Sara's Tea Garden in Southend-on-Sea

Recommend booking. Good service Dog friendly Inside and outside seating areas. Varied menu including dog menu and a vegan / vegetarian specific menu

Very disappointed very expensive for what I got. I ordered jacket potato with prawns with salad. Potato was very small looked like a frozen one that you can buy box of 4. Prawns small & well salad was few leaves & small amount of cropped up yellow & red peppers. The cost of that was £14.99 - yes over priced.

After a disappointing stop at another establishment we popped in here. We were greeted and seated quickly by the friendly staff member. She told us it was breakfast until 12. We both had the breakfast stack and it was amazing. Even through we got there when it was quite it quickly got busy but there was no rush. 10 out of 10!

This was our third visit to this charming restaurant,this we came with family for lunch. As it was a very hot day,Ichose the falaffal salad,delicious.

Love this place it’s nice and relaxed and food is lovely , you can even take your dog. Just keep coming back can’t say any more than that really it’s a win win all round. The only down side is I’d say it’s slightly expensive.

This is my second review and not like the first, unfortunately. I gave Sara’s 5/5 last time - so much so that I recommended it to everyone, and now I wish I hadn’t. Just had High Tea with a good friend, we were celebrating her birthday. Service was very poor - the waitress was snippy, we waited ages for our food (and it wasn’t any busier than it had been last time and there were lots of staff), nobody came and asked if we wanted drinks or anything else (we had to try repeatedly to get their attention and even then, we had to ask for things more than once), the sandwiches were nice but had clearly been out for a while as they were slightly hard at the edges, the vegan scone was inedible. The positives were that the cakes looked lovely, the potato wedges were delicious and the scones were nice. Sadly, the poor service spoilt the whole experience and I left feeling embarrassed that I’d suggested Sara’s for us to celebrate in and I definitely won’t be going back. Such a shame as my first visit was exceptional. Looking at the reviews, several people have commented on the service and perhaps Sara’s management need to reflect on that. There are many, many gorgeous places to have afternoon tea around here and reputations are hard to build.

Lovely setting in Leigh old town. My friend & I were met by a friendly waitress who showed us to our reserved table. We both ordered the same meal- ham, cheese & mushroom omelette. this came with a salad leaf selection & chopped mixed pepper dressing.-Absolutely scrumptious! The omelette was lovely light & fluffy& there was a very generous filling. My compliments to the chef who really knows how to make a good omelette!! we also had potato wedges to share & both had a coffee. I had a fantastic dessert of raspberry cheesecake. This was a dessert to die for! One of the best cheesecakes I have ever had-not too sweet & again a very generous portion. This was a belated birthday treat from my friend who accompanied me. This is a very busy & popular establishment & it was my 1st visit--It most certainly won't be my last!

I have to say this place is now a complete mess compared to how it was. A victim of its own success. Good bits, good veggie and vegan options. Less than good. The service was very very poor. At their price point you would expect better. Inexperienced in the main, then a surely they/them, and