Willow Trees Cafe in St Albans

First and last visit to the Willow Trees Cafe in Wheathampstead Herts. Open only on weekends . arrived on a Sunday morning only to find a long queue . Waited 25 mins in hot weather to find that you order your food as you walk in the door and orders not taken at he table . What happens when it rains ? Over priced drinks and cakes - its not the place for me.

Absolutely delightful cafe situated next to the River Lea just outside Wheathampstead. Perfect for walkers and cyclists. We had delicious gooseberry fool smoothies and chocolate brownies and sat outside by the river. Super friendly staff and an amazing choice of cakes. Will have to go back again soon!

We had a well-deserved coffee and cake at Willow Trees Café after a lovely cross county walk. Refreshments were excellent and it was nice sitting outside by the river Lea (there was even a swan on the river with several young cygnets). There is not much parking at (or near) the Café so most people walk from Wheathampstead (along the Lea Valley Walk) or walk / cycle from Harpenden along the old railway line (which is also part of the Lea Valley Walk). The café does have a set of cycle racks. It should be noted that the café is only at weekends and bank holiday Monday’s between May Bank Holiday weekend and August Bank Holiday Monday. Contactless payment is now accepted and additional outside seating has recently been added.

Found this place flicking through Instagram and I’m so glad we did! Sandwiches were huge, absolutely delicious and very reasonable. We tried a selection of the cakes on offer and all very good. Lady serving us was very nice & polite - we’ll be back!

The coffee and one of the cakes were fine but the millionaires shortbread was so hard it was inedible. Whilst it's great you have some tables down a steep hill this isn't ideal for people who can't manage this, could you put a few tables near the exit/chickens?

You were made to feel very safe during lockdown when the cafe offered takeaway only. The breakfast baps and cake were scrummy with no more than a 5 to 10 min wait. The one way system worked well and was our first foray to a cafe during lockdown. Well done!

Absolutely fabulous cafe amazing staff, beautiful environment and great food. Would highly recommend.

Bad coffee and cake was dry, but berry smoothie and veggie breakfast were very enjoyable. Make sure you carry cash as they have no card machine.

Thoroughly enjoyed our first visit at Willow Trees and we totally recommend their breakfast. Rustic setting, very tasty breakfast and it's too good not to share. I'm taking friends there next weekend !

A real hidden gem. Food is always so fresh and delicious. Great for vegetarians and children. Such a lovely location next to the River Lea. Highly recommend all the smoothies.

This is an idyllic location for a relaxed breakfast/brunch or just coffee and truly delicious cakes! You cannot book - they don't have a phone. It only operates on weekends. But the food is great, the setting within the farm complex and luscious gardens is very tranquil and relaxing. My family, including a three-year old, really loved being here. We had breakfast. The produce as was to be expected was exceptional, the menu very interesting with added specials. It's close to a walking track so we continued on to Harpenden pushing a buggy.

The Willows Tree Café (at Croft Farm) was a lovely find whilst doing park of the Lee Valley River Walk. Situated mid-way between the Harpenden end of Badford Springs Nature Reserve and Wheathampstead Village the café sits on the banks of the River Lee. I visited on a sunny day and enjoyed an excellent coffee and a very good cooked breakfast, whilst sat outside on the river’s flood plain. The menu is very good with a slight twist on the normal breakfast items. The walk from Harpenden is flat (if using the old railway line); from Wheathampstead it is cross country. N.B. Only open during the summer season on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays 9am-5pm. Cash Only.

Interesting food that;s a little different. With Great service and a friendly smile. Set away in a lovely setting by the river.

This is genuinely one of the nicest cafes I have ever been to. Food is delicious and incredibly fresh, in a stunning location with lovely friendly staff. I can’t recommend it enough.

Have been reading about this cafe and seeing lots of good reports so tried it today for brunch. It was absolutely fantastic. Wonderful menu so difficult to choose, which is a great reason to return and try more things. Had LA Eggs - delicious sourdough toast topped with smashed avocado, served with homemade hash browns, a delightfully fresh tomato based salsa and perfectly cooked poached eggs. Others had equally tasty and interesting dishes. All washed down with lovely loose leaf English breakfast tea in china cups. Amazingly good value in a beautiful location and very friendly service.

Willow trees cafe has just reopened for the season and we had been waiting with great anticipation as this place has great food and friendly staff and set in a great location with outside seating overlooking the river lea . A real treat !!

The cafe is in a picturesque position on the river bank. The first time we went, we had a delicious cream tea. However, when we returned, things were not so good. My cake was not cooked through and everything seemed rather amateurish. I hope they get their act together before the summer.

Hidden away next to a pretty river, this cafe is an idyllic retreat. The food is fresh, delicious, with portion sizes that are just right. The service is polite, efficient and friendly. Just delightful. If only it was open everyday!!

First time visit and won't be the last. Very friendly staff and a good range of cakes available. It was very quiet when we went probably due to the football and that was just perfect! Cosy inside the cafe and picturesque down to the river outside. Will definitely be back!

This café sits in an idyllic setting alongside the River Lea. The drinks, food (from breakfast through light lunches to home made cakes) and service are all first class.

This is a great family run cafe. Good home made food. Great breakfasts. The location is very pretty by a small river. Lovely views. Sitting outside in the summer on the deck surrounded by nice plants. Very dog friendly. Cakes are fabulous. Only downside is its not open all year round! Just weekends from May. The building is a converted barn - nice clean loos!

This is my second trip to London, and I wanted to go to a local watering hole. Their steak and ale pie is one of the best things I've ever tasted. The staff is quite friendly! I'm definitely coming back here in the future.

A delightful little venue off the beaten track. Only open weekends but food is excellent and staff are so friendly. Good choice of food, especially breakfast.

Visited for the first time today. Had a delicious brunch, accompanied by beautiful surroundings. There is an indoor (barn) seating area, and outdoor bench seating located alongside the River Lea. We opted to sit outside in the sun. Food and drinks were perfect, plenty of options for a good price. Currently open Saturdays and Sundays. Would happily visit again!

Boarding our dog on the farm a few times a year I have been aware of this cafe's development for some time. At one stage it seemed a long time coming but it was well worth the wait.

Lovely walk from Wheathampstead village to this cafe in a wonderful setting on the farm grounds. Excellent standard of snacks and drinks. Salads were amazing. All fresh and healthy will definitely come again.

This cafe only opened at the end of June 17. It's in a spacious building with seating on the terraced slope outside going down to the River Lea. The food is all homemade from fresh ingredients. We had the mushroom quiche, the falafals and the mackerel pate, all of which were delicious. In fact it was so delicious that we couldn't resist a slice of cake too. The freshly made scones with homemade raspberry jam were particularly good. It was good to see lots of vegetarian options and we were given a big bottle of water on the table. Alice and the staff were very helpful and welcoming. We hope to visit again soon.