Order direct
Same food. Café prices.
None of the app fees.
Café 1 runs its own ordering, kitchen and delivery. Order here and you get counter pricing, loyalty points, live tracking and a receipt that supports the café instead of a delivery platform's commission.
What you get by ordering here
Counter prices, no app fees
The online menu mirrors the price on the counter board. No aggregator service fee, no inflated item pricing.
Loyalty that actually pays
Every direct order collects points towards money off. Third-party apps do not earn you anything with us.
Live tracking, our own drivers
Local deliveries are run by Café 1, so you watch the real driver on the map instead of guessing.
Order ahead to the minute
Choose ASAP or a time slot, and collect without queueing when your break is short.
Tabs and house accounts
Court staff, chambers and approved businesses can charge to a tab and settle on one weekly statement.
Pay how you like
Card, Apple Pay and Google Pay through SumUp, or pay at the counter where your order type allows it.
Direct vs delivery apps
An honest side-by-side of how ordering on this site compares with ordering the same food through a third-party marketplace.
| Café 1 direct | Delivery apps | |
|---|---|---|
| Menu price | Same as the counter | Often marked up |
| Service fee | None | Added per order |
| Loyalty points | Earned on every order | Not available |
| Live driver map | Yes, our own driver | Varies |
| Scheduled collection | Choose your slot | Limited |
| Tabs and weekly invoices | Supported | Not supported |
| Who gets the money | The café | Commission to the platform |
Ordering takes about a minute
Step 1
Browse the live menu
Real-time availability, allergen notes and photos.
Step 2
Pick how you want it
Dine in, collect or local delivery, ASAP or a set time.
Step 3
Pay in a tap
Card, Apple Pay or Google Pay — or charge it to your tab.
Step 4
Track to the door
Kitchen updates and live driver tracking until it lands.
Questions before you order
- Why order direct from Café 1 instead of a delivery app?
- Ordering on cafe1stalbans.co.uk uses our own kitchen system, so you pay café prices without third-party service or app fees, and every order supports the café directly rather than an aggregator's commission.
- Is ordering direct cheaper?
- Our online menu uses the same prices as the counter, and we do not add aggregator service fees. Any delivery charge is shown clearly at checkout before you pay.
- How do I pay when ordering direct?
- Checkout takes card payments through SumUp, including Apple Pay and Google Pay on supported devices. Court staff and approved house accounts can also charge to a tab and settle later.
- Can I track my delivery?
- Yes. Local deliveries within half a mile of the café include live driver tracking on your order page, plus status updates as the kitchen prepares and sends the order.
- Do I need to install an app?
- No. The website works in any browser, but you can install it to your home screen for one-tap ordering, saved baskets and order notifications.
Ready when you are.
Browse the live menu, choose dine in, collection or delivery, and pay in a tap.
Start your order