Coastal Coffee in Colchester

Staff excellent and food lovely.Breakfast had just finished but not a problem making pancakes for our grandson.

Don’t usually do 1 star ratings however waiting over an hour for food in a bit busy place is a joke avoid it if you are not local

Brilliant café, lovely sausage roll and good coffee. Fantastic walks around the black water Coast. Very picturesque!

Waitress was lovely, but food was awful, our waitress wasn’t available when we paid. She was on the other side of the café spoke to the girl at the till she asked how the food was and I said it wasn’t great. Her response was a bit disheartening. She said okay sorry didn’t ask me what was wrong with the food. I told her that the bubble and squeak was un edible ,Some of it was rockhard and cold. The other half was like slimy watery instant mash. Bubble and squeak was literally just potato and vinegar, think there might have been some onion in there, some of the potato colour was grey, really awful. Poached eggs, were more like hard-boiled eggs. The waitress asked me to wait a minute. I assumed that she was going to get a manager but she didn’t. She just returned and stated the bill amount. Didn’t say anything else and we got dirty looks when we left. I was quite shocked to be honest. I don’t usually complain and our waitress was so lovely. But it was really awful. I can honestly say it was the worst breakfast (brunch) I have ever eaten. And I have eaten in some crappy places over the years. It makes the weather spoons look like fine dining. We visited the Art cafe The day before, which was closed on the Sunday. That on the other hand was one of the best brunches I’ve ever had absolutely flawless and cheaper. (And just round the corner)

Very good service will definitely be going back

A few days ago I visited this cafe on my visit to Mersea Island... and was a bit disappointed! The location in the town center was (strategically) good because it was right at an intersection with a lot of people, but it was also a bit "noisy" due to the cars and two-wheelers constantly driving past. But that was completely ok for me! Ordering a simple sandwich or two pieces of toast with a fried egg turned out to be a bit difficult for the serving staff... and although I was attested to have first-class knowledge of English... it was impossible for the ladies to do something like that for me (simple and by the way typically English) to serve!? I then had to make do with a baguette with roasted bacon, which wasn't really a problem for me at first. But: The bread was toasted "rock hard" and was barely "biteable" and the bacon was also completely burnt and therefore hard as the sole of a shoe. When exactly what I actually wanted to order was served at the next table - but (apparently) wasn't "feasible", I was quite irritated... If I (after a long wait!) hadn't explicitly asked again after serving the baguette about the coffee that was still missing... who knows when I would have gotten it (ever or at all)?! Meanwhile, some of the other guests (who came after me) had already received their orders! Unfortunately, the totally overpriced and absolutely "watery" coffee couldn't console me for my wait. For a professional coffee machine of Italian proportions, I was hoping for something much better with an "Americano"! There were (at least) 6 visible ladies working in the cafe at the time and, according to my observations, they were totally "overwhelmed" and were more busy with their private things and conversations/discussions than taking care of the guests and their orders - just sad ! 3 experienced operators who understand their job would have been completely sufficient here... At least my table was dirty and totally sticky, but nobody cared about that...!? I could list a few more unpleasant observations...but this should be enough to underline my assessment of this place: NEVER go to this place again!

Over the course of our holiday, we probably had too many ice creams from here but given the great taste it would have been difficult not to. Highlight of a breakfast here was the pancakes drenched in maple syrup with sizzling bacon on the side. No better way to start your day. Everything else was very well made too. If you enjoy a more refined brekkie, then you won't be disappointed. They're not the cheapest but good value given the quality.

Coffee was no where near hot enough. Club sandwich had hardly any filling inside and very overpriced (£10) for what you get. Glasses for tap water weren’t clean. Only positive was the staff very friendly.

Sorry for low marks but coffee warm, very little selection of food, 11.00 , and prices very high . Had cheese and leek sausage roll, very bland and a scone , which top was burnt. 2 coffees £16+

Breakfast was rubbish. Place should stick to coffee and cakes

Good coffee and excellent friendly service

Terrible. Cold coffee. Long wait. Never again

Really nice independent cafe - nice outdoor seating, good coffees and excellent sandwiches (and sausage roll). We found on a short stroll off Monkey Beach. Highly recommended!

