Watford Observer

Sat, 09 Aug 2025 07:02:20 +0100
Watford Home Bargains opening day - live updates
Follow live coverage as Home Bargains opens its long-awaited Watford store in the former Sports Direct and David's Bridal units.

Sat, 09 Aug 2025 08:00:00 +0100
The historic castle with a water maze less than 2 hours from Watford
The historical attraction of Hever Castle is two hours from Watford and even has a water maze.

Sat, 09 Aug 2025 08:00:00 +0100
'Incredible support' as village pub successfully reopens
The part owner of The Boot, in Sarratt, has explained why she decided to take over the nearby The Cock Inn.

Sat, 09 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0100
Super snap of famous galaxy viewed from Watford
A stunning photo of the Andromeda galaxy is among this week's selection of summer scenes taken by members of the Watford Observer Camera Club.

Sat, 09 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0100
On This Day: Callum Shinkwin wins English Amateur Championship
On this day in 2013, Callum Shinkwin wins the English Amateur Championship at Frilford Heath, defeating Matthew Fitzpatrick.

Sat, 09 Aug 2025 05:30:00 +0100
The 5 best fish and chips in Watford according to reviews
Looking for some fish and chips? See the best restaurants and fish and chip shops serving the dish in Watford.

Sat, 09 Aug 2025 05:30:00 +0100
5 of the best garden centres to visit around Watford according to reviews
Here are five of the best garden centres to visit around Watford from Plants Direct, The Plant Shop and Carpenders Park Garden Centre.

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 12:12:09 +0100
Summary as emergency services attend Hemel blaze
Emergency services are currently attending a blaze at a sports pavilion in Hemel Hempstead.

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 10:35:00 +0100
Watford town centre bar closes permanently
Watford town centre venue 143 Bar has permanently closed, with the shutters up at the venue in The Parade.

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 10:51:40 +0100
Major retailer with Watford stores files for bankruptcy in US
Major jewellery retailer Claire's Accessories has filed for bankruptcy in the US, casting doubt over its future in the UK, including its Watford stores.

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 11:20:00 +0100
Leavesden Studios: latest additions and expansion plans
Leavesden’s world-beating Warner Bros. Studios facilities are continually being upgraded – including building a school on site for the HBO Harry Potter TV series.

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 17:20:00 +0100
Watford hotel NOT migrant accommodation despite online claim
Mercure London Watford is listed on a website as being used to house asylum seekers, but is actually vacant and set for demolition.

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 16:00:00 +0100
Food court offering 'seven sensations to tempt and excite your taste buds'
A look back to when the Food Court in the Harlequin shopping centre opened in April 1991.

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 15:25:00 +0100
Man hospitalised with 'multiple wounds' after group attack
Around a dozen police cars rushed to a canal in Watford as a man was hospitalised after violent group attack.

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 15:00:00 +0100
'Use it or lose it': family-run coffee shop warning amid footfall drop
Family-run coffee shop Pani Coffee and Kitchen has admitted a drop in footfall has left them concerned about the long-term future of the business.

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 14:15:00 +0100
Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock 'filming at Leavesden this summer'
Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden is reportedly hosting production of Practical Magic 2 starring Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock this summer.

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 13:06:34 +0100
Five fire engines attend blaze at Hemel sports pavilion
Five fire engines are currently attending a fire at a Hemel Hempstead sports pavilion.

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 11:47:00 +0100
Fight in Watford High Street puts two in hospital - four arrests made
Police have arrested four people after a fight in Watford High Street in the early hours of this morning.

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 11:30:00 +0100
M25 and M1 delays warning as 180-tonne 'abnormal load' to be moved
A 180-tonne “abnormal load” is set to move via the M1 and M25 near Watford under police escort this weekend on a journey from Derbyshire to London.

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 11:05:45 +0100
Person dies after being hit by train in Herts
A person has died after being hit by a train, with London railway lines currently closed by the police.

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 10:49:00 +0100
Chainsaw and knife fight in Herts sees two people jailed
Two men have been jailed - with a third handed a suspended sentence - after a fight involving a chainsaw and knife in Borehamwood.

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 10:20:00 +0100
Problem flat repossessed after years of 'misery' for neighbours
Police shut down a problem South Oxhey flat which caused “misery” for neighbours and has now been repossessed.

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0100
In memoriam: Death notices in the Watford Observer
The Watford Observer has published three death notices in the last seven days.

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 08:57:24 +0100
Latest look at Leavesden-filmed adaptation of Stephen King thriller
Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden has shared a fresh look at the upcoming adaptation of The Running Man, shot at the facility on the edge of Watford.

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 07:49:00 +0100
Save £10 on garden classic ‘Lily of the Valley’ with You Garden
With its fragrant white bells, Lily of the Valley is more than just a pretty flower, it is for many a symbol of hope and love and it’s safe to say this delicate perennial plant is an exceptional garden classic.

