JUNE& JULY 2026
Looking ahead to the Summer.
Classics on the Common. July 22
On Wednesday 22 July, Rotary in Harpenden will again be organising this year’s classic car show on Harpenden Common. As usual, there will be no entry charge for the public but, in return for the chance to enjoy the spectacle of up to 1000 classic vehicles, scooters and motorbikes, we ask the public to support our charities by donating as generously as possible at any of the collection points. More information is available at classicsonthecommon.com. The organisers of this charity event, Rotary in Harpenden, suggest that residents should if possible avoid using the Harpenden-St Albans road (A1081) between 11.00am and dusk as there will be considerable congestion with classic vehicles entering and leaving the Common opposite the Silver Cup.
SUMMER IS HERE at THOMPSONS CLOSE CAFE
Owner Damien Tidd has a few words of welcome...
We are embracing the warmer weather and introducing some Spring & Summer specials to the menu alongside our existing much loved breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes.
We are also serving our refreshing iced coffees and selection of 16oz milkshakes to help cool you down … giving you a few more reasons to call in to TCC!
Inside and outside.
The Metabolic Way has announced the dates for its Spring 2026 programme, which will be delivered entirely online, offering participants the flexibility to join from anywhere.
Developed by Harpenden residents Rose Butler and Katharine Tate, also known as The Food Teacher, the programme brings together their shared expertise and passion for supporting long-term health through practical, sustainable lifestyle changes.
The six-session programme will take place on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30pm (GMT). The scheduled dates are 21st April, 28th April, 5th May, 19th May, 9th June and 16th June. If you're likely to miss one or two sessions we are happy to provide a recording and notes.
The Metabolic Way programme is designed to help individuals better understand and support their metabolism through practical, sustainable approaches. Across the six sessions, participants will explore ways to improve energy levels, balance blood sugar, and build long-term habits that support overall health and wellbeing.
By delivering the programme online, The Metabolic Way continues to make its content accessible to a wider audience, allowing participants to take part from the comfort of their own homes while still benefiting from a structured and supportive learning environment.
Further information about the programme, including booking details, can be found at https://themetabolicway.com/.
Enquiries are also welcome via email to info@thefoodteacher.co.uk.
Friday June 19
SITWELL FOOD SAFARI RETURNS TO HARPENDEN
A SUMMER EVENING OF FOOD, WINE AND COMMUNITY
Food lovers of Hertfordshire, mark your calendars. On Friday 19 June 2026, the hugely popular Sitwell Food Safari returns to Harpenden for another unforgettable evening celebrating the town’s vibrant hospitality scene.
Hosted by renowned food writer, MasterChef critic and Telegraph columnist William Sitwell, the event promises a glorious journey through some of Harpenden’s finest independent food venues - bringing together exceptional local talent, brilliant flavours and a shared love of good company.
Beginning at 7pm at Brad & Dills on Leyton Road, guests will enjoy welcome drinks before embarking on a guided culinary adventure across the town. Over the course of the evening, diners will visit a handpicked collection of local venues, each serving specially curated dishes designed to showcase the diversity and creativity of Harpenden’s food scene.
This year’s participating venues include:
VinSanto
The Silver Palate
Brad & Dills
Zero Sushi
Artichoke Bake & More
From Italian-inspired plates and artisan tapas to fresh sushi, indulgent desserts and expertly crafted coffee, guests can expect a menu packed with variety, flavour and personality.
Highlights from the evening include VinSanto’s ‘Cacio e Pepe’ arancini and trapizzino meatballs, tapas and charcuterie from The Silver Palate, sushi creations from Zero Sushi, gourmet sliders and tiramisu from Brad & Dills, and the now-famous Basque cheesecake from Artichoke Bake & More.
The Sitwell Food Safari is much more than a dinner event. It’s a celebration of local businesses, community spirit and the joy of discovering great food together. Guests will move through Harpenden in groups, creating a lively and sociable atmosphere while experiencing multiple venues in one evening.
