There are many Greater London towns that have wonderful coffee shops and coffee roasters. One of those towns nestled in Hertfordshire, just northwest of Central London, is Watford.

Whether you’re in Watford as a local, a commuter coming from Euston, or popping by the atria, here are some hidden café gems that are sure to keep you content and caffeinated all day long!

If you want more recommendations based in London or North London, press one of the links below:

ocean bells coffee

My favourite café along Watford high street is, without a doubt, Ocean Bells.

This speciality coffee shop has excellent espresso-based drinks, many sweet and savoury treat options for a range of dietary restrictions and preferences (gluten free, vegan, vegetarian), and has a welcoming atmosphere. They also have high quality matcha powder, which can be a rarity to find outside of London proper.

My favourite treat is the brownie. It’s madness how it’s both gluten free and vegan. You would never know - I dare you to give it a try to prove me wrong (note: you won’t). The lemon drizzle cake is a close second for me.

Ocean Bells is my most frequented café in Watford, and I encourage you to try it out! Bonus: dogs allowed!

Location:
133 High Street, Watford

villiers Coffee House

Villiers Coffee House is a warm, and inviting café, nestled on a sun-soaked street.

This coffee shop makes delicious staples (espresso, cortado, latte) and speciality drinks (pumpkin spice latte, eton mess hot chocolate, white matcha latte). The service has never been short of friendly. They also offer a wide variety of treats and nibbles for a multitude of dietary restrictions (vegan, vegetarian, gluten free).

One of the lovely baristas is also celiac, and takes great care in ensuring all of the gluten free goodies are served safely for any gluten intolerant individuals. A special shoutout needs to be given to their Basque Cheesecake - it’s top tier!

Definitely add Villiers to your list of must-trys in Watford!

Location:
30A Villiers Rd, Oxhey, Watford

the lp cafe

Coffee and records - what could be more in harmony than that?

If you’re craving caffeine and choruses, head over to The LP Café. This cozy spot has an abundance of new and old music from which to browse while you sip high quality coffee. With regular in-store events, it’s a great place to check out often. Also - why not buy your music from friendly independent shops?

Heard over, and tickle your tastebuds with their coffee, and your earbuds with their vinyls!

Location:
173 The Parade, Watford

simba bru Coffee Roasters

My favourite coffee roaster in Watford and Hertfordshire is definitely Simba Bru!

Each bag of beans is expertly crafted, and it’s clear the company cares about their product. They stand by their coffee being ethically and sustainably sourced. As for the café itself, it has a welcoming, breezy feel. The drinks they make are well done, and they also offer matcha, and an assortment of sweet treats. Their gluten free goods are only sometimes available, which is my only big qualm.

For excellent speciality coffee, definitely try out this spot!

Location:
61A Sutton Road, Watford

tepsi

The latest café to open along St Albans street is Tepsi.

This coffee spot is owned by a very kind Turkish man named Gokhan, who has created a very welcoming environment. The decor is cozy-yet-whimsical, with a lot of fun art on the walls. It’s a great spot to study, read, or spend time with friends.

There are a lot of food options available. Some are traditional British café classics (sandwiches and viennoiseries), and others feature traditional Turkish flavours (aubergine boats with grape molasses and tahini, and various vegan mezes). I didn’t notice anything gluten free on the menu, but I will investigate further on my next visit!

A great addition you should definitely check out!

Location:
183 St Albans Road, Watford

perfect blend Coffee Shop

The perfect cozy café doesn’t exis-

Oh, wait. It does.

The Perfect Blend Coffee Shop graces St Albans Road with a warm atmosphere, decadent desserts, and plenty of seating space to bring either friends, or friendly thoughts.

This shop always has friendly service, and it serves up a lot of savoury items perfect for a heartier breakfast or lunch. I also admire that they have a delicious gluten free brownie always available. I hope they add a vegan/ gluten-free option in the future, but that’s just my own personal preference.

For an inviting coffee spot, check them out!

Location:
236 St Albans Rd, Watford

DISHONOURABLE MENTION (AVOID)

viento Coffee Company

While I used to frequent Viento when Jenny and Matt, both lovely baristas, served me, I have unfortunately had to stop going due to being appalled by the level of service. There is a worker (unsure if a barista or the manager) who is a gentleman with a moustache who is incredibly unpleasant and rude.

Firstly, I would like to mention that I visited around 7 times while the baristas Jenny and/ or Matt were working. Both of them were kind, friendly, and made the environment very welcoming. I usually ordered a coffee (or two if I’m bringing one back to my partner) and two of the NGCI (AKA Gluten Free) flapjacks.

Unfortunately, I had to stop visiting after three very hostile interactions with this moustached man.

When I’ve visited previously (when Jenny or Matt were working), the two gluten free flapjacks were kept somewhat separate from the gluten containing treats. This made them safe for me to eat. One time, the gluten free flapjacks were placed in an unsafe area, and I was offered one fresh from the tray in order to safely allow me eat it. This made me feel very welcome, and was the reason I returned. I even told my partner that I was planning to buy one of their totes and some beans to bring to our friends for our planned trip to Holt - very happy I didn’t purchase either now!

The time I visited when a man with the moustache was behind the counter, the gluten free flapjacks were not safely displayed. I want to specify that I was the only one in cafe at that time. When I mentioned what a previous barista had done to accommodate me as someone with a dietary restriction, I was outright told that “someone like you” shouldn’t visit cafes, and I was essentially told to accept the flapjack as it was, or leave. When I was with my partner another time (he couldn’t believe someone could be so rude, and tried to give him the benefit of the doubt), he was also told that no exceptions could be made. My partner upon leaving said it was unfortunate that they made me feel so unwelcome due to my health. He didn’t yell, he didn’t swear, he didn’t insult the man or raise his voice. We didn’t think much of this afterwards, but one time when we were walking by to go to Watford Junction (with no intention of going in), the man recognized my partner from the window, and came out unprovoked to yell at him for being rude!

This type of petty and aggressive behaviour is unacceptable. As well, as someone who is unable to digest gluten due to my health, the level of service is very discriminatory when there is a very clear and easy solution (especially when the cafe isn’t busy). While I don’t expect coffee shops to always have options available, it feels performative to offer a gluten free option and not safely display it. If being inclusive is an afterthought, then don’t offer it, especially if you are going to mock and shame those who can’t control what their body can and can’t tolerate.

I do want to specify that I am not upset by the subpar and unsafe offering of a gluten free item. That itself I can overlook if I enjoy the quality of the coffee, or the welcoming atmosphere. There are many cafes without gluten free items that I regularly visit. I am upset by the disrespectful, and downright inexcusable, service.

Anyways - AVOID.

I will keep my initial review up, in the hope that they may one day go back to their former glory.

MY ORIGINAL REVIEW:

An excellent artisan coffee roastery in Watford is Viento.

With two locations, this micro-roaster is serious about creating high quality beans that are perfect for café or home use.

Both cafés have a lot of fresh baked goods available, such as croissants and pastries. There are a few gluten free and vegan desserts, but do note, they’re stored next to non-gluten free treats, so are not suitable for celiacs or those with severe gluten intolerance.

The only big issue I have with the Watford, and not St Albans, location is that they only offer takeout cups. The seating is very pleasant, with lovely French-style patio seating, but it’s somewhat marred by not being able to drink out of a proper mug!

Overall, Viento is a great place to check out when you’re in the mood for a pick-me-up in a cup!

Locations:
157 St Albans Rd, Watford
(Also: 115 Hatfield Rd, St Albans)