November has seen plenty of excitement as new businesses opened across Hertfordshire, but lots of sadness as beloved stores closed.
Here's seven businesses that opened or closed this month.
1. Kinetic Cycles - Welwyn Garden City
Welwyn Garden City bicycle repair store Kinetic Cycles has closed down.
Located next to the Howard Centre on Church Road, the shop has closed down and moved to a workshop-based model, based in Hertford, after a decision was made to liquidate its umbrella company H2O DJY Limited.
"The lease between Renshaw UK Limited and H2O DJY Limited, dated February 1, 2021, is hereby determined. This is on the grounds of non-payment of rent and the company entering into voluntary liquidation."
Kinetic Cycles' workshop is based at Windyridge Farm, Hertford.
2. Pitta Hub - Stevenage
A new Greek restaurant has opened in Stevenage town centre.
Pitta Hub welcomed its first customers earlier this month, and is based at 38D Queensway, next to Noodle Stop.
Food at Pitta Hub is available for takeaway or to eat in at tables or bar seating.
A planning application for the eatery was submitted to Stevenage Borough Council in April, and was granted permission the following month.
3. Bridgetown Monroe - Hitchin
A new cocktail bar in Hitchin is celebrating an "incredible" first week of business.
Bridgetown Monroe in Bucklersbury specialises in rum, but also has a strong selection of non rum cocktails, as well as Forest Road IPA and lager on draft.
Owner Chris Dodd said: "The first week has been incredible, with lots of returning customers and so many positive comments.
"Customers are loving the over 21s. It's a place they can enjoy an amazing drink, relax in expensive furniture and enjoy the tropical bar vibe.
"I am finding customers are two to three hours in my bar, which is amazing."
4. Foundlove - Hitchin
New hair salon called Foundlove has opened in Hitchin town centre, in part of the former Hawkins building in Bucklersbury.
"We are thrilled to bring Foundlove to Hitchin. Our mission is to elevate the hair care experience by providing unmatched services and creating moments of rejuvenation for our clients," said founder Matthew Sockalingum.
"Foundlove boasts a team of highly skilled and experienced hairstylists and colour experts who excel in their craft and are dedicated to creating the perfect look for each client."
5. Khoi Khoi - Letchworth
Khoi Khoi, a popular bar and restaurant in Letchworth, has been repossessed and the site's locks changed by its landlord.
The Letchworth Heritage Foundation, which currently owns the premises, took back possession after citing late rental payments.
"The foundation’s property team works closely with tenants who fall behind on rental payments to find a solution," said a Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation spokesperson.
"Unfortunately, if tenants fall substantially behind on rent and have no repayment plan it can be necessary to revoke tenancies, in line with their lease, to safeguard the future of the town’s development and in fairness to our other commercial tenants."
6. Nook - Markyate
A new café serving a range of cakes and sandwiches has opened in Markyate.
Nook, at 40A High Street, is described as "your cosy corner on Markyate High Street", the café will be open from 8.30am until 5pm seven-days-a-week.
Nook's website states: "This is a fabulous space with wooden floors, rustic tables, twinned with plush velvet seating, pretty lighting and stylish décor.
"Providing the perfect spot to relax in comfortable surroundings."
7. Kutchenhaus - St Albans
Kutchenhaus - part of 'Europe’s leading kitchen manufacturer', Nobilia - is set to open a showroom in St Albans.
The 800 sq. ft site will be situated at 4 Canberra House, London Road, with live kitchen displays and appliances from the likes of NEFF, Quooker and BLANCO.
"We’re looking forward to opening Kutchenhaus St Albans and we can’t wait to welcome our first clients through the door," said owner and manager Zunair Shahid.
"Following the launch of our Stevenage space last year, we’ve been working on launching a showroom in St Albans and we found the perfect location at Canberra House.
"Here, we are situated on a bustling high street with shops, cafés and other businesses close by.
"This means we’ll be welcoming people passing by who want to learn more about Kutchenhaus, as well as those who are already actively looking for their next kitchen.
"It’s the next step in our journey and we are proud to be here."
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