root hythe

53 High St, Hythe CT21 5AD, United Kingdom
+44 7450 710377
$$$ Cafe
(66 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

root hythe is a compact, plant-filled cafe tucked into the heart of Hythe’s High Street, creating a cozy spot that feels part greenhouse, part neighbourhood kitchen. The space is small but thoughtfully arranged, making it a quiet retreat for those wanting to catch up over good coffee or enjoy a leisurely breakfast without the usual bustle.

This cafe stands out for its focus on vegetarian and vegan offerings, catering well to those who appreciate creative, meat-free meals. The menu mentions intriguing options like a vegan bacon sandwich with pea purée alongside more familiar breakfast staples like scrambled eggs and quiche, which suggests an approachable yet inventive approach to classic dishes. Alongside food, the coffee is solidly reliable — from flat whites to mochas and iced lattes — serving the daily needs of both early risers and midday visitors.

root hythe tends to draw a diverse crowd. Locals looking for a calm midweek breakfast or a casual spot to work or chat with friends fit right in, as do vegans and vegetarians appreciating a welcoming menu with fresh, flavorful choices. The atmosphere is relaxed, with staff checking in subtly to ensure everything meets expectations, which hints at attentive, personal service without feeling intrusive.

Mid-mornings and early afternoons on weekdays seem like the best time to drop by, especially since the cafe closes on Sundays, limiting weekend options. Its location on High Street makes it convenient for those combining a coffee break with local errands or a stroll through Hythe. The leafy window frontage adds a touch of calm greenery to a busy street, subtly defining the cafe as a spot to pause and refresh within the town’s rhythm.

Many visitors find themselves trying the carrot cake and lemon elderflower cake, portions that satisfy without overwhelming, fitting well with the light and airy nature of the place. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just café-curious, root hythe offers a straightforward, friendly setting where good food and well-crafted drinks are the main takeaway.

Highlights
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
What they serve
Serves coffee
Has free water refills
Serves healthy options
Serves organic dishes
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Best for
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

9:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Thursday

9:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Friday

9:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Saturday

9:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

66 Reviews
Stuart Welby

25 Dec 2025

We really enjoyed the vegan options. We all had something different and it was all great. Hot, tasty and very delicious Prompt service and contact during the meal to see if everything was ok. Must visit if you are Vegan

Tom Fuller

24 Dec 2025

Amazing experience amazing food just great people making great food in a great place. Even if not a vege or vegan it’s AWESOME. if you are vege/vegan it’s heaven.

Sebastien Cadinot

03 Dec 2025

Possibly the best carrot cake in Kent! And great lemon and elderflower cake too. And amazing portion. Lovely small caf.

Oliver Douglas

06 Nov 2025

Fantastic little independent cafe. Always wonderful to have a dedicated veggie menu and there’s plenty of creativity and love on show here. Went for breakfast and would definitely recommend.

Debbie Convery

01 Nov 2025

What a cute little veggie/vegan cafe, very compact and bijou. The frontage is like a green house of enclosed windows full of massive plants. We were a party of 3 adults and 1 dog. We had been wanting to visit for a while, but as they are closed on a Sunday, we had to wait until we had a weekday free to go. When we got there, they had just finished serving breakfast, and had to wait a little while for lunch to begin. But, by the time we'd sat down, looked through the menu, and ordered coffee we didn't have to wait long. I don't normally go for sandwiches, when eating out, but I was super excited to see they had "facon" on the menu, so I couldn't resist a BLT... It did not disappoint. Can't wait to go again.

H

12 Oct 2025

The best cafe in Hythe in my opinion! I came here for lunch one day and it was so good I went back the next day for breakfast. Food was fully approved of by vegans and omnivores! We tried the bhaji kebabs which was a really generous portion of flatbread, houmous, salad, bhajis and sauces. We also tried the vegan baycon sandwich (with pea puree) and scrambled eggs (with pea puree). For drinks we had the strawberry fizz and berry smoothies. Every meal was good value, well seasoned and delicious, and definitely filling. Staff are very friendly and eager to please If I visit Hythe again I'll definitely be back.

Patrick Pierce

07 Oct 2025

Visited here on Friday when I was staying with family who are regulars here. I’m not a vegetarian or vegan myself (absolutely the total opposite) but I still had to take time to choose between three dishes I shortlisted and the goats cheese and onion tart was absolutely Lekker, so much so that next time I’m up in the Folkestone area I’d be tempted to order it again other than try something else. The drinks were outstanding too, the fresh strawberry cooler off the daily specials especially. Staff were absolutely brilliant too.

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