A Taste of History

BUN-dles of foodie fun in St Albans this Easter

St Albans has a fascinating history with food and drink with rich heritages including it being home to England’s oldest pub and the precursor to the Hot Cross Bun.

It is said that the Alban Bun originated in St Albans where Brother Thomas Roclliffe, a 14th Century Monk at St Albans Abbey, created the original recipe. From 1361, Brother Thomas would bake these buns to feed the poor on Good Friday.

You can taste the bun for yourself at St Albans Cathedral from Ash Wednesday. Handmade in the Cathedral’s very own Abbot’s Kitchen the bun is baked to a traditional recipe, which remains a closely guarded secret, and whilst the Alban and the Hot Cross Bun are similar in taste, they differ in appearance with the Alban Bun having a distinctive cross cut into the unbaked dough with a knife rather than the piped cross of the modern day bun.

Pop in and enjoy one (or two)! The Abbot’s Kitchen is open daily 10-4pm.

Historical Hotspots

St Albans is bursting with fabulous foodie hotspots. Make a weekend of it and indulge in some of the finest artisan food and drink this Easter.

The vibrant and historic St Albans Market was founded in 860 by the sixth Abbot of St Albans. Running twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays it draws people from far and wide who love the buzz and the wide selection of fresh and artisan goods. Check out both ends of the Market for some of the finest array of street food you can taste.

Did you know there are more pubs per square mile than anywhere else in the country? If you like your pint served with a bit of character, St Albans is the place for you. From Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, regarded as England’s oldest pub to the Snug (formerly the Fleur de Lys) the city is jam packed with historic pubs that have been a favourite place to refuel and relax for centuries.

It wouldn’t be Easter without something sweet. For a real treat, wander to The Pudding Stop on Verulam Road – the shop counter is piled high with freshly baked goods including morning pastries, breakfast waffles, hot puddings and their award-winning Bake At Home puds. From Carrot Cake to Pecan Pie, every bake is handmade from scratch and promises to satisfy your sweet tooth.

St Albans is waiting to be explored this Easter; shop, eat, stay, enjoy – find your St Albans at enjoystalbans.com