The Haven Cafe - North Hertfordshire

I visited an independent café today for lunch with a friend. It was a Monday and they were not participating in the government scheme, but they were a small independent café with impeccable cleanliness, a 5-star hygiene rating, friendly owners and staff. The seating area looked small from the outside but had a good choice of food, including vegetarian options. We ordered a vegetarian breakfast and a jacket potato topped generously with chicken and bacon. We initially sat outside but had to move inside when a large thunderstorm hit. We decided to stay for an extra coffee while waiting for the storm to pass. It's important to support small businesses like this one, as they have high rents and limited foot traffic. I would definitely return to this café with its lovely owners, delicious food, and super clean environment.

My daughter and I flew into the city and decided to dine at Haven Cafe as we were passing by and noticed there were many available tables. We thoroughly enjoyed our halloumi souvlaki and chicken souvlaki. The restaurant had very clean spaces and friendly staff. This was our first time dining out since the lockdown, and it has given us confidence to go out again. We will definitely come back and bring my husband! Thank you.

The vegetarian chicken wrap was disappointing as it only had about 2 teaspoons of veggie chicken in the filling. The rest of the wrap consisted of a sad portion of salad, a few tomatoes, and small pieces of cucumber. It was supposed to come with oregano fries, but there were only 4 on the plate. Overall, I was not satisfied with the meal and do not plan on returning.

We regularly come to the café and we always had nice eating and coffee. the caffe is clean and the personal is friendly and helpful.

I have been to The Haven Cafe a few times over the years and I must admit I have often been dissatisfied. However, I thought I'd give it a try again as I was short on time. Unfortunately this visit confirmed that I won't be...going back. Serving your hot drink well before food means you either run out of drink or drink it cold (could sales tactic). I also have an issue with being served my lunch on a wooden board. I can't believe these are in anyway hygienic. If environmental health did a swab I'm sure they would find all sorts. My lunch wasn't even to the right temperature. A lukewarm sausage sandwich. For a small and fairly quiet cafe you would think they could get it right. There is so much competition in Hitchin, you can't afford to get it wrong. My custom will be going elsewhere.