Our Story | Family-Run Vegetarian Café & Live Music Bar in Watford
A Plant-Based Passion Project in the Heart of Watford
At Cafe @ Market Street, we believe great food and good times should go hand in hand, without compromising your values. Nestled on bustling Market Street in the heart of Watford, our predominantly vegetarian and vegan cafe-bar — now with options for all — is more than just a place to eat and drink; it’s a space where community, creativity, and conscious living thrive.
Founded by husband-and-wife duo Divya and Sriram, we officially opened our doors on 8th March 2025. By day, we serve artisan coffee, nourishing plant-based meals, and fresh pastries. By night, we transform into a vibrant bar with craft beers, cocktails, and live music, creating a dual-purpose space that reflects the energy and spirit of Watford.
Triple Delight! SME Awards 2026 Finalists
We are absolutely thrilled and proud to share that Cafe @ Market Street is a finalist in three categories for the SME Hertfordshire Business Awards 2026!
- Best New Business of the Year
- Best Family Business of the Year
- Best Overall Hospitality & Leisure Business of the Year
A sincere thank you to all our wonderful customers for your ongoing support. We couldn’t have done it without you!
Our Beginnings: From Concept to Community
With backgrounds in AI and telecommunications, Divya and Sriram didn’t come from hospitality, but they did come with a vision. Living and working locally, they saw the gap in Watford for a truly inclusive cafe-bar rooted in plant-based values, where everyone (from vegans and vegetarians to flexitarians and meat-eaters) could feel at home.
They rebranded an existing space and poured in their evenings and weekends to bring the concept to life. Even today, they remain actively involved, welcoming customers in the mornings, curating events, and crafting a venue rooted in community.
From Happy Hour Thursdays to collaborations with the Watford Fringe Festival, every step we take is guided by a passion for bringing people together, whether over oat milk lattes or late-night live gigs.
What We Stand For
Plant-Focused Menu
Our menu is mostly vegetarian and vegan, with a few select meat options available – all prepared in separate areas to maintain safety and quality for all diets.
Sustainability Focus
We source consciously and aim to minimise waste, aligning with our commitment to a plant-based lifestyle.
Inclusive Culture
Whether you’re dropping in solo, with family, or a group of mates, our doors are open to all.
Community-Driven
We actively support local musicians, artists, and event hosts – this is your space too.
Meet the Team Behind the Scenes
We’re a small but mighty team of passionate individuals, driven by the desire to make a difference one coffee, cocktail, or community event at a time. On weekdays, we’re two staff strong; on weekends, we scale up to meet the buzz. Our team is warm, friendly, and here to ensure every visit is memorable.
Why We’re Different
Unlike other venues in town, Cafe @ Market Street is Watford’s only cafe-bar with a strong vegetarian and vegan focus. We’re not just a daytime cafe or a typical evening bar – we’re both, rolled into one distinctive experience:
- Bar by Night: Craft beers, cocktails, and a relaxed social scene in the evenings.
- Live Music Weekly: Fridays and Saturdays come alive with local performances, open mic nights, and pop-up events.
- Private Hire for All Occasions: Our basement venue is perfect for birthdays, meetups, or private celebrations, just minutes from Watford High Street.
In the Press
We’re proud to have caught the attention of the local media. Our journey has been spotlighted in the Watford Observer, helping introduce our mission to the wider Watford community:
- “Cafe @ Market Street launches in Watford town centre” (Feb 2025)
- “Cafe @ Market Street officially opens” (Mar 2025)
These features underline our unique role in Watford’s food and culture scene, bringing vegetarian dining and evening entertainment to a central, inclusive space.
Come Say Hello
Whether you’re planning a night out, looking for the perfect brunch spot, or seeking a cosy event venue in Watford, we’d love to welcome you in.
Address: Cafe@MarketSt, 2 Market Street, Watford, WD18 0PD
Follow us on Instagram: @CafeAtMarketStreet
Facebook: cafeatmarketstreet
