Hatters Cafe in North Hertfordshire

Although very busy the service was quick and friendly . The food was and fresh perfectly cooked excellent for brunch. Coffee was the best ever!

Sat down in the hope of having breakfast. It was busy so wasn't expecting to be seen to right away. Two other tables who sat down after me were served before me, perhaps because they were men. 15 mins later, no-one had come to clean my table (two coffee mugs left on it), give me a menu, or even said hello. Was speaking to a diner at the table behind me and even they noticed me getting ignored and offered to catch the staff's attention (they were being very attentive to every other table). By this point I felt so awkward so I just got up and left. Shame as been before and had a nice time, but been with other people so maybe single females have to wait till all other men are served first before they're deserving enough of any attention.

The best coffee in Hitchin, loveliest service, friendly locals and top tier fresh food with great portions, and such an affordable price. As a coffee snob and a bit of a fussy eater, I am really so impressed and glad to have found this gem! I miss the days of proper caffs, as so many gentrified & expensive cafés have been popping up without proper food options, not to mention small tables and a feeling of being rushed. We popped in to Hatters today and got the vegetarian breakfast option and the scrambled eggs option, with chips and fried bread and a flat white as well. Can I just mention that the flat white was £2?! I couldn’t get over it as I’ve been long paying £3.75ish for a decent coffee around Hitchin. When we were having our food, a person next to us commented on how good the coffee was too. They are served in large Lavazza cups, with delicious froth and fab depth of flavour. Anyway, I need to stop with the coffee because the best bit of the whole meal was the fried slice of bread for 50p that we added to our meals. It was perfectly crisp and freshly cooked, golden and had great bite. I saved as much of it for last as I could, so that it could be my final bit to finish! The chips as well were absolutely fantastic, and the portions of tomatoes (huge tomato slices!) were brilliant. The mushrooms were perfectly cooked, not overly oily or watery at all, with enough bite without being squeaky. Just perfect. The bread that comes with it is buttered, but my partner is vegan so we opted for no butter :) The waiter was so friendly and kind, opening the door for customers, chatting to the ones he knew really well, making jokes with us. It made the whole experience even better and put us in such a good mood as his smile was infectious! Even though we aren’t frequent (yet!) visitors, we were treated so well. I can’t rave about this place enough. There is also outdoor seating, indoor seating by the chef cooking fresh on the grill, there are more seats upstairs too, with some beautiful visible beams, natural light and spacious room between the tables. Fresh flowers too, and in the bathroom, with plenty of toilet roll, spotlessly clean and well maintained. There isn’t a bad word I can say about this place, and with meals around the £3-4 mark for a proper full breakfast, and home cooked mains around £7, you just can’t go wrong. Don’t spread the word too much! I still need my table and my coffees ;)

Outstanding breakfast. Have been here many times and always excellent. Surprised to see the 1-star review below, but then when you read their other reviews you realise they just don't like the 'forruns', the daft racist.

I have eaten at Hatters on many occasions and this last weekend took some American friends there for breakfast. The service was, as always, friendly and efficient. We all enjoyed our breakfast and it was an added bonus that the the sun was shinning. My friends couldn't eat all the No 2 breakfast and that is amazing when you take into account the size of portions in the US! I think that previous reviewer must have an axe to grind because Sadat is the nicest, most friendly Guy you could meet and he is fastidious about cleanliness. Definitely a place not to miss.

I come to Hitchin every year and always end up here as they never disappoint with the service and quality of food I had the chicken kebab and salad with rice and pita bread. Partner had double cheese burger and chips. See you next year !

Rude staff especially the owner Sadad or however it’s spelt, and they all speak in their own language (Turkish or whatever it is) rather than getting to know their customers and being polite to them. Loads of flies flying about the place which suggests it’s not hygienic to dine there. Don’t waste your time or money go elsewhere for better food and better service

Sigh, I think the last time I had coffee "white" at Hatter's was in 2018 during one of my many visits to Hitchin to visit close friends. I love this place and the people who run it. Since the pandemic, I haven't been able to travel much but I think all the time about just sitting on the sidewalk and having a coffee or two. Glad to see it is still in business.

