Hitchin Town Hall

You wouldn't expect to find yourself sipping G&Ts where councillors once debated parking permits, but here you are in one of Hitchin's more unusual drinking spots. The grand Victorian architecture does most of the heavy lifting atmosphere-wise – those high ceilings and period features make even a Tuesday afternoon pint feel rather ceremonial. The bar setup is fairly straightforward, though the novelty of drinking in actual civic chambers never quite wears off. Staff know their way around a proper coffee during the day, and the evening drinks selection covers the basics well enough. It's the sort of place that works brilliantly for a pre-theatre drink or when you want to impress visiting relatives with Hitchin's more dignified side.