Silver Ball Transpot Cafe in North Hertfordshire

Great place, and amazing food and staff. Perfect place to relax after a long bike ride. Other bikers also do enjoy

Wow what a transformation since last poped into this cafe last year .. food has improved by 100% ... staff all ok still a bit pricey but with all the inflation its to be expected .. but 4☆ rating ..its worth it .... Will definitely return next time I travel the A10 to Duxford

When you wonder why there are so many traditional truckers cafes left you just need to stop in here, it used to a good greasy spoon a few years back, now run down , scruffy , rude , expensive for what it's is and possibly the worst service in the UL

Amazing food and service! All staff are very friendly and kind perfect spot for a bikers/truck spot cafe

Absolutely filthy with no money being spent on the place in years. Could smell the old oil as soon as you walk in. Cash only, in this day and age is a joke. Screams tax avoidance!

Stopped here on our way to cambridge for lunch ... how they have the cheek to call the food served up is for human consumption veg dried out -pies dried out- potatoes hard and the most miserable guy behind the counter screen. My mate had sausages and he believes they were cooked then reheated and reheated again .. we asked for a refund but was told "No" ... well the food was far overpriced and it's the 1st and last time we will stop here .....

Used chilli mince for shepherd's pie ....no dought it was left overs from previous days ... it was spicey and microwave so much it was 5 mins before you could even get near the food .to taste It and it was bloody awfull I moaned about it as i had left over 3/4 of the .muck .... when the guy who served us came to clear the plate awsy .... i said to him whats this mince its all spicey and real bad taste .. he picked up the plate and walked off...he must have burnt his hand as the plate was still roasting hot ...IF your going to make a shepherd's pie do it right 💩 last time we go there .....

We stopped there Saturday for a breakfast, the food is way over priced for the cheap s#@t it is, the person who served us had the manners of a pig and the personality of a stop sign, I’d rather go hungry than eat there again, thanks for making a bad morning 10 times worse

Been here a few times now on my bike and always had good proper cafe food and the coffee is good in a decent size mug , its nice to come to a place where you can get a proper fry up if you fancy.

The Silver Ball has been a bikers cafe for many years, good to see that it survived lockdown. The food is very basic and God knows what is in the sausages. The menu is what you'd expect, full English, etc etc. There is very little in the menu that is suitable for veg/vegans The service is OK, I have been served a full English with the bacon missing and was told it would be brought to my table, it never was. When I asked for it the staff were rude and made out I was trying it on. Nice to see the bikes on a Sunday.

This is a bikers cafe - bikers are low-lifes who deserve low life food - like pigs. I am a biker and love this cafe for its welcoming attitude to bikers visiting. However, the attitude of bikers is changing - the average Maccy Ds or KFC is well above the standard of food served here. That is not saying a lot! To keep coming here with the equivalent service and food standards of a smack in the face is barely tolerable. It would only take a smidgen of care from the owner to up their game and not buy burgers from the cheapest deep freeze Iceland 10 for £1 specials and begin to take some pride in their offerings and service. Only for people with nowhere else to go i.e desperados. Lets move these places out of the 1950s post war rationing scope of food.

The staff are very friendly and nothing is too much trouble. The food is delicious. Value for money and a fast and efficient service.

Horrendous. The only thing worse than the food was the rudeness of the owner and cook. The inside of the place was even colder than the bland luke warm stuff that they served. Just travel another ten minutes in either direction and go anywhere but here.

i went for a breakfast recently,the food was only just ok but was bland. The sausages are very cheap and basic and they have a cheap PINK tomato ketchup. 5/10

Having passed by a few times and seen the Car Park packed with all kinds of Bikers, I made a specific visit on a week-day to check the place out. Whilst it was much quieter, I still received a friendly greeting, was seated straight away on a table socially distanced from others. My order was taken at a safety screen, along with my name and phone number, and the food was then brought to my table - it was lovely and great value for money. I'm looking forward to visiting again with friends.

