Seven businesses that opened in the Watford area this summer

From a popular baker chain to an authentic Turkish and Bohemian rug store, there are several new places for shoppers to enjoy in and around our patch.

Check out our list below:

Cloud7

Cloud7 (Image: Cloud7)

Cloud7 in The Quarters, St Albans Road, opened on August 21 and serves a variety of food, ranging from pancakes to smashed burgers and Korean dishes all made from scratch. It also has a bar area.

Owner Izak Loy already owned pizza restaurants before he decided to open Cloud7 to expand his portfolio and “bring the Mediterranean flavour” into other areas. 

Melbe Home

Melbe Home (Image: Newsquest)

Despite officially opening on July 8, Melbe Home in atria Watford’s upper mall was already welcoming customers earlier in the week.

It offers authentic Turkish and Bohemian style rugs, cushions, and other items to make a house a home.

It took over the former Paperchase unit, which closed in February.

Wenzel’s

Wenzel's, Kings Langley (Image: Wenzel's)

A spokesperson for Wenzel’s said the business was “humbled to become a cherished part” of the Kings Langley community when it opened in the High Street on August 18.

The Watford-based bakery chain offers baked goods, coffees, and meals to take away.

Thekaa - Desi Indian Gastropub

Thekaa, Watford. (Image: Thekaa Gastropub)

An Indian Gastropub opened in the former Marcel’s and Bar Bodega unit in The Parade, Watford, in early July and has been blending the pub experience with Indian street-food nibbles as well as larger meals.

Thekaa’s owners said locals have “really appreciated” the concept behind the eatery.

Gail’s

Signs outside the shop ahead of the opening. (Image: Josh Finn)

Another bakery chain opened a new location near Watford at the start of this month (September 2), this time in the former Costa Coffee shop in Conway House, Watling Street, Radlett.

A Gail’s spokesperson promised “artisan sourdough breads, pastries, sandwiches, and cakes alongside our specialty house blend coffee” for customers to enjoy.

BRIM

The BRIM burger restaurant in St Albans Road (Image: Maany Iqbal/PA)

July 6 saw queues stretching down St Albans Road as BRIM burger bar opened in Watford.

Its owner Maany Iqbal told the Watford Observer: “We don’t have frozen meat, it will all be fresh smashed burgers every day and fresh buns.”

The Watford store will be the brand’s tenth branch to open within two years of the company launching.

Creed

Mayor Peter Taylor cut the ribbon at the opening of Creed Restaurant and Shisha in St Albans Road, Watford. (Image: Watford Borough Council)

After opening on July 20, Creed Restaurant and Shisha serves a mix of traditional Afghan food, burgers, steak, and mocktails. 

Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor, who cut the ribbon at the opening, said: “It was great to open Creed Restaurant. They are aiming to create a unique social hub for residents and visitors to enjoy."

“I wish the team at Creed every success in the future," he added.