Hatch, St Albans

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.