A long-standing Hitchin café that has quietly served generations of customers is continuing to evolve with the town while holding on to the classic breakfasts that made it popular in the first place.

Hitchin Kitchen Café, located close to the railway station, has been operating on the site for around 40 to 50 years, making it one of the area's longest-running food spots.

The café has been run for the past 17 years by owner Okkes Ulgur, who manages the kitchen with the help of a small team of three staff.

A classic breakfast spot

At its heart, Hitchin Kitchen Café remains a traditional British breakfast café.

Much of its regular trade comes from local builders and tradespeople looking for a hearty start to the working day, with classic menu staples including full English breakfasts, bacon sandwiches and other fry-up favourites.

Before the pandemic the café was significantly busier, with a larger team and a packed dining area.

"We were much busier before Covid," said Okkes. "Back then we had six staff and the café's 40 seats were filled far more regularly."

Adapting as Hitchin changes

But as Hitchin's food culture has evolved, the café has also adapted its offering to appeal to a wider range of customers.

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Alongside the traditional breakfast options, the menu now includes smoothies, smashed avocado and eggs Benedict, bringing modern brunch favourites into the mix.

It reflects how Hitchin's dining scene has shifted in recent years, with cafés increasingly balancing classic comfort food with lighter, trend-led options.

A hidden gem near the station

Despite being just a short walk from Hitchin railway station, Okkes says the café surprisingly sees little commuter traffic, with most customers coming from the surrounding area rather than passing travellers.

For those who do want to pop in, there is an added convenience: free parking for up to two hours on neighbouring streets, making it easy to stop by for breakfast or brunch.

After nearly two decades under its current ownership – and more than four decades serving the town – Hitchin Kitchen Café remains something of a local hidden gem, quietly providing the kind of welcoming, no-nonsense café experience that has long been a staple of British high streets.

And with a menu that now spans from full English to smashed avocado, it seems the café is ready to keep serving Hitchin for many years to come.