We’ve been here a few times now and always enjoyed their breakfasts. Lots of choice (and they allow substitutions too) and great coffee. Each comes with buttered toast. Difficult to fault it… We’ll be returning, especially as they welcome our little dog who comes everywhere with us!

Went here a few weeks ago with my 2 sons the staff were so friendly, charming and helpful I felt obliged to write a review We all had one of the set breakfast the food was freshly cooked and great quality Will definitely be going back when I’m next in Hitchin Highly recommended

Good food, good value & excellent & friendly service. Good choice off food. I had Bacon & Cheese Jacket Potato with salad. It was massive.

My friend and I are regulars and we are always welcomed by the staff. Food is good and at reasonable prices too!

We went in this morning for a treat, a full English breakfast. We were early, so everything was still quiet. Excellent service and an excellent breakfast. You can mix and match from the set combinations if needed. We haven't been in for probably a couple of years and this return visit did not disappoint.

Such a little gem. I had a salad and it was huge and delicious and so cheap . Waitress had a lovely manner and looked after everyone

We called in yesterday morning for breakfast and it was brilliant. The guy made us a really lovely latte and we drank this while we waited for our breakfast to be cooked. Lovely runny egg to dip your sausage into on top of a fried slice. Couple of rashers of bacon with some beans and sausage. Toast on the side, which unfortunately we were too full to eat. Extremely good value for money. Really nice, friendly guys in the cafe. We go to Hertfordshire once a year on holiday and have a trip to Hitchin market. This is definitely on our agenda for next year. Highly recommended.

Visiting Hitchin today with a friend we looked for a lunch stop and we were very pleased to find Hatters. Good menu, I had baked potato with chilli and my friend had chicken skewers, both came with good amount of salad and also chips with the skewers. We had 2 mugs of tea each and bill was well under £20. Portion sizes really good too. All the staff pleasant, friendly and helpful. Will be back before too long.

Great little cafe with good food at a very reasonable price. What a pity it is marred by the owner of the next door shop, who walks up and down the arcade having loud and lengthy conversations on his phone, oblivious to the irritation of the diners. This has happened on three of the four occasions we have been here. Don't think we'll be back. We will pass this on to the staff at Hatters.

If you want excellent service,excellent food and brilliant prices,the the Guys at Hatters are NO.1!!! FORGET THE OTHERS,JUST GO UP THE WALKWAY TO FIND HATTERS. BEST IN HITCHIN.PAUL.

Top staff,top food,top prices and service.The staff always go that extra mile for the customer. Maybe CERTAIN cafes in Hitchin should spend a week at Hatters and see how its done. PAUL.

My wife and I had brunch here today . It was nicely cooked and presented in a cosy atmosphere. Tea and coffee was also nice. My only disappointment was it’s cash only which is a bit weird these days.

Went here for the first time this week and have been back twice since, I can't believe I have never been in here before. The food is amazing and very tasty. Staff are friendly and welcoming. It is very reasonably priced and waitress service too. I can not recommended this place enough, will definitely be going back very soon. Just to say it is cash only.

Been to this cafe every Sunday for 7 years just about. It rarely disappoints. The current owner is very friendly and they get to know you quite quickly if you’re a regular. The food is fantastic. Would recommend.

Excellent food cooked to order. Always offered a drink whilst food is cooking. Always clean and staff are always friendly and courteous.

This is one of my frequent breakfast stops while cycling. Food is always cooked to order with generous portions, there's a lot of seating and the prices are very reasonable. I often have the sausage and bacon baguette at £3.50, and the £4 halloumi and spicy sausage panini with chips is very good. Recommended.

Popped in for coffee and cake. The staff were very attentive to my elderly parents, even adding ice cream to mum's cake

I have been going to Hatters regularly for a number of years. It is a great place for really good food and be at value. Always clean and courteous and the staff really go the extra mile

Great breakfast, reasonably priced, staff really friendly and genuine. Massive choice open early morning. Often have breakfast meetings here.

Went for Mother's Day brunch. Waitress didn't finish taking our order, we had to go to counter to remind her. When food arrived an item was missing from one breakfast. Again had to get waitress attention. When told, she shrugged as if to say "And?" The missing item was brought over a few minutes later. It was a 4 item meal and they forgot one. But it was the waitress' attitude that was inappropriate.The lower part of the cafe was busy but not manic. The food was pleasant; wouldn't win any awards.

