Hertfordshire has a surprise café where planes take off and land right by your table

Entertainment for the kids has landed (Picture: @aerodromecafe_elstree)

Aviation enthusiasts young and old, we’ve got your weekend plans sorted.

A little-known Hertfordshire airport has a showstopping café right by the runway, meaning you can watch planes and helicopters to your heart’s content as you sip coffee or enjoy a glass of fizz.

The Aerodrome Cafe is located within the grounds of Elstree Aerodrome, Borehamwood, with the site dating back to World War II when a concrete runway was erected to assist with the war effort.

Today, the café opens from 9am to 4pm seven days a week, serving everything from breakfast and cake to burgers and booze.

Run by Michelin-trained chef Jean-Luc Sainlo and his wife, Colleen, there’s also an all-day kids’ menu, with prices starting at £8 for dishes like mac ‘n’ cheese or fish fingers, chips and beans.

Caffeine with a view (Picture: @aerodromecafe_elstree)

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With tables inside and out, customers at the café get front-row seats to the comings and goings of the airport.

You’re unlikely to spot big jets as the site is primarily used by smaller carriers for general aviation, flight training and helicopter charters. Plane owners can also book slots for maintenance and refuelling services.

If you get lucky, you might spot a VIP. Thanks to its proximity to Elstree Studios, the airport has been used as a staging backdrop for films including the Mission: Impossible franchise and James Bond: Spectre.

They even serve a roast with a bottle of red (Picture: @aerodromecafe_elstree)

As well as your usual café fare, Jean-Luc cooks freshly made pizzas from the pizza oven, plus a roast dinner every Sunday. Afternoon tea is also available if you book in advance.

The cherry on the cake? Free parking and makes this an affordable day out from the get-go, with no tickets required either.

The family behind the popular Instagram and TikTok @OutAndAboutFamilyUK recently shared their experience of the café, saying they ‘couldn’t believe’ it was ‘such an easy little outing’.

‘We saw flights take off and land about every 10-15 minutes,’ they added in the comments. ‘And it’s really family-friendly.’

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYZJ4_MNTcg/?igsh=MmRpNWtvOHB4cDNo

On Tripadvisor, reviews are more mixed, with some complaining about delays for food on busy days. However, with such great views, there’s plenty to keep you entertained while you wait.

‘The café overlooks the airfield, so expect plane noises!’ one reviewer, Vanessa A, said.

‘I’ve seen adults and children alike be delighted watching the planes and helicopters after meals. There is always space to park. A few yards down the road is Aldenham Country Park, so once you’ve eaten and enjoyed the planes you can head over there if you prefer a more woodsy atmosphere.’

There’s shelter and indoor seating if needed (Picture: @aerodromecafe_elstree)

Another happy customer, Emily A, added: ‘I had my plane-loving little boy’s birthday brunch here and it was fantastic. Great food, very easy to organise and we all had such a lovely time. Very much recommend!’

The unsuspecting Hertfordshire town named top destination for a UK summer holiday

It’s all happening in Herts, apparently. The sleepy suburb of Bishop’s Stortford has just been crowned the top spot for a UK holiday. Yes, you did read that correctly.

According to research by Expedia, domestic holidays are becoming increasingly popular, with an overall search increase of 77% over the last year, while humble Bishop’s Stortford has seen interest surge by a whopping 90%.

So, what’s driving interest in Bishop’s Stortford specifically? Its proximity to the countryside and its status as a historical market town, for starters.

So if you’re on the lookout for more fun things to do in Hertfordshire, read on.

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