St Albans & Harpenden Review

The St Albans Observer made its debut in June 1985 as a free broadsheet newspaper, inviting its readers to share their stories with the promise: "Tell us and we'll tell St Albans." You can see the first front page on the right.

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Motorway 'will be closed for some time' after crash - live updates

1 week ago | stalbansreview.co.uk | Fintan McGuinness

Herts Police are dealing with a crash in the M1 northbound between junction 8 (Hemel) and junction 9 (Luton). The northbound carriageway is completely closed and this is expected to last "for some time". Motorists are advised to check their route before travelling and try to avoid the area. It comes amid disruption following a "serious" crash and a vehicle fire earlier today on the M1 between Luton and Dunstable.
Beer column: It’s encouraging to find pubs being saved and reopened

2 weeks ago | stalbansreview.co.uk | Roger Protz

As reported in this paper, the former Rats Castle on Hatfield Road shut for a few weeks for a major overhaul but has now reappeared as the Old Toll House. And the Sun Inn in Lemsford, an ancient coaching inn that closed last autumn, has also reopened to serve the local villagers and visitors. The Rats, as it was known for short, has a fascinating history.
Review: Les Misérables at Roman Theatre is a minimalist version of Hugo's masterpiece

2 weeks ago | stalbansreview.co.uk | Madeleine Burton

Instead of the usual in-your-face opener, this is a pared back precis of the Victor Hugo masterpiece with no singing or dancing in sight. The choice of the Jonathan Holloway adaptation of Les Misérables proves that OVO, the company behind the festival, knows its audience very well and has no need for light-hearted or frivolous opening nights.
Carly Telford: Mary Earps is a 'huge loss' to England squad before Euros

3 weeks ago | stalbansreview.co.uk | Laura Howard

Earps stunned the footballing world by announcing her decision last week after reportedly being told by Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman that she would not be first choice for the defence of England’s European crown. Telford, who boasts 27 caps for England between the sticks, believes the squad’s remaining goalkeepers will suffer for the loss of Earps’ experience in Switzerland. “For me, it's a huge loss in terms of the GK union,” she said.
Police grow increasingly worried about missing Hemel Hempstead man

3 weeks ago | stalbansreview.co.uk | Louise McEvoy

Alex, aged 34, hasn’t been heard from since Thursday, May 15, and officers are growing increasingly worried for his welfare. He also has links to Ealing, Amersham and London.
Beer column: Breweries that are surviving and thriving in these difficult times.

4 weeks ago | stalbansreview.co.uk | Roger Protz

Last year some 100 beer makers closed and it’s expected a similar number will pull down the shutters in 2025. Black Sheep in North Yorkshire was one brewery that was rescued after it went into administration in 2023 facing what it called "a perfect storm of rising costs". Those costs are made up of energy, fuel and water prices followed more recently by increases in National Insurance and the Minimum Wage.
Building home to St Albans nightclub up for sale with plans for 60 new flats

1 month ago | stalbansreview.co.uk | Dan Mountney

50 Victoria Street, a converted Baptist church which houses Havana, has been put on the market for £4 million by Daniel James Residential, but offers must be put in before July 1. The neighbouring derelict building of 52 Victoria Street, formerly home to Bucko’s sandwich shop, is also included in the sale. A pre-application has been made to turn the site into 60 new flats which would be made up of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments.
Beer column: Brewer to invest in and promote Draught Bass

1 month ago | stalbansreview.co.uk | Roger Protz

AB InBev, the world’s biggest brewer, has announced it’s to invest in and promote Draught Bass, once the country’s biggest-selling premium cask ale but badly neglected for years. As a result of major upheavals in the brewing industry in the 1990s, most of the big national brewers stepped away from making beer and became retailers known as pub companies.
Nando's releases new menu for May 2025 with five exciting new items added

1 month ago | stalbansreview.co.uk | Macaully Moffat

Nando's has launched a new menu with exciting new items - see what has been added (Image: Nando's) Nando's has released its new food and drinks menu, which is available now. The May menu will bring new food, drinks and dips to the chain's restaurants across the country. From a new dip to a firm favourite already on the menu to a new burger, there is plenty to sink your teeth into – let’s take a look.
Trailer released for Rose Ayling-Ellis' ITV crime thriller filmed in St Albans

2 months ago | stalbansreview.co.uk | Alan Davies

Kieron Moore as Liam Barlow and Rose Ayling-Ellis as Alison Brooks in ITV series Code of Silence (Image: Mammoth Screen / ITV) A DRAMATIC new trailer for an ITV crime thriller partly filmed on location in St Albans has been released. Code of Silence, starring Rose Ayling-Ellis in a groundbreaking lead role, is due to premiere on ITV next month. The 90-second trailer reveals the impressive cast joining Rose, including Kieron Moore, Charlotte Ritchie and Andrew Buchan.