Essex


<p>Sure, your social media&#8217;s now filled with pics of them in their too-big uniform, with statements declaring how much you&#8217;ll miss them. But in reality many of us are doing an internal &#8216;whoop&#8217; – and there&#8217;s no shame in that. The summer holidays are hard. And expensive. And long. Oh, so long. So, it&#8217;s time to treat yourself – even if it&#8217;s just during your lunch hour. Here&#8217;s 8 Essex cafés to sit and enjoy good food and drink, be it with your bestie or that book you&#8217;ve not had the time to read yet. Go on. You deserve it.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bakehouse-chelmsford"><a href="https://www.bakehousecoffeeshop.co.uk">Bakehouse</a>, Chelmsford</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/1-1.jpg" alt="Bakehouse Chelmsford" class="wp-image-13865" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/1-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/1-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/1-1-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/1-1-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>First up on our Essex cafés go-to is Bakehouse, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, coffee and cake. Take your pick with their line-up of <a href="https://www.bakehousecoffeeshop.co.uk/coffeeshop/menu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sweet or savoury options</a>, from pastries and cakes to jacket potatoes, wraps and more. Need coffee to help ease you back in to the school run routine? You’ll love their signature BakeHouse Barista No.10 Beans blend, roasted locally.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-market-west-rochford"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/marketwestcoffee/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Market West</a>, Rochford</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/08/Untitled-design-12.jpg" alt="Market West Rochford" class="wp-image-18297" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/08/Untitled-design-12.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/08/Untitled-design-12-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/08/Untitled-design-12-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Our <a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/awards/winners/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Muddy Stilettos 2024 Essex Best Café</a> winner, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/marketwestcoffee/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Market West</a> is one to head for good food and drink done right. Not only do they do pastries to happily go up a dress size for (not kidding), but they also host a series of cool events, like wine tasting along with a delicious three course meal. Check out <a href="https://www.instagram.com/marketwestcoffee/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">their Insta</a> to find out more of what&#8217;s happening and when.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mrs-salisbury-s-maldon"><a href="https://mrssalisburys.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mrs Salisbury&#8217;s</a>, Maldon</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/2-2.jpg" alt="Mrs Salisbury's Maldon" class="wp-image-13866" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/2-2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/2-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/2-2-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/2-2-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This pretty <a href="https://mrssalisburys.co.uk/locations/maldon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pink gem of a tearoom</a> is bursting with charm and character, with seven individually-designed rooms and two outside spaces. Fancy cake and a cuppa in the bright downstairs bar? What about a cosy coffee in the drawing room, complete with roaring fire for colder days? We&#8217;re all about the circus room, with its circus memorabilia scattered across the walls.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-parlour-cafe-burnham-on-crouch"><a href="https://parlour-cafe.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Parlour Cafe</a>, Burnham on Crouch</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/3-1.jpg" alt="Parlour Cafe Burnham on Crouch" class="wp-image-13867" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/3-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/3-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/3-1-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/3-1-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Dog lovers take note: this pooch-friendly café&#8217;s a brilliant spot for brekkie or brunch. While you’re enjoying your smashed avocado on sourdough, your pup is equally catered for. <a href="https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:cb0c930d-8f98-34a5-8aaa-9024882f74e8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full of the best puns</a>, there&#8217;s an All Day Barkfest, Puppaccino, Barkuterie Board, Homemade Pupcake; you get the picture. There&#8217;s also plenty of options for kids and if you&#8217;re gluten-free.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-brentwood-kitchen-brentwood"><a href="https://brentwoodkitchen.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Brentwood Kitchen</a>, Brentwood</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/6.jpg" alt="The Brentwood Kitchen Brentwood" class="wp-image-13870" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/6.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/6-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/6-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/6-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>We&#8217;ve got to add this to our Essex cafés hit list, with its cool interior making it the place to see and be seen. Their <a href="https://brentwoodkitchen.co.uk/custom/BRUNCH-LUNCH-CLUB.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brunch Lunch Club</a> dishes also stand out from the crowd, giving you the choice to be a saint or sinner. Halo in check? Grab an acai bowl or protein breakfast with matcha tea. Devil out to play? Order the ultimate &#8216;dirty burger&#8217;, with a cocktail (or three), wine or fizz.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-squeeze-cafe-leigh-on-sea"><a href="https://www.thesqueezecafe.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Squeeze Café</a>, Leigh on Sea</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/8.jpg" alt="The Squeeze Café Leigh on Sea" class="wp-image-13872" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/8.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/8-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/8-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/8-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ThePhoenixBraintree" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Squeeze Café</a> is a popular haunt for locals-in-the-know. From the mosaic-clad bar and plant-strewn ceiling to the tanned leather bench seating, the interiors alone are enough to tempt you in. Then you try one of the smoothies, signature salad bowls and artisan coffee and you realise it’s not just all about looks. Plus, it serves up some great vegan and gluten-free dishes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-stores-great-waltham"><a href="https://www.thestores.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Stores</a>, Great Waltham</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/9.jpg" alt="The Stores Great Waltham" class="wp-image-13873" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/9.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/9-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/9-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/9-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.thestores.co.uk/menu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">This coffee shop</a> is handsome and historic on the outside and cool and contemporary on the inside. What’s on the menu? Hearty brunches and lunches, delicious homemade cakes and locally-roasted coffee. They also make takeaway pizzas to be proud of on Fridays between 5-8pm. Their pulled pork creation with jalapeños, red onion and mozzarella is a thing of beauty.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tiptree-tea-rooms-around-essex"><a href="https://www.tiptree.com/pages/contact" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tiptree Tea Rooms</a>, around Essex</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/10.jpg" alt="Tiptree Tea Rooms around Essex" class="wp-image-13874" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/10.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/10-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/10-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/10-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Also on our Essex cafés list is <a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/tiptree-tea-rooms-across-essex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tiptree Tea Rooms</a>, with locations across the county and Suffolk. They focus on traditional fare, with sandwiches, jacket potatoes, quiches, salads and cake to be devoured. They also serve a delicious afternoon tea with scones, strawberry preserve and Cornish clotted cream. And miniature patisserie treats, tea, coffee and Prosecco.</p>


Free at last! 8 Essex cafés for a child-free breather

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