Cafe In The Library

Watford Central Library, Hempstead Rd, Watford WD17 3EU, United Kingdom
$$$ Cafe
(44 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Nestled within the inviting locale of Watford Central Library, Cafe In The Library is more than just a place to grab a coffee—it's a heartwarming initiative where community spirit flourishes. Operated by Mencap, the café not only serves exceptional coffee and delectable treats but also plays a vital role in helping individuals with learning disabilities acquire valuable skills in catering and customer service.

As you step into the café, you are greeted by a serene atmosphere that mirrors the library's quiet charm. Customers rave about the calming environment that makes it the perfect spot to unwind with a good book or simply enjoy a moment of solitude with exceptional fare. "A quiet place to browse a book before deciding whether to take it home," as Andrew Gale aptly described, encapsulates the café's unique advantage of merging literary leisure with culinary delights.

The menu features a delightful array of choices including rich coffees, handcrafted teas, and scrumptious cakes. A standout recommendation is the masala chai latte, which has been praised for its flavorful depth and warmth—an ideal companion for a chilly day. For those seeking something lighter, a selection of fresh sandwiches and light meals are available at remarkably reasonable prices, making indulging in a treat guilt-free.

Customer experiences reflect the café's commitment to excellence. Jeff shares, "Very quiet, great food, great drinks, served by friendly staff," highlighting the attentive service that accompanies every meal. Len Baines found himself captivated by the café's vibrant atmosphere and vast selection of cakes and sandwiches, mentioning that "even without a loyalty card you'll be in pocket by coming here." Indeed, this is a place where quality meets kindness, with staff who wear their smiles like a badge of honor. Black Baby appreciates the "polite and always smiling staff," which truly enhances the café experience.

While Alicia Walker notes the need for a cozier ambiance, the current setup provides a functional space for those who wish to read or work on their laptops. There’s a uniqueness in its dual purpose: allowing patrons to savor their chosen drink while engaging in the hustle and bustle of library life.

In a world where many cafés come and go, Cafe In The Library stands out as a community treasure. A visit here not only satisfies your taste buds but also supports an empowering cause. Whether you’re popping in for a quick coffee during your library visit or planning to make it your regular spot, you’re sure to leave with more than just a satisfied palate—you’ll walk away with a sense of belonging and connection to a remarkable community effort.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
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
Good for working on laptop
Offerings
Serves coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dessert
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Good for groups
Planning
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

9:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Wednesday

9:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Thursday

9:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Friday

9:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

44 Reviews
Jeff

02 Sep 2025

Very quiet, great food, great drinks, served by friendly staff .

Lauraine Reynolds

17 Aug 2025

Run by Mencap, this little café offers training to people with learning disabilities. Conveniently situated in the library, it provides good coffee, teas & cakes. You can also get a selection of sandwiches & light meals. Very reasonable prices too.

Andrew Gale

16 Aug 2025

Atmosphere it's in a library what do you think? A quiet place to browse a book before deciding whether to take it home. Food and service are great. It is a charity cafe run by Watford Mencap.

Matt Roberts

16 Jul 2025

Lovely, kind customer service and very tasty masala chai latte

Len Baines

17 Jun 2025

What an excellent find in Watford. Great café with a happy and peaceful atmosphere. Large selection of cakes and sandwiches at prices which are far cheaper than other cafés in town. Even without a loyalty card you'll be in pocket by coming here. It's going to be my regular watering hole from now on.

Black Baby

05 Jun 2025

Excellent place for a cup of coffee while in library . Very polite and always smiling staff. Adequate place for laptops etc

Alicia Walker

03 Jun 2025

Cafe run by charity Mencap - fantastic initiative to give people with learning disabilities the chance to learn skills in catering, customer services and hospitality. I have never eaten there but just had a quick coffee / kids snacks - it doesn't feel that warm and cosy to me, so I've never been tempted to linger too long. My suggestion would be to remove the PCs and introduce some sofas and perhaps some toys or games. Not sure how feasible that would be!

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