7-8 CHRISTOPHER PLACE, ST ALBANS, AL3 5DQ

https://www.hatchstalbans.com/

Hatch is, evidently, one of those forever popular brunch spots that’s almost impossible to get a table at. I know this because I’ve never actually had the pleasure of sitting down inside, alway being directed to stand just outside the door to wait for a takeaway coffee order because it’s too narrow to be having lingerers and that’s all I ever am as I pop in on the rare occasion I wander up or down the hill into or out of town (although, soon to relocate to the Christopher Place shopping centre just up the road). Be it summer or winter, I drop by for an oat latte or its iced equivalent and have to wait on the street as some kindly barista whips it up for me whilst those with power of forethought enjoy their weekend meals. 


I say this not as a complaint but just as a statement of fact and a testament to its popularity. As such, I can only really talk about its takeaway coffee which I’ve sampled a few times with its smooth, earthy appeal and dry but not harsh undertones, it is quite possibly one of the best coffees in St. Albans. A seller of Campbell and Syme’s, it works well with creamier drinks like the latte, but on a hot afternoon, an iced oat latte seems to be at the peak of its powers by juxtaposing the drier notes with a rich and creamy oat milk. Well worth just dropping in, perhaps one day I’ll plan far enough ahead to be able to give it a full review.

Panshanger Park, Thieves Ln, Hertford SG14 2WN

https://www.plantedcoffeeco.co.uk

Panshanger Park is a historic park and garden registered Grade II by English Heritage. Owned by the Tarmac group, who are excavating the land around it for gravel and other such resources, it’s a sort of trade-off where they dig up the countryside so protect parts around it and turn it over to nature. It is, a magnificent place Spanning from Hertford, through Cole Green and out the other side to Panshanghar in Welwyn Garden City, the park is a lengthy expanse of greenery great for a stroll in nature, a bit of bird spotting or just a lunchtime walk out of the office (working near the Panshangar end, this is how I usually spend my lunch hour)..
Approach from the Hertford end and you enter via a gravel lot that acts as a car park but, be warned, if you drove up you’ll suffer the indignity of having to pay for the pleasure of parking. Here, on the edge of the lot, just before you choose a route to delve off into the country grounds, sits Planted; a converted horse box that serves only plant based snacks and beverages - in effect a vegan coffee shop for you to start or end your walk at.
As a vegan myself, it’s such a relief to just go to places where you don’t have to worry about what’s on the menu and can just order an oat milk latte as the standard and hope they didn’t mishear you. But places like this have a special place in my heart because it means you can get out and about and pick up a little treat even when you weren’t expecting to. All too often have I been to places where people have pointed out a place to get a drink or cake and I’ve just had to forgo the experience altogether because I’m not catered for. Sure, it probably wasn’t the purpose of my visit but it would be nice to be included in the moment.
Planted seems I like a place you would naturally seek out for coffee. Unlikely to just rock up at a car park for caffeine and then leave, it’s charm is it’s location so you’ll likely be here for a walk. However, that doesn’t mean it rests on its laurels when it comes to its offerings, with smooth, treacly coffee and an array of pastries to really make my plant based heart flutter. How often is desired a Danish since my conversion to vegan living and been denied the flaky goodness and custardy centre is perhaps just one too many times and now I know, if I want one (followed by a short walk to burn off the calories again) at least I have a good option nearby.