No 12 Coffee House in North Hertfordshire

We came here for coffee and tea after not being for a while and we couldn't help but notice the place needed a bit of a clean. Dirty floors, dirty toilet and chipped saucers and tea pots. Feels like it needs a bit tlc..

A perfect morning catching up with a friend over coffee and a croissant at No 12 Leys Avenue. Letchworth Garden City. The morning sun was a wonderful addition to the already pleasant atmosphere. The coffee was just right, and the croissant, fresh and flaky - a delightful treat. It's these simple moments that make life so enjoyable.

Came with the fiancé and kids and we all enjoyed it. Coffee tasted great, cakes were delicious and the staff were very friendly. It’s nice to see independent businesses in Letchworth offering something a little more interesting than the same old bland experience you typically get at the chain places. Well done!

Hot water served as coffee!!! Combine this with a filthy toilet - what is the food prep area like? Plenty of good cafes in Letchworth to go to.

I only come into Letchworth when my car needs a service so I always book it in early so I can walk into town and have breakfast. I had not been here before so gave it a try. Lovely coffee and a really good bacon sandwich, almost as good as my grandmother's, the bar at which all bacon sandwiches are judged.

Really good coffee ☕. Brunch is fantastic and a very hood price. Staff are friendly and helpful. Atmosphere is really warm and welcoming. Not many places like this. It's a jewel in the town.

Called in for breakfast today. Nice cafe with good atmosphere, coffee was good and food tasty, however, staff were sullen, miserable and did not engage and the cutlery for our meal was filthy. When we complained, we did not even get an apology. Change your staffs attitude and get a new dishwasher.

Nice coffee but the lady making the coffee and at the till was constantly coughing and blowing her nose infront of all the food and drink. It was awful and unhygienic

No.12 have great coffee ☕. The most amazing food. Better than anyone else for taste and price. A lovely atmosphere and to top it all, really friendly staff and customers. Wow

Only place in Letchworth that serves some sort of sandwich/ bun. Had chicken and bacon in brioche bun and a crispy bacon bun ( the bacon was maybe a bit too crispy for some ) but was very nice . Had a cold drink. Nice ambience, possibly slightly short staffed ( as seemed to be a bit allusive at times) Agree with previous customer regarding toilet, bit grim. Just needs to pay attention to detail. Tip..display a menu outside.

22.10.23, it's a Sunday. 15:30... It's a Great looking coffee shop. That said: that's all positives I can give! Entered and went straight to the till area. Shop was nearly empty. 2 tables were occupied. I said "hello" to the older of the 2 ladies, probably the owner with her daughter as the 2. Lady. No reply. I ordered what I had to order. No word from her how much it would be, just pointing at the card machine. I took my 2 drinks and a cake and said "thank you". Again, there was no reply from her. Very hostile situation from a very very moody lady. She seemed angry that we dared coming into the shop to order something! Very bizarre and alien situation. You have those situations often in UK. Like at Tesco or Asda, but you wouldn't expect inside an independent coffee shop! Quality: cherry chocolate cake was good. Latte had only 1 shot coffee inside, so it's very weak. That size of cup would need at least 2 shots. Milkshake: don't deserves the name! They made it in front of us. It's milk with ice cubed and a scoop of powder! So it's not a milkshake but a water shake! Also here: would probably need 2 scoops as the flavouring was very weak. Altogether not worth going. It was our first time in Letchworth and the highstreet has probably 5 decent looking coffee businesses were staff or owner do not greet you with hostility! From me a "no go" and 0 out of 10 stars

The coffee has changed. Had a brownie which was stale and rock hard apart from the very centre. No refund.

I like this place. My husband drinks more coffee than me and he rates it here. Service is always very friendly and efficient. If you are vegan (or just lactose intolerant and vegetarian) I recommend checking the specials menus on the tables as the vegan sandwiches aren't obvious. I'm told (by a discerning choc muffin lover) that the chocolate muffins aren't as good as they used to be, but I don't doubt they are still pretty good. I love that they sometimes do live music here and hope to make to one event in the future. The cafe is pretty spacious and there is a pleasant atmostphere.

