Foodie Weekend Break in St Albans, Hertfordshire

Some of the best restaurants in the UK are located in charming towns dotted around the country. I went on one such foodie adventure around the beautiful city of St Albans and discovered some amazing place to dine!

St Albans is a place close to my heart, as it’s where I got married earlier this year. Only 20 minutes away from London by train, this is a great place for visit for a day, or a relaxed weekend break.

Here’s my top tips on where to eat, stay and explore in this lovely city!

Stay at the beautiful St Michael’s Manor

This is one of the most beautiful hotels I’ve stayed in and one of my favourites. Located in a country-style manor, the hotel has an intimate, boutique feel to it, even through it offer 30 elegant rooms, a restaurant, bar and 5 acres of gorgeous private English country garden.

We stayed in their suite, which has a lovely balcony with views looking out onto the garden and lake. Each of the rooms are individually styled with a classic touch including contemporary decor too. We absolutely loved our four-poster bed and balcony!

As well as a lounge and well-stocked bar, St Michael’s Manor also has the highly-acclaimed orangery Lake Restaurant. We had dinner here on the night we checked-in and were really impressed with the food. The menu focuses on classic English dishes including game, fish and meat, offering a wide variety. I particularly enjoyed our desserts including poached pear and apple crumble!

Book your stay at St Michael’s Manor
Address: St Michael’s Manor, Fishpool Street, St Albans AL3 4RY

Enjoy a Turkish feast at Tabure

Tabure is a modern Turkish kitchen with a classy, welcoming atmosphere. Hulya and Mark are the husband and wife team behind Tabure, whose ethos is to offer genuine Turkish cuisine and culture, using authentic Turkish ingredients.

The menu is immensely tempting and we tried a variety of dishes including delicious stuffed courgette flower and lor tempura, keskek with organic pulled lamb and chargilled organic chicken wings and Misir. Our favourite was the Sac Tava, a dish of stir fried marinated organic chicken with sivri peppers, fresh tomatoes and house bread.

The Turkish wine is a must try, choose from either the Turkish Karmen or Turkish Buzbag for the perfect accompaniment to the meal!

Book your table at Tabure
Address: 6 Spencer Street, St Albans, AL3 5EG

Sunday Roast at the oldest pub in England - Ye Olde Fighting Cocks

After admiring the beautiful St Albans Cathedral, head to Ye Olde Fighting Cocks located a few minutes walk away. Dating back to the 8th Century, the pub as it is today was built in the 11th Century. The name derives from the fact that Cock fighting took place in the main bar in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, hence the name of the pub.

This is a popular place for a Sunday roast, due to the freshly prepared dishes using ingredients which are locally sourced, as well as the wide variety of beers and drinks on offer.

We started with hot buffalo chicken wings, which arrived as a mouth-watering plate of enormous wings, served with divine blue cheese dressing on the side. For my Sunday roast I tried the slow roasted duck served with cranberry sauce and all the trimmings.

This was a delectable plate of food where the freshness of the ingredients was really evident. We finished off with a beautiful sticky toffee pudding served with clotted ice cream. After this amazing meal take a stroll around the nearby lake to walk it off!

Book your Sunday Roast at Ye Olde Fighting Cocks
Address: 16 Abbey Mill Lane, St Albans, Herts AL3 4HE

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Relax over Brunch at Hatch

Hatch is an all-day dining venue with a brunch that is extraordinary! Not only is the coffee exemplary, but the dirty chai was one of my favourites, as well as the hot chocolate made with real Belgian chocolate, marshmallows and of course an added shot of Baileys.

In terms of food the waffles are worth a try - we ordered the berry waffle which was served with blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and maple syrup. The sweetcorn fritters, which come with avocado, chilli jam, poached egg and rocket is also a delicious, healthier treat!

For those that don’t have time to sit and enjoy a leisurely brunch, there is also a Hatch To Go, in the centre of town, serving the highlights of the menu for those in a rush.

Book your brunch at Hatch
Address: 20 Holywell Hill, St Albans, AL1 1BZ

Enjoy Afternoon Tea at St Michael’s Manor

End your foodie weekend with a touch a luxury and enjoy the Afternoon Tea at St Michael’s Manor. This is the perfect, cosy treat on a winter’s day and a great way to wind down after a busy weekend in St Albans.

The Afternoon tea comes with tea or coffee and warm scones, clotted cream and jam and a selection of miniature homemade cakes, a selection of sandwiches, and even Champagne those who want to indulge!