Watford receives Purple Flag for its night-time economy

The town has once again received a Purple Flag – an accreditation similar to the Green Flag award for parks.

Watford was one of the very first towns to receive one after the scheme was launched in 2012 and has maintained purple flag status ever since.

Moon Under Water in Watford High Street (Image: Web)

A purple flag means a town is judged to provide a diverse and well-managed night scene with clubs, bars, pubs, entertainment and restaurants.

Phil Holby, chair of Watford’s Pubwatch and manager of Walkabout Watford, said: “It’s a great achievement for Watford and brilliant to receive such prestigious recognition once again. It speaks volumes about the fantastic offering that Watford has with a huge amount of choice for all different age groups and all walks of life.

“We’ll continue to work hard to ensure that Watford remains a great evening and night out.”

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Maria Manion, chief executive of Watford Business Improvement District (BID), said: “Watford was one of the very first towns to receive Purple Flag accreditation, and it’s brilliant to see that, in 2022, we have continued to be worthy of the status.

“We’re proud at Watford BID to have worked together with the venues and statutory agencies to achieve accreditation once again, proving the great partnership work that we’re capable of as a town.”

The pandemic has notably seen the loss of some restaurants and venues in the town centre.

Bosleys in Watford closed down earlier this year - but it will be replaced with a popular Latin bar, Barrio. (Image: Newsquest)

Despite bar and restaurant Bosleys shutting earlier this year, Watford will soon have a new food and drink venue.

Latin bar Barrio will be opening its first site outside London in The Parade and will welcome punters on October 28.

Described as Watford’s “first tequila bar”, the bar will be able to welcome 200 guests for cocktails, Mexican Food and live entertainment.

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