11 Feb 2026
Much-loved ice cream parlour Darlish is opening a permanent base at flagship development Jubilee Square.
The company is moving from its current seasonal home at Christopher Place to the commercial building at the front of the site – known as The Pavilion.
Darlish owner and founder Laura Dawson revealed they have signed a 10-year lease on the premises, and will be open all year round, instead of just spring and summer.
The new shop is aiming to open at the end of March, subject to building works.
Laura says they will offer customers cafe-style produce such as hot drinks and cakes as well as ice creams.
“I am thrilled to have secured a lease on the Pavilion which is in an excellent spot in the very heart of the city centre,” she said.
“Our brand is well known to local people as we have had ice cream parlours in a couple of other locations in St Albans and this will now be our permanent home.
“We are a company with deep roots in St Albans and I can’t wait to get this new parlour up and running.”
Council leader Cllr Paul de Kort said: ” “I am delighted the Pavilion has been leased to an ambitious local firm. It shows our commitment to supporting local businesses and helping them grow and thrive.
“I am sure Laura will make a success of it and we look forward as a council to working with her.
“Jubilee Square was an ambitious project that is really making a positive impact on our community and we can be proud of it. It is providing homes, office space and jobs, not to mention some delicious ice cream.”