Had an iced oat milk latte and vegan lemon cake - was very nice 💫

Fed up of every time I go there they aren’t serving food. Why are they open until 4 but stop food at 2.30??? I’ve been in 3x now just asking for a sandwich and been turned away. What a terrible way to run a business.

Really good service and best coffee in the world!!! 🤌🏻

Lovely toasted ciabatta tuna and coffees for lunch. Sat outside in early March sunshine with our dog before a long walk along the beach. Perfect.

Despite being very busy we were greeted by a friendly member of staff and enjoyed coffees and cake. Great atmosphere with good menu.

Best coffee I had recently! Brilliantly served warm home-made scone. Little cafe worth visiting

Great coffee shop, dog friendly with really lovely staff. Amazing sausage rolls :)

Absolutely fantastic. Every item was spot on. The staff were excellent and as always and happy xxxxxx

Nice cafe closer to the Mersea bus stop

Very tasty breakfast and super friendly service! We'd love to come back

Superior quality food and coffee

I took my granddaughters here for breakfast it was fantastic really great service and quality produce. It’s clean and fast we will definitely be back

Had a very pleasant lunch here. Very generous with the cheese on the ploughman's and particularly tasty Stilton.

There is nothing to complain about the coffee. Environment is good and chill. Big thumb up for the waitress who has always have a sweet good smile.

Lovely coffee and cake served to the table with a smile

A Lovely Find: Coastal Coffee Following a disappointing encounter at the Island Art Cafe, we chanced upon Coastal Coffee. It was a much-needed change of pace. The ambiance was relaxed, and the staff were friendly and attentive. We opted for smoothies, a sausage roll and club sandwich. All were very tasty and well-prepared, meeting our hopes for a good meal. Though we didn’t try the coffee, the inviting aroma suggests it's worth a try on our next visit. All in all, Coastal Coffee was a pleasant surprise in our day, and we’d recommend giving it a visit if you’re in the area.

Popped in as recommended by book in lodge we stayed at. (Salt Lodge) great coffee and cakes very good. Staff very helpful as it started to rain and they moved us to a covered area as dogs not allowed inside. Although was odd as kitchen area at front of shop is bigger than the seating area.

Had a very nice sandwich her. Crisp and side salad. All made on the premises. We'll worth a try.

Brilliant little place for lunch, staff are very friendly and fun!

I had a really weak open sandwich 😞

The service was fantastic and the coffee was delicious. We hope to visit in the near future.

I was tasked with organising our annual cycle ride of 100miles. I searched for destinations and found this cafe. Spoke to the owner (very helpful) then payed a visit to check it out. Initial impression was…..this is perfect for us, from seating area in the courtyard to the friendly and very helpful service. We arrived on time, and wow!!! The table was all laid out for us (18 cyclists), and they were ready and waiting to cater for us. The coffee was flowing and very soon our breakfast was on its way. Staff were absolutely fantastic, our destination was spot on and this cafe made me look very good as an organiser!!!! Thank you very much to all the staff!!!! Superb!!!!

The layout was fine, though the choice of two entrances was confusing. Service was ok and helpful, and the speed of the initial delivery was fine too. Both our lunches were tasty but the salmon sandwich for my partner was overloaded with salmon [too much]. There was no follow-up to see if we were ok and did we want anything more; we did and gave them time to collect our plates for us to ask. The junior staff were polite but could do with better training and or guidance, on being attentive to customers and also collecting finished meals/drinks. Generally, I would say it is a nice place to visit, as the food is good and the venue is in a good spot.

lovely place for a good quality lunch, helpful staff, worth a visit

Very nice place and excellent food and location

When ever i go to mersea this is my coffee or cheaky breakfast stop 😍

Chipped cup, had to get up to get spoons to stir the milk into a coffee after being ignored and had too long a wait for what was very average coffee.

After a disappointing attempt to get breakfast elsewhere in West Mersea, we ended up here having noticed it on the drive in. We were chasing some breakfast despite the time being almost 12pm. These guys said on their menu that breakfast orders finished at 11.30am but were more than happy to accomodate us. Smashing good cappuccinos, generously filled bacon and sausage, super fresh, tasty baguettes. Recommend! Generous portion, very fresh, friendly, helpful staff. I'll be back here again. Thank you! Lovely experience!

