
The council have announced the upcoming addition of a vibrant café as part of the Town Hall Quarter project and are seeking passionate and innovative operators to bring their vision to life...
Currently scheduled to open autumn 2026, the café will be a key part of the council’s vision to rejuvenate the historic heart of Watford, blending heritage with modern sustainability.
Located on the ground floor of the iconic Town Hall, the café will feature a stunning terrace overlooking the new Town Square. Designed to serve visitors to the Museum of Watford, users of the Innovation Hub, and the wider community, it promises to be a welcoming space offering hot and cold drinks, light meals, and snacks. This new destination aims to enrich the visitor experience while supporting the council's commitment to social and environmental value.
The Town Hall Quarter project is a bold reimagining of Watford’s civic and cultural hub. Incorporating a revitalised Grade II-listed Town Hall, a state-of-the-art Museum, and a dynamic Innovation Hub, this regeneration is set to create a thriving, inclusive destination for creativity, learning, and connection. The café will play a key role in supporting this vision, encouraging longer visits and fostering a sense of community.
The new café will join a successful family of community-focused spaces already flourishing in Oxhey Park, Cassiobury Park, and KGV Playing Fields. Each location has become a beloved hub for residents and visitors alike, offering quality food and drink in stunning settings. The Town Hall café will build on this success, becoming a vital part of the Watford community.
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “The café at the heart of the Town Hall Quarter represents everything we want for Watford – a vibrant, inclusive space that celebrates our heritage while looking to the future. This is an incredible opportunity for a business to play a key role in transforming our town centre into a thriving destination for residents and visitors alike.”
Watford Borough Council is inviting expressions of interest from café operators who share its passion for delivering excellent service, environmental sustainability, and community value. A collaborative engagement exercise will take place in April 2025, offering selected operators the chance to help shape the café’s final vision before the tender process begins.
This is a unique opportunity to be part of a landmark project that will leave a lasting legacy for Watford’s residents and visitors. Interested operators are encouraged to submit their expressions of interest by 10am on Monday 3 March 2025. For more information and submission details, visit watfordtownhallquarter.com/cafe.