Inside: Review of Craft & Cleaver Hitchin. Press invite.
As a mum of three, evenings out with just my husband are few and far between. Our home is usually a happy whirlwind of packed lunches, school runs, and gentle chaos – full of laughter and life.
That said, it’s not often we get the chance to just be us, without anyone asking for a snack or needing help with homework. So, when we were invited to Craft & Cleaver in Hitchin, we eagerly headed out for what turned out to be an absolutely perfect evening.
First Impressions and Atmosphere
Craft & Cleaver has two sites – one in Hitchin and another in St Albans. Both are set in charming towns, but Hitchin especially has that quaint, characterful vibe that makes you feel at ease straight away.
As soon as we stepped inside, we were struck by the warm, welcoming atmosphere. The lighting was just right – soft and golden – and the decor was rustic with an industrial twist. Think exposed brick, dark wood, and metal accents, balanced with comfortable seating and a layout that makes each table feel like its own little nook. It’s the sort of place where you immediately feel like you can settle in and stay for hours.
And then there was the shuffleboard. I’d never played before – in fact, I’d never even seen one in a restaurant – but it was such a fun addition. It gives the place a relaxed, playful touch that sets it apart from your typical dining spot. Even if you don’t play, just having it there adds to the energy of the space.
Warm Welcomes and Friendly Faces
From the moment we arrived, the staff were wonderful – genuinely friendly, not overly rehearsed or robotic. We were greeted with smiles, our server took the time to walk us through the menu and make thoughtful suggestions, and it was clear everyone there really cared about making people feel at home.
It’s not something you always notice unless it’s missing, but good service can really elevate a meal – and at Craft & Cleaver, it definitely did. Nothing was too much trouble, drinks arrived promptly, and the food came out at a comfortable, unrushed pace.
The Main Event: The Pitmaster Board
We decided to share the Pitmaster board, and honestly, I don’t even know where to begin because everything on it was immense. The board came laden with:
- Beef Brisket Burnt Ends
- Pulled Pork
- House-Recipe Pork Chilli & Cheese Sausage
- Baby Back Pork Ribs
- Smoked Chicken Thighs
And alongside all that glorious meat were:
- Smokehouse Fries
- Lime Slaw
- Maple Whiskey Pit Beans
- Mac & Cheese
- House Pickles and Sauces
The flavours were bold, smoky, and utterly moreish. The brisket, in particular, deserves its own round of applause – melt-in-the-mouth tender with that perfect hit of smokiness. I said at the time (and still mean it): I could have had an entire plate of just that and been completely content.
The pulled pork was juicy and rich, the sausage had just the right amount of spice, and the ribs fell clean off the bone. Even the smoked chicken – which can sometimes be a bit dry elsewhere – was incredibly moist and flavourful.
And the sides? They weren’t just filler. The mac & cheese was creamy, the beans were full of depth and just a bit of sweetness from the maple, and even the slaw was perfectly balanced – tangy and refreshing.
Dessert Dreams
Despite being very full, there was no way we were skipping dessert. I chose the Brownie & Hot Fudge Sundae, which was everything you’d want in a pudding – warm brownie, cold scoops of ice cream, lashings of hot fudge, butterscotch, whipped cream.
My husband went for the Lemon, White Chocolate & Blueberry Cheesecake, which was a completely different flavour profile – light, fruity, with just the right amount of richness. We both cleared our plates.
Cocktails and Craft Beers
To drink, I opted for the Southern Belle cocktail – a refreshing blend of Lone Wolf Bramble & Raspberry Gin, strawberry, Jubel Peach Lager, lemon, and syrup. It was light, not overly sweet, and beautifully balanced – the kind of cocktail you want to sip slowly because it’s just that good.
My husband went for one of their craft beers (he’s a bit of a beer enthusiast – brewing his own at home regularly), and was really impressed by the selection. It’s clearly a big focus of theirs, and it adds a lovely dimension to the experience, especially if you’re into discovering new brews.
Why We’ll Be Back
What stood out most to me – beyond the gorgeous food and drinks – was just how relaxed the whole evening felt. We didn’t feel rushed, the atmosphere was vibrant but not loud, and we both left feeling not just full, but properly recharged. It was one of those evenings that reminded us how important it is to make time for just the two of us – and what a difference a genuinely good meal can make.
Craft & Cleaver isn’t just a great restaurant; it’s a place that makes you feel welcome, looked after, and a little bit special.
Whether you’re heading there for date night, a meal with friends, or just a treat to yourself, I honestly couldn’t recommend it more. And next time? We might even bring the kids – though I suspect we’ll be back for another grown-up evening before that.