Turned up as a large unexpected group on Sunday (having stayed at Premier Inn) and the staff quickly arranged a table. Service was prompt and food was ok (not amazing, not terrible, typical cafe breakfast. There was a wide variety of breakfasts to choose from including make your own.

We had to have a breakfast because we had a funeral in Letchworth and the La Bella Vita did not give us a breakfast because our times did not coincide. We popped in for breakfast in Hatter's and can't complain at all. Good choice, good prices and good service. I would recommend the set 1 breakfast and the sausages were brilliant. Food cooked well and a relaxed atmosphere. People were coming in and out and everyone spoke. Give it a go, you have nothing to lose!!

On my first visit to Hitchin I found Hatter's down a side passage near Barclays Bank. There is outside seating which is under cover from the elements, so I decided to eat outside. The service was friendly and the breakfast was enjoyable and good value for money. The locals have a habit of walking through the café seating area instead of the main thoroughfare, which is slightly annoying when you are eating.

With our favoured cafe closed for Christmas, we tried here. Service was sloppy with dirty table, poor presentation of food with jacket potato warm and not hot and tea very hot in large mugs and tea bag left in. Girl behind counter was scratching her hair in between handling food. And they don’t accept card payment. We won’t be returning.

Loved it! Friendly staff and massive selection of breakfast all cooked fresh. We all enjoyed our meals and are definitely coming back soon!

Really popular cafe and lovely staff. food is good and coffee wonderful. They will make up whatever you want. Open 7 days a week

I visit hatters regularly at the weekends and always enjoy it.. There is great place, although always busy.. Overall well worth a visit..

Just happened upon Hatters whilst walking round Hitchin market.

Looking for a place to have a quick breakfast this place was perfect. Nice place to have either a traditional breakfast or with an added Mediterranean twist. Food cooked well with friendly staff will definitely return

Love this little cafe. Owner fit. Lovely friendly staff. Food excellent . Always consistent every time . Well recommend.

Service was terrible ! Had to wait 20 minutes while 2 other customers were served before me bad communication between waitress and chef wouldn't go back if it was free

Great food, great value and great service for the sisters wearing hats visiting the Hatter’s Cafe in Hitchin.

Like I said great value, good menu, friendly staff, would recommend to anyone, will make a point to visit again

This little eatery is situated in the Old Arcade.The service is good.The staff are all so pleasant and the food and drink is excellent value.Their coffee prices are only about half that of the likes of Costa & Starbucks.

Such a wide variety if options all decent in size and quality. For a small cafe it can become suprisngly busy but you never wait too long for anything. Staff are friendly and accomodating of different requests. Always my first stop on a hangover !

First time in the area so we looked on trip advisor for somewhere good to get a breakfast. Hatters didn’t disappoint. Small premises so seating was very cosy to neighbouring tables but couldn’t fault the friendly service or the food. My husband and I both did customised breakfasts, good size portions, cooked how we like and thoroughly enjoyed them.

We were looking for somewhere to have lunch and as we pondered the menu outside a very friendly waitress enticed us in and we were not to be disappointed. Very efficient and friendly service. We both had a jacket potato which came with a generous salad. Also two teas. Total cost £11. Bargain!

O had a lovely breakfast nice service ı would recommend to everyone very friendly i would visit again

Visited this place on spec just for coffees and tea cakes, very pleased with the Staff who chatted to us in a friendly non intrusive way. Would certainly recommend it for value for money, we were all surprised at the low cost of the hot drinks, I do feel that they should increase it, if only to boost their profits.

Always welcomed by the staff and they served nice food and drink. Won’t be soon before another before another visit.

Hatter's has been a fixture in Hitchin's Arcade for many years and although it's arguably the closest cafe from our front door it's been the best part of two decades since I darkened its door - a cataclysmic fail over a party reservation way back then put them on the family blacklist, and there they stayed.

This a small café that offers indoor seating on two levels, as well as a small number of outdoor tables.

Often pop in here for a coffee or food, you can sit outside under a cover and the service is attentive and the food is good. Very reasonably priced and one of the best cafe's in Hitchin.

