BIRDWOOD BAKERY in Southend-on-Sea

Very poor service from the senior server, but the younger girl was very nice, think the senior server needs to go to charm school.

Great coffee but appalling disinterested staff. Dared to ask for a menu and was told “yes when I’m ready”…. Really??? She was wiping the table next to us and the menus right behind her!! Other waitress was totally indifferent…. A shame as we won’t be going back. There used to be an adorable bubbly blonde waitress who always made you welcome. These 2 are clearly in the wrong job I’m afraid. Not sure this establishment will last much longer is it continues.

Average because. Coffee great, patisserie very good.totally let down by young staff member with attitude.and it has happened to me twice there.I am not one for posting negative reviews to often but felt I needed to post this as it’s such a shame as it’s basically a go to place. Let down by a young disinterested waitress.

Hot chocolate arrived cold- still had lumps of powder in it. Salad was soggy. Overall a very grubby restaurant and over priced. Don’t expect this to be an escape from the cold either, they didn’t have the heating on and no atmosphere either.

Appalling- left a message for the owner to call, never did! Eggs not cooked, order taekn but never delivered to the table. Staff too busy talking instead of dealing properly with customers. The other order Granola- completely devoid of fruit. Unsatisfactory, be wise to avoid

Good menu, good location. Could be really good but it isn’t. Food was very average. Staff & atmosphere very flat. Found out 10 minutes after we had ordered that two of the three dishes ordered were unavailable so we needed to pick something else. Subsequently ordered a flat bread and it was served as a ciabatta sandwich which was not what we were expecting. The toilets were very dirty. Grimy built up dirt on the floor, sinks, doors & stairway up to the toilets. Can tell from the type and level of dirt that this had not been cleaned for a very long time. Spotted the highchairs stacked up amongst the large outdoor bins which isn’t very hygienic for something a young child would be sitting in. Overall a lacklustre lunch followed by an unsettling discovery as to the lack of cleanliness of the restaurant. Won’t be rushing back.

Just got a cuppachino from here. It’s boiling hot ( burnt coffee) no froth and just so wrong. Teach your staff to be consistent in making their coffees. It’s different every time and for £3.40. It’s not on really.

Very disappointed with lunch here .Chicken Caesar salad very disappointing, chicken pieces were coated in some kind of breadcrumbs and over cooked . Cafe wasn’t very busy staff were busy communicating with the outside world .

Staff are great they even remember your name and what drinks you prefer, if you go they enough times it has been great meeting young people and getting to know what they are doing for their future as they work there to get experience,

Just had three scrambled eggs with toast and side of tiny quarter of a smashed avocado and got charged 17 quid. Husband ordered poached egg and pomes frites and it was a joke I honestly thought it was a joke at how small the portion was and got charged 10 pounds for it. Horrible service as I pointed out to waitress and she could care less. I could have had better meal and left full anywhere else but paid 30 quid and still hungry. They are taking the piss out of people. Not cool.

DO NOT EAT HERE, horrendous experience in terms of service and the quality of food. We had to wait over an hour for a birdwood Breakfast with no warning that it would be this long, we asked to cancel the order and was told it was coming now another 15 min later it arrives with half the things missing that was listed on the menu and swimming in fat. No one knew what was going on and granted it was New Year’s Day but don’t open if you can’t serve what you list on a menu. Coffee was burnt and cold when it arrived. Not once did anyone apologise or offer to take money of the bill that we had to pay on ordering! Absolutely horrendous and my whole family have been unwell since leaving there, my poor 5yr old hasn’t stopped being sick after eating the sausages. They have no website or email to contact a manager to lodge a formal complaint, I would like a full refund and food hygiene authority should inspect the premises before serving food again!!!! DONT GO HERE!

Great coffee and friendly staff...we got chatting about what biscuits go best with a brew and they busted out the chocolate hobnobs and served some up on a plate for us. Can't ask for more than that. Thanks guys.

