I visited a cafe so good a Hollywood director built a replica to include in a superhero movie set, and can easily see why he loved it.

When I sat down at Fred & Ginger in Kings Langley High Street, I was far too hot and worn out from walking all around the village asking questions, so it’s a real testament to the location that I left feeling so contented.

If you are not sure why you recognise the name without having visited, it might be because Zack Snyder was apparently a regular visitor while filming at Warner Bros Studios Leavesden.

When a row of shops was built for the Justice League set, he included a pretty major nod to it which can be seen in the longer 'Snyder Cut' version of the film.

Far beyond the silver screen appeal, it is the perfect stop to get away from it all for a little while whether that is a workday lunch or a stop on a day out.

Feeling as I did, I ate outside to enjoy the much-needed meal on the somewhat windy wide pavement, but the interior also looked tempting with a sparse design including charming wood fixtures and fitting.

There were a range of cakes, tarts, brownies, coffees, teas, artisan sandwiches to have cold or toasted, and salads on offer. All of the food is apparently prepared from fresh ingredients by the chefs each day and the menu regularly changes throughout the year.

Each part of the meal hit the spot.Each part of the meal hit the spot. (Image: Newsquest) I ordered a flat white with oat milk, a mix of two salads, and a slice of pecan and banana bread.

The warm and friendly staff brought the coffee out first and it hit the spot right away. It was not an overwhelming flavour but perfect to be enjoyed alongside some grub.

Oat milk flat white.Oat milk flat white. (Image: Newsquest) Speaking of - that won me over right away. I ordered the potato-based salad mixed with a butternut squash-based option and was amazed by the rich flavour of the sauces, which packed a real punch. Because of how many different ingredients made up the combined dish, each forkful brought a new delight.

The comparison that best describes the salads is to when you have a truly show-stopping meal for a big event and think nothing could be tastier, but then at lunchtime the following day they bring out all the leftover veggies and sauce and its somehow even better.

Banana and pecan loaf.Banana and pecan loaf. (Image: Newsquest)

Speaking to residents nearby, several mentioned how many people enjoy spending time catching up with friends at Fred & Ginger and it is easy to see why.

The atmosphere seems perfect for it and the food is much more substantial than chain café fare where it sometimes feels they want you in and out as quickly as possible.

It is a big thumbs up from me in every aspect.

Fred & Ginger Coffee.Fred & Ginger Coffee. (Image: Newsquest)