Come and celebrate the best of Harpenden’s food and drink as the Hertfordshire town’s finest eateries joins forces once again for glorious summer Sitwell Food Safari at 7PM on Friday June 19 2026. Hosted by MasterChef critic William Sitwell it’s a night of fabulous eating and drinking as you’ll enjoy a tour of the town’s best hospitality, from Italian delicacies and sushi to mini bagels and sweet delights from the Spanish basque region.
Sitwell Food Safari is a fun-packed dining concept from William Sitwell, one of Britain’s leading food writers, restaurant critic and columnist for The Telegraph as well as a TV presenter and public speaker. He runs his food safaris in small towns, large villages and city boroughs across the UK providing the opportunity for guests to get a taste of multiple venues across a single evening. ‘It’s huge fun,’ says William, ‘and a great way for people to get a taste of what’s available on their doorstep.’
Harpenden’s Sitwell Food Safari is sponsored by Whittaker & Co, a leading independent estate agent serving Harpenden and the surrounding villages. Principal of Whittaker & Co, Ken Whittaker, says:
‘We are so delighted to once again support and welcome Sitwell Food Safari in Harpenden. Last year’s event was a triumph and we can’t wait to celebrate some of our brilliant hospitality venues. Community is the cornerstone of Whittaker & Co and this event is a great way of bringing people together and of supporting and celebrating our restaurants.’
Event organiser for Sitwell Food Safari is Emma Thomasson, tourism and business strategy executive.
Participating are the stylish, informal VinSanto, restaurant and deli The Silver Palate, coffee and bagel house Brad & Dills, sushi take-out business Zero Sushi and Artichoke Bake & More.
Says William Sitwell: ‘I’m so happy to to be bringing my food safari back to the beautiful town of Harpenden, to showcase the wonderful variety of food available and to host this exciting, communal event. At a time when many hospitality business are fighting to stay alive it’s a wonderful way to support this vital part of our culture.’
Guests will meet at Brad & Dills for welcome drinks and speeches before being escorted in groups to the town’s dining venues. Rosé, red and white wine will be available at all venues.
Tickets, which include multiple courses, rosé, white and red wine, are just £80 per person.
PARTICIPATING VENUES
VinSanto
A stylish, informal establishment from chef Daniel Fletcher who has worked in the kitchens of the likes of Gordon Ramsay, Jason Atherton and in 5-star hotels across the world. With an accessible, great-value wine list pairing a Mediterranean menu in the main restaurant, you’ll also find a discreet and cosy Speakeasy in their brick-lined basement.
The Silver Palate
Starting as a deli in 1993, with a sister establishment in St Albans, The Silver Palate has now developed into a daytime restaurant serving scrumptious breakfasts, which revel in the smashed avocado, brunches and tasty lunches serving a fun and accessible mix of sharing plates, salads, pittas, burger and much more. There’s a great menu for kids and The Silver Palate also offers a catering service.
Brad & Dills
An independent coffee and bagel house with four locations across the area, Brad & Dills began as Mitzi, a 1950s Metro van, in 2021. Now they are a beloved brand of coffee spots offering an eclectic and delicious range of bagels in addition to offering the likes of what they fervently declare as ‘the perfect flat white in the land’.
Zero Sushi
In 2015, brothers Jack and Louis opened their first sushi bar in Berkhamsted. They set out to deliver restaurant quality sushi at takeaway prices. Sourcing great quality produce celebrated suppliers and buying from independent day-boats has been a huge factor behind their success. After building a strong reputation in Berkhamsted, the brothers decided it was time to add to the zero family. They now have two sites in Harpenden and most recently Walthamstow
Artichoke Bake & More
This small business with two shops in Hemel Hempstead and Harpenden bakes fresh sourdough bread along with a selection of pastries, homemade cakes, and light toasts. Freshly brewed coffee is also available.
MENU
VinSanto
Arrancini ‘Cacio e Pepe’
Tuscan potato, truffle mayonnaise, parmesan
Vinsanto meatball trapizzino, slow-roasted tomato sauce
The Silver Palate
A generous offer of tapas including manchego, jamon, Italian salami spinata, parma ham, breads such as focaccia and crostini and a mix of Spanish and Greek olives
Zero Sushi
Mini chirashi bowl
Crispy rice with spicy tuna
Mushroom miso soup
Brad & Dills
Pollo picante, brioche slider
Avocado, san Marzano and feta on focaccia
BAD tiramisu
Artichoke Bake & More
Basque Cheesecake
ORDER OF PLAY
7PM: Drinks and welcome speeches at Brad & Dills, 23A Leyton Road, Rothhamstead, Harpenden, AL5 2FH.
7.30PM: Guests will be escorted in groups to each of the four main venues.
10PM: Dessert courtesy of Artichoke Bake & More at Brad & Dills
10.30PM: Event ends
VITAL INFORMATION
DIETARIES: Please inform the host of any dietaries by midday Friday June 12. Email: sitwellsupperclub@hotmail.com
DRINKS: Guests can enjoy pours of rosé, white and red wine. Water is available in each venue and guests are free to purchase alternative drinks at venues that have their own bar.
REFUNDS: Please read all details and information carefully as there are NO refunds available
DRESS: Please note you should dress according to the weather and bearing in mind you’ll be walking between venues. We suggest smart/casual
SAFETY: Please take great care when walking between venues and show the utmost courtesy to other pedestrians and take special care of traffic when crossing roads
QUESTIONS: Any further questions please email: sitwellsupperclub@hotmail.com
