Hermitage Rd Coffee & Bagel Bar

Pleasingly, this street-level sibling below Hermitage Rd bar and restaurant rings with the friendliness you’d expect from a local coffee shop. Considered Hitchin’s meeting spot of choice, it’s a light, airy and contemporary space that encourages lingering – as do the friendly, laid-back staff. It all comes together in a counter laden with excellent vienoisserie, cakes and buns from local micro bakery, Flour 21, plus bagels specially made by Suffolk-based Avi Kniznik of Bagel or Beigel, which are filled with the likes of Staithe Smokehouse salmon and cream cheese, or salt beef with gherkins and mustard mayo. And, of course, there is very good coffee.