Welwyn Coffee Lab in Welwyn Hatfield

As a local resident and keen cyclist, I’m always on the lookout for new spots to stop for coffee or breakfast during my rides. I stumbled upon Essendon Golf Club by chance while driving past one day—it looked inviting, so I made a mental note to include it in my next cycling route. To be sure it was a cyclist-friendly venue, I returned by car a few days later and asked a staff member if bikes were welcome. The young man I spoke to was polite, welcoming, and informed me that breakfast starts at 7 a.m., and yes, cyclists are absolutely welcome. Fast forward to my next ride—20 miles in, I arrived at the golf course. As it was my first visit, I wasn’t sure about the proper way to access the garden area with my bike. I walked it through the golf shop towards the outdoor seating area, but as I reached the doors, the manager approached me and said I couldn’t take my bike that way and needed to go around. I apologised, explaining it was my first time there and I didn’t know the correct route. Rather than simply guiding me, he repeated—quite firmly—that I shouldn’t have come that way. I then asked if I could exit through a nearby door instead of retracing my steps. He sighed, said “Hold on,” and asked another staff member to open the door. When my friend arrived a couple of minutes later (he came in separately), he was met with the same abrupt and dismissive tone. Neither of us felt particularly welcomed at that point. "Not welcoming to cyclists, and the staff seemed more focused on enforcing authority than offering hospitality. After making our way to the garden, we ordered breakfast. While waiting for our food, the manager returned and sat down at our table. He began with a rather unexpected “just so you’re aware” and explained that when golfers see cyclists, they become wary due to “snatch-and-grab” thefts happening at other local golf courses. He said he’s part of a WhatsApp group where such incidents are shared, though he admitted nothing of the sort had happened at Essendon. He claimed that the thieves dress in full cycling kit, enter golf shops, grab polo shirts (apparently worth around £60), and cycle off. I pointed out that the gear I was wearing costs considerably more—£120 jersey, £225 bib shorts, £235 shoes, and a £12,995 bike. He nodded and said, “They look just like us.” The implication being that anyone—even properly dressed cyclists—could be a potential thief. He ended the conversation by telling us we were welcome anytime but should “just be aware.” I’ve never visited a venue and felt so unwelcome. The manager’s tone and approach were off-putting and completely unnecessary. If we hadn’t already paid for the food, I would’ve left. To sense-check his story, I later spent about 30 minutes searching online and couldn’t find any mention of these alleged thefts. I then rang a few friends who regularly play golf at various clubs in the area, and none had heard anything like this either. And let’s be honest—if someone in full cycling kit and cleats can sprint into a shop, steal shirts, and ride off one-handed… they probably belong in the Tour de France. The whole thing sounded made up, or at the very least, exaggerated. The setting is lovely, the food was decent—but the experience left a bad taste. Based on how we were treated,

Really nice little pub. Went here for lunch with my partner and really enjoyed. Good portion sizes and the crown burger was one of the best burgers I’ve had! Highly recommended!

Nothing but good things to say. Big breakfasts, wide range of options (including wide range of drinks). Food is always spot on and served quickly. Open on Sundays.

As a Coeliac this place is amazing! It’s a bit of journey for us but worth it every time to have the freedom to eat completely safely. Nothing is too much trouble.

Another fantastic 5 star cafe just outside north London. Amazing staff, consistently excellent food, so welcoming - highly recommend 🧡