Willow Trees Cafe in St Albans

Such a lovely cafe to visit in an ideal setting. Great choices and the smoothies are amazing!

Always a great walk towards the cafe for a cake and drink. The location is great on a sunny day and worth a stop.

Excellent cafe with fantastic cakes and really efficient and friendly staff

Wonderful cafe with great smoothies, coffees and homemade cakes! So nice to sit in various pockets of nature along the river Perfect stop on a walk, will come back soon

Quality of food and coffee is not only shockingly poor but they charge extortionate prices too! £3 for a can of coke! £7.50 for a slice of cake! If the quality was good you could understand but I’ve seen happy shopper fruit juices being served. Although I must add, the outside is very tranquil and beautiful by the river. If they improve on food and drink quality this place could be a gem! Until then, won’t be returning.

Gorgeous little spot, tucked away next to the river. Delicious food, and excellent value for money

Great find just off the cycle track. Nice cakes and drinks.

This is a hidden beauty spot! We were going to go into a cafe in the village itself but this is too good to miss. Great choice of sweet cakes you can see in the photo’s, also some vegan choices of food too, we had the vegan pasty which was very tasty. Fantastic friendly service in such a tranquil location. Would certainly recommend.

A lovely find in a charming location.

Lovely spot, awesome cakes, great friendly service

Absolute little gem, plenty of customers which is always good to see but nice, spacious layout and peaceful.

A delicious array of obviously hand made cakes and several varieties of cold sandwiches on over-generous focaccia bread. I'd never had a cold Ruben before but it was very tasty. My partner's smoked salmon with pickled onions and ribbons of cucumber was gorgeous. The carrot cake was unctuously spicy and nutty with just the right amount of cream cheese icing. Tables inside or outside in a verdant bower. Flat white coffees were a bit dear considering the portion size. Loved the freely available ice water. Local eggs and apple products available. Take away goodies too tempting. Dog friendly.

Great breakfast, fantastic cakes, lovely staff. Highly recomended.

An impromptu visit here was very pleasant. Busy but extremely well managed by professional staff. Very clean. Choice of cakes was mind boggling! Definitely worth seeking out.

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.

Lovely setting and the best cakes.

We were recommended to go to this cafe as part of a walk, it was a lovely find. Only open Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays, it offers a large range of delicious, fresh cakes, good choice of drinks and a fine breakfast/brunch menu. Very friendly staff and delightful outside seating on a terrace on the riverbank. We had coffee and cakes on this visit but plan to go back soon for breakfast!

Nice little coffee shop. Tucked away, but popular as it was busy. Stumbled upon it 15 mins into our Sunday bike ride. Weather wasn't good, but we saw they also had some tables placed right next to the river in a garden..so fantastic location on a beautiful day.

Excellent spot for lunch, even though it was raining was able to sit down outside under cover. Coffee along with lunch pancakes made an enjoyable outing

Loved this place, a little shocked at the cost of the full English £10,but when I tucked into it I understood, top quality........

what a find , right by the River Lea

Bad coffee. 4 stars food, 4 stars service and 5 stars atmosphere by the river and greens. They removed kids menu but still a good place for brunch with kids. If you order bun or wrap or pastry from the take away menu you can eat by the riverside. If you order from the eat in menu you can only eat inside or at the balcony. I recommend it.

Incredible riverside and farm-based location, with the best local brunch we have found. Unlike most places, the vegetarian options are plentiful and on a par with meat ones, all with fresh and local produce. Popular with cyclists and dog walkers, but also well spaced out and covid friendly. Will be visiting regularly!

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!

Nice place to walk to and spend some time. Good for breakfast.

Great cakes setting and service .

Such a lovely find! Delightful setting, so peaceful. The everything veggie bagel was delicious and vegan chocolate cake devine 👌 we shall return many times, highly recommend a visit, you won't be disappointed 😊

Excellent breakfast burrito and coffee

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.

Absolutely stunning spot for lunch and, if you fancy it, a bit of a walk along the river. We had the pancakes, veggie bagel and ciabatta blt and it was all delicious. The setting is beautiful with the sound of the river and all the plants and trees over hanging the garden. We'll be back soon to sample the cakes 😋

Nice Riverside location with quick and friendly stacc

Lovely food and very friendly staff. Beautiful location for lunch or a coffee.

Gorgeous place. Tasty cakes and baps.

