Courtroom Cafe

Museum + Gallery, St Peter's St, St Albans AL1 3DH, United Kingdom
$$$ Cafe
(99 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

If you're looking for a unique spot to enjoy a coffee break in St Albans, look no further than Courtroom Cafe. Nestled within the striking Museum + Gallery on St Peter's Street, this charming cafe occupies the historic setting of an old crown court, combining the nostalgia of a bygone era with contemporary convenience.

Stepping into Courtroom Cafe, you are greeted by an atmosphere that is both intriguing and welcoming. The original court seating has been meticulously preserved, allowing patrons to savor their beverages in a delightful mix of history and modern comfort. The natural acoustics within the space create a perfect backdrop for conversations, making it a wonderful spot for gatherings—ideal for everyone from casual meet-ups to quiet moments alone.

The cafe menu, though modest in its offerings, is carefully curated to ensure each sip and bite is enjoyable. Start your visit with one of their expertly crafted hot drinks; the Latte or Americano are perfect for warming up on a chilly day, paired beautifully with a selection of tempting pastries you might discover at the counter. For those seeking a little indulgence, the Indulgent Hot Chocolate topped with marshmallows and cream is a dreamy choice that evokes childhood memories.

For a bit of sparkle, opt for a glass of Prosecco Brut from their wines and beers selection, showcasing the fine taste that Courtroom Cafe embodies. Or, if you prefer a refreshing soft drink, their Sparkling Elderflower or Fentiman's Ginger Beer will surely hit the spot.

Customer experiences at Courtroom Cafe vividly highlight the café’s unique charm. As one patron noted, the combination of the café's historical ambiance and friendly staff makes it a delightful place to unwind. Beverly Kelly, a regular visitor, appreciates the acoustics that allow for easy conversation, making each visit a comfortable one. While some guests have commented on the limited food options and variable quality of certain cakes, the welcoming environment filled with polite and helpful staff consistently shines through all reviews.

While you may encounter a few hiccups, such as trays left on tables during busier times, the overall appeal of Courtroom Cafe lies in its distinctive setting and strong community vibe. It's not just a café; it's an experience that invites you to slow down and relish the moment amidst the rich tapestry of St Albans' history.

Whether you're in for a quick coffee or looking to linger over a leisurely afternoon treat, Courtroom Cafe promises a genuinely enjoyable experience. So why not take a break and let the charm of history envelop you while you enjoy a satisfying cup in this delightful gem of a café?

Service options
Outdoor seating
On-site services
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Quick bite
Wine
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Historic
Crowd
Groups
Tourists
Payments
Credit cards
NFC mobile payments
Children
Good for kids
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Tuesday

10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Wednesday

10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Thursday

10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Friday

10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Sunday

10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

99 Reviews
supha maneepun

18 Aug 2025

with the place it is a very interesting cafe. You can carry your food / coffee and sit down to eat / drink in the good atmosphere of the court room. BTW, the food options are limited. However, if you have time, you might want to try this atmosphere

beverly kelly

02 Aug 2025

Visit the cafe almost every week for coffee and pastry. Great atmosphere and acoustics, useful for those with hearing aids as it's never too loud for friendly conversation.

Ian Rance

29 Jul 2025

Lovely eating area, but bear in mind you need to your order from the counter to the cafe. Good value and tea is very good but the cakes are of variable quality.

Mas

02 Jun 2025

A nice location and a decent place to have a break. The cafe seating are located in the old crown court converted to a restaurant but all the original seating have been left untouched with some added extra furniture. The staffs are polite and helpful but the empty pots are not cleared and trays are left in the restaurants almost all afternoon one sunny Sunday afternoon end of October. Pity there’s no decaf coffee available. Very poor indeed.

Darren

31 May 2025

The café itself was really nice. However, the prices of food are quite expensive for what you get. I wouldn't recommend the Key Lime Cake as it didn't taste that good. The sandwich was good, and so was the coffee. Staff were very friendly and service was quick.

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