Hitchin has a habit of winning people over.
Maybe it’s the independent shops that you won’t find on every other high street. Maybe it’s the bustling market, the history, or the fact that you can happily spend hours wandering without really having a plan. Whatever it is, one thing’s for sure: Hitchin knows how to fill a day.
The only question is… where are you eating?
We might be slightly biased, but we’d argue every good day out deserves a proper meal. Whether you’re fuelling up before exploring the town or winding down after a day on your feet, Craft & Cleaver is perfectly placed right in the heart of Hitchin.
Start With A Wander
One of the best things about Hitchin is that everything feels walkable.
Take a stroll around the independent boutiques, gift shops and cafés that line the town centre. Browse the market if you’re visiting on the right day or simply wander the historic streets and see where they take you. Hitchin is one of those places that’s best enjoyed without a strict itinerary.
No visit to Hitchin is complete without spending a bit of time around Hitchin Town Square, where you’ll find the town at its liveliest. Here, you can browse the market and also nip into a load of incredible independent shops.
Just don’t make the rookie mistake of filling up on coffee and cake too early. Trust us.
Take In A Bit Of History
If history’s more your thing, you’re spoilt for choice.
Hitchin Priory has been welcoming visitors for centuries and remains one of the town’s most recognisable landmarks. With its beautiful grounds and fascinating history, it’s well worth a visit whether you’re attending an event or simply exploring the area.
Take a walk along historic Hermitage Road. Once home to a famous ballroom that hosted music legends including The Rolling Stones, it’s now one of the town’s best spots for shopping and exploring.
Fancy stretching your legs a little further? There are plenty of scenic walks nearby, including routes along the River Hiz, offering a quieter side to Hitchin that many visitors miss.
By now, you’ve probably worked up an appetite.
Now, This Is Where We Come In
We’re just a couple of minutes from Hitchin’s town square, making us the perfect place to stop when hunger inevitably kicks in.
Now, you could grab a sandwich somewhere and carry on.
Or…
You could settle in properly.
Order a craft beer. Maybe a cocktail. Take your time.
This isn’t food designed to be rushed.
Our award-winning brisket spends up to 16 hours in the smoker before it’s ever sliced. The pork belly and burnt ends have become something of a local obsession. The Pitmaster Tray is the stuff of dreams. And if choosing just one meat feels impossible, our Combo lets you pick two meats and two sides. It’s technically designed for one person, although we wouldn’t be surprised if a few forks mysteriously found their way onto your plate.
Make An Afternoon Of It
If the weather’s behaving itself, head out to our beer garden and settle in for a while. It’s one of those spaces where lunch quietly turns into afternoon drinks without anyone really noticing.
If the sun isn’t playing ball, don’t worry. Inside you’ll find the same relaxed atmosphere, plenty of good music, and a restaurant that’s always buzzing without ever feeling rushed.
There’s no stopwatch on your table here.
Looking For Something A Bit Different?
If you’re planning a birthday, catching up with friends, or simply fancy adding a bit of extra fun to your day, our restaurant in Hitchin is also home to one of the town’s favourite shuffleboard tables. Fair warning though: things have been known to get competitive.
Finish the Day Properly
There’s something satisfying about ending a day out with a meal that’s actually worth talking about afterwards.
Not something grabbed on the go.
Not something you’ll have forgotten by the time you get home.
Just proper barbecue, cooked low and slow, served with great drinks and good company.
So next time you’re looking for things to do in Hitchin, don’t just think about where you’re going.
Think about where you’re eating too.
And we’ll have that smoker fired up. Ready to welcome you and fill those bellies.