Great atmosphere for a cup of coffee. 🙂

The Lady cooked great chips, hot - crunchy (9/10). Sadly they came served in polystyrene 0/10 effort - you can use paper / card which will dissolve if it find its way in to the bay. Also sells lots of plastic single use items and it has plastic plants outside terrible tacky and just not good for the environment. Would like to see them have real plants. It is not far from a Special Site of Scientific Interest (Rare wild habitat). It seems people who inhabit the island don’t understand ecology and respect for the wild environment. Please be more eco friendly and environmentally aware in what you do. Some simple changes can make this a 5 star beachside cafe. Make changes. Zero polystyrene.

This cafe has a great corner location, with outside tables as well as several indoors. We've had coffees several times and the occasional home baked sausage roll (great, by the way). The menu looks great so we thought we'd give lunch a go. I would strongly recommend ghat they look at preparation more carefully. I chose the grilled chicken club sandwich at over £10. Chicken beast, bacon and crushed avocado all in 3 layers of toast - sounds good, doesn't it? It wasn't. The chicken didn't taste of anything, I could barely taste the bacon and the avocado, well it was a nice avocado. All it needed was the chicken being marinated in something interesting and a smokier bacon and the sandwich would have been a success. Unfortunately, even though the cafe is extremely convenient for us, we won't be back for the food unless something changes. I really hope it does - it certainly won't cost them anything more.

Nice and rustic. Coffee was very good.

I really went to the post office next door, it was past lunch time so I popped in for a drink and settled for a cornish pasty. The pastry was good but the filling was a bit short on vegetables. Otherwise good.

Best Coffee on Mersea Island. Staff always polite and cheerful. It’s a must for my morning coffee.

Great food, marvellous service.

Love this cafe. Really friendly staff, they do decaff coffees, nice selection of cakes. Thoroughly enjoyed our slice of Snowball cake. 😋

Very tasty breakfast every time I visit , friendly stuff and excellent service

Great coffee, sausage rolls and service!

Nice place for coffee & cake. Friendly staff & also you can take the dog in which is brilliant especially as the weather was horrendous. Will definitely visit again.

Good service and drink selection. Food can be very good but depends what you order. Family had sandwiches and baguettes which were fresh and well presented. I had all day breakfast but its choice of potato included with the option was tasteless and didn't really fit with the otherwise good selection. Update:- We sat outside under a canopy incase it rained. Service was excellent. They even supplied a call button should we need anything rather than leaving our table to find someone to serve us. Sandwiches were freshly made and plentiful. Hopefully I will return and try a breakfast soon as I've heard these are much improved from their early days.

Friendly service and nice seating outdoors for people watching. I had the Oreo cookie hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows and it was a dream!

Nothing special standard cafe stuff

We live locally and have had lovely lunches here over the last few years but very disappoinnted today. We have been here a few times this summer and various items have been off the menu and last weekend the quiche had run out but today took the biscuit. They told us when we ordered that they had run out of coleslaw to go with my quiche and my husbands bacon club sandwich, they then came back after ordering to say they were out of wine and then came back after quite a long time to say they were out of bacon! We also heard them telling other tables that they were also out of baked potatoes and my favourite, they were even out of tea! We did see someone coming back from the local shop with a box of teabags later! We waited a long time for my husbands ham ‘bacon’ sandwich and my quiche and I felt really cheated when I saw my slice of quiche and a tiny amount of salad for nearly £10. They used to give a decent side salad but not today and there was no extra side -crisps etc - for either of us to make up for the missing coleslaw, had to ask for salad dressing which took an age to come. My plate was more empty than it was full! All in all, food was wasn’t worth the long wait. I won’t be recommending anymore and I’ll be having lunch at the Glasshouse at Peldon which is always excellent.

Lovely coffee, friendly staff, lovely food and best of all dog friendly.

Came here on Regatta day so everywhere was busy. We had an amazing ploughman’s with 3 chunks of cheese and thickly sliced ham. It was delicious. Service was a little slow but the food was worth waiting for.

Lovely cup of tea, surly and slow service and tasteless and dry carrot cake - I thought I had travelled in a time machine back to the 1970s.

