20 Mar 2025
The Hatch empire continues to grow with the much-awaited opening of their third venture.
Chris Evans and his team have taken over the café at Smallford Farm Shop, with a soft launch taking place yesterday (Wednesday).
The news that the popular eatery was moving into the space was officially announced by the St Albans Times three weeks ago, and anticipation has been building for its opening.
Owner Chris admitted they had not been planning to open another business so soon after Marmalade on Holywell Hill, but the opportunity was too good to miss.
“My wife Grace and I came into the café before Christmas and were talking about the potential, so when we heard the kitchen had closed six weeks later I emailed the farm shop the same day.”
Fortunately, the venue already had a very similar vibe to the existing Hatch business in Christopher Place, which meant after painting the walls and replacing the coffee cups and cutlery there was little else which needed changing.
What would have normally taken two and a half months was completed in just two and a half weeks.
“We want it to feel like Hatch, and we’re planning on being here for a long time,” said Chris.
He is hoping families will be attracted by the free parking and the temptations of the farm shop as well as the famous Hatch brunch menu.
Diner dishes like the smash burgers and ribs won’t be available in Smallford, but there are plans afoot to start baking as well as taking advantage of the kitchen’s pizza oven going forwards.
The synergy between Hatch and Smallford Farm Shop is already in full flow, with the café using their homegrown tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers in their dishes, as well as bringing across some of their existing suppliers to stock out the shop.
The Smallford Hatch is open now.
