Orange Tree Pub in Hitchin

100 Stevenage Rd, Hitchin SG4 9DR

About This Pub

Ah, the Orange Tree – it's one of those pubs that just feels like a proper local gem, especially if you're in Hitchin or popping by for a wander. From what I've gathered from the buzz around it, folks absolutely rave about the cosy, dimly lit interior and that fabulous outdoor garden, which is a sun trap in the warmer months and makes for a brilliant spot to unwind with a cold beer or a glass of wine. The food's a real highlight too; think generous portions of pub favourites that hit the spot, like those tasty nachos or a solid chicken burger with waffle fries, and they've got options for dietary restrictions, which is always a plus when you're out with friends. Service-wise, it's mostly smiles and efficiency, with staff going the extra mile to make you feel at home, though I have to mention that not every visit is perfect – there was that one off experience where a group got pushed out a bit too quickly, so it might pay to keep an eye on the time if you're settling in for the long haul. Overall, with its high marks and community feel, it's a solid choice for a relaxed meet-up, whether you're there for a quick bite, to catch up over drinks, or even to bring the dog along. If you're a fan of traditional pubs with a modern twist, I'd say give it a go – you might just find yourself returning for more.

Pros and Cons

Pros

The atmosphere is absolutely charming – think warm lighting, a cosy vibe, and a secret garden that's perfect for soaking up the sun or enjoying a pint outdoors.
The food is spot on, with hearty British pub classics like chicken burgers, nachos, and delicious desserts such as Biscoff cheesecake; plus, they've got a great selection of locally brewed beers and world lagers.
Service is generally top-notch and friendly; staff are helpful with dietary needs and quick to accommodate, making it a welcoming spot for everyone, including those with dogs or mobility needs.
It's conveniently located near Hitchin town centre with plenty of parking, and being part of the McMullen family means it's a real community hub with events and a relaxed feel.

Cons

There have been occasional slip-ups with service, like one instance where a group felt rushed out, which could put a dampener on things if you're hoping for a leisurely evening.
Opening times might not suit everyone, as the kitchen closes relatively early, around 9pm most days, so it's best for daytime or early evening visits rather than late-night gatherings.

Contact Information

100 Stevenage Rd, Hitchin SG4 9DR

+441462432733

Pub

Open Now

Opening Hours

Monday (Today)	11:00 - 23:00
Tuesday	12:00 - 23:00
Wednesday	12:00 - 23:00
Thursday	12:00 - 23:00
Friday	12:00 - 00:00
Saturday	11:00 - 23:00
Sunday	11:30 - 22:30

Location

Recent Reviews

Visited for the first time today after a long walk and had a really lovely experience. I have a few dietary restrictions at the moment, and the gentleman who took my order couldn’t have been more helpful and accommodating. I also ordered a coffee and forgot to mention that I needed decaf, it only occurred to me when it arrived. I asked the lady if it could be swapped, and she was more than happy to change it without any fuss. The food arrived promptly, the staff were all very friendly, and the pub itself is really charming. I’d definitely come back. Thank you to the team for making it such a pleasant experience!

Z M

Proper pub food. Great atmosphere, plenty of parking at the front and around the back. It’s dark and cozy. Came here with my friends and ordered the Chicken Burger with waffle fries, I really enjoyed it. Had dessert too, the Biscoff cheesecake and loved it. Great place to have a relaxed meet up with friends and family.

Marielle

Would recommend! 🤞🫡🍺 Went here on a Sunday afternoon. Beautiful pub with warm lighting scattered everywhere. Got nachos of a great portion size! There was enough of each topping and the ratio was perfect. The skin on fries were also great. Service was attentive- everything great overall. Would be a good place to celebrate occasions. Will be back (hopefully 🤞)

Cara

Booked online on pub website. Arrived early but seated & served immediately. Fast, efficient, friendly service. Excellent quality meals and great McMullens ales. Third visit in five weeks to this superbly managed pub. Highly recommended.

Ian D

We decided to celebrate our friend’s birthday at this restaurant, drawn by its 4.4 rating and numerous positive reviews. Excited for a wonderful evening, we booked a table in advance. Our reservation was at 8:15 PM, and we arrived and settled at our allocated table by 8:25 PM. To our dismay, a staff member promptly informed us that we needed to place our orders within five minutes as the kitchen would be closing. This was shocking and frustrating, especially since the restaurant was listed as open until 11 PM. We received no prior warning or communication about this early closure, which we found to be incredibly unprofessional and disappointing. The rushed atmosphere significantly dampened our celebratory mood. The staff hurried us so much that we barely had time to glance at the menu and ended up ordering the first items we saw. When the food arrived, it was another letdown. Despite the positive reviews, the main courses were subpar and lacked the quality we had anticipated. Only the starters were somewhat enjoyable. *It seemed evident that the rushed service impacted the preparation and overall quality of the dishes* In summary, our experience at Orange Tree was far from satisfactory. The staff’s behavior and the poor quality of the main courses completely ruined what was supposed to be a joyful celebration. Given this, I would rate this highly-rated restaurant 0/5 if I could. However, since that’s not possible, I’m reluctantly giving it 1 star.

charitha gv