St Albans Gin & Jazz Festival 2024 becomes annual success

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.   

The 2024 Gin & Jazz Festival shot from the air. (Image: Elena Torrano) Vivien Cannon, BID Manager at St Albans City Centre BID, called the festival a "lovely and enjoyable" evening.

She added: "Working alongside the George Street business community we came together and delivered this fantastic event celebrating and supporting independent retail and hospitality."

A newcomer this year, No Nuisance bar celebrated its first 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.”

(Image: Elena Torrano) On Friday (October 4) from 6pm to 11pm, distilleries across Hertfordshire were showcased.

George Street Canteen offered its Honey Gin made in collaboration with Puddingstone Distillery.

Stalls for Moorend Road Distillery (left) and Mambo Tattoo Studio. (Image: Elena Torrano) Contemporary jeweller Galio also teamed up with Black Bridge Gin, while Christopher Wharton Goldsmith hosted Spirit of Hertfordshire Gin.

Attendees could visit a kitchen showroom hosted by Dwayne Edwards where they served Willow Tree Gin from Bedfordshire.

Tinkletorium opened its bathroom showroom too. (Image: Elena Torrano) A variety of drinks were on the menu, Flower Box treated customers to flavoured Polish Vodka shots, while 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 serving gourmet hot dogs.

Hot dogs at The Hub (left) and Take 3 Jazz. (Image: Elena Torrano) Customers were entertained by the sounds of Jazz music provided by live musicians from Take 3 Jazz and New River Dixielanders.

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 Diamond worth over £2000.

Attendees enjoying the alcohol and live music. (Image: Elena Torrano)