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

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

1. Teller Bar - Hitchin

After successful taster weekends, Hitchin's Teller Bar is set to fully open soon.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Teller Bar owner Owain Rhys.Teller Bar owner Owain Rhys. (Image: Dan Mountney)

Set up by Owain Rhys, the tap room has taken over at 8 Bucklersbury, a unit which has stood empty 2018 when long-standing residents Hawkins of Hitchin closed.

The unit has undergone an extensive refit, including the installation of 20 taps for beer and cocktails, with Owain telling The Comet he wants to help turn Hitchin in the "destination for craft beer".

"Hitchin is definitely becoming a destination for evenings out. It’s a bustling High Street, so I think a bar like this will lend well to the popular demand places to eat and drink, and hopefully Hitchin will become a destination for craft beer," he said.

2. Say Doughnuts - Hitchin

A new store selling doughnuts described by customers as "the best around", is set to open in Hitchin.

Say Doughnuts is setting up shop at 38 Churchyard, formerly occupied by Marie Antiques, with work already taking place on the unit ahead of the opening.

Set up and run by Aaron Shade and Sarah Ball, the business already has stores in Bedford and Berkhamsted, and started thanks to a passion for doughnuts.

"Our story began with a love for fantastic food and a simple desire to whip up incredible doughnuts for our family and friends," the Say Doughnuts website reads.

We decided to spread the joy beyond our kitchen and share our handmade delights with our local community and beyond.

"We take pride in handcrafting each one from scratch every single day. Our dough recipe is pure and simple – and it's all rolled and cut by loving hands."

3. Emmaus - Letchworth and St Albans

Homelessness charity Emmaus Hertfordshire has opened a new store in Letchworth, following the closure of its St Albans site.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Emmaus has opened a new store in Letchworth.Emmaus has opened a new store in Letchworth. (Image: Emmaus Hertfordshire)

The new store opened on Saturday (May 4) and is located in the town's Garden Square Shopping Centre.

The site will feature a range of affordable, pre-loved furniture, homewares, electricals, clothing and accessories.

Emmaus Hertfordshire will begin trading from the ground floor of the premises, with plans to expand over time.

Emmaus’ business development manager, Gemma Beckett said: “We’re so excited to be expanding our charity shop offering into North Hertfordshire with this shop in Letchworth.

"For some time, we’ve been looking for a great new location to grow into."

4. Gaffer - Welwyn Garden City

A Welwyn Garden City menswear store has closed down just months after opening.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Gaffer's Welwyn Garden City store has closed down.Gaffer's Welwyn Garden City store has closed down. (Image: Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council)

Gaffer welcomed customers to their Howard Centre store for the first time in November last year, with owners Ken and Sharon Biggerstaff admitting they were "proud as punch" having expanded from their successful Hemel Hempstead store.

But, just six months after opening, Gaffer closed for the final time on April 29, with a post on their Facebook page reading: "Sadly we will be closing our Welwyn Garden City branch.

"Thanks to all those that supported us and we hope to still see you in our Hemel store very soon.

"We continue to build the business and recruit more Gafferites. We had a good six months in Welwyn Garden City and enjoyed the journey."

5. Simply Mediterranean - Potters Bar

A new food store selling the "highest quality of Mediterranean products" has opened in Potters Bar.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Simply Mediterranean in Potters Bar.Simply Mediterranean in Potters Bar. (Image: Simply Mediterranean)

Simply Mediterranean has taken over 1 Potters Bar Station in Darkes Lane, and looks set to be the one-stop-shop for lovers of Italian, Greek and Cypriot food.

"We take pride in offering a wide range of delicious and authentic Mediterranean products right to your doorstep," their website reads.

"We strive to provide you with the highest quality of Mediterranean products, sourced directly from Greece, Cyprus and Italy.

"So come and experience the taste of the Mediterranean right in your own home with our authentic and flavourful offerings. Our goal is to provide you with quality food produce and an exceptional shopping experience."