Whether shopping in Marlowes or meandering through the historic Old Town, Hemel Hempstead is full of amazing independent coffee shops where you can take a well-deserved break. Here, we shine a spotlight on a few of our neighbourhood faves.
Old Town Coffee and Cake
In the heart of Old Town you’ll find this lovely coffee shop offering quality beverages and delicious bakes made fresh in-house.
With a friendly team and Instagrammable interiors, we can see why it’s popular both with locals and those in town for a visit.
There’s a real community vibe at Old Town Artichoke.
If you fancy your food and drink with a side of open conversation, head to the designated Chatty Café table (a nationwide initiative set up to bring people together) where you can natter with others in the community.
Or grab a read from the bookshelf and enjoy some time to yourself – and there are plenty of children’s books to keep the little ones occupied too.
Joe’s Creative Space
Towards the village of Apsley you’ll find family-run Joe’s. Managed by Lucie and her mother Grace, the shop is named after Lucie’s late grandfather Joseph, who set up the nearby FMM Sugarcraft shop with his wife Mary.
The creative space hosts regular events and workshops, and the coffee shop serves up great-tasting brews to enjoy.
Dog-friendly Hive offers organic coffee roasted in Hemel, using beans from organic and Fairtrade-certified farms in Colombia, Costa-Rica and Sumatra.
Inside, we *love* the abundance of houseplants. Not only do they create a relaxing atmosphere and bring a hint of the tropical rainforests where the coffee beans are sourced to Old Town Hemel, but you can even buy a plant to take home with you!
Cappuccio
In Marlowes, Cappuccio is a perfect spot for a cosy coffee and, if you’re feeling peckish, authentic Italian – the toasted sandwiches are a real treat. Inside you’ll find a warm welcome from the team, lovely décor and shelves loaded with Italian products.
Our final local gem (available in two locations in Old Town and Boxmoor) is something a little different!
There’s sustainably-roasted coffee and artisan pastries on offer, as well as small plates and sharing boards to enjoy alongside a selection of organic wines.
The team sources local wherever possible – including bakes from The Bakehouse Apsley and Culture Bakery Tring, chocolates from Yvette’s in nearby Potten End and produce from Chiltern Charcuterie.