Well appointed cafe overlooking the River Lea. We ordered a snack for lunch and sat at tables by the river. The lunch was really tasty. I had a mushroom and egg muffin. They're only open at the weekend now but they said in the summer they're open during the week too.

Great spot tucked away along the river.

Cake, coffee and smoothies are always delicious from here.

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!

We've been meaning to come here for a while, and after a lovely bicycle ride we finally made it. Lovely staff, good coffee, amazing cakes and a beautiful setting. Due to Coronavirus the only issue is limited outside seating for the demand, as so popular but otherwise a fantastic place. We will be back very soon.

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!

Fantastic tranquil setting. Friendly staff. Great food. Lovely location l.

Beautiful setting next to the river, lovely farm barn and cottages. Great coffee, delicious cakes, and the milkshakes are amazing!

We stopped in whilst doing the lea Valley circle walk, for coffee and breakfast muffins. A most welcome pit stop. Coffee was good and the muffins were like a bigger, better, tastier version of those from a famous fast food outlet. Highly recommended. My son also really enjoyed his milkshake. Unfortunately we couldn't eat on site due to current situation, but there's a lovely field just up the road where we sat and ate, just finishing before the rain came down.

Wow what a find thanks Charlotte lovely food to take away and you can sit and eat it in a nearby field glorious

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

Went to Will Tree Cafe for the first time with my wife and had an amazing experience from the offset; the gentleman who dealt with us was super welcoming and attentive. Food was presented well and came quickly too :) highly recommend and so glad we decided to pop in.

Lovely location, staff and food

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 !

Amazing little hidden gem, cakes and brekkies are unreal! Shame it's not open all week, however I would be fat if it was

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.

Same as what all the other reviews say, lovely little Haven of tranquility, good coffee, good buns. Only cakes/buns available from 1345 so get there before that if you want hot food.

Cute little cafe in a great village

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.

Lovely peaceful location with great brunch and lunch options.

Great selection of cakes and pastries. My one stop for coffee always.

Visited today in the middle of my bike ride, staff were very friendly, I had a couple of scones (still warm from the oven) clotted cream and jam with a pot of real tea. I will definitely make this a regular stop on future bike rides.

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

Lovely little cafe good food and a nice spot

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 !!

Lovely cafe serving scrumy breakfast and cakes. Riverside seating. Open at weekends, only takes cash or bank transfer.

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.

Good setting! However food and drink is poor Hot chocolate was cold and cake was dry Also the cafe was fairly dirty and poorly run

Went to this beautiful cafe a few months ago. It is idyllic. Beautiful setting . Beautiful good. Excellent cake 🍰 friendly staff

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!!

Very friendly people ,food is yummy so delicious breakfast and cakes are so so good!!! Beautiful place to spent the morning!

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!

Excellent little Cafe at the end of the cycleway as you come up to Wheathampstead. Tranquil riverside setting and friendly staff. Great breakfast menu and a range of delicious looking cakes. Cash only at present.

Nice place by the river. But - Breakfast served cold. Another slice of bread (1) and an extra ratchet of bacon (1) for £10 would make it better value.

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.

Beautiful family run cafe. Set in converted farm buildings and set back from the road. Well worth seeking out. All decked out for Christmas with large decorated tree at my visit. Small terrace with views over the river. Idyllic. Fantastic homemade cakes to finish you off.

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.

We had a delicious Sunday breakfast sitting outside in the sun. Highly recommended for the setting,food and service. Weekends only.

Friendly staff, excellent food, lovely setting in a converted barn by the river. Breakfast, brunch, lunch or tea and cakes are all excellent. Take a lovely walk to get there from harpenden or wheathampstead or stop on your way up the lea valley. It feels like a hidden gem but it deserves to be widely known

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.

Had a delicious brunch at this quaint, riverside cafe. Very calming and friendly in a sweet location. The selection of cakes is fantastic also.

I sat outside this converted barn cafe one sunny saturday morning with a croissant and a latte coffe on a terrace looking down at the river, surrounded by weeping willow trees. It felt like a bit of heaven on earth. Looking forward to this delightful cafe being open more days. Ideal location for individuals or families who are looking for a place to eat and drink when walking or cycling the Lea Valley walk towards Leasy Bridge and back. Although I noticed there is a car park inside the gate, walking or cycling would be my prefered option.