15 Apr 2026
The finalists for the St Albans Retailer of the Year Awards 2026 have officially been announced, following an incredible response from the local community.
With just under three thousand nominations submitted by the public, this year’s shortlist showcases the very best of St Albans’ thriving high street – from much-loved independents and market traders to standout restaurants, salons and entertainment shops and venues.
Brought to you by The Maltings Shopping Centre and the St Albans Times, the awards celebrate excellence across a wide range of categories, including Customer Service, Independent Retailer, Food and Drink, Hair and Beauty, alongside two new awards – Newcomer and Pub and Bar in a bid to highlight the diversity and strength of businesses across the city.
Among the finalists are familiar favourites including Up We Pop, Empire Records, Chaos City, Craft & Cleaver, Gwendolen Lingerie, and The Odyssey Cinema, alongside newcomers Elements by Nature and Iberos.
Now, the power is once again back with the public, as organisers invite residents to vote for their winners across each category.
Maltings centre manager Richard Marrett, said: “These awards celebrate the incredible businesses at the heart of our community. Residents can vote for as many businesses as they like, supporting the places they know and love.”
St Albans Times editor Matt Adams added: “What a stellar line-up of finalists! Forget the district council elections, this is the biggest vote in May, so make sure you give your favourites your support so they pick up the coveted title in a few weeks’ time!”
The winners will be revealed at a special awards evening on May 18, bringing together St Albans’ business community for a wonderful night of celebration.
To view the full list of finalists and cast your vote, visit: www.StAlbansROTY.com
Finalists by Category
Customer Service
- Up We Pop
- Eyes On St Albans
- The Great Northern
- Gwendolen Lingerie
- Hazels
Entertainment & Lifestyle - Chaos City Comics
- Circ-Hiit
- Empire Records
- Play Putt
- The Odyssey Cinema
Fashion & Accessories - Elements By Nature
- Gwendolen Lingerie
- Hospice of St Francis – Marshalswick
- The Dressing Room
- Up We Pop
Food & Drink Retailer - Kat’s Cuisine
- Waffle Wands
- Fade to Black
- Buongiorno Italia
- Glaze Bakery
- Joe & The Juice
Hair & Beauty - Fox Beauty
- 305 Barber Co
- Eve & Adam Beauty Clinic
- Nadya Giffen Therapies
- Renaissance Hairdressers
Independent - Up We Pop
- Chaos City Comics
- Quadrant Pet Supplies
- Empire Records
- Lariatt Skateboards
Market Stall - Beats n Beigels
- HeyLal Studio
- Hannah Sessions Design
- CreArtIveDesign
Newcomer - Circ-Hiit
- Elements By Nature
- Cry Baby Nails
- Iberos
- Play Putt
Pub & Bar
- The Beehive Pub St Albans
- The Great Northern
- The Boot
- Craft & Cleaver
- No Nuisance Bar
Restaurant - DavVero
- Dylans
- Craft & Cleaver
- Iberos
- Hazels