Managed to sit outside on the first Saturday of September. There were three of us and the friendly waiter bent over backwoods to ensure our comfort. Saw someone with an omelette and decided that was my choice. And it was a great choice, bacon thick...

This has been here for many years now and is the best café in the Arcade area. Sit outside on a warm day and watch the world go by... Reasonable prices and good quality. Perfect for lunch or snack.

Aparecimos en el almuerzo. El precio era muy bueno, las porciones son muy generosas, la comida era muy buena, pero sin duda regresaré una ganancia cuando estemos en la zona.

Tomamos un desayuno completo inglés una buena relación calidad-precio con un servicio rápido y amable. Los camareros eran elegantemente uniformados. La comida estaba bien presentada

Ha cambiado de manos, pero sigue siendo un buen lugar para comer a un precio razonable. Personal amable y buen servicio

Aquí el desayuno pasó por Rosebuds ya estaba cerrado. La comida estaba bien y el personal es amigable y estaba limpia. Pero las botellas de salsa en cada mesa (que dice ser Heinz ketchup y salsa hp) tenía alternativas baratas decantada en ellos. Esto es una lástima, no estoy realmente molesta sobre salsa - sólo no creo que sus clientes son estúpidos!

My husband and I visited Hitchin on a Saturday and found most of the central cafes to be full, but we were lucky enough to walk down a side alley and found Hatter's Cafe, which had a table free.The staff were very pleasant and cheerful and took our orders quickly. I had a ham salad which was very fresh and tasty. My husband was equally happy with his baguette and we were both very impressed with the quality of the coffee that we ordered after the meal.The surprise was that this all came to a very reasonable £8.50. Great value and great service.

A varied menu, with a variety of breakfast options as well as rolls, sandwiches,jacket potatoes and egg and chips. Fresh tasty food well prepared and presented. Service was,excellent and the waiters friendly, nothing was too much trouble. Very busy but more seating upstairs and in nicer weather outside. Up an alley way off the main square, well worth seeking out.

We were looking for somewhere to have a coffee, as I resent being ripped off by the "High Street Chains". Came across Hatters by chance, so went in for a coffee. Immediately liked the good, friendly atmosphere and decided to eat there as well. Wide ranging cafe menu, with excellent prices. The food was good, and very well presented. I would highly recommend this cafe. We will be back!!

Watching the staff bend over backwards to accommodate someone in a wheelchair and the rest of her family sets the tone for the rest of the review. Happy, helpful, cheerful staff. Food is good and good value, and in Hitchin, a place that sets new levels for the price of eating out .Thoroughly recommended.

A small (and sometimes crowded), happy restaurant, with smiling and welcoming staff, good food and value for money. What more can I say?!

Sicak ortam guler yuz ve samimi lezetli aile ortami.harika ikinci ziyaretim geliyorum ve keyif aliyorum bundan bugle yerim burasi... tesekurler hatters

Was told about this cafe by a local persona and since then I won't visit anywhere else if I'm after an amazing all day breakfast.....I create my own but the menu caters for all. The staff have always been friendly and inviting and the food quality has always been up there. Recommend for any hangover cure or for just a good pig out.....will be returning soon guys keep up the good work

love to come here on the weekends for breakfast, very good service and value for money , will keep coming!

This little cafe is fantastic. Value and quality of food is very good. Immaculate. Service is excellent and the staff are polite efficient and quick.

Have been popping in sporadically over many years and I am always greeted with a smile and conversation.Coffee is really good here - I never usually have milk but here I make the exception - steamed milk and coffee is perfect.Breakfast always good. Can't fault and will always return when back in Hitchin!

My wife and I love this place for Saturday morning brunch. Excellent value for money for good food. Friendly service. Everything you want in a town centre cafe. Fantastic milk shakes too.

One of our favourites in Hitchin when we fancy a sausage, egg and chips for example. Always a friendly reception from the staff and food always wholesome and arrives quickly.