Visited here a number of times enjoying good coffee and snacks. The toilet, for as long as I can remember, is filthy. Toilet seat hanging off, dust on fittings and edges of floor soiled. No hand towels - you have to use toilet paper. If this represents the cleaning standard what is the kitchen like?

Coffee was very tasty, service friendly and layout good. The cake and focaccia were nothing special. I though Simmons around the corner was better on that front although beaten by the previous things that I mentioned.

Great food, lovely space and friendly, helpful staff. I went to visit my sister with her kids and I loved every minute of it. Can’t wait to see what it is like when they can finally have live music there. The coffee roast was just at my liking and the food was fresh with options for vegetarians and vegans. 100% recommend to anyone to try them out. Support local business and help the good/great ones to thrive Can also buy bags of their coffee for french press

Now the shops have reopened, me and my other half popped into Letchworth for a few essentials. We took a pit stop and had tea for 2, making the most of getting out. We ended up having a roast beef roll... I felt the need to write about it because it was not what we expected...it was amazing. My partner felt the same. The beef was perfect, so tender and tasty with rocket and caramelised onions with a horseradish cream on the side. The roll was yummy too. I wish I had taken a pic but it was gone! The menu looks a little limited food wise and I was considering heading elsewhere, but what they do they do very well. We are hoping the beef cob stays put. Did I mention the beef?!😋

We visit with my mum and dad Lovely coffee But the man on the till today was not Friendly he had a blank face and no smile and when I payed. No thank you I had to ask them had my payment go throw the owner and the other 2 was Friendly just need more training in Customer service

Not that I should complain about large coffees, but I've been here for a coffee a few times. The last time I went, my latte was very frothy, more like a cappuccino and my friend ordered a flat white, which was basically a very milky coffee. I like the comfy chairs but the coffee just needs a bit more finesse.

The reason for the low rating is the lack of cleanliness in times of covid 19. The last 5 times, there has been no attempt to clean the chairs and tables when customers leave or at any point while your there. No social distancing with the queueing and a free for all in and out of the establishment. Staff do not wear masks or visors. They do have gel by the entrance and toilets and a list to add your name and time visited by the til. This is a shame as, hands down, they serve the best coffee however until they bring back the cleaning of tables and chairs per customer, I will go elsewhere.

I enjoyed coming here with my family, great atmosphere staff really nice, great selection of cakes a treats xxx

No.12 is easily the best coffee shop in my local area. The staff always look happy, and are always joking and having a good time with customers. The atmosphere is always lovely, and the coffee is top notch. I even treat myself to a cheeky croissant sometimes. I want to give a shout out to the tall guy who wears glasses and has a tattoo, he’s always so friendly and loves a chit chat with customers. He is the perfect example of great customer service.

This is our second visit in the last month and we are consistently impressed with the coffees. I usually have a flat white which unusually comes in different sizes. The cups are pretty generous so check out before you order the larger sizes. My other half enjoys a cortardo. We had lunch on our recent visits..the foccacia bread sandwich was especially good and we also enjoyed the egg baguette which was enough for two. Service is pleasant and we are happy to recommend and return.

Used to live in Letchworth. Returned to visit friends and found this place for coffee - brilliant, love it...so much so that i used to drive 7 miles each day for my daily coffee hete 😊

I've been enjoying a morning coffee at No 12 for 2 years. Always friendly and a popular spot. Collect 6 stamps to get a free coffee. Even had an early evening prosecco some days.

Amazing coffee with a lovely friendly service. The staff are polite, efficient and friendly. The coffee is great and a fantastic atmosphere to enjoy; inside or outside.

I don’t normally review coffee shops but was really disappointed when meeting friends here today. I visited a few years ago when it first opened and was ok, I then popped in the other morning as was nice and sunny for a morning coffee & croissant. Staff interaction is non existent but thought it maybe a one off.Went back today and no, it’s the same-absolutely no reaction, placed my order and not a word uttered. I work in customer service and find this shocking. The friend I was with says they are like it everyday.Don’t waste your time or money and go up the road to David’s, The staff, coffee and cakes are WONDERFUL

Always have a good cup of coffe here and they have a nice range (not a wide range) treats. Comfy sofas too. Friendly staff.

