FIRST GLIMPSE: Hitchin Nub News are huge backers of 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 as the pandemic recedes.

Our stories are seen by our many, many thousands of readers on our website and our Facebook page Hitchin Nub News.

On top of that we have nearly 4,500 newsletter subscribers specifically in North Herts that read our selected stories every Friday - which include news 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 for the brilliant new Fabio's Gelato in the heart of Hitchin!

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"What a journey it's been," says Fabio Vincenti, owner of the much-loved Fabio's brand, which has returned to Hitchin.

Fabio's Gelato closed their previous store on Hermitage Road last year to reassess after the stresses and strains of the pandemic that hit us all - but, to the delight of so many in Hitchin - the acclaimed owners have now opened another prime site in the heart of our town.

Fabio's took the decision not to renew their previous site, opting to future proof their business by a spot of intelligent remodelling.

With their previous lease fast coming up, coupled with a rent increase, as well as rising costs across the board, not to mention that due to their success they were running out of space to store and grow their wholesale business, they took the bold step to look for an industrial unit to manufacture their mouth-watering ice cream.

All with the aim of reopening a shop in Hitchin Town centre when the right unit came up for lease.

That moment has now arrived, with their impressive new gelato store on the Hitchin's evocative square.

Fabio takes up the story: "It's a pleasure taking on such an historic building in the heart of beautiful Hitchin and bringing it back to life again."

Busy but humble Fabio added: "We couldn't have done it without the skill and help from so many people - from family and friends helping look after our girls, our awesome landlord and Shilcocks team for allowing us to take on this beautiful space.

"Also our building team and main equipment supplier (Colin Hill) Fresh Dec's, our electrician (Ditcher electricals), air con guys (Loop air) security team (South East security) Rob from Maison Blanc, Mr Meana for some awesome graffiti, Gary our coffee machine engineer, DSigns, Black and white fire safety Ltd.

"Not to mention the banks and some blood sweat and tears from our awesome team making all the gelato ready for launch!"

Hitchin Nub News is of the belief that every day is a perfect day for an ice cream, so why not pop down and take a look for yourselves.

During our visit Nub News can also attest to the fact that there is also great coffee on offer as well as an amazing cake counter supplied by The Cakey Lady via The Bakehouse.

Such hard work has been a challenge with family man Fabio, who's been planning every last design detail with his equally busy wife Hannah.

Partner Hannah project managed 99 per cent of the plans with Colin Hill for the last five months - and all on top of juggling baby Olive to go with their adorable youngster Willow.

No wonder a relieved Fabio said after throwing open their doors: "Hitchin we love you, come see us, say hi!

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PREVIOUS FIRST GLIMPSE STORIES

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