Dined here with a mate and had a chilled time, picking a handful of tapas dishes washed down with a couple of bottles of red wine. This place has a nice vibe, the staff are friendly and the food and drink are reasonably priced. The interior has apparently recently been refurbed during lockdown (I am not local) but looks very cool! Definitely recommend and would revisit during my next visit. My friend really rated their brunch options too.

Food was o.k. but customer service was terrible, had to wait 20mins. for coffees, over an hour for meals, then one plate of chips missing which after waiting another thirty minutes we canceled. Was charged for but was deducted after I mentioned this.

Been several times now, the food is excellent I really do rate it 5/5, but we notice tables never very clean and don't seem to get cleaned after people leave, but its the lack lustre service by a couple of servers in there who come across as they would rather be somewhere else so don't expect a polite service with a smile from outgoing easy to talk to service staff, these 2 points let it down, but mostly the dull service,, so not going to be returning soon even if I do rate the food that highly, and yes it is great food, well presented and tasteful, tip, try the meatballs, fab.

After walking through leigh on sea high street came across this place , looked decent and was quite busy . After looking menus decided on tapas which was delicious especially the teriyaki pork belly . Definitely go again

This isn’t easy to write as on the whole we had a fab time, two adults and a toddler went for early dinner. The general vibe is fabulous and I love the place having been for coffee and cake etc previously. I used their highchair...

We went to leigh to mooch around the old book and antique shops , stop at the Birdwood for lunch , excellent food really lovely staff couldn't be more polite and helpful.

Today I went to buy drinks and food from Birdwood. There were 2 younger people in front. They were asked to step away from the counter to wait for their drinks. I was asked to wait outside for my drinks. Another person also younger than...

Recently refurbished and great menu. Customer service lacking. Visited at quiet time but slow to take order and not accommodating to small children.

Same warm welcome as before but the setting and lighting is so special now, especially in the evening - this is a great place to go around Chalkwell for an evening wine or beer, or lunch with friends (vegan or not). Thanks for the good...

OK, this wasn’t the first time I’ve been to the Birdwood - and it certainly won’t be the last! The place is excellent with a menu that caters for all. I visited last with a carnivore, a pescatarian and two vegans (sounds like the start...

The newly refurbished Birdwood was too stunning not to try out and we weren’t disappointed. Now been twice this week and enjoyed two different experiences. First enjoying the Leigh cafe culture, relaxing upstairs on cozy sofas as smiley, enthusiastic waitresses served us a delicious breakfast;...

Lovely staff and delicious light lunches but disappointed our contact details were not taken for track and trace. Independent cafes like Birdwood need to tighten up these rules to keep us safe during this pandemic.

I was waiting for my girlfriend and had a little bit of time to spare so I popped in for a quick coffee, I didn't know what sort to get so I asked if one of the members of staff could decide for me. Cortado,...

First visit as the regular haunt , the Oasis Cafe had shut. Think this outfit runs the concession in Victoria Circus in Southend on Sea. Good decor and visiting cyclists felt welcomed. Good menu choices and coffee good. Will certainly go again.

Visited this establishment early Sunday morning .. a couple of coffees (very good) and 2 flatbreads... I had sausage and chilli jam .. which certainly had a kick to it ... good size portions and quick service .. overall a pleasant morning .. would return...

As budgets are stretched I took a few weeks off drinking coffee when out... returned and was greated with "your usual " as I fluster with my order. Great felt at home. love the coffee and the vegan treates (I am not a vegan) keep...

I came in for a quick coffee, and it was alright... I used to come to Birdwood a lot in the past, but they seem to have changed a little. Food is not as fresh as before, and the drinks took quite a while to...

Extremely rude staff!! They have attitude problem. If You don’t want to ruin your day don’t go there

Nice atmosphere and great coffee. Definitely recommended! Friendly staff and you must try the flatbreads!