I had travelled past the cafe on many occasions, often noticing how busy it was, particularly at weekends when it seemed a haven for bikers. One day when passing, we decided to stop for some lunch. The inside was clean and bright and the staff were very friendly. I had a full English and my wife eggs on toast.. The food arrived very promptly, was piping hot and tasted great. With the food, service and realistic prices, we will certainly visit again. and again.

Right on the A10 and a motorbikers haunt at the weekends. Formerly a 60's nightclub, but a roadside cafe for many years.The menu is something and chips, mugs of steaming tea, formica tables...no frills!Cheap and cheerful. Pretty horrible toilets and i worry about the hygene standards.Like stepping back in time but nevertheless a fun experience.

Always excellent food at reasonable prices true transport Cafe There should be more of these they are good for the community rather than your McDonald’s with mothers in dressing gowns in cars going through the drive-through Who can’t be bothered to get dressed So get up get dressed take your kids to a proper Cafe

The welcome is like the breakfast most satisfying. The eggs were not overcooked and the 7-minute wait for a freshly cooked meal is not too high a price to pay. As usual, the coffee was excellent.

Excellent all round place can not praise the staff enough over and above service, highly recommend this place. Food choice excellent priced to suit cafe I will be staying here again.

Friendly staff and nice coffee but food quality is not great. Cheap ingredients and reasonably high prices. Could be so much better. Ive passed this place so many times and never stopped so decided to give it a whirl. I think ill just go back to driving past again.

It's a caf not a cafe'. Dozen or so set breakfasts, gutbusters, dodgy ketchup, plugged up salt and pepper pots, everything to put you right. Perfect. Does other food apparently but its proper for your full English. Recommend.

We regularly call at The Silver Ball and we are always made most welcome. It matters not if we are there for a coffee, breakfast or lunch the service and welcome are always the same and everything is terrific value for money.The coffee is absolutely top class and the fare is well cooked and delivered in good time.

As a stand-alone cafe this one is ordinary at best but it is the memories of days gone by that make it worth a visit. Many years ago there were plenty of places like this along all the main arterial roads. Transport cafes where lorry drivers could stop for a tea and a fry-up. Nothing fancy and only basic food, but cheap.There are some real features to this cafe. The serving hatch in the wall through with orders are now taken and the outside toilets which have now been annexed to the building are the main ones. The furniture is all very basic, so no soft settees, and the menu would not have been out of place in the 1960’s. But that is what this cafe is all about.It is a pity the owners have not made more of the “traditional” features. There are a few references to the Isle of Man TT races which were big in the 50’s and 60’s but that is about it. A duke box would look great in here.

We stopped at the Ball for a coffee but took the opportunity to indulge a little by having breakfast. The eggs were spot on like everything else on the plate. The coffee was, as always top class. The cost is very reasonable and although they were very busy, we still received our fare in good time.

Dont be deceived by the outside come on in for a great full English or another of the many variations available on the menu. We heard this was a popular meet up place for bikers and petrol heads at the weekend so went along on a road trip. Loads of options great value for money but expect a little wait at peak times. As you'd expect a nice big car park, Clean loos etc. Plus to coffee really is good !

Consistently excellent quality of food, service and value. English fry-up not necessarily the healthiest but loads of other options on the menu. Not the most posh of venues but then you're only there to eat and drink, right.

Friendly efficient service. It is what it says, a transport cafe, but the food is good, reasonably priced and the service is friendly and fast.

We called again at The Ball to receive a very warm and friendly welcome, even though they were very busy. The coffee is excellent. Definitely amongst the best I have ever tasted and The Ball is what is known as a greasy spoon.

You can never go wrong here if you want a cheap good tasting English breakfast. Food good, service good and atmosphere good.

Fab food, large portions and great cup of tea. Good prices too. Good atmosphere and staff so friendly and helpful efficient.

My friends and often ride our m'cycles to this cafe on a Sunday. It is simply the BEST breakfast we ever have and incredibly good value too. The service is quick, the food is always hot and he staff are friendly and pleasant and rush around so the time between ordering and receiving food is minimal. I lost my leg recently and so was in a wheelchair for some time but still considered the hour drive for this breakfast well worthwhile. The staff were quick to adjust tables and chairs for me to make sure I could sit with my friends as inconspicuous as could be. I now have a prothesis but not riding again yet, so make the drive every two or three weeks to savour this breakfast feast :-). I should have left a review like this a couple of years ago!

