09 Mar 2026
Problems with the sprinkler system at the new Chicken George restaurant in The Maltings Shopping Centre have delayed its planned opening.
Speaking to the St Albans Times last month, owner Chris Cheah said the contractors had been expected to leave the site around March 22 or 23, following which will be a VIP launch event behind closed doors for invited guests, with the restaurant set to open to the public immediately afterwards.
But this weekend he revealed there would be a slight delay: “Unfortunately we’ve hit a small setback on the build.
“About a week ago the sprinkler system we originally planned to reuse didn’t pass the latest regulations. That meant ripping the whole thing out and installing a completely new system. It has pushed us back a couple of weeks and sent the budget north as well.
“But that’s part of building something properly. You deal with it, fix it and keep moving forward.
“We are now aiming to complete the works around April 14 and, all being well, open our doors before the 20th. Trust us when we say this… it will be worth the wait!”