I understand it was busy but the service was extremely slow waited over an hour for ciabatta. When it arrived it was just about warmed so ate like a soft roll. Wouldn’t recommend

Popped in here for breakfast on our visit to Mersea Island, was fantastic! The service, food and location were all stunning. Will absolutely be returning

Could not get off island due to tide So popped in as party of five. In short excellent food and great service. Special mention to the young man preparing the dishes he has an obvious future in catering Great little place

There's not much choice on the Cafe front in Mersea but don't worry, this place is fine. Clean, tidy, friendly attentive staff. Coffee was excellent, I mean really really good. Small servings by modern standards though. I had a Bacon & Brie Ciabatta which was very nice but not really a Ciabatta in that it was too fluffy. Whilst on the subject of bread I did notice that a couple of other customers seemed quite dissapointed with their sandwiches, there just seemed to be too much white bread ( inch thick) with not enough filling. Anyway, being greedy I also had one of their homemade sausage rolls which was great. Got to be a nine out of ten. For afters I had a Bakewell tart. Big mistake as it was just hard icing on indifferent pastry My partner was well pleased with her halloumi & vegetable salad. The tea was also good, although, as is not uncommon in many southern tea rooms, the hot water was supplied in tiny jugs & needing more, several jugs had to be supplied. It would be nice if a proper tea pot sized vessel of hot water could be provided. All in all though, a decent place to visit.

Lovely food, by far the best breakfast we had on our hols. Really lovely service and setting too! Indoor and outdoor seating available too.

Stopped off on a Sunday for coffee and cake. They had run out of decaf, but we had standard coffee. It was average with limited range of cakes.

Reasonable prices. Had scrambled egg and toast plus couple of coffees. All outside for Covid reasons but food and coffees were very average and service a little slow

We took shelter out of the cold and rain on Sunday and enjoyed the best hot chocolate and cakes that we've had in a long time. The staff were friendly and attentive, the cafe felt safe and clean in these strange times. Thank you all...

Very poor experience no hand washing facilities not good at this time Coronavirus, asked for a Cold Sausage Roll received a hot one? The tables felt like a Dirty Toilet sticky and nasty very distasteful 🤮 This Café appears to be going down hill, Sorry...

While staying at the Mersea Island holiday park which didn't have a coffee machine in the lodge nor a place onsite to get a "good" coffee, I travelled into West Mersea hoping to find a coffee shop. Coastal coffee was the first one I spotted...

We had coffees and cake late afternoon. Excellent as always and their online ordering and cashless system worked perfectly. Highly recommend this cafe if you are visiting West Mersea. Coastal Coffee were offering the Eat out to Help out discount. Brilliant.

Stopped for a coffee on a warm windy day. I was hungry so I ordered a sandwich. Lovely granary bread, hand cut slices of ham and a nice little sald with balsamic dressing. Mmmmm

Stopped here for just coffees whilst visiting the area. Sat outside and tables were socially distanced. Coffees were fine but I felt for the size of cup perhaps slightly on the expensive size.

A nostalgic visit to West Mersea meant some sustenance was required. Few options around, and most were busy, but Coastal Coffee caught my eye. A good choice. Homely and comfortable. Staff chatty and friendly. Coffee excellent and full breakfast even more so. Top quality ingredients...

Looked like a nice popular place so we went in for lunch. So disappointed, we waited 45 minutes for a toasted sandwich and a bowl of soup. When the soup came it was warm not hot and served with a ridiculously large amount of bread....

Stopped for coffee this morning. Place was busy but the service was friendly & efficient and the coffee good. Didn't eat but the food coming out looked tasty.

Friendly and professional service, great food and I'd definitely recommend the range of Christmas scones.

This is our favourite coffee shop on Mersea, great to sit outside and people watch. Service has always been top notch.

I came in for a coffee and I was pleasantly surprised at how good it was. Nice ambience too. A pile of children's books too.

Is red onion chutney just a slice of red onion? Surely salted crisps are a poor garnish. Staff were friendly at first and then very inattentive.

We’ve been for lunch here before that’s why we went back today. Won’t again! There was only one lady making the food and three young girls waiting the tables. One of which was quite rude! The lunch took an hour to get to us and...

Nice place. Great coffee and a good selection of cakes. Staff not overwhelming but attentive enough.

