Atria Watford’s owners say that demand for space “remains strong” as it introduced a variety of new restaurants and shops over recent months.

The shopping centre in Watford has had plenty of new additions from joints to dine in, the revival of HMV and other businesses attracting footfall.

It brings new life to the town after the closure of many much-loved shops over the years and doubt that the high street could recover since the pandemic.

Here is a round-up of places that opened up in atria recently.

Food and Beverage:

Jamaica Blue

After opening in June 2022, the coffee shop serves all-day brunches and Jamaican coffee as well as other drinks.

Grounded Kitchen

The Korean-inspired eatery that offers “feel good food” welcomed customers in August.

Watford Observer: Credit: Grounded KitchenCredit: Grounded Kitchen (Image: Credit: Grounded Kitchen)

It sells customisable dishes that can be adapted to customers’ tastes and dietary needs.

They consist of fresh vegetables, such as spinach, carrots, beetroot, peppers, avocado, edamame, sweet potato, spring onions, Korean kimchi and fresh chilies, on a bed of brown or white rice.

The Beech House

This two-storey restaurant and bar first opened its doors at the corner of High Street and the atria Watford extension on September 19.

Watford Observer: Head chef Alan Eisenband general manager Giancarlo Ungaro landscapeHead chef Alan Eisenband general manager Giancarlo Ungaro landscape (Image: Beech House)

Here customers can enjoy food and drink including meat, fish, pasta, pizza, vegetarian and vegan options – as well as cocktails, beers, bottomless brunches and more.

Retail and others:

 

Boutique One

In July, the “one-stop shop” boutique came to Watford offering bridal, bridesmaid, occasion wear and other appointments.

Owner Renée Gladwell says she has a fashion background and hopes to give everyone the experience they deserve.

HMV

The iconic record shop finally returned to the lower mall in July after closing in 2019, with a renewed focus on fans of music, film, TV and pop culture.

Watford Observer: A stock HMV picture. Credit: PAA stock HMV picture. Credit: PA (Image: PA)

When it opened, the store boasted it would have more than 12,000 different products on display.

Esla Barber

This barbershop opened in August, bringing luxury barbering to men and children. It has an autism-friendly play area for kids and aims to bring “luxury to the masses”.

Lids

The American headwear retailer announced it will be coming to the shopping centre in November, selling an assortment of hats of college, MLB, NBA, NFL and NHL teams.

READ MORE: American sportswear store opening soon in Watford

Steve Gray, head of European retail asset management at Global Mutual, said: “We are thrilled to have welcomed such a diverse range of new brands to the centre and it’s great to see our customers already enjoying the new stores.

“Demand for space in Atria Watford remains strong as brands seek high-quality space with healthy footfall and an attractive existing tenant mix.

“As we start to approach the festive period, we look forward to welcoming our customers to the centre where the offering continues to evolve.”

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