Each time I go to The Silver Ball I am amazed that the coffee they serve is of such high quality, and for a very reasonable price.

Even though it is a greasy spoon, in the old-fashioned sense of the word, the coffee they serve is of the highest class. The tables were clean and tidy and the service is always warm polite and with a smile.

Old fashioned road cafe that attracts a lot of police drivers from the Met and at weekends is full of bikers . Great cafe in the old sense .. a dying breed !

myself with a few mates used to go here a few years ago and it went downhill - Now it back on top again, new owners, new chairs & Tables and a new coffee machine - we will be back - the coffee and food are excellent - its not a Resturant its a cafe but a really good one - thanks to the new owners - wishing you good luck for the future

Its a transport café with basic good value breakfasts and lunches. Its popular with motor bikers on a Sunday morning and can get very busy

Although it was a very busy Sunday we still received a smile when we ordered our coffee. This was served up in a trice and it tasted wonderful. Even better than last time. Probably the best coffee I have enjoyed for some time.

Just love this place came yesterday had delicious omelette and chips husband had lovely shepherds pie with all the veg and extra gravy! Just wish they did Sunday roasts!

The food here is allways good with good size portions. I recommend the pork chop with all the trimmings. Pork chop falls off the bone. Bootyfull

What a lovely cafe. Friendly staff, great food and all at reasonable prices. I had poached eggs on toast with beans and a strong tea... it was lovely.. I would definitely recommend you stop be and try the food.. 10/10

Visited cafe again recently and still good. Noticed that the previous non smiling owner has gone n replaced by new lot who smile.

We have visited the Silver Ball more than a few times over the years. If you want tasty Cafe food, or a variety of cooked dinners you won’t be disappointed. Simple & uncomplicated venue at a good price.

The atmosphere was great bikes every where and a very friendly bunch of people , but unfortunately the food was mediocre . I ordered a 5oz burger by got & paid for a 10oz which was totally bland , my better half had a egg & bacon sandwich which was also below average . We have passed by many times in the past & never stopped now we wished e hadn't .

Soy un visitante habitual de la cafetería bola de plata y siempre me saludan con una sonrisa y unas pocas palabras. La comida es estupenda y a un precio muy razonable. Siempre alegre y consumado y el café es excelente. Un gran café con un aparcamiento muy grande

El Silver Ball ha sido aquí para siempre y con razón, camioneros y motociclistas que todo el mundo puede visitar el café, si quieres un desayuno inglés completo y una taza de café, no te decepcionará. Un montón de variedad y buen precio un montón de comida, puede estar muy concurrido y a veces lo dice todo.

Tener vive en y alrededor de la zona para muchos años este lugar era una referencia que nunca habíamos estado. Veo cada fin de semana bicicletas aparcado y sería un sitio nuevo para ver algunos sitios!

a quick blat down from peterborough with the girlf to meet up on the bikes with my son and some of his mates for breakfast. nice cuppa and a couple of breakfast sarnies...nice grub...pleasant service....and some tasty bikes in the car park...

Se detuvo a un desayuno en ruta y me pareció que el lugar era un buen café antiguo que sirve comida taza de té n a un buen precio. Gran aparcamiento y muchas mesas dentro, así que dale una oportunidad.

Hemos estado en el Silver Ball muchas veces a lo largo de los años y como ve, transporte de café perfecto. Hay un montón de aparcamiento con aseos limpios. El servicio es un poco tensos, como un domingo por la mañana puede estar muy concurrido,...

Esto es lo que solía ser el transporte cafés como volver en el día, antes de las cadenas apareció al lado de la autopista y cobra una fortuna por la mala comida de calidad. Un menú básico desayuno frito principalmente, aunque algunas veces asado y otras cosas disponibles, ambas teníamos el desayuno muy razonable y, aunque tardó un poco en llegar, pude ver a la cocina y estaban mantener limpia ya que fui, sin duda volveremos.

