stalbanslife

I’ve been to Pizza Express on Verulam Road many times in the last few years. It seemed the right thing to do. I put up with that nagging feeling that the pizzas get smaller and the prices just get bigger. They do, or did, a really good pizza, in a reasonable atmosphere.
But they’ve really gone down hill. The most notable thing, as anyone who goes there will tell you, is the deterioration in the service. Often grumpy, and always very slow.
Tonight was the last straw. It took an hour from our arrival (we had booked) to getting our pizzas. A whole hour. We were informed that they were so busy that “my manager is the chef tonight”. What does THAT mean? The chef was organising the tables? The manager was having a go at cooking?
Judging from my soggy, ill-formed meal, I would guess the latter. I don’t usually have any trouble polishing off a pizza. But this one defeated me after just a couple of mouthfuls. It just had nothing going for it. I continued to about a third of the way through, just for show, then gave up.
Time’s up, PE. You’ve lost my business I’m afraid.
www.greenstalbans.blogspot.com

St Albans is bracing itself for its 14^th Beer and Cider Festival, held by CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale). This will take place between Wednesday 30^th September and Saturday 3^rd October 2009 at the St Albans Arena.

Up to 300 different British real ales and 30 real ciders and perries will be available from Britain and countries such as Belgium, Germany, Holland and Australia. Daily brewiana auctions, tombola and quizzes will be held. The Hamsters and the Rhythm n Blues Band will be providing live entertainment.

CAMRA has been campaigning for real ale, pubs and drinkers’ rights since 1971 and has over 100,000 members. Entry to the Festival is free for members.

On a final note; the Europe Brewers Report 2004 states that Real Ale, when consumed moderately, is not a health risk and may substantially reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Whether that’s true or not, the buzz of the Festival atmosphere must surely be good for the stress hormones!

For more information, click on www.stalbansbeerfestival.com , realales@yahoo.com and.camra@camra.org.uk For those interested in working at the festival, email staffing@hertsale.org.uk

Open your senses to the Cellar Door Wine shop.

The Verulam Industrial Estate in St Albans is the location of the award winning Cellar Door Wines shop. Opened five years ago, this independent wine retailer has won the Independent Wine Retailer of the Year 2008 award.

It is run by two friendly brothers, Peter and Miles Lilliott, who are passionate about their wines. Not only have they gone great lengths to source excellent and affordable wines from around the world, but they also have the principal of sourcing it from smaller, conscientious producers.

The store has a relaxing, modern ambiance, offering 6 wines for tasting and fresh coffee. Recommendations are given and free local delivery is provided. They offer over 400 wines to cater for all taste buds.

Peter Lilliott, in his relaxed Australian accent, explained to me that their passion for wines has been inherited from their background. They have a boutique, family vineyard in Hunters Valley, Australia for over thirteen years.

‘We want to blend traditional service levels with a modern look and feel in store.’

They have definitely accomplished their goals and the local feedback is very positive.

Information;

*          Opening times; Monday – Saturday; 10am – 8pm, Sunday; 12pm – 4pm

*          Free customer parking

*          Corporate Gifts, Hampers and events planning

*          Discount on mixed cases

*          Address; Verulam Industrial Estate, St Albans, AL1, UK

*          Tel; 01727 854 488

*          Website; www.cellardoorwines.co.uk

Holywell Hill has a good variety of restaurants and bars. One of these is Claude’s Creperie. It offers French cuisine and true to it’s name, crepes.

I had heard some negative reviews about this place, but as it was under new management, I went along with an open mind. My children and I were greeted by a friendly waitress who quickly arranged a table for us. She was helpful and patient while the children decided on their crepes!

We marveled at the surrounds, while we waited for the food. Fifteen minutes later, we were still awaiting the food but felt it must be worth the wait.

Sadly, the friendliness and care of the waitress didn’t compensate for the standard of this food when it eventually arrived. The crepes were dry and hard. The sauces lacked flavour. Even with an open mind, I was disappointed. I had tasted crepes many times in France but these simply didn’t match up to them. Thursday evening is not generally busy so I had hoped for better.

However, on a positive note, they have a little kids play area and the toilet was clean. The ambience is quaint, the menu varied and interesting and it is situated in the heart of the city.

Miloud Said (known to all as Milo) is one of those guys who doesn’t wait around for life to happen! Milo makes it happen.

This man was the shining face of Ritazza Café at St Albans station but has recently left to ambitiously renovate an old toilet block into a fresh new café!

This café is called The Beech Tree and looks onto the Fleetville playground. It is a perfect location. Milo and co-owner Absalma are creating an inviting atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating.

When I first encountered Milo, I noticed his good customer manner and his memory for the favourite coffee of every customer! Even when there was a long queue, he acknowledged each person and served as diligently as possible. His coffee is excellent and well sourced.

As I had sipped the best coffee in town, I asked Milo to tell me about their new café.

‘Our big aim for the Beech Tree Café is that we want to bring ‘the family’ together to sit here and enjoy the best quality coffee I can offer. I want the costumer to discover the charm of the coffee! I want to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.’

Milo and Absalma have quality in mind with food too.

‘We try to offer simple and healthy food that appeals to all ages. It’s all homemade and fresh. Our challenge is to offer barbequed food outside in summer, for all the family to enjoy. Parents can relax while restless children can enjoy the nearby playground or the café’s garden games. We will have outdoor shelter so people can stay all day long whatever the weather!’

A note of warning; Watch out for Milo’s jokes! You have to discover for yourself when he is serious or not!

Helpful facts about Beech Tree Café

- Disabled access
- Most varieties of teas and coffees available
- Ice cream served in summer
- Children welcomed and catered for
- Opening times; 7am – 7pm until April 2009 (Everyday)
7am – 10pm after April 2009 (Monday to Saturday)