Speaking about the event, William Sitwell said he is delighted to return to Harpenden and shine a spotlight on the incredible range of food available in the town.
“At a time when many hospitality businesses are fighting to stay alive, it’s a wonderful way to support this vital part of our culture,” he said.
The event is proudly sponsored by Whittaker & Co, whose support reflects the importance of championing local businesses and bringing communities together.
Tickets are priced at £80 per person and include multiple courses alongside rosé, white and red wine throughout the evening.
New look fonehouse store open now with a fantastic display of ‘working’ phones for you
to try out.
Call in and chat to Daoud who will show you how.
Opposite Waitrose.
World famous artist Fabian Perez in Harpenden at
Clarendon Fine Art SUNDAY 14TH JUNE
12:30pm - 2:30pm
A packed gallery of art lovers were more than pleased to chat with Fabian for a couple of hours and learn more about his wonderful art.
Born in Argentina in 1967, Fabian Perez has become one of the world's most widely collected figurative artists. Based now in California, Fabian Perez paints with emotion and devotes his life to inspiring others with his painting and writings. He is an easy going character and chats with many visitors during this visit.
I asked him whether he ever painted art in a totally different style to that which made him famous. Delving in to the internet on his phone he showed me some distinctively different art in a ‘Japanese ‘ style.
He also revealed his love of sport.
Clarendon have a wide ranging collection of Fabian’s work on display for those who missed his PA.
Ron Taylor, Editor , www.harpendia.com (Below right)
News Update:
End of an Era - New Beginnings
Molasses ‘Open’ House Invitation & Relocation Update
Following our last update, we wanted to share a little more about our upcoming relocation to London after five wonderful years in Harpenden, and to thank you for the generous support you have shown us since we opened our doors in September 2021.
Molasses ‘Open’ House
On Saturday 4th July, there will be a Molasses ‘Open’ House from midday onwards - a chance to say thank you for your patronage and an opportunity to share more about our future plans, and of course a little fizz and bubbles to help celebrate.
Selected Artworks
As we prepare for our new beginning, we are also offering the opportunity for selected artworks to find new homes before we leave. This is a rare chance to acquire pieces that will be priced for a quick, thoughtful transaction. If you would like a private viewing or more details ahead of the open house, please contact us directly, as availability is limited.
Stay Updated
As the weeks tick down, our regular updates will keep you in the loop.
Look forward to seeing you on the 4th July…. midday onwards
Above.
Pip Mole
Above.
Jan Nelson
Above. Jack Vetrianno
July 4 & 5. The Redbourn Festival.Details on the posters here,
fantastic fun for the whole family.
ART ON THE COMMON Saturday 4th July - Sunday 5th July 2026 Harpenden Common, AL5 2LX 10am – 5pm (Sat) / 10am - 4pm (Sun)
Harpenden’s premier outdoor art fair returns with over 70 local artists exhibiting across the 2-day event fundraising for Cancer Research.
This annual event is part of our growing local art and culture scene and with more than 70 arJsts exhibiJng, as well as live music, this is not to be missed! It is also a wonderful opportunity when you buy artwork to support Cancer Research UK with 15% of sales being donated to this important charity. Over £20,000 has been raised in the last four years. The event is generously sponsored by Artscape based on Coldharbour Lane, Harpenden and in RadleX.
They offer a vast range of art and craZ materials, staJonery products and an on-line framing service, as well as their very popular art splaXer sessions. You can book an Art Splash session where adults and children can get very messy with interacJve splaXer painJng! Or you might like to learn how fishing flies are made with demonstraJons from the Herts Fly Dressers. Whatever your taste and style there is something for everyone to enjoy at this year’s Art on the Common. Our talented local art community will be exhibiting jewellery, ceramics, wall art, textles, pottery and photography with prices for every budget.
We have a brilliant lineup of live music so you can relax and tap your toes to Richard Hurford Trio and Guests, The Reverbs, Magic Voices and Finding Harmony. And brand new for this year, we are thrilled to be introducing dancing from the Harpenden Dance Group.