Estado aquí varias veces, fantástico bien preparado desayuno durante todo el día, Hugh grasientos. Servicio rápido, personal amable, fantástica relación calidad-precio.

This wayside eatery provides a great value option for food on the A10 with a tasty selection of traditional English breakfasts and other standard café fayre. Huge portions and chips with everything! Especially helpful if you're driving a large vehicle is the huge car park which will accommodate virtually any vehicle. Well worth a stop off if you're passing.

People friendly and helpful food is excellent and reasonable priced could not fault would recommend to anyone who is passing to go and breakfast

Stopped by after visiting family. I found all the staff to be really friendly and the service was great , had a wait a little time however it was defiantly worth the wait as the breakfast was great quality. Visited this place previously and it wasn't that much of a great experience but the new management seem to be going in the right direction! Will defiantly recommend as somewhere to go to anyone passing by.

This café used to be fantastic but under the new management the service and quality have hit rock bottom.The café wasn't particularly full but still had a waiting time of over 40 minutes. The guy taking the orders was also cooking between each order, one of the waitresses was just roaming about doing nothing, the chef was cooking one breakfast at a time instead of bulking up the frying of Bacon, Sausages etc.we got our cuppa with our order but had finished it by the time breakfast was served to us, when we asked for another we were told to queue up again, after waiting 40 minutes I wasn't minded to wait another 20 minutes in a queue to come back to a cold breakfast.Unfortunately it'll be a while before I go back there. The service needs to improve drastically.

Terrible service waited over 1 hour to be served. No organisation. Lost its appeal.to me. Will find somewhere else to eat. This place USED to be fantastic.over cooked fried food.

Me and some friends decided to pop in for a quick bite to eat and a drink as we were out for our afternoon bike ride .Very friendly service , good price and lots of other bikers , we had a nice pitstop before we continued with our journey .Will definitely return next time I'm out for a ride :)

This place has no thrills. Awfully presented faded posters and art work. Stark tables with the very barest adornments and most of the time cold.So why is this cafe so popular with motorists bikers and cyclists alike.Quite simply the food !One gets tons of the stuff on your plate.If the Silver Ball doesn't serve it...it's not worth having.The set breakfasts range from a simple egg n chips for a few of quid to a plate full of 2 eggs 2 bacon 2 sausages mushrooms tomatoes beans chips black pudding roast / bread n bitter and a mug full of steaming strong rosy lee for about 7 quid.Also you can choose from all meat n 2 veg and pie n mash. Just far too much to list.Everything about this English cafe is ...well English.You get whats on the tin. No thrills... lots of great hot splendidly calorie busting un pc nosh.

Can't beat a Silver Ball breakfast for a weekend treat - cheap, great food and quick and easy. Can get really busy, especially when the weather is nice as lots of bikers come through but we've never had to wait too long for a table or food. Definitely on the run-down side decor wise but that's part of its charm. Change for a tenner for 2 massive breakfasts so can't go wrong!

This is a real Transport Cafe. No frills but good grub at great prices and a pleasant atmosphere.. Used regularly by truckers, bikers and the Police so it must be good value. Great Breakfasts

Silver Ball is a transport cafe and is very basic but whenever I have visited I have had a superb breakfast. Lorry Drivers motor cyclists, taxi drivers all know a good place to have breakfast.

Visited many times on a Sunday morning, but many times we have had to drive straight past as the place was heaving with Bikers etc. and knew you would have an hour plus wait for your breakfast! So best to visit when it's tipping down with rain or in the week for prompt service... If you can get in though, the service is good and the food is very good, substantial and real value for money. It is what it is and not for the snobby diner!!!

A real treat to go and have a 'greasy spoon' breakfast. Can choose from a variety of sizes. Not greasy at all, and well cooked. Frequented by police (to eat!) so must be good!

Good breakfast, good tea and good value.This does what it says on the tin, it's a transport cafe and probably not somewhere to take someone on a date (unless she likes a fry-up).

If you enjoy serious traditional 'transport caff' food you MUST visit the Silver Ball. Best ever 'truckers salad' ( full English breakfast). Proper grub...

