FIRST GLIMPSE: Hitchin Nub News are big supporters of brilliant local business in our town.

We feature a regular series named First Glimpse that specifically highlights exciting new businesses opening in Hitchin and North Herts.

Hitchin Nub News champions brilliant businesses new and old and want to see OUR community thrive.

Our stories are seen by our many, many thousands of readers on our website and our Facebook page Hitchin Nub News, not to mention our Twitter and Instagram accounts.

On top of that we have nearly 5,000 newsletter subscribers specifically in North Herts that read our selected stories every Friday - which include new businesses.

So, if you are starting a new business in Hitchin or North Herts, please do get in touch as we'd love to highlight your work!

In the meantime read on to learn about Hermitage Rd's brilliant new expansion and the arrival of our town's first Oyster Bar.

.................

FIRST GLIMPSE: Hitchin's first Oyster Bar

"We are excited to bring to Hitchin a new Oyster Bar, featuring the best of British produce," says acclaimed Anglia Country Inns supremo Howard Nye.

His renowned family business restaurant and coffee shop in the heart of Hitchin town centre has recently expanded.

Hermitage Rd Bar and Restaurant have now opened their additional premises after moving into the vacant site next door that had previously been occupied by Bath Store. With the unit at 20-21 Hermitage Road previously standing empty, Anglia Country Inns took the opportunity to boost their popular brand by enlarging their business.

Hitchin Nub News spoke to ACI, who are behind Hermitage Rd and other excellent local pubs, restaurants and hotels including The Fox at Willian,

"It's been a phenomenal effort getting the new Coffee & Bagel Bar with meeting rooms opened and we are hugely proud of the finished result - blood, sweat, tears - plus copious amounts of coffee - went into creating this new space," the highly-respected Howard tells Nub News.

"We no longer have to look across the channel for the best sparkling wines as we have it right here on our doorstep."

Howard adds that the team have been collaborating with award winning English sparkling wine producer, Nyetimber as well as the finest British vineyards on the wine list.

"Oysters are coming down each week from Norfolk and its a pleasure to collaborate with skilled fishermen who we have worked with as a family for generations," explains passionate expert Howard, as he adds: "Thanks to everyone that has popped in to check it out, the reception has been wonderful and we can't wait to share it with everyone."

The Oyster Bar's raw menu will feature British oysters and their own Brancaster Staithe smoked salmon - from the smokehouse at their sister inn The White Horse in North Norfolk.

The Oyster Bar located on the ground floor by the entrance to the restaurant, will be open in the evenings Wednesday - Saturday 5pm onwards.

Book now to experience their fresh look, new dining experiences and a re-imagined wine list with all wines available by the glass.

The extension stands next to ACI's impressive former ballroom in the heart of Hitchin, Hermitage Rd Bar & Restaurant - with the whole site offering exciting food with added theatre from the open kitchen, quirky cocktails and beer from the bar and live music from local talent.

While downstairs, discerning punters grab coffee and bagels from their award winning coffee shop and have a browse in the lifestyle store next door.

The sites are open seven days a week, along with the coffee and bagel, with pop up al fresco cocktails on sunny Fridays and Saturdays.

PREVIOUS FIRST GLIMPSE STORIES

Hitchin Nub News First Glimpse: Redundancy gave me push I needed to finally become my own boss says Rosalia Lazzara

First Glimpse: We Love You - Come and Say Hello as Fabio's brilliant new Market Place gelato store now open

First Glimpse: Pho Me - Hitchin's Vietnamese restaurant in Market Place

First Glimpse: New bookshop set to open in Hitchin very soon - find out more!

First Glimpse: Hitchin Market Place set to host 'Mediterranean Artisan Cafe' called Ziba

First Glimpse: Luke's Patisserie at Offley Hoo Farm

First Glimpse: Cafe 77 - A brilliant haven for burger purists set to open in Hitchin

First Glimpse: Petculiar - A Raw and Alternative Health Store For Pets at Offley Hoo Farm