Esquires Coffee in North Hertfordshire

Ordered scrambled eggs on sourdough toast. Eggs were dry as was the bread and not enough egg to cover the bread. A second piece of toast on the plate, not sure what it was for. It was dry no butter and not enough egg to go on it as there was barely enough for one piece of toast. Very poor

This is a franchise which I hadn’t realised before entering, but soon became apparent. Arrived for a lunch with a friend, we received a polite welcome. Looked at what food was on display, most of the filled ciabatta’s were covered in a wrap so couldn’t see what they looked like and what you could see looked to be sparsely filled, so thought I’d pass on the sandwiches, asked about the soup, basically it’s in a plastic pot in the chilled cabinet which is then just heated up, so not homemade, food on offer was really disappointing. Very cold inside as the door doesn’t close properly, so had to keep getting up to close the door while drinking my coffee, not very relaxing, so asked the guy behind the counter if he could close the door as he was free, his reply was “Go for it”!!! I explained I’d already closed it numerous times as had my friend and some young girl with a broom in her hand decided to chip in with a snide comment! So my advise is to visit one of the many independent cafes in Hitchin where the owners care and will appreciate your custom!

My Wife and I have visited this establishment many times together and my Wife has gone there on her own as well. We have always enjoyed the atmosphere and the Staff are always friendly and helpful. On this particular visit however, we were less than impressed. The Cafe has a notice regarding food allergies and the fact that they can make anything that is required. My Wife has a gluten and wheat allergy and we asked if a cheese and tomato toastie on gluten free bread could be made. The young lady serving told us there was gluten free bread, but we couldn’t have the filling. The excuses given as to why, were quite frankly, pathetic and more to the point, the Server seemed to be amused by it. I spoke to the Manager, who said that she would make the food, but why should she have to do it and not the Staff on duty, whose job it is in the first place. We left the Cafe and I will not be returning following this.

Fabulous - friendly staff, great food and drink. Even when it's raining, there were people sitting outside under the awning. Inside, the welcome was warm.