Quick info
About Orange Tree
Orange Tree is a pub on Stevenage Rd in Hitchin, run as a McMullen house since 1902 and rebuilt in 1976. Its garden sits close to the town centre, so the pub has green space within reach of the shops and streets. Drinks are ordered at the bar, where the range runs from locally brewed beers to world lagers and hand-selected wines. The kitchen serves British pub dishes in large portions, including a chicken burger with waffle fries, and a gluten-free burger is on the menu for those who need one. Starters and a sharing platter called the "nibbly bits" suit a table of several people. The pub opens daily. Desserts include a Biscoff cheesecake and mini desserts.
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention burgers, skin-on fries, sirloin steak and starters.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention burgers, skin-on fries, sirloin steak and starters.
Customer Review Summary
Burgers are what reviewers return to most, including a gluten free version that one diner says arrived quickly alongside the standard one, and a chicken burger with waffle fries. Close behind are the starters and sides, with nachos, a nibbly bits platter and skin on fries all praised, plus a Biscoff cheesecake and mini desserts. One diner calls the burgers huge, and another says both sirloin steaks came beautifully cooked medium rare. Service draws repeated warmth, with reviewers describing friendly, welcoming staff and drinks and food arriving fast. A few reviewers call the pub dark and cozy, with warm lighting. The main complaints are narrow. One reviewer found a steak baguette to be just a steak roll and wanted onions or mushrooms. Another describes being told on arrival for a booked table that orders had to go in within five minutes because the kitchen was closing, then found the main courses subpar, with only the starters somewhat enjoyable. One guest who arrived well past 2pm was relieved the kitchen was still serving, and stayed on for a large black coffee.
Customer Review Summary
Burgers are what reviewers return to most, including a gluten free version that one diner says arrived quickly alongside the standard one, and a chicken burger with waffle fries. Close behind are the starters and sides, with nachos, a nibbly bits platter and skin on fries all praised, plus a Biscoff cheesecake and mini desserts. One diner calls the burgers huge, and another says both sirloin steaks came beautifully cooked medium rare. Service draws repeated warmth, with reviewers describing friendly, welcoming staff and drinks and food arriving fast. A few reviewers call the pub dark and cozy, with warm lighting. The main complaints are narrow. One reviewer found a steak baguette to be just a steak roll and wanted onions or mushrooms. Another describes being told on arrival for a booked table that orders had to go in within five minutes because the kitchen was closing, then found the main courses subpar, with only the starters somewhat enjoyable. One guest who arrived well past 2pm was relieved the kitchen was still serving, and stayed on for a large black coffee.
Featured reviews
- Kathy Green
“Went there for lunch with my son , lovely pub with a nice atmosphere. Staff were friendly and welcoming. My only complaint was I had the steak baguette with horseradish sauce and mustard and skin on fries , steak was cooked to perfection and was lovely but it was just a steak roll i feel that maybe some onions or mushrooms would have made a big difference .”
- Carol Henson
“Flight landed at Heathrow at 11am, so by the time I'd queued on the M25 car park and headed up the A1, we were both hungry and I really didn't feel like cooking. No idea what was available in Hitchin, just turned off the motorway and the Orange Tree was the first place I saw. It didn't look frightening, so I pulled in - by this time it was well gone 2pm and I was worried they might've stopped serving. Luckily for us, they hadn't, so we both ordered sirloin steak, chips and salad. Both steaks were beautifully cooked medium rare, the chips were good and the salad tasty. The staff were also very friendly and helpful. The large cup of black coffee was very much needed! Good coffee, too. We'll be back when we're not so tired!”
- Janet Lewis
“My husband and I are staying with our daughter and family, in Hitchin. We are from Plymouth and I just like to say we were very impressed with all the staff, so friendly, polite and welcoming. The food was beautiful, well prepared and tasty. Would recommend. Thank you, from The Family.xx”
- John Holtom
“Had a meal for 4 today well why can I say Starters amazing Had na his and a sharing plater well that would have done me but all was fresh all was hot and all taste delicious Mains Every bit of every meal was fresh hot well presented and taste lovely. This was our first ever visit and I can honestly say that it was one of the best pub meals we have had. We will defiantly be back. Service five star Chef and kitchen staff 5 stars Many thanks for south a lovely day experience”
- Elena Ng
“We had burger normal and gluten free. They are both come quick and taste good. Good options for gluten free menu and reasonable price. Def come back.”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Good to know
“A McMullen pub since 1902, The Orange Tree was rebuilt in 1976 and made beautiful in 2018. Hitchin’s secret garden and sun trap is just a stone’s throw from the bustling town centre, and a hub of the local community. Expect locally brewed beers, world lagers, hand selected wines and a delicious menu celebrating the best of the British pub.”
- AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible car park · Wheelchair-accessible entrance · Wheelchair-accessible seating
Amenities
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
Show more amenities
- Accessibility· 3
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Location
Bars near Orange Tree
- The Angel Vaults Inn4.02,1020.6 miWheelchair accessible
cider festival, fish and chips, beer garden
- Kite at The Red Hart4.66450.7 miWheelchair accessible
wedding venue, stretch tent parties, private birthday events
- The Hermit of Redcoats4.46111.7 miWheelchair accessible
sunday roast, dog friendly, sticky toffee pudding
| Place | Rating | Distance | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orange Tree | 4.41,305 | — | burgers, skin-on fries, sirloin steak |
| The Angel Vaults InnWheelchair accessible | 4.02,102 | 0.6 mi | cider festival, fish and chips, beer garden |
| Kite at The Red HartWheelchair accessible | 4.6645 | 0.7 mi | wedding venue, stretch tent parties, private birthday events |
| The Hermit of RedcoatsWheelchair accessible | 4.4611 | 1.7 mi | sunday roast, dog friendly, sticky toffee pudding |
The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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