About This Pub
Ah, Hermitage Rd in Hitchin – it's one of those places that just draws you in with its mix of history and homely feel, set in a stunning old ballroom. From what I've gathered chatting about it with friends, the food really steals the show; the menu's packed with fresh, seasonal treats crafted by a talented head chef, and options like brunches, roasts, and those divine salmon mains have folks raving. It's perfect for all sorts of occasions, whether you're popping in for a quick coffee and bagel or settling in for wines and small plates in the downstairs bar. The staff are an absolute delight, always on hand with a smile and efficient service that makes everything run smoothly. On the downside, though, some drinks come across as overpriced and not quite as enjoyable, and it's a shame about the smaller portions despite the price hikes – it might not satisfy everyone looking for a hearty feed. Still, the overall buzz and that rustic charm make it a solid pick for a night out, as long as you go in with realistic expectations and maybe skip the pricier tipples.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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The food is absolutely spot on – think delicious seasonal dishes, innovative menus with local ingredients, and standout starters like kimchi bhajis and tempura prawns that really hit the mark.
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The atmosphere is just lovely, with that rustic charm in a historic ballroom, making it a brilliant spot for a relaxed coffee catch-up, a hearty brunch, or even a special dinner with friends.
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Service is top-notch; the team are friendly and efficient, creating a welcoming vibe that makes you feel right at home.
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It's versatile and full of character, offering everything from a cosy coffee shop and bagel bar for daytime refuelling to a wine bar with handpicked wines and cocktails for evenings out.
Cons
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Some drinks can be a bit pricey and not quite up to scratch, which might leave you feeling a tad disappointed after a great meal.
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Portion sizes have reportedly shrunk while prices have crept up, so it might not feel as good value as it used to for the full experience.
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It can get noisy in places, especially with groups around, and spots near the windows might feel a bit chilly on cooler days.
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Quality can vary on certain items, like the bagels, which haven't always lived up to expectations despite the exciting menu.
Contact Information
20-21 Hermitage Rd, Hitchin SG5 1BT
+441462433603
Bar
Open Now
Opening Hours
| Monday (Today) | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Tuesday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Wednesday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Thursday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Friday | 12:00 - 01:00 |
| Saturday | 12:00 - 01:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00 - 21:00 |
Recent Reviews
Very reasonably priced and tasty food. Some of the drinks were on the expensive side and not as pleasant but service was amazing and the atmosphere/cleanliness was great also. Overall lovely visit!
Nice quirky, spacious caffe, with a very tasty decor and nice interior. Was a busy Monday afternoon understandable its bank holiday weekend.
Sadly, quality let this place down.
We were excited to order some lovely toasted bagels with different toping and different flavours.
We were served quite fast and coffee arrived beautifuly presented.
Bagels, sadly, was hard. To eat almost impossible to bite or chew. No cutlery was offered.
Understandable due to the nature of food, maybe it's not a right way or etiquette to use knives but God they felt like a chewy rubber and toppings sliding off the hard bagel made to eat almost impossible. Messy , dripping, and not possible to consume.
For that price was very disappointing and we left with big dissatisfaction
Only giving 3 stars for the coffees as they were ok .
I'm not sure if i ever go back as quality and service needs a lot of improvement .
Don't like leaving negative feedback, but I like to leave an honest one.
Lovely new menu, starters were amazing 😍 especially kimchi bhajis and tempura prawns. For mains the salmon was divine 😋. Absolutely love the space, atmosphere and decor too Looking forward to trying more of the new menu 💕
My go-to restaurant. Whenever I have a celebration, friends visiting or to be honest any excuse to go out for a meal, Hermitage Rd Restaurant is always my first option. It’s perfect for sitting at the bar for drinks and for a sat down meal. The food is divine, not too fancy where there’s nothing you’d want to eat but fancy enough to feel special. As someone that doesn’t drink alcohol the mocktails are amazing - not just overpriced juice. The staff are so lovely & attentive but not too overpowering. The venue is just gorgeous, the high ceilings and huge windows, the lighting - it’s the most beautiful restaurant in the local area by a mile. It feels so special to pop out for an evening, a gorgeous place.
No change of menu from a year ago. Portion size down, prices up. Starters were good, mixed main course quality and small dessert portions. Seems expensive for the whole experience.
The restaurant had a good atmosphere. Some noisy children around. Can get cold near windows. Might need to ask them to increase heating.
Booked online for 1215 but refused to take food orders until 1230.
Service was good and attentive.
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