I went in and looked at the menu which did not look too appetising so I was going to get a black coffee. However whilst waiting to be served I noticed that this static cafe only have out disposable cups. This is crazy as they have facilities to wash up the plates and cutlery of the food they serve but only offer disposable cups. Therefore I took a step back and thought this is crazy, a business cannot be taken seriously if they are blatantly causing mass waste on the planet. People should start to demand that businesses take the environment issue very seriously and walk away from those that are not pulling their weight. We need to spend our cash where we know the business or service is doing all it can to protect the future of the planet and the people who will be using it. Therefore I will not purchase my coffee from here.

I’ll never go in here again. Last two visits I’ve noticed at least 10-15 flies by the coffee area. I’ve complained both times. Staff are indifferent. I think either something has died there or they just have an unacceptable hygiene problem. Please sort it out, you used to be very good. I am avoiding for now -there are too many other places to visit in Leigh. Sorry to complain on line but you need to address this urgently and my moans in person have been ignored.

This is the first time I’ve ever written a review but feel this is necessary I was walking along Leigh road with my friend and thought we’d pop in for a warm drink and cake on this miserable day We ordered x 2 turmeric lattes and 2 cakes one which was a vegan apple and cinnamon loaf which was as dry as cardboard ( no excuse because it’s vegan ) it was obviously not fresh but the muffin was lovely and moist and fresh We waited a while for our drinks despite been before some customers who were served before us and when they arrived it was a bright yellow drink so I asked the chap how he made it and he honestly stated turmeric and milk so I said I’m sure that it should have other elements as no one in their right minds drinks bitter plain boiled milk with a tablespoon of turmeric We said that it wasn’t drinkable and that the cake wasn’t fresh but so sad that the chap in question was bothered and walked away without any sort of apology We walked out as frankly they made no effect and obviously have had no training The worst £10 ever spent Have posted a picture of what it should look like and the recipe for staff training

Used to love coming to Birdwood but it's changed. The display used to look so appealing but now it always looks empty and what is on display doesn't look up to the quality it used to be. Service is slow and tables always littered with left over crockery from previous customers and need wiping. The outside heaters only stay on for about 30 seconds and so are a waste of time. Such a shame.

Came here last weekend for breakfast. Great flat white, perfect breakfast club and the poached eggs on sourdough were equally good. Suggest turning up early as it got busy soon after. Nice alternatives to the usual full English.

I did not enjoy lunch in Southend cafe. Waste of all disposable cups and boxes. Good is horrible. Coffee was acceptable though.

Nice quality coffee and pastry. I had take away and there was a little wait but not unreasonable considering how busy the place was. Also bought a sour dough loaf which was of a good quality as well.

Visited a few times over the last year and always impressed...

Another visit to Birdwood and another satisfying lunch, great food service as always top, making the customer feeling at home, would really recommend

Went with business associates but was disappointing.

I don't give 5* very often because it has to be reserved for something special...

This is a coffee shop/bakery. There is a room upstairs which is extremely child friendly. The coffee is always good and it is impossible to resist the cakes and pastries. The bread is always good and I highly recommend the flat bread.

I work in the Victoria plaza southend and I know the ladies who work in the Birdwood bakery.very nice food and the staff are friendly.have the meatball hot sub.fills u up and better then going in the noisey mac Donald's

This is for Birdwood Bakery café that has moved to Clements Place. Service slow especially when it wasn't busy. Had to remind staff we were waiting for coffee. No spoons or napkins offered. Overcharged for cakes - did dispute but couldn't be bothered to pursue This should have been a positive experience as most of LOS cafes and restaurants offer excellent service. Sadly I won't return.

I search for a bakery that sells sourdough bread and researched opening times. I walked 1.5 miles to buy bread from a place promoted as a bakery, that advertises it is open on Sundays, only to be told by the worker behind the counter that they don't do bread on a Sunday, it's only open as a cafe. Poor information I can't comment about the bread.

Went in to get coffee and lunch with my mum.

