March has seen plenty of excitement as new businesses opened across Hertfordshire, but lots of sadness as beloved stores closed.

Here's seven businesses that opened or closed this month.

1. Burger King - London Colney

A new Burger King restaurant is coming to Hertfordshire, with London Colney set to become the Home of the Whopper.

Royston Crow: Burger King is coming to London Colney.Burger King is coming to London Colney.

Located in Colney Fields Retail Park, the popular fast-food chain's new site will create 30 jobs, including four managerial roles.

"As we continue to deliver on our bold and ambitious growth plans, we are delighted to be creating new job and career opportunities in the area," said Jeremy Wright, people director of Burger King UK.

2. Kutchenhaus - Welwyn Garden City

German kitchen design company Kutchenhaus has opened a new store in Welwyn Garden City.

Now open in Howardsgate, the company has taken over the unit formerly home to The Greek Retreat.

Royston Crow: Kutchenhaus in Welwyn Garden City.Kutchenhaus in Welwyn Garden City. (Image: Indre Balnaite Photography)

"We are delighted to welcome Kutchenhaus to Welwyn Garden City town centre," said Welwyn Garden City BID manager, Nicky Wolff.

"The new showroom is stunning, with a beautiful design, and high-spec features. The owners are local and are passionate about the town.

"They are very excited about being part of our community events and supporting Welwyn Garden City."

3. OneStop - Stevenage

A new OneStop store has opened in Stevenage's Bragbury End, as part of the Kenilworth Close development.

Royston Crow: OneStop in Bragbury End.OneStop in Bragbury End. (Image: Stevenage Borough Council)

Selling a range of food and daily essentials, Stevenage mayor Myla Arceno officially declared the store open for business.

"Congratulations OneStop! I wish you all a prosperous business in Kenilworth Close," she said.

4. Six Hills Brewing - Hitchin

A new bar and tap room is set to open in one of the former units occupied by Hawkins of Hitchin.

According to a brochure from property consultant Estate Office, Six Hills Brewing will be opening in 8 Bucklersbury in April, with the unit currently undergoing a refit.

Six Hills Brewing was started by Paul Clinton in 2017. A tap room was opened in Stevenage High Street two years later, and the business looks set to arrive in Hitchin soon.

5. PureGym - London Colney

PureGym is set to open a new site in London Colney later this month.

Royston Crow: PureGym is coming to London Colney.PureGym is coming to London Colney. (Image: PA)

The 12,000 sqft gym will open at Colney Fields Shopping Park on March 28, and be decked out with hundreds of pieces of state-of-the-art equipment.

Nine jobs will also be created, and there are hopes the site will "boost the local economy by increasing footfall to the retail park".

"Following sustained demand for our flexible, affordable offering in Hertfordshire, we are thrilled to be expanding our presence with a new gym in London Colney," said a PureGym spokesperson. 

6. The Raj - Brookmans Park

There is plenty of excitement in Brookmans Park after a new Indian restaurant opened its doors.

Royston Crow: Mayor Cllr Pankit Shah opened The Raj.Mayor Cllr Pankit Shah opened The Raj. (Image: Cllr Pankit Shah)

The Raj in Bradmore Green opened earlier this month under new management, with the aroma of spices and the sound of live music in the air as the eatery celebrated its opening night.

The Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield, councillor Pankit Shah, opened the restaurant, saying: "I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the owner, Sam and the entire team behind The Raj.

"Their dedication in bringing the best in Indian cuisine to our borough is commendable, and I have no doubt that this venture will contribute significantly to our gastronomic tapestry."

7. Blush - Stevenage

A gift and lifestyle shop in Stevenage High Street is preparing to permanently close at the end of March, due to "increasing costs and changes".

The owner of Blush, Maisie, explained: "It is with such a heavy heart that I have come to the decision to close the doors of our Old Town shop at the end of March.

"The journey so far, it has been such a dream, and I couldn’t thank you enough for all your support and loyal custom over the past year.

"Unfortunately, much like so many other small businesses, the past months have been very challenging, with increasing costs and changes.

"While we are saying goodbye to our physical shop, this is not a goodbye! We - myself and my mum Amy - will be solely focusing on Blush online, to bring new and exciting products more frequently."