This looks like it should be an artisan coffee shop but it isn't.Ordered a medium flat white at 3.10. The first one was very poor. Milk just hot with no microfoam. Second one wasn't much better.. The milk was practically boiled. In a cup that big they need at least a triple shot or coffee with a lot more kick. If you want a nice spot with very hot drinks and large sizes and not too strong, this is for you. But if you know your coffee then better off elsewhere.

An aloof feel about the place. Bad attitude from one member of staff which was enough fir me, no second chances. Won't be returning.

Such a nice place to sit in and have a catch up over a coffee. The interior decoration is very cool but simple - very to my taste - aswell as the coffees of course

An extremely friendly local coffee shop. Great coffee with extensive seating, ideal for catching up with my morning thoughts and caffeine ingest.

Not only can you get a decent cup of coffee, but specialty teas, cakes and pastries, too. Turns into a wine bar in the evening

Not busy on Sunday lunchtime when we visited. Excellent guitarist/singer playing. Friendly atmosphere. We will recommend and return.

For me they do the best coffee in Letchworth. Feel like you’ve had a proper cup. Usually visit on Saturday or Sunday Staff very helpful and pleasant. Live music too. Highly recommend it.

This is my favourite Cafe in Letchworth. I love their coffee, they do non dairy milk and their cakes are delicious.

This is a fun place to meet for a tea/coffee and a bite to eat. Plenty of tables. Good atmosphere. There was plenty of choice of drinks, sandwiches and cakes.

Fantastic range of drinks... all plant based milks available. The hot chocolate is vegan. Many cakes are vegan also. Great for social gathering. Nice chairs and sofas provided. I love this place, great staff also. Sandwiches available here to, unsure on vegan options though. Phone through and ask. Highly recommend for a coffee and cake with friends

Been here previously for a relaxing drink and walked here tonight for more of the same. Was shocked to arrive at 1840 (tables and chairs still outside - nice evening) to be told that they close at 1930 and had stopped serving - not even a glass of wine was possible, and don't even contemplate coffee!

Service here is mostly good and efficient, but don't try ordering milkshake. I ordered this once, and they seemed to take ages just to make it. After about 15 minutes of waiting, I saw it had been put to one side, and at that point I asked when my milkshake was coming. The excuse for it not being given to me: "I didn't think it was anyone's". So, she just thought she was making it for her own amusement?

Decent stop for coffee and excellent WiFi. Nice atmosphere and busy feeling. Food and pastries reasonable. Decent to do a bit of work for an hour or two. Nice outside in sunshine.

I must say that so far this was the worst eatery we have visited in Letchworth so far.

Will definitely go back again. The espresso was very decent compared to some of the below average espressos being sold in Letchworth. The layout was good and spacious, the service was excellent.

The visit was as usual great - superb service, coffee and cake. The products sold are good value and will keep returning

We went in here for a coffee only.We had iced coffee I had capuchino my friend had lattee, this was new to me having it iced.It was a beautiful hot day but we sat inside as the seats in the shade were all taken.

I love a coffee and a cake like everyone does. My husband and I thought we would try somewhere new for our coffee date. First impressions were great although someone had clearly been living in the north pole because the heating was sky high. We chose to sit outside under their canopy in the rain.

First impressions when we walked in were good - great lay out, cute little deli area with an excellent selection of products to buy. The interior has a lovely feel too with some very decorative lighting.

We regularly catch up as friends and try different locations around letchworth but by far, No12 is our favourite. The food is good, the drinks are good and there are plenty of options.

Had a flat white which was made perfectly and very reasonable value i thought. Cakes and pastries looked lovely but managed to resist on this occasion. Like the decor and interesting little deli area to browse around. Will happily return..

No 12 is a great place to go for a catch up chat over coffee. The place is fairly spacious and the chairs are comfy. The acoustics are good which means you can hear yourself but not everyone else around.

Went here at 9.30am on a Friday morning and was already half full and by the time we left at 11 was really busy! They are obviously doing something good to be so popular!

