07 Oct 2024
A smorgasbord of gins was on the menu, the sound of jazz music filled the air, and for once, the weather was kind to George Street’s celebrated social occasion.
Organised by St Albans City Centre BID and George Street Retail Association, the free event saw hospitality venues and retailers open their doors for late night shopping and host pop-up bars, each one offering something different to the evening crowds.
Local distilleries were showcased on the night with George Street Canteen offering their Honey Gin made in collaboration with Puddingstone Distillery, contemporary jeweller Galio teamed up with Black Bridge Gin, Christopher Wharton Goldsmith hosted Spirit of Hertfordshire Gin, which included a range of Alban Gins inspired by the city’s saint, and Dwayne Edwards welcomed people into their kitchen showroom where they served Willow Tree Gin from neighbouring Bedfordshire.
And it wasn’t just gin on the menu, Flower Box treated customers to flavoured Polish Vodka shots, Dylans at The Kings Arms poured pints of Victoria Málaga beer for punters and MUST Wine Bar offered a selection of wines and prosecco. There were plenty of places to grab a bite to eat too, including hot pizzas from Locanda Bagutta, a selection of kebabs and bites from The Loft and The Hub on Verulam served gourmet hot dogs alongside their drinks offering.
New additions to the line-up this year included bathroom showroom Tinkletorium serving Hot Apple Gin, the team from Mambo Tattoo Studio handing out temporary tattoo stickers alongside their Mambo Punch and No Nuisance bar celebrating their first gin and jazz event with a selection of cocktails.
Alastair Burgess, owner of No Nuisance, said: “We loved every minute of it. There was a fantastic crowd with an amazing atmosphere, the street was full and buzzing with activity. Everyone really enjoyed themselves and we loved meeting and being part of this great local community.”
Jazz music was provided by Take 3 Jazz and New River Dixielanders.
Supporting local charities, Wagada Digital donated proceeds from sales of their Wagada Tower Gin to mental health charity Youth Talk and jewellers Christopher Wharton Goldsmith were raising donations for Headway Hertfordshire with a competition which saw one lucky winner take home a lab-grown certificated diamond worth over £2,000.
BID manager Vivien Cannon added: “What a lovely evening enjoyed by many. Working alongside the George Street business community we came together and delivered this fantastic event celebrating and supporting independent retail and hospitality.”
Photos by Elena Torrano.