Very rude unhelpful staff who make you feel like you are troubling them for asking them questions about the food and actually being there and buying stuff, when it's their job to tell you so that you buy something and keep the bakery in business! First of all they couldn't be bothered to serve us for a while whilst we were standing at the counter, even though they both saw us arrive - no acknowledgement, smile, 'be with you shortly' or anything . They literally just ignored us Then we asked about what the filling in one of the cakes was (it was a big layered cake which had been cut but the inside couldn't be seen because that part was facing away from us) she looked at us like we were asking the most stupid question in the world and answered begrudgingly.

I am a regular at all 3 Birdwood cafes all good and all offer something different. Victoria Plaza (still open). Right in centre for shops. Leigh outside seating and a sea view. This one an upstairs with toys for toddlers. All food and drink divine. Plus you can buy the fabulous products especially flatbreads to take home. Biggest plus unlike other coffee shops you don't stand at counter forever waiting - once ordered-you sit and are served.

The food is so good here but it is annoying that you don't get a plate or a proper cup. All served in disposable items which when you're paying these prices I don't think is acceptable. Definitley a good place for take away though.

We came here on a recommendation for a breakfast treat as I had stayed at my mum's overnight who is a local. Service was fine but the food very disappointing and not worth the Leigh premium.

This lovely bakery is let down by the 'young women' who work there. Extremely rude and unprofessional. I will never be going back!

I was going to meet a friend here and was a few minutes early. The café was empty bar two women sitting outside. As I came in, I walked past a young woman I thought was staff and said a friendly 'hello'. No reply. So, I thought maybe she was a customer after all.

We sat out in the weak sunshine at this Bakery outlet. Lunch was paninis, one veggie, one meaty and both were delicious, each one with a 'twist' to them, the cheese one, for example, wasn't the usual cheddar but was halloumi. A little on the pricey side but, then again, this is Leigh-on-Sea and should be expected! The place was clean and service was fairly quick as the food was freshly prepared. This is also a takeaway, so food is served in/on/with eco-disposable container and cutlery. A re-visit is on the cards, but possibly one of the other outlets as well

This has changed hands since my last visit and ave to say it was not so comprehensive. I had my granddaughter with me and we waited a considerable time for a cheese sandwich.

This is where I get my Turkish Bread (Pita). It's really nice and authentic.

I took my grandma here for tea and cakes and couldn't believe how rude the lady behind the counter was. My Gran maybe old but if I ask for a plate for her (she cannot cut a cake on a paper napkin as she doesn't have the strength) We do not need to be made to feel like we just asked for your kidney. It's a plate so one of your customers, who's just spent money can eat in your establishment. My poor 89 Gran was so embarrassed. You should cater for everyone I was so angry but didn't want to upset (as you had done) my granny anymore.

If you fancy a decent coffee with a lovely cake/pastry this place is well worth checking out. They also have an interesting selection of crafted breads.

I am not a fan of paper cups and plates so while the food is nice that puts me off quite a bit. It's ok if you are nearby and need a coffee or something but nothing special at all.

I go here nearly everyday, it's so much better then the big names, more social, feels cleaner, friendlier. Avoid paying too much somewhere else...

Popped in for lunch with my partner yesterday, spare of the moment decision, great coffee, sausage rolls to die for & a wicked slice of carrot cake, spot on!!!!

I've always liked the Birdwood - nice enough coffee, really good sandwiches, beautiful cakes (oh, the cherry almond mound...) and, initially, sausage rolls to die for (they've gone downhill recently for some reason). Never was a fan of the wooden knives and forks and paper cups but wouldn't have put me off. However, I tend to avoid the Birdwood now as it's too much like being in a creche - not the establishment's fault, granted, so I haven't let that reflect my rating.

On asing if they had anything gluten free, I was made to feel like a criminal. What is criminal is the price, and rudeness of the staff, who seem to think we are in the way, or messing the place up...won't be back...ever

My previous review stated 'Best sausage rolls in the world' Been more recently, the sausage rolls have seriously gone downhill in quality, don't taste nearly as good and are really greasy

love this little café as staff or so nice and I love their coffee. They also sell freshly baked bread and different styles such as corn bread, spelt, rye or sourdough and Turkish style flat breads. The sandwiches are delicious and they have a wide selection of cakes and you can sit outside and see the sea down the street. Nice spot on a sunny day.

