Brew and Cru

69, Tollgate House, 71 High St, Harpenden AL5 2SL, United Kingdom
+44 1582 460113
$$$ Cafe , Coffee shop
(57 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

If you find yourself wandering through the quaint streets of Harpenden, there’s a spot that promises not just a break but an experience—Brew and Cru. Tucked away at 69 Tollgate House, 71 High St, this delightful café is a haven for coffee lovers, food enthusiasts, and anyone in need of a cozy retreat.

The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by a radiant atmosphere brimming with friendly chatter and the intoxicating aroma of freshly brewed coffee. The eclectic decor and warm lighting create a welcoming ambiance that invites you to settle in and take a moment for yourself. It’s no wonder that patrons rave about its buzz—like Karen Hamilton Brooke who described it as a "fantastic find" with a warm and friendly environment supported by an outstanding female barista.

Brew and Cru doesn’t just serve beverages; it’s a culinary journey with a menu that emphasizes quality and freshness. Try their Honey Mustard Chicken or Bacon & Avocado Sandwich for a savory delight, or indulge in the Vegan Roasted Vegetables with Hummus and Avocado sandwich if you’re in the mood for something plant-based. Each dish is crafted with precision, ensuring that every bite bursts with flavor.

Don’t miss out on their pastries either—whether it’s the flakey Pain Au Chocolat or the delightfully sweet Pain Aux Raisins, each treat is a testament to the café’s commitment to quality. Customers like Sophie Weller have praised the colossal lunch plates, declaring them "absolutely enormous" and "fresh and delicious", highlighting that a trip here assures you won’t leave hungry!

Moreover, Brew and Cru is not just a café; it's a community hub where comfort food meets a friendly vibe. The outdoor seating adds to its charm, especially on a warm day—perfect for enjoying a drink like the Matcha Iced Coconut alongside an impressive selection of lunchtime options. Guests such as Rebecca Stevens appreciate the dog-friendly nature of the café, making it an ideal spot for pet lovers to enjoy a meal without leaving their furry friends behind.

With a commitment to excellence that does not go unnoticed—from the cozy environment to the dedicated service—Brew and Cru is more than just a stop on your journey through Harpenden; it’s a highlight. Like Rodney Mas mentioned in his glowing review, the "excellent customer service" and the inviting cleanliness of the place make it a must-visit. So, whether you’re seeking a quick coffee fix, a satisfying lunch, or a leisurely afternoon with a delectable pastry in hand, Brew and Cru is poised to become a beloved part of your local culinary explorations.

For those seeking a taste of community spirit paired with exceptional food and drink, give Brew and Cru a try. You might just find yourself returning again and again.

Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has gender-neutral toilets
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Good for groups
Planning
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Plenty of parking
Pets
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed inside
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours

Monday

7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Tuesday

7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Wednesday

7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Thursday

7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Friday

7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Saturday

7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Sunday

8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

57 Reviews
Karen Hamilton Brooke

21 Aug 2025

What a fantastic find...amazing female barrista who was outstanding. Buzzy, busy and wonderfully friendly atmosphere. Food looked amazing, if it matches the high quality coffee and fresh juice (just add ice) then you're onto a winner!

Sophie Weller

08 Aug 2025

Had the mediterran and veggie lunch plates, at £12 each. They were absolutely enormous, fresh and delicious. Took about 10-15 mins to come even on a busy lunchtime. Drinks of matcha iced coconut and honey and tea in a proper sized teapot also great. Nice shady outside seating area to the front great for a warm day. Staff were very welcoming.

Rodney Mas

02 Aug 2025

Brilliant cafe, excellent customer service, the food was cooked to my liking and it's very clean. I will definitely be back to try more food.

Pam Miller

31 Jul 2025

A fab family run cafe. I would happily come here every weekend for breakfast, brunch or lunch. Always greati

L P

20 Jun 2025

Excellent coffee! I had an almond croissant that was a bit chewy, but there were so many other options that it made me wonder if I simply made the wrong choice. Nevertheless, I feel the overall quality of the pastries on offer could be improved based on this experience.

Rebecca Stevens

16 Jun 2025

Lovely little cafe. Warm atmosphere amd food and drink brought directly to the table. Had a bacon roll (so mucvh bacon it was falling out the roll!) and a Hot chocolate. Was able to sit inside with my little pooch as well so nice and dog friendly

Marcus Borg

11 Jun 2025

Nice cafe at the beginning of the main strip, so not overcrowded. Enjoyed the salt-beef closed sandwich

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