The Groundworks - Hitchin

This super friendly super busy cafe is easily the best place to have breakfast in Hitchin. It shows other places just how good a vegetarian breakfast can be whe... read more This super friendly super busy cafe is easily the best place to have breakfast in Hitchin. It shows other places just how good a vegetarian breakfast can be when so much thought is given to each item. Everything the cafe does has been looked at to make it as good and unique as it can be. This recommendation is given without reservation…

Lovely atmosphere killed off by fairly brusque manner of staff dealing with vegan diner. We ordered the veggie breakfast it said a vegan alternative was availab... read more Lovely atmosphere killed off by fairly brusque manner of staff dealing with vegan diner. We ordered the veggie breakfast it said a vegan alternative was available so we went for that. But vegan alternative, much to our surprise, meant: not buttering the toast, cooking the mushrooms dry without any butter/oil, and a space on the plate for where the egg should be. And the biggest surprise the same price as the veggie breakfast, at £13. Ideally vegan alternative should mean replacement but respecting the tough economical climate we are in, I understand why a like for like replacement could be costly but in this day and age, surely an extra half tomato wouldn’t be too much to ask and would cost considerably less than a couple of eggs). Catering for vegan diners should be something that shouldn’t phase a 2023 cafe. That the chefs didn’t think to use a vegan spread alternative there are SO many varieties now that it shouldn’t be hard, and they are beautifully tasting just like butter) a decent chef should be able to rise to the challenge spoilers it’s not that hard). For me it was a bit of warning sign that they couldn’t master the basics. It shouldn’t be hard being a vegan in 2023 as someone who does this for the planet, but also as someone who is dairy intolerant). But if more restaurants were to treat customers like this we’d be in trouble. I think it’s fair to act with our feet and as much as we want to support a local business, to sadly take our custom elsewhere. A customer shouldn’t be made to feel short changed after a meal. It was a rather dry without spread or butter, feedback I shared with the staff “oh sorry about that”, walking off). For a slice of in buttered toast, some dry unseasoned mushrooms, beans, half a tomato and a baji this felt a LOT for £13. A side of fresh orange juice extra at around £3 I think) tasted delicious but this was in a tiny cup and filled with large ice cubes. I raised I hadn’t been happy with my meal to the staff, and that it felt unfair paying £13, and shared what could have been done to make it better. “Sorry no alternatives, it’s just how it comes”, they said crossing their arms and not even apologising for my experience. Wowsers.

I frequently go to Groundworks for coffee, brunch, and lunch, and I can confidently say that it is the best place in Hitchin for brunch! The hash brown bites ar... read more I frequently go to Groundworks for coffee, brunch, and lunch, and I can confidently say that it is the best place in Hitchin for brunch! The hash brown bites are unbeatable and definitely worth trying, along with the delicious eggs benedict and fluffy scrambled eggs.

Had lunch here twice since it reopened and the food is just as good as it was. So pleased the staff are all wearing masks; it just shows they’re taking COVID se... read more Had lunch here twice since it reopened and the food is just as good as it was. So pleased the staff are all wearing masks; it just shows they’re taking COVID seriously and makes patrons feel safer. Thank you

Staff did not even come to speak to us. We waited outside the door for a table with a couple infront of us. One lady came and moved the couple infront of us ins... read more Staff did not even come to speak to us. We waited outside the door for a table with a couple infront of us. One lady came and moved the couple infront of us inside the little waiting area. The three of us stood there for another 5 10 minutes and not once did a staff member come up to us and say it will be a little wait sorry about that didn’t ask us why we were there or what we were after, nothing at all. I appreciate they have to social distance waiting customers and the cafe was full at the time, and staff were busy, that’s fine but not even a hello when we were waiting at the door? Waited 5 10 minutes like I said and with no staff member even making eye contact with decided we would be better off elsewhere. Won’t be coming back in a hurry.