I popped in here to shelter from the snow. Had a small flat white & lemon cake. Delicious & reasonably priced. Staff very friendly!! I was impressed by the range of hot drinks & cake choices. They also do freshly made flat breads & beer and wine is available. They also have a little shop area where you can buy tea, coffee & a variety of olive oils.

Place is great to catch up with friends. Good quality coffee and the staff are very friendly. Sometimes there’s limited choice of sandwiches but other options there too. Would defiantly recommend.

No 12 has become our place to meet friends, and have breakfast or just pop in for a coffee Great to often find Italian Barrista's making the coffee, my husband is very fussy about his coffee but has given No 12 the thumbs up!

My son and I visited this coffee house for a hot drink and food. They had nothing to offer me as a vegetarian other than bread/toast. We didn’t particularly enjoy our hot drinks coffee/hot choc which is a shame as it’s a nice place to sit in letchworth town.

Very lovely welcoming atmosphere with fab selection. New favourite coffee shop. On our last visit we were serenaded with live music :)

Very attractive coffee house with plenty of tables and comfortable seating and free WiFi. Wide range of coffee, tea, hot chocolate and plenty of lovely cakes and other goodies to choose from. The flapjack was great. Recommended.

A group of us stopped by for morning coffee. No 12 is a combined shop and coffee house with a selection of seating inside. Overall a nice place to drop in and have a nice coffee and a chat.

Very good gluten free cakes and great coffee ☕ in a most pleasant location with lovely staff to assist you

If you like something a little different, try this cafe, it has an old industrial feel to it but the meatball bruscetta we had was tasty and filling, as was the medium sized mocha (would dread to think how big a large is). Would happily frequent the cafe again

Great place to stop for a warm drink on a cold UK afternoon! Quick and friendly service, and quite possibly the most delicious marshmallows ever set swimming in a hot cocoa! There’s also a shop in the front, with the requisite selection of jams and jellies and tea/coffee supplies. Absolutely charming. Highest recommendation when in Letchworth!

First of all this a really nice coffee shop/deli. In a nice position, with VERY good coffee and a decent selection of cakes. So why the low score? Well, I chose a bacon roll to have with my coffee and, well , if I tell you that the packaging listed more ingredients in the bacon than in there were in the bread you'll get the idea that they are not selling high quality products with well sourced content. So given that it looks like a proper deli with proper coffee and a nice ambience, it is a real shame that, in some areas of their product range, it is selling rubbish food.

No12 does very good coffee which you don't need a mortgage for and nothing complicated. Staff are friendly and helpful. Such a shame coffee shops aren't open into the evening.

Staff are friendly and the two drinks for £5 is good. I just wish it didn’t close at 6.30; by the time me and my partner have got into town from work it can be about 6pm.

Ok, so it was only coffee and a slice of cake, but it should have been so much better for £5.45.

Good atmosphere, nice selection of teas, coffee looked good. I enjoyed experience an would consider going again.

Great place to chill and have a coffee and cake. They are a bit slow to start but once your seated it's great. Good selection of food. Can get a wine or beer and it's 2x£5. Music is also good.

Good coffee, decor and election of cakes and preserves. Only drawback was sitting outside with a lot of empties left on tables, three staff behind bar with small or no queue since been here but noone clearing the decks.

No 12 Leys Avenue is my Sunday watering hole when I just want to chill and unwind after a busy week. If early I can go there and have just a big barista cappuccino,sometimes adding a breakfast croissant, freshly baked from the oven. On those days when a lie in and a late shot of caffeine is needed I can add one of a really tasty range of savouries and read all the Sunday papers for free on one of the comfy old leather sofas. Sometimes folk come in that I know and we have a natter and other times I just like to people watch out on the pavement. The staff are lovely and they make the best coffee in town!

This has become our new place to go. So nice to have a different coffee shop. It has a really chilled vibe and decor, large range of cakes and the coffee is great. Personally I'd do away with the merchandise corner. It's unnecessary and the place could benefit from more seating. The staff are really enthusiastic and very friendly.

Pleasant coffee shop, always busy and bustling. Coffee good and very good range of teas and food. Free newspapers and wifi. Also has a small deli store attached.