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 11:00:00 +0100
On This Day: Demolition plans for new East Stand at Vicarage Road unveiled
On this day in 2013, Watford FC posted a demolition notice for the East Stand at Vicarage Road, paving the way for a new stand.

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 08:19:19 +0100
Plan submitted for approved 69-home development to become 124
Plans have been submitted to modify an approved 69-home plan in Apsley and build `124 properties.

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 05:30:00 +0100
Bar blasts 'keyboard warriors' amid challenging first few months
The owner of Watford town centre bar Desi Thekka has reflected on the relaunched venue's first few months.

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 05:29:00 +0100
Suspects cleared and case closed after teen's neck cut in Watford
Police say all lines of enquiry have been exhausted after a teen's neck was cut in Watford earlier this year.

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 17:28:52 +0100
Watford shop survives as brand confirms 33 store closures
River Island is set to push ahead with plans to shut 33 stores after receiving court approval for a major restructuring, but the store in the Harlequin is safe for now.

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 14:09:41 +0100
'Avoid' warning as emergency services called to crash - recap
Emergency services have been called to the scene of a crash in A404 Chorleywood Road, according to Highways.

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 17:00:00 +0100
Bus trapped by dodgy parking forces driver to door-knock as police called
A bus driver had to knock on doors and call police after “inconsiderate” parking trapped their vehicle in a Bushey road.

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 16:40:00 +0100
Does this pub have Watford's best beer garden?
Recent refurbishments have taken one of readers’ favourite beer gardens, at The Tudor Arms, to the next level.

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 15:40:03 +0100
Person hospitalised after two-car crash
A person has been taken to hospital after a crash partly-blocked Chorleywood Road between the M25 and Rickmansworth Station this afternoon.

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 15:30:00 +0100
When 'national treasure' Terry Wogan flew into Watford
A look back to when a small aircraft carrying 'national treasure' Sir Terry Wogan arrived at Leavesden Airfield 52 years ago this week.

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 13:30:00 +0100
Parking spaces from driveways to supermarkets rented out in Watford
With ever increasing demand for parking spaces in Watford and Rickmansworth, these are the car parks those without a spot can book for the long term.

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 13:25:00 +0100
On This Day: Plans to transform Watford's One Bell pub revealed
On this day in 2017, plans were revealed to transform Watford’s One Bell pub into a gastropub after a year of closure.

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 12:39:00 +0100
Rejected 195-home plan set for re-vote despite 2,500 objections
Controversial plans for 195 homes in Radlett will be back on the agenda later this month after an initial vote resulted in a narrow refusal.

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 09:30:00 +0100
Watford celebrates 20,000 trees planted and more to come
Watford has surpassed its 20,000-tree goal two years early thanks to community efforts and a new partnership with Watford FC.

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 09:09:13 +0100
See the best of coastal Western Europe with Ambassador Cruise Line this September
If you’re wanting to see what coastal Western Europe has to offer this September, then check out Ambassador Cruise Line’s Cruise of the Week.

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 08:48:52 +0100
Man in court over sexual assault, strangulation and ABH charges
A man from Maple Cross is to appear in crown court next week facing charges including sexual assault and strangulation.

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 08:12:08 +0100
House to be knocked down for larger replacement as plans approved
Plans have been approved for the demolition of a house in Rickmansworth, with a two-storey replacement planned.

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0100
Popular charity walk set to return this autumn with 3 routes and big impact
The Chilterns 3 Peaks Challenge returns on September 14, 2025, offering walkers scenic routes and a chance to raise hospice funds.

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 05:30:00 +0100
Watford Market trader hit with 1/5 hygiene score
A Watford Market trader has been given a 1/5 food hygiene rating by inspectors.

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 05:30:00 +0100
'Thriving' rats rampant in Watford road after escaping from sewer
“Thriving” rats escaped from a broken sewer have reportedly been rampant in Langley Road for months.

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 10:30:00 +0100
First electric vehicle charge points installed in council car parks
EV charge points have been installed at Henbury Way Car Park in South Oxhey—part of Three Rivers Council’s carbon-cutting plans.

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 18:29:43 +0100
7 destinations you can fly away to this September (plus how to get £125 off!)
From the Canary Islands to Greece, you can travel abroad this September with Jet2holidays from UK airports including Birmingham Airport and Leeds Bradford Airport.

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 12:07:06 +0100
Delays as motorway lanes shut after vehicle breakdown - recap
There are long delays for motorists on the M25 early this afternoon after a vehicle broke down, closing two lanes.

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 18:00:00 +0100
Watford MP fails to rule out supporting manifesto-busting tax rises
Watford’s MP Matt Turmaine has weighed in on potential tax rises amid increasing pressure on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to break a manifesto promise.

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 16:59:00 +0100
Watford restaurant backs 'really good' breakfast to bring in customers
A new Watford restaurant is hoping increasing awareness of its breakfast offering will bring more customers through its doors – but it is prepared to adapt if necessary.

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