The Best Cafes in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom (2025)

Delicious coffee and yummy bagels. Great selection and even gluten free options. Lovely atmosphere and staff are very kind & friendly. One of my favorites in Harpenden! We had the Classic Salmon and an iced Peru Filter coffee. Would 10/10 recommend! And will be coming back for sure!! 🤩🤩🤩😭

Amazing coffee, bagels, locations right on the park. Great for after football or other park activities. Got an around 60 seats and outside seating. Dog friendly, kid friendly. Beautiful decor that supports local artists and pottery classes. They have gluten free bagels that my family adore and cute little baby chinos for the little ones!

Have been here a couple of times now for coffee with my assistance dog. Always a good welcome and prompt service. Not had food here yet but the menu looks good and the aromas are very enticing!

Stopped off here mid bike ride for a lunchtime bite. Good selection of hot drinks and juices. Bagels were excellent, especially the Reuben. Be prepared for pay £7-£9 for a bagel though

This place is so underrated, desserts are amazing, I had the bubble waffle and it was honestly one of the best things I’ve had, service was great, main man is an absolute legend 🫶

Best Dessert Shop Ever 1.The best cookie dough and waffle I have tasted in a while!! 2.Great variety of ice cream flavours and cakes!! 3.Fabulous decor, friendly staff and awesome tasting desserts!! 4.Highly recommend the blue bubble gum, banana and Nutella crepe!!

Cute little shop with the tastiest deserts. We got the KitKat and Oreo waffles, chocolate fudge cake and custard and some ice cream and it was all absolutely delicious. I would definitely recommend this desert shop.

Ive had a few different milkshakes, waffles and pancakes from this place, by far the best dessert shop in the area. Staff is friendly and quick, will come again x

Lovely bagels- we ordered the salmon and pollo picante and loved them both! The bagel itself was a perfect amount of chewy! Would love to be able to add dill and capers as an extra!

I came for coffee and a bite after swimming at the leisure centre. Such a lovely place, my second trip here in a week after brunch last Sunday with friends. This time had the egg ‘n’ cheese bagel with a latte. Delicious, with a hint of their ‘special’ sauce. The vibe is relaxed but competent, the staff young and friendly. Loads of room for dogs, prams etc, nice little extras like Easter eggs at the till to take and dog treats. Definitely worth a visit or two!

Small, cosy, great coffee craft and excellent bagel choices. Only criticism is that they should take people's names to avoid confusion when collecting drinks. There is a small table outside if you wish to dine in. Would definitely recommend both coffee and bagels.

Went for the egg and cheese bagel, with a latte. Not the first time coming here, the service is excellent and the staff are very friendly. The prices are decent too. The food is high quality and tastes amazing. The barista who served me recommended what coffee I should go for, as they did not have any flavoured syrups. Would highly recommend, definitely will be back soon 😊

Good coffee, peaceful atmosphere

Really good coffee!

Occasionally a little gem of a place appears out of nowhere. That happened for me, at Brewhouse Coffee. Quirky interior, great food, fantastic Coffee and good team. Seriously couldn't speak more highly... only giving 5 star because I can't give 6!

Absolutely yummy delicious homemade cakes .. such a variety and all superb! Quirky interior with lots of different areas to sit (& outside).

Great cafe with a lot of funny art and different nooks to sit. A very unique cafe. There are 4 parking spaces outside for customers or you can park on wick avenue. The toasted sandwiches were £5.60 which is quite expensive but they were tasty. I had a very delicious caramel frappe - would definitely recommend. Overall this is one of my favourite coffee shops

The atmosphere is electric ⚡ literary. It's a nice break , music in the background like in the movies ( jazz actually 🤤). The staff were nice and patient

Lovely experience in this cafe. I like the decor and it's an ideal place to meet up with friends and family. It's quiet and you will get the VIP treatment. No queuing and no noise inside the cafe. However there could be noise from the traffic if you sit outside. The cherry on the cake is the gift shop within the cafe. If you're looking for gifts at short notice. Friendly welcoming staff and lots of food on the menu. You won't be disappointed! ❤️

Lovely friendly staff and food very nice and fresh definitely recommend 👌

Usually go to Simmons in town but no need. First time in Shezzos. I had a Bacon sandwich on Multi seed brown, cup of coffee which came with a biscuit and last minute, I needed a piece of Victoria sponge (which l didn't need). All were yum. The staff were great couldn't be any more helpful. I really enjoyed it. Thanks. Xx

Lovely cafe with friendly staff and tasty food. Would definitely

Excellent coffee! I had an almond croissant that was a bit chewy, but there were so many other options that it made me wonder if I simply made the wrong choice. Nevertheless, I feel the overall quality of the pastries on offer could be improved based on this experience.

Had the mediterran and veggie lunch plates, at £12 each. They were absolutely enormous, fresh and delicious. Took about 10-15 mins to come even on a busy lunchtime. Drinks of matcha iced coconut and honey and tea in a proper sized teapot also great. Nice shady outside seating area to the front great for a warm day. Staff were very welcoming.