My wife and I go here all the time. Favourite cafe, love the flat bread (especially meatball). Service is very good ?

well i lost my job needed some much needed comfort food from my favourite bakery, one large cappuccino made fresh by the nice man behind the corner and one spinach and ricotta roll, the best combo.

This is such a nice venue. Great cakes and home made breads, good polite and happy servers, hot coffee and cakes and pastries to die for all in a light atmosphere.

I have just visited this coffee house and had a lovely strawberry milkshake with a pane raisin which was delicious and the coffee my friends had were also first class. It is clean and the food is so good that I couldn't find a table as they were all occupied.

As stated this cafe has changed name to Cappachino Bakery. The cakes are fantastic, we sampled the Lemon Meringue and the Banoffee Pie, both excellent. Also had the BBQ pulled pork sausage roll, now that was tasty and packed with pulled pork. The staff were helpful and friendly and it is definitely worth a visit for a coffee, cake and/or sausage roll.

Not been to Leigh Broadway for a while and spotted this cafe bakery. It was great, good seating in and out. Food very tasty, lovely coffee and cakes to die for. Very friendly staff and for Leigh not too pricey. Will definitely go back.

I've popped in here a handful of times, sometimes just to purchase bread, sometimes to sit and have cake and coffee. I'm not a huge fan of this place. The staff I have encountered are not customer focused, I feel like an inconvenience most times. The cakes and bread are nice, coffee is average and i would prefer proper crockery and cutlery. There are many more welcoming places to eat in Leigh that are better value.

Yummy sourdough and flatbread - we get some at least one a week and they are a family favourite! Choc refrigerator cake is delicious too.

Best coffee in Leigh (for me), good price. They do a good selection of different breads and their meat and vegetarian pasties are to die for.

Been visiting the both Birdwood Cafes in Leigh and also the Southend one for years and have always returned even though the service is poor, cups are cardboard and the some of the staff frankly just rude because the food was always fine.

Always go here for tea and cake when we're out, and every time it's been lovely. The tea is the best locally, and the apple and almond cake is delicious. The service has always been good so far, and overall a pleasant experience every time.

Nice little bakery. Good service and lovely flatbread and sourdough bread. Would be nicer to have proper Cups if eating In though, the paper ones are not as nice.

Very rude ladies,when i asked what sandwiches there were she got annoyed that she had to repeat herself.I could not believe they were served in paper bags and the coffee was served in paper cups.What a shame because the quality of the food is very nice ,however the paper bags and terrible service lets it down,

Wife always wanted to visited based on appearance from outside. Called in for snack while out shopping.

Came here today with my family we ordered 3 cakes a sausage roll and a bottle of water which came to £10.50 definitely not overpriced. I had the raspberry cheese cake which was delicious. My daughter the lemon meringue pie which she loved. Lunch menu looked great and we will definitely be back. Great place!

I visited Birdwood on Sunday and had two cakes and two coffees. The cakes and coffees were good, but nothing to write home about.

My partner abd I have a small lunch in Birdwood cafe. A sandwich cake and coffee each was over £16 the size of the sandwich wasn't that great and the cake was pretty small.

it does it well, but if you like SHOUTING at your lunch mate then this is the place for you..food is great, fresh and well executed but far too expensive and not enough, but probably aimed at the ladies who lunch and couldn't eat any more!

Not bad for a snack, but in my opinion, too overpriced as its not even of a top standard. Nice atmosphere though.

My review refers to the branch in leigh road. There's a children's play area upstairs, however, no stair gate so the little ones tend to make a break for the stairs. We pushed one of the bench seats across the exit so that we could drink a coffee without running to the stairs every two minutes. The staff told us that we had to move it for health and safety reasons. When we pointed out that there was a serious health and safety risk in having a designated play area with open stairs we were very rudely informed that it's for their sale because they carry hot food down the stairs. Amazingly they manage to open a door carrying the hot food but the stair gate seems a bridge too far. No hint of sympathy, just the told to supervise our children. The same lady had also been having a good grumble about something or other when I was ordering. Unprofessional and unwelcoming. We won't be returning.