Good little cafe tucked away up a covered arcade, friendly staff and a good choice of meals (mostly fried though!). Downstairs cramped but upstairs seating area also available, as well as a few tables outside for the smokers! Tasty breakfasts available all day and limited selection of lunches too. However as always, this cafe, as many similar establishments do, does have it's selection of wide boys and ne'er-do-wells that inhabit their regular chairs, shouting about the football results or staggering in on two walking sticks before sitting with their iPhones and iPads bragging about their 60 inch tellys and holidays abroad....buy maybe I just don't value diversity?!

really good find. very decent good ... friendly efficient staff and reasonably priced ... will be back soon!! great for all ages ...

Abbiamo mangiato una buona colazione all'inglese all'ora di pranzo. Il posto è modesto e i prezzi sono davvero contenuti.La cordialità del proprietario o di chi ne fa le veci ricambiano il cliente per la modestia e, persino, per la non licenza di vendere birra costringendolo ad accompagnare bacon, uova, fagioli, salsiccia e funghi con....una limonata. Un posto tutto sommato consigliabile visto che è nel cuore della cittadina.

The place is out of the way and is easily missed. Got a decent breakfast for under a fiver which included tea/coffee. Friendly staff and busy which is always a good sign.

I have come to really like this place, situated just outside an arcade with some outside seating.Staff are invariably friendly. The coffee is excellent and food wholesome - all reasonably priced too.The café is not "smart" but if you take it as you find it you will not be disappointed.

I thought this breakfast was very good value a full English with toast and a drink for £4.30 you can't beat it, often the bacon is really cheap and salty but no it was tasty and the staff where friendly to and the service was good aswell. Will be back

We go to the Hatters on a regular basis, by ourselves or with our family. The staff are very helpful, especially as my husband has mobility issues.Very family orientated, children made very welcome. Food is excellent and always hot. Omelettes and curry a favourite with us. Breakfasts comes in lots of choices. Hidden away in the Arcade and a little gem. Has upstairs toilet but public toilets close by for less able. Very good coffee. Our granddaughters love going there.

There is nowhere like this in Cambridge where I live. I love the food and find no fault.Its good value and always tastes great Thanks

I have been hatters cafe a few times now and each time my order was wrong! I would NOT recommend to friends and family ! Will DEFINITELY not be returning !!!!

I’ll get a few negative things out of the way, but read on, to hear about the good food !We have visited ‘Hatters’ several times, and find it a bit cramped at popular times. Tables are too close together, and eating can be disturbed by people pushing around to get past behind you (with shopping trollies or baby pushchairs.)Because of this, the food and drink, and cutlery, is sometimes served across the table from the ‘wrong’ side, which is dangerous and impolite. However, there is additional seating upstairs, which I seem to remember is less cramped.It’s a bit noisy, with staff shouting at each other (and at customers, which I feel is rude).I was a bit concerned to see one cook running past me, and dashing up the stairs, to deliver food upstairs.Service is a bit haphazard, with my wife’s hot meal arriving a full five minutes after mine.Traditionally, I think it is good manners to wait for everyone to be served, before starting, but this would have meant that my food would have been cold.The good news: my cheese omelette was very tasty; chips were well cooked and hot, and there was a nice selection of fresh salad to complete it.My wife seemed pleased with her cheese and tomato Panini (with chips and salad).Adjoining tables were cleared and wiped quickly, but we were never asked ‘ How is the meal? ‘Perhaps this practice has fallen out of use.There is limited outdoor seating (two tables) in a covered arcade.A word of warning : just check your the bill and change after payment - I was overcharged by 50 pence (not a lot, but it’s the principle). Probably a genuine mistake, so I forgive them.

Great place , always very friendly staff that provide quick service good portions and great value , favourite cafe in hitchin without a doubt

We visit The Hatters 3 or 4 times a week. There is nothing special about it - the staff are very friendly and the coffee (nescafe) is always very good and cheap (cannot see why people are happy to pay £3 for a coffee) at £1.30. We have breakfast there every couple of weeks which is always well cooked and substantial. For us though the beauty of the place is just sitting outside and people watching. Stuck away in the Arcade the Hatters is missed by an awful lot of peopole which is both a shame (for the proprietor) and a godsend for the patrons.

Good food and very friendly cafe. Whether you want a breakfast, lunch or just a cup of tea or coffee, Hatters is the place to go for a hearty breakfast and a varied menu for both hot or cold food. There is plenty of seating both downstairs or up and also outside seating.