Hartford’s food and drink scene is easy-going and varied, shaped by local favourites and nearby spots worth the short journey. From relaxed cafés and deli lunches to pub dinners and flavours that travel further afield, it’s a place where eating out fits comfortably around your day.
Here are some pubs and restaurants to try while you’re visiting Hartford.
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Hartford’s food scene suits the way people often use the village: a quick coffee stop, an easy lunch, or a relaxed dinner close to home. You’ll find modern small plates, classic pub favourites, and deli-style food you can eat in or take away.
For an all-rounder that works from brunch through to dinner, The Hart of Hartford is a standout. By day, it’s strong on breakfast and brunch plates, from a full cooked breakfast to smashed avocado on toast, eggs Benedict, and mushrooms on toast with za’atar and truffle oil.
Later on, the menu shifts into sharers and small plates with plenty of character. Enjoy roasted garlic, jalapeño, and thyme hummus with focaccia, Korean fried chicken with gochujang BBQ and honey sriracha, and crispy chilli beef. It’s a good pick for couples or friends who like ordering a few dishes and taking their time.
For a pub in Hartford with a broader menu, The Coachman makes an easy choice. You can keep it classic with fish and chips or steak and ale pie, or lean into its more exotic offerings with starters like chicken or vegetable gyoza.
There are burgers too, including a vegan option, plus sides that suit sharing if you’re hungry after a day out. It’s your best choice if you’re in a group with a mix of palettes, as the menu has something everyone can enjoy.
For a quick daytime bite and something to take home, The Stores Delicatessen is a great local stop. It’s built around speciality coffee and a well-stocked deli counter. Here, you’ll find freshly prepared food such as homemade focaccia, ciabatta, baguettes, and toasties, plus seasonal salads and soups.
Drop in with your walking shoes, pick up lunch, and leave with a bag of treats for later. Whether it's cheese, charcuterie, wine, or craft beers, you’ll find everything you need for a picnic or a low-key lunch to take back with you.
If your day starts with coffee, PRESS Hartford brings a more café-led vibe, with speciality drinks, artisan bakes, and homemade food. It’s a good one for a slow morning, a mid-walk warm-up, or a quick stop before heading to Hartford Station.
Menus change seasonally, with toasties and soups often featuring alongside sweet bakes, plus drinks that go beyond the basics. It offers a friendly and local feel, making it a natural choice for solo travellers who want a quiet corner, or for pairs catching up without needing a sit-down meal.
For a more traditional pub setting, Hartford Hall sits right in the village in a historic, Grade II listed building. Food leans into familiar pub favourites made with seasonal produce - perfect if you want something comforting and straightforward at the end of the day.
It’s family-friendly, and it also works well as a casual evening stop for a drink, with a broad drinks list that includes cask ales, lagers, and cocktails. If you want an easy, familiar pub atmosphere where you can settle in for an hour or two, this fits the bill.