Pull out those knitted jumpers and stick the kettle on – it’s autumn time. We’re getting excited for the cosy nights, colourful walks, and evenings with friends. Although we’ve not quite yet gone into hibernation, we’re certainly already picturing it, and we’ve got a feeling you might be too. So, we thought we’d pull together some of the best places in Herts to get some autumnal eating and drinking in before heading into the comfort of those warm blankets and thick socks (we knew last year’s Christmas present would come in handy sooner or later). This year in Herts, we’re all about sustainability, so as well as some great spots to eat, we’ve picked out workshops and community spaces for you to get to know what’s on your plate, and really root yourself in your local community. So, grab a scarf and a camera as you head on out to the best spots in Herts for your favourite seasonal flavours.
Eat & Drink
The Bricklayer’s Arms
To kickstart our list, we thought we’d start with a quintessential pub experience – fairy lights along the wall, a hearty meal by the fireplace, and a view of the countryside… lucky for you, Herts has got all of this under one roof at The Bricklayer’s Arms. Head on over this season for a truly autumnal experience, where you and the family can treat yourselves to a roast, maybe a glass of wine, and of course a dessert! And hey, if it’s fit for Hollywood stars Mark Wahlberg, Brad Pitt, and Michael Keaton, we reckon it should be pretty high up on your list too…
Cream Tea in the Miller's Kitchen
If you fancy a cream tea with a touch of the local, then you'll have to come by to Miller's Kitchen at Mill Green Museum. With scones made of flour fresh from the mill, jam, clotted cream, and unlimited tea or cafetiere refills, you'll be sorted for the afternoon. Running until the end of November, this is the perfect spot to spend an autumnal afternoon. Spend your day browsing the museum and treating yourself to a cream tea!
The Hub on Verulam Road
The Hub is a place of community, inspiration, creativity and, most importantly, food! Set in a rustic, warm space, you’ll step right into autumn as you walk through the door. Founded in 2019, they show live sports, independent cinema, and host live music performances too. If you come along to one of these, be sure to head to their Open Kitchen - a perfect spot to get some sustainably sourced food, with sharing boards, nibbles, and main meals for you and friends to enjoy. Now that’s what we call a special season.
St Albans Vegan Market
5th November
Always a hit within the St Albans community, the Vegan Market is returning for its 3rd visit of the year. Transforming St Peter’s Street into a centre of tasty street food, artisan bakers, ethical jewellers, local artists, and plenty more, there is truly something for everyone here. There’s nothing quite like a market to get you into that autumnal mood, so come along to St Albans this season and get cosy with a bite to eat, a warming drink, and treat yourself to a gift (or two!).
Oktoberfest
13th - 15th October and 27th - 28th October
Not been abroad this year? Fear not, Germany is coming to Herts! Head on down to Oktoberfest where you can celebrate the season with a taste of international autumnal flavours. Set across two weekends, the festival brings with it local artists, an oompah band, food stalls, axe throwing, and (of course) the staple German Oktoberfest beer. With wines, spirits, and soft drinks available too, this is one wunderbar evening of festivities that you don’t want to miss out on – so pack your lederhosen and start your Herbst (that’s autumn in German, by the way) with some cheer and beer!
Learn & Grow
Tewinbury Farm Cookery School
Ready to master the art of seasonal cooking? Look no further than the Tewinbury Farm Cookery School, where fresh, local, and sustainable cooking are at the heart of what they do. Throughout the season, this countryside haven will be teaching classes in its newly established cookery school to those who wish to know all there is about cooking! From seasonal cooking to artisan bread making, wood fired cooking to foraging, it’s almost as if they knew we’d be making this list! Put your apron on and come along to Tewinbury’s magnificently knowledgeable, welcoming, and educational school.
Comfort food and wine pairing night at Hitchin
15th November
Nothing says autumn like food and wine, and The Wee Vinoteca knows it! This season, they're bringing you a night of Food and Wine Pairing to help demystify the "dos and don'ts" of what we should be eating and drinking together! Put on your favourite knitted jumper, bring out those boots from the back of the cupboard, round up all your autumn-loving friends and head on out for an unforgettable experience.
Stanborough park
A brisk wander around the lake at Stanborough Park as the mist rises from the winter signals autumn to us, and when you've worked up an appetite, their Splashlands Kiosk is ready to guide you back to port. Not only can get a warming hot chocolate, but they also offer that epitome of the season - the pumpkin spice latte!
Get local as a local
Hertfordshire’s community is ever-growing and changing, so why not get involved and meet some of your neighbours this autumn? If you fancy getting to know how to grow your own food, then The Triangle Garden in Hitchin is a great place to develop a knowledge of vegetable and plant growing. The Community Garden St Albans Project is also a wonderful initiative where you, family, and friends can come together with those around you to learn, discuss and enjoy the beautiful Herts by sowing and growing! To support your local community, why not have a bite to eat at Mudlarks in Hertford, a café that supports adults with learning disabilities, and whose ingredients all come from its own allotment. With over 70% of its menu being plant based, Mudlarks is benefiting both the local and the global!