What a fantastic find...amazing female barrista who was outstanding. Buzzy, busy and wonderfully friendly atmosphere. Food looked amazing, if it matches the high quality coffee and fresh juice (just add ice) then you're onto a winner!

Great Coffee, Cake and atmosphere at a fair price. Will certainly be back. Take no heed of the recent 1 star dog owner(!) It is a private park/campus..

Absolutely love this café! The people are so lovely and easy to talk to, and it felt welcoming from the moment I walked in. Service is prompt and genuinely incredible. The atmosphere is warm, calm and perfect for getting work done; definitely a new go-to spot for a productive day out. Highly recommend!

I went there a few years ago now but will never forget my experience. The coffee and service were fantastic.

Nestled in the heart of Harpenden, The Waffle House is a beloved local gem. While I don't have the precise street address, its central location makes it easily accessible and a perfect spot to enjoy a delicious treat in this charming Hertfordshire town. The Waffle House exudes a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. It's the kind of place where you instantly feel at home, whether you're a regular or a first-time visitor. The interior is often described as rustic and charming, with a relaxed vibe that's perfect for families, couples, and groups of friends. As the name suggests, waffles are the star of the show here, and they are truly exceptional. Prepared fresh to order, the waffles are light, fluffy, and perfectly golden. The menu offers a wide array of sweet and savory options, from classic combinations like banana and maple syrup to more adventurous creations. They also cater to different dietary needs, with gluten-free and vegan options available. Beyond waffles, they often have other delicious offerings, such as salads and light meals, making it a great place for lunch or a snack any time of day. I found tue service at the Waffle House Harpenden warm and efficient . The staff are friendly and attentive, creating a welcoming environment that adds to the overall positive experience. Overall Experience: The Waffle House is more than just a place to eat; it's a Harpenden institution. Its delicious food, cozy atmosphere, and friendly service combine to create a truly memorable experience. Whether you're craving a sweet treat, a light lunch, or a comforting meal. It was my birthday and I thoroughly enjoyed my visit in March 2025

5 stars all day long. Greeted and welcomed by friendly staff. The ambience, decor and surrounds were stunning. Food was absolutely fresh and tasty. Service was on point. We felt very welcomed and comfortable. Highly recommended and a must visit. Well done to the Waffle house.

I absolutely love Waffle House!!! I have been going to the St Albans branch for almost 2 decades, but last year the Harpenden branch opened and exceeded my expectations. The food is delicious, the service is amazing and the ambiance in the restaurant is perfect. Phil (manager in Harpenden) and his team are truly amazing!!! I believe Kieran was one of our waiters, unfortunately I did not get the names of any of the other very  ! I cannot count how many times I have been to the Harpenden branch since its opening last year (yes, it has been that MANY times 😊). On 30 December 2024 a group of about 20 of us attended the Harpenden branch – yes, we were able to make a reservation, they were ready for us at our allocated time, our orders were taken promptly and we did not have to wait very long for our food to come out despite the restaurant being full!!! To top it off, the meals for circa 20 people were brought out roughly around the same time. What was most impressive was how seriously they took allergies! There was someone with a nut allergy (and a few other allergies), she said their allergen menu was the most impressive she’d seen (easy to understand and very clear). Due to the allergies declared, the manager came to speak to the young lady and provided reassurance on how her meal would be prepared to ensure there was no cross contamination. Waffle house is one of my favourite places and I would have no hesitation in recommending it!

Bringing waffles to a new level, really great food. The Elderflower Cooler drink was tasty however a bit sweet. The fried chicken waffle was delicious, with a crispy coating and flavourful sauce. I was pleasantly surprised with how light the waffles are, they accompanied the dish well. For dessert I had the Banana Flapjack flavour, which really did taste of flapjack! All round a lovely option with a relaxed atmosphere, would certainly recommend.

Caring and dedicated staff, service with a smile and delicious coffee. My kids enjoyed their beans on toast and the guys kindly treated them to extra toast. You can tell this place is loved by the regulars and it's clear to see why.

What can I say about Thompsons Close Cafe that hasn’t been said already! The coffee is exceptional, easily the best in Harpenden if not Hertfordshire and the food is quality. Damien and the team provide a friendly atmosphere and quick but not rushed service. I would highly recommend a visit to this hidden gem (although it’s only just off the high street).

Exceptional service in this hidden gem. We’ll worth the few steps up the lane. They were very accommodating about my gluten-free free diet and even had cake! We’ll recommend.

Just had a wonderful brunch at Thompsons Café and it was such a lovely experience from start to finish. The owner was incredibly friendly, accommodating, and kind. We had a buggy with us, and I really appreciated the help getting in and out—something that might seem small, but makes a huge difference when you're out with children. For anyone with food allergies, the team here is exceptionally diligent and understanding, which made me feel completely at ease when ordering. Highly recommend this charming little café—I'll definitely be coming back. Thank you, Thompsons Café!