Having been spoken to so rudely by the same lady here twice - with no apology I give up. Always like to support local business but cannot go here again! Looks lovely but beware of the staff!

My husband and I visited the Leigh Road cafe today having previously visited the Broadway one. What a difference. Whilst the Broadway cafe is rude, often dirty with litter left on the tables even in non-busy periods, the Leigh Road site couldnt be more different. The staff were very friendly and even at midday on a busy friday everywhere was clean and tidy. The carmelised sausage rolls were delicious and the coffee also very good. Service was fast. Personally I don't have a problem with the cardboard platters and takeaway cups as these make it easier to take your items home with you. The Chocolate Praline cake was a little dry and covered in rather too much icing for my taste but there were lots of other items on sale that looked good. My husband very much enjoyed his Portuguese Custard Tart. All in all I'm glad we've discovered this spot, especially after being put off the other cafe. We will be back to sample the other cakes :-)

Good selection of breads. My favourite is the chia bread absolutely lovely and doesn't give you that bloated feeling. Coffees are great. Love the flat whites the balance of milk and coffee is perfect.

Popped in for a quick breakfast yesterday, and whilst the croissants were lovely, the coffee (white decaf wasn't very nice or very hot). It's a lovely setting which with a bit of cutlery and attention to details could be super.

This has got to be one of the best cafes around. The pork and caramelised onion rolls are out of this world! The hot chocolate is amazing, the staff are always happy and the cafe is always clean. I return here every time I'm in leigh. Recommend to all.

Still on my list for coffee which often needs another blast! Still paper cups byt the Leigh Road Cafe needs a good deep clean and the toilets also ......

Been with friends and taken my fussy mum, who was initially taken aback by the lack of real cutlery and plates but the food won her over and we've been back together a few time on her request, food always delish, lovely cakes.

Visited the Leigh Road Birdwood Cafe with my Mum after telling her how amazing the other Birdwood cafe is and to say we were disappointed would be the understatement of the year!!! Ask the staff if they had any gluten-free options on the menu to which a unkempt, miserable face replied 'no'. After opting for the 'mushroom' soup which was actually Thai sweet potato (charged as the same price as with bread even though I can't eat bread) we sat down at the only clean table in the entire place (it was not even busy). Food was all over the floor and tables whilst the staff, including the 'manager' ignored the mess. Dirt was ingrained into the walls and the toilets were absolutely filthy! AVOID!!!

Well, we have been meaning to visit and we did. It was ok, kinda promised and looked better than it was, all paper cups and sandwiches on paper plates. Quite frankly we were dissapointed. Probably won't return.

ive been a regular buying their bread ever since i first tried it, its so good! its also a nice place for a coffee and a sweettreat.

I've sat in with a coffee which was really good plus got stuff to takeaway. The sandwiches are lush but the cakes are to die for. My favs are the brownies which seem to sell out quickly. I have tried a variety and bought for friends who all loved them. I don't think I've had a bad item from them. They fab and one of my favs.

I often go for breakfast or brunch, very different, very nice. Good quality and really nice to take friends who have never been. Not chip but in leigh nothing is! Would highly recommend.

Went in for a coffee the Leigh road one.. Had scrambled egg on toast it was yummy. More to the point got talking to the lady behind the counter about the breads.. It was so interesting how it is made with all the different flours. She even give me samples to take home. Very very impressed with the place. Thankyou so much!

Love the coffee at Birdwood although would prefer a proper china mug, they say the paper cups are better for the environment but can't understand that as they are creating loads of rubbish! The chicken and bacon sausage rolls are delicious and the have an excellent variety of cakes.

Occasionally get a coffee here. IMO, the service is speedier at present than it seemed a year or two ago. Never eaten here but the coffee is good and service is ok.