This is a newly decorated and friendly cafe. which also contains a shop for a very wide variety of oils. Can get very busy at lunch time and weekends. also has a small amount of outside seating.

If you want a really great coffee brewed by a properly trained barista, then this is your place. I love this place so much; they even know what I am going to order before I wander up to the counter!

Great place for coffee and snacks. The prices are average and the service is very good. They sell a wide selection of preserves and other luxury condiments along with some decent wine. A very nice alternative to the usual coffee shop chains. The outside tables are great for people watching.

I love finding new places, especially when it entails seeking inspiration and new ideas! Well! Delicately placed in Letchworth Garden City, find yourself semi-detached from the U.K. as you enter the worldly bodied Coffee House with treats that will occupy your mind and time!

Exploiting the advantage of Letchworth's wide payments - No12's coffees and cakes are best enjoyed sitting outside while people watching. The staff are polite and the coffee and cakes are good value.

Lucia and Hadley are fantastic. 10/10. We ate and drank coffee here during letchworth food festival. I'll be returning. Lovely place. Very happy! The vegan carrot cake was delicious and they also do soya milk for any fellow vegans/intolerances

Best coffee shop in letchworth, the staff are friendly and prove great service, the coffee served is excellent would recommend

Although I live in Letchworth, I spend most of my social time in Hitchin-This weekend I decided to stroll into my local town, and was happy to stumble upon No 12! Lovely coffee, nice atmosphere and attentive staff. A few more decent shops in town, and I may spend more time there!!

This fresh new coffee house with separate deli section is a fantastic contribution to a Garden City. It is different to other chain coffee houses and has a lovely relaxing atmosphere with calm, pleasant music playing in the background.

So glad Letchworth has a decent coffee shop now! I have been going here since it first opened, and have always left with a smile and a lovely coffee! I found all the staff polite and helpful. Also ample comfortable seating inside and out!

This is a lovely new addition to Letchworth. The coffee and cakes are great! The atmosphere is lovely too. Staff are v polite.

Service was slow to start with but new barista is faster and also remembers my order which is always great development!

This cafe is fitting into my enjoyment of living in Letchworth! They do a variety of hot chocolate and teas. As a non coffee drinker that is important! Toasted sandwiches are varied.

Engelsk Te & Kaffehus som tåler besøg. Vi var en flok mænd der fik lyst til et cafe besøg og mødte en dejlig atmosfærer, indbydende butik, betjening foregår via disken / selvhenter, men et OK prisleje, stort udvalg af kager m.m.

It's was heaving on a Saturday lunch so I know they were busy. It's well furnished and a lovely atmosphere but they don't seem to have found their feet yet. No milkshakes even though there's a massive board saying they do them, the lady serving seemed a bit preoccupied with everything else going on and was ignored twice. I know they were busy but they seemed a bit stressed. Coffee was great and enjoyed a nice catch up with friends. Hopefully it's just teething problems.

This is the newest place to go for coffee in Letchworth.

This is exactly the kind of place that Letchworth needed. I've been here a couple of times now - once to drink in and once for take away - they have a really good selection of hot drinks and lots of yummy cakes. There is also a great deli area with cheeses, chutneys, pasta, oils etc. There is lots of room to sit down and enjoy your coffee and cake and it's always nice and busy. I look forward to coming here often.

Great place for a light lunch or coffee. Friendly staff and good, wholesome and healthy food available all day. Also a good range of nice ingredients and preserves available from their shop. Will go there again.

The decor of this place really makes it special, lots of wood and glass. There are a few big sofas which are probably a bit comfier than the benches. A big window looks out onto the avenue in Letchworth making it really spacious feeling. The cakes are appealing. The coffee is good. Reasonable prices and good sizes. There is Wifi. The service can sometimes be a bit slow with no explanation but generally the staff are really friendly and helpful. A nice little deli on the side but not worth a visit on its own.

Great ambiance, good for meeting friends or grabbing a quiet moment to yourself. Love their Coffee - which for me is saying something as find there are few High Street outlets that actually make decent coffee! Can recommend. I had the Latte!

Convenient seating inside and outside. Dogs not allowed inside. Delicatessen to one side, before the serving counter. Paper napkins available on request.