Business Details
Your Premier Destination for Dining & Events in Hitchin
Established in the heart of Hitchin, Hermitage Rd is a distinguished restaurant and bar housed in a historic ballroom, blending rustic charm with modern hospitality. Our offerings include seasonal British cuisine crafted by Head Chef Oli Sturt, who brings global culinary expertise and a commitment to local ingredients. The venue features a vibrant coffee shop led by Phill, a curated wine bar overseen by Sommelier Yana, and versatile meeting spaces designed for productivity and comfort.With a decade-long history of supporting local charities through events and donations, we combine exceptional dining experiences with community engagement. Our team, including General Manager Riju Joy, prioritises excellence in service, ensuring every guest enjoys memorable meals, wines, and moments in a setting that celebrates both tradition and innovation.
Services
Coffee Shop
Restaurant
Wine Bar
Meeting Rooms
Gift Cards
Highlights and features
- We offer seasonal British cuisine crafted by a globally experienced Head Chef.
- Our coffee shop uses ethically sourced beans from Pact Coffee.
- We provide state-of-the-art meeting rooms for up to 16 people.
- Our loyalty membership rewards repeat customers with exclusive benefits.
- We donate 5% of gift card sales to local charities annually.
What people say
Exceptional service
Seasonal British cuisine
Vibrant coffee shop
Curated wine selection
Versatile meeting spaces
Services
Coffee Shop
Our coffee shop serves ethically sourced Pact Coffee, fresh bagels, salads, and pastries in a vibrant environment. Phill and our team cater to coffee catch-ups, lunch breaks, and hotdesking. Loyalty members enjoy exclusive rewards and privileges.
Restaurant
The restaurant offers seasonal British cuisine crafted by Head Chef Oli Sturt, featuring locally sourced ingredients. Menus include brunches, roasts, and fine dining options in a historic ballroom setting with exceptional service.
Wine Bar
Our Wine Bar showcases handpicked global wines curated by Sommelier Yana, paired with small plates and cocktails. Monthly wine tastings and private hire options create intimate experiences for groups.
Meeting Rooms
Three purpose-built meeting rooms (Robusta, Arabica, Liberica) accommodate 616 people with AV technology. Ideal for meetings, workshops, or private events in a stylish, central Hitchin location.
Gift Cards
ACI gift cards offer flexible gifting for dining, wine tastings, or events. Redeemable across multiple venues, with 5% of proceeds supporting local charities like Macmillan and Mind.
People
Riju Joy
General Manager
Formerly of The Ritz and Roka, Riju brings hospitality leadership to Hermitage Rd. His expertise in fine wines and customer service ensures exceptional guest experiences in Hitchin's vibrant venue.
Oli Sturt
Head Chef
Hitchin-born Oli Sturt leads our kitchen with global culinary experience. Committed to British suppliers, he creates innovative dishes that highlight local ingredients and mentor young chefs.
Phill
Coffee Shop Manager
Phill heads our coffee shop, serving Pact Coffee and bagels with enthusiasm. His welcoming approach makes the space ideal for coffee catch-ups, refuels, and productive hotdesking.
Yana
Sommelier
Yana curates our Wine Bar's global selection, offering expert pairings and monthly tastings. Her knowledge enhances private events and casual visits with carefully chosen wines and cocktails.
Questions
What are your opening hours?
Our restaurant opens Monday-Friday 12pm-9:30pm, Saturday 10am-10pm, and Sunday 10am-6:45pm. Coffee shop hours vary.
Do you offer private hire options?
Yes, our Wine Bar and three meeting rooms accommodate 6-16 guests. Exclusive hire packages start at £250.
Are gift cards available?
Yes, ACI gift cards are redeemable at multiple venues. 5% of proceeds support local charities.
What coffee do you serve?
We serve Pact Coffee, ethically sourced from global farmers, with a signature Fruit and Nut blend available.
Do you support local charities?
Yes, we donate 5% of gift card sales to local causes and host fundraising events annually.
