Formerly the Cafe Des Amis Restaurant, The Merchant Tea and Coffee Shop is now an attractive coffee shop situated on Market Place within the St Albans's historic Town Hall with its impressive Palladian facade. On pleasant days there is outside seating where visitors can watch the world go buy or have a well earned rest after wandering through the bustling market. There is a regular market in St Albans, two small shopping centres, plenty of places to stay and the city hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year. The River Ver runs through what is now Verulamium Park, a 100 acre parkland close to the city centre and popular for walks and recreation.