7-8 Christopher Pl, St Albans AL3 5DQ

About This Pub

Oh, mate, let me tell you about Hatch in St Albans – it's this gem of a cafe and diner that's been around since 2013, dishing out everything from hearty breakfasts and brunches to burgers and even cocktails. From what I've gathered from the reviews and their website, the food is where they really shine; people rave about the creative twists on classics like the Caesar salad or buffalo chicken burger, and even the waffles and loaded hash browns sound like they'd hit the spot on a lazy weekend. The staff come across as proper legends, always attentive and making sure you're looked after, which adds to that warm, welcoming feel. It's independently run, so you've got that authentic, local charm without the stuffy restaurant vibe. On the flip side, it does get packed, especially on Saturdays, so you might have to queue a bit or find it a tad slow when things are hectic – nothing major, but something to keep in mind if you're popping in for a quick bite. All in all, with a stellar 4.8 rating from loads of happy visitors, it's a top choice for anyone in the area looking for a good meal and a chat, whether it's for a family outing or just catching up with mates over coffee.

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • The food is absolutely spot on – think creative brunch dishes, juicy burgers, and incredible waffles that leave you wanting more, all made with fresh ingredients and plenty of flavour.
  • The staff are genuinely friendly and helpful, always ready with a smile and quick to make recommendations, making every visit feel welcoming and personal.
  • It's got a relaxed, casual vibe that's perfect for a laid-back meal, whether you're grabbing coffee in the morning or enjoying cocktails in the evening, with nice outdoor seating on sunny days.
  • Great value for money with moderate prices, so you get a proper treat without breaking the bank, especially for the quality of the grub.
Cons
  • It can get quite busy, leading to a bit of a wait for tables, particularly on weekends, so it's worth booking ahead if you can.
  • Service might slow down during peak times, as mentioned in a couple of reviews, which could mean a slight delay if you're in a rush.
  • The atmosphere is generally buzzing, but it might not suit everyone if you're after something super quiet, as it can feel lively and a tad crowded at times.

Contact Information

7-8 Christopher Pl, St Albans AL3 5DQ
+441727614708
Brunch
Open Now

Opening Hours

Monday09:00 - 15:00
Tuesday09:00 - 15:00
Wednesday09:00 - 21:00
Thursday (Today)09:00 - 21:00
Friday09:00 - 21:00
Saturday09:00 - 21:00
Sunday09:00 - 16:00

Location

Recent Reviews

Popped in here today after a recommendation and absolutely loved it! Food was creative and innovative, very tasty and warm! The ceasar salad was 10/10 highlight and the buffalo chicken burger was lush. Staff were the perfect level of attentive and helpful, very impressed. Only 4 stars for atmosphere as it was a little too loud in there for a conversation, but was a big building so as expected and the loos smelt a bit like pee pee! Can’t wait to return (for the food, not the pee pee loos) 😂✌🏼
ZD
Zoë Dennis
Great food, perfect spot, amazing service. Buffalo benedict is a must try (pictured) as are the loaded hash browns (pictured). Came on a sunny day and the outside area was really nice, plenty of space inside too. Really friendly and helpful staff, decent price for what you get.
MB
Matt B-H
A buzzing, busy place, with a bit of a wait on the Saturday we went, but the staff were very helpful and fair with the tables. Four of us had a lovely table outside. I had an English breakfast and a mocha, both good. Really helpful and kind people.
EC
Eddie Chauncy
I visited Hatch for the first time after hearing so many positive reviews, and it did not disappoint! The food, atmosphere, and customer service were all outstanding. The place was lively and family-friendly, with a staff that was attentive, polite, and welcoming. It's the perfect spot for a delicious brunch, and we left feeling completely satisfied. Even though it's a bit of a drive from where we live, I'd definitely return. St Albans town centre is also charming and vibrant. Highly recommend it – 100%! Thank you, Hatch!
JN
Jay Navar
Had a bite to eat before watching a show. It is a very modern restaurant and very comfortable. The food was amazing. All the food that came to the table was top notch. All food looked very good on the eye. The service was very good on the whole, my only minor complaint it got a bit slow towards the end. They were very busy so not a massive grumble. The atmosphere was good, a very busy restaurant but that comes with good food. A great place to eat, give it a try.
JD
Jason Davies

Nearby Pubs - Perfect Pub Crawl

Discover the 5 closest pubs to this location for an ideal pub crawl experience.

The Snug Bar St Albans
The Snug Bar St Albans

The Fleur de Lys, 1 French Row, St Albans AL3 5DU

76/100 0.0mi
The Hub on Verulam Restaurant, Bar & Events Venue St Albans
The Hub on Verulam Restaurant, Bar & Events Venue St Albans

5b Verulam Rd, St Albans AL3 4DA

87/100 0.0mi
The Boot (Home to Boot Cantina)
The Boot (Home to Boot Cantina)

4 Market Pl, St Albans AL3 5DG

88/100 0.1mi
Punchin' Palooka
Punchin' Palooka

26 Verulam Rd, St Albans AL3 4DE

92/100 0.1mi
The White Swan
The White Swan

1 Upper Dagnall St, St Albans AL3 5EA

86/100 0.1mi