30 shops that have opened since Covid

The pandemic had a massive impact on the country's retail sector and Hertford town centre suffered just like everywhere else. 

Eating out was particularly affected as a sector already in trouble was dealt a blow from which many would not survive. Hertford lost Cafe Rouge, Prezzo and ASK.

However, since the worst days of Covid, new retail businesses have sprung up in the town, including eateries, health & fitness, beauty, furniture and a shop especially for dogs.

The retail vacancy rate in the town centre is currently 8.1%, compared to the national average of 13.8% for the last quarter of 2022. Only 8 shopfront premises are currently empty.

So let's take a look at 30 businesses that have recently opened their doors.

1. Margaux's

Market Street, a speciality shop for dogs with a lovingly restored shopfront

2. Anexo

Fore Street, Tapas bar and restaurant. Opened in July 2021 in premises formerly occupied by Lussmans, who relocated to larger premises.

3. Peach

Fore Street, cafe and bar, opened in November 2022.

4. The Store House

Parliament Square, cafe and delicatessen.

5. Mado Bakery

Maidenhead Street. Opened August 2022.

6. Darlings of Chelsea

Gascoyne Way. Popup furniture shop in a former car showroom.

7. The Hive

Fore Street. This organic salon opened in October 2021.

8. Pearl Milk Bar

Railway Street. Opened in April 2021 replacing Love Locks Lounge.

9. Proove Pizza

Parliament Square. Opened in June 2021 in premises vacated by the closure of Cafe Rouge.

10. The Blue Oyster Bar & Fishmonger

Railway Street. One of the newest openings in town.

11. Derosa Music Academy

Railway Place. A music shop and school.

12. Aldi

Gascoyne Way. Opened in July 2020.

13. Brad & Dills

Market Place. Coffee and bagels. Opened in August 2022

14. Hertford Organic

Honey Lane. Greengrocer, opened in September 2020.

15. Brothership at Beckwiths

St.Andrew Street. A working art gallery, opened in October 2020.

16. Juntara Thai Spa

St.Andrew Street. Opened in April 2021.

17. Grisaille Studio

Old Cross. Bespoke luxury kitchens and fitted furniture.

18. The Mexican

Old Cross. Takeaway. 

19. Hertfordshire Dental Group

Maidenhead Street. This dental practice filled premises left empty after the closure of Edinburgh Woollen Mills. 

20. Sugar Mama's

Maidenhead Street. Another recent opening, replacing a previous milkshake bar.

21. Town Express

Railway Street convenience store, opened in August 2020.

22. Martins

Railway Street furniture shop.

23. Johnson & Co

Fore Street estate agency.

24. Brew Garden

Maidenhead Street cafe and bar. Opened in December 2022.

25. Ink Heaven

Fore Street tattooist. Opened in July 2021 after Fore Street Employment Agency moved to Parliament Square.

26. Market Bar

Fore Street. Opened in September 2022.

27. Carter & George

Fore Street physiotherapist. Opened in January 2022 in premises formerly occupied by restaurant chain Prezzo.

28. The Wash BBQ House

The Wash

29. Hamptons

Market Place estate agency. Opened in December 2021.

30. Chicken Popsters

Maidenhead Street fried chicken takeaway

Our retail database includes comprehensive information about businesses in the town centre and surrounding locales, including counts of bars, restaurants, salons and other business sectors.