Easy to park, quick service and good cuppa. Nothing special but cheap as. Menu is numbered but they are happy to accommodate what you want.

This place is an absolute dirt hole. I stopped off with members of my cycling club (around 30 people in total), all looking for a drink and a bite to eat. 1. we were told off for not having the exact change, 2. told to wait half an hour for a piece of toast, 3. the owner shouted at two us for getting some tap water (when the lady at the counter had already said it was OK), and told us we had to pay for it!! It was nearly 30 degrees outside and we had all spend nearly £5 (a total of nearly £150 between us). He actually stopped the rest of us from getting some water, and told us we had to buy bottles off him!If the manager/owner wants to treat his paying customers this way then hopefully he wont have any left! We will never be returning to this dive.

I've been dropping in here for decades both as a biker and car driver. It's nothing special, a standard transport caff (not cafe but pronounced 'caff'), offering the usual fry-ups but good enough for a cup of tea and a bacon sandwich when the need arises.Called in there today with my daughter to meet some friends. Daughter found her laptop flat so plugged in to a wall socket in the cafe for quite literally 4-5 minutes. The manager (owner) saw her and told he she couldn't use his electricity!!Given that just about every decent cafe and coffee shop these days fits extra outlets for customers I'd say this fella is living in the dark ages. Half as a joke I offered a women behind the counter (his partner) 50p for the four minutes of electricity used.....and she took it!! Obviously the business is in such dire sraits that they need 50p. They'd best make the most of it as they won't be getting any more of my, my family's or my friends (including two motorcycle clubs) money.

Vmcc club run called in for Breakfast and a great cuppa tea, bikers made very welcome we will return, very easy to find and good parking

First time we've visited. Popped in for breakfast before going on to Duxford airshow on 12 July. Unpretentious, basic, plenty of food and good cup of tea. Will visit again.

The food is always freshly cooked, plentiful and tasty. It's fantastic value for money and we always look forward to having brunch here on our way down to London. We have been using the café for over 30 years and have never had a bad experience.

Brilliant breakfast menu that is numbered, the bigger your appetite, the higher the number. I can only cope with a number 4! No firlls, no spills traditional transport cafe. and a great place ofr a quick breakfast if the fridge is empty , or if youre on the road.!

Been here many times with my family for a Saturday or Sunday morning fry up, basic, clean transport cafe, great value for money, tasty food and definitely fills you up.

We make a point of eating here at least once on our annual holiday from Perth Western Australia.Our first recorded visit was 2004. The place has smartened up the toilets, thank God.But most important the food has remained tasty and good value. We seem to arrive therewhen the Police driver trainers are going through the test results! At least we keep good company. And look forward to our next visit July 2015.Amanda & George

Great food, clean and good value for money especially if you had a late night and dont feel like cooking breakfast on a Saturday or Sunday morning!!

Excellent freshly cooked food at good prices no frills but just a real tasty value for money cafe.Plenty of parking & clean toilets

Cracking mugs of tea to wash down an enormous breaky for good price. Recommended! Surroundings are basic (but that's not what you go there for) but a good atmosphere! Complete mixture if clientele - couples, young families, friends. Suitable for everyone!

This used to be a truckers place or what we would call a greasy spoon, in fact it still is. The usual 4 sizes of breakfast for hungry bikers.

Went to the Silver Ball this morning. Loads of bikes. Great atmosphere and the food was good ...eventually. We got there at 1030. Queued to order our breakfast and then waited...It arrived nearly 3/4 hour later. Some customers ahead of us gave up and asked for their money back. The most annoying thing is that this cannot have been a surprise to the manager. Weather forecast has been good all week. First decent Sunday of the motorcycling season and they had 3 staff on. They just couldn't cope. If you want good food and have no time limits, it's fine. However, if you want your breakfast before lunchtime, I suggest you only visit the Silver Ball when it's raining!

Great.Good grub in basic surroundings on A10 between Royston an Buntingford.Plenty of parking.Just what you want when you are in a hurry and want something to fill you up.Got to be better than a Big Mac

I have been here many times and it never fails to hit the mark. The food is cooked to order and is great. But be warned it can get busy.