakes baked onsite using local ingredients. They place a big emphasis on sustainability, with seasonal menus, refillable options and a commitment to reducing waste wherever possible. It’s always busy at weekends, but worth the wait — especially if you can snag a seat outside on a sunny morning. Top tip: their sausage rolls and freshly baked cakes tend to go early. If you’re visiting on a warm day, head straight for the terrace with views of the lake. |
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SIP AT 9 COFFEE9 Church Street, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, WD3 1DEThis small independent coffee shop on Church Street has quickly become a favourite among locals. Sip at 9 serves speciality coffee, loose-leaf teas, and a tight menu of pastries and light bites, all with an emphasis on quality over quantity. The team are friendly, the service is quick, and the space has that clean, modern, minimalist feel that makes it ideal for a morning pick-me-up. It’s popular with commuters, remote workers and parents doing the school-run loop — the atmosphere always has a steady hum without feeling crowded. It also serves the best Matcha in town! |
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CINNAMON SQUARE27 Highfield Way, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, WD3 7PP Tel. 01923 778353A Rickmansworth institution — but not in the usual café-on-the-high-street sense. Cinnamon Square is now run by founder and master baker, Paul Barker from his home-based kitchen on Highfield Way, offering collection and delivery of their famous baked goods. Their signature item, the Cinnamon Square pastry, is well known beyond the area and has a loyal following. They also do a brilliant range of breads, cakes and seasonal specials. You’ll sometimes spot their branded van on Rickmansworth High Street at weekends or during local events — a quick way to grab fresh bakes without pre-ordering. |
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THE FEATHERS34 Church Street, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, WD3 1DJ Tel. 01923 770 081The Feathers Public House & Kitchen loves being at the heart of the fun-loving Rickmansworth community. The history of this building is a journey in itself having been many loved homes and businesses throughout the five hundred years or so that she’s been standing. Now a thriving old-world pub, they pride themselves on their aspirational atmosphere, fabulous fine wines, beautiful beers and fantastic fresh food. Whether in front of the fire or wrapped in a blanket in their beautiful garden The Feathers is the perfect spot to gather with friends and family for a leisurely lunch, a quick pint, celebratory dinner and everything in between. |
Croxley Green | |
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THE ARTICHOKEThe Green, Croxley Green, Hertfordshire, WD3 3HN Tel. 01923 778677We can’t have The Feathers on this page without include it’s sister-pub The Artichoke! Located just up Scots Hill in Croxley Green, The Artichoke is one of the area’s most-loved pubs. It strikes a great balance: excellent food, a big beer garden and it works fantastically as an event venue with a marquee available to book for birthday, wedding celebrations or any special event! |
Kings Langley | |
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DALLING & CO20-22 High Street, Kings Langley, WD4 8BH Tel. 01923 265 574Dalling & Co is a much loved café, wine shop and delicatessen at the heart of the village. Combining rustic charm with a relaxed, contemporary feel, it’s celebrated for its excellent coffee, fine wines, and thoughtfully curated artisanal produce. By day, it’s a welcoming café and deli, and on Thursday and Friday evenings, it transforms into a cosy venue for tapas and wine. Dalling’s also hosts occasional supper clubs, offering a more intimate dining experience with creative menus and a convivial atmosphere. With its friendly team and strong community spirit, Dalling’s is a true gem in Kings Langley. |
Sarratt & Villages | |
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THE CART AND HORSESQuickmoor Lane, Common Wood, Sarratt, WD4 9BA Tel. 01923 263 763The Cart and Horses is a welcoming country pub that perfectly combines traditional charm with a passion for quality food and drink. Nestled in the heart of the village, it’s known for its cosy atmosphere, friendly service, and a genuine dedication to great ingredients. Owners Ian and Curtis take pride in sourcing the very best produce, visiting Billingsgate Market for fresh fish and seafood, Spitalfields for top quality meats, and Covent Garden Market for vibrant, seasonal vegetables. This commitment to freshness and provenance shines through in every dish served. The Cart and Horses also hosts a range of popular themed nights throughout the week Steak Night on Tuesdays, featuring prime cuts including the impressive Tomahawk steak, Homemade Pie Night every Wednesday, Espetada Thursdays, bringing a taste of the Mediterranean with skewered, flame-grilled meats and Fish Fridays, a celebration of the sea with fresh oysters, mussels, seafood chowders, and more straight from Billingsgate. |
St Albans | |
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MUST WINE BAR3 George Street, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL3 4ER Tel. 01727 833 844)MUST Wine is a sophisticated yet relaxed spot in the heart of the city, perfect for wine lovers and those who appreciate great food in an intimate setting. Located on George Street, this stylish bar offers a carefully curated selection of over 70 wines by the glass from across the world, allowing guests to explore and enjoy new favourites with expert guidance from the friendly, knowledgeable team. The menu features a tempting range of artisan small plates and sharing boards, from charcuterie and cheeses to Mediterranean-inspired dishes all designed to complement the wines perfectly. The décor blends modern elegance with a warm, welcoming feel, making it ideal for date nights, catch ups with friends, or relaxed evenings out. With its private tasting lounge, regular wine events, and a focus on quality and experience over formality, MUST Wine Bar has established itself as one of St Albans’ most distinctive and enjoyable destinations for wine and conversation. |
Bushey | |
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SEKUSHI116 High Road, Bushey Heath, WD23 1GE Tel. 020 8950 2125Located on the high street in Bushey Heath, Sekushi brings stylish sushi and pan-Asian flair to the neighbourhood. By day it offers fresh hand-rolled sushi, poke bowls and lighter dishes; come evening the vibe shifts into something more social with sharing platters and cocktails in a contemporary setting. Book ahead if you’re heading for dinner, and try the bar seats for a bit more buzz. It’s one of the go-to spots for a smart casual meal out in the area! |
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VINCENZO'S PIZZA42 High Street, Bushey, WD23 3HLIf you’re after pizza that makes you stop whatever you’re doing, Vincenzo’s is the place. Serving 12” and 18” pies that marry crispy thin-bases with high quality toppings; this place is a destination rather than just a convenience! Run by Tom Vincent – who studied pizza in New York, Brooklyn and Naples – you’ll find classic flavour combos done with series craft. The space is compact and buzzy and you have to preorder your pizza aheadh because popularity means they sell out almost every day. Check out their Instagram for what’s going live & when they’re doing late takeaways. |