Ordered a couple of sandwiches. It was nice enough but you’d expect something a little more than a just few ready salted crisps on the side. Maybe a little salad and some coleslaw wouldn’t go a miss, otherwise it wasn’t good enough to justify the price. The staff were friendly enough but all seemed to be running about like headless chickens. Probably wouldn’t return.

I travelled to West Mersea in Colchester to take some photos and stopped outside the coffee shop. I went inside and asked if there were any toilets ? The lady washing up who I believe is the owner said there are public toilets across the road at the back of the library. I did not think anything of this at the time and went to use the public toilets. After I returned to the coffee shop to purchase a coffee and was shocked and disgusted to see toilets inside the shop ? Can you imagine how I felt ? It seems to me I was judged in a negative way and deemed unworthy to use the toilet facilities ? So.....I checked to see that the toilets were working (they were) and I left this unfriendly establishment with my coffee never to return.

It was a beautiful day and we thought we would start our day at this coffee shop.

Very pleasant cafe - we took a couple of coffee breaks here. Flat white was enjoyable and I was told the hot chocolate was superb. Pleasant surrounds.

If you go to West Mersea the Coastal Coffee is a must visit. Great coffee and pleasant welcoming staff. Ample cakes to choose from and an assortment of snacks. Parking for one hour free in the public car park behind the library and opposite the Coastal Coffee.

We visited East Mersea and needed to stop off for lunch. Coastal Coffee looked like a nice cafe in the centre of the Village.

Our first visit to the Coastal Coffee café & what a great little find.

On Remembrance Sunday, the place was packed even early on as all the different groups from scouts to army had congregated as usual outside the post office. Many people were there in advance and decided to order coffees and teas and even breakfast but there were only 2 people working initially and one was the chef! Basically they were unable to meet the needs of their customers and several people who ordered never did get their order before the service. As it was such a worthy occasion, I think it's very poor that those attending couldn't even be served! I doubt they'll return.

This is a nice little cafe we had coffee and breakfast each day we were in West Mersea. Coffee was good and the service very friendly. Well worth dropping in to.

Called in for a birthday breakfast for my husband. He had the Coastal Breakfast which had a massive potato rosti , poached eggs, large mushroom , sausages, bacon , beans and two slices of granary toast. I had poached eggs with spinach and hollandaise served in a freshly toasted muffin - absolutely delicious. The poached eggs were the best we’ve ever had ! Lovely decor inside and the little coffee sacks as table numbers is a great idea. Will be back for the Avocado and poached eggs on muffins very soon !

Met up with an old friend and stayed for about 3 hours. was sat outside on a sunny day and went inside too. staff very friendly.

This cafe has a post office inside it - very strange! But the food is good service superb and prices very reasonable

Nothing wrong with the breakfast, but the visit was spoiled by undrinkable coffee made with cheap beans and a less-than-cheerful waitress. Oh and the sticky tables. So on balance, average when it oculd easily have been better.

Whilst visiting Mersea my wife and I came across the Coastal Coffee Café and we decided to stop for a quick coffee and some toast. Two small coffees and four slices of toast came to £10.90 !!

Dog friendly café on the corner of Yorick Road, very accommodating staff who offered to renew the dog's water as well as provide us with excellent coffee and food. Reasonable prices and staff friendly. Thoroughly recommend.

Went here for breakfast for four. We sat outside, service helpful and fast. The coffee is good here. I ordered the coastal breakfast, all fresh and generous potion. Filled me for the day. Would visit again to try lunch menu

We have eaten here many times and have always had a delicious meal and excellent service.

Meeting up with relations in West Mersea, we decided to have a coffee before venturing to Cudmore Grove. It was Sunday and we didn't expect to find much on offer, then realised Coastal Coffee was just down the road.

Five of us popped in for coffee after an epic Saturday lunch at the Company Shed and, while the coffee was excellent, my rock hard gluten free brownie was rancid. I took one bite and spat it out into my napkin as it was rank (I had to drink lots of water to get rid of the foul taste). My husband didn’t notice, decided to try it when he saw I was leaving it, and immediately did the same. Fortunately his chocolate twist was very nice, obviously a more recent vintage than the brownie. I didn’t complain as we were with guests and the coffee was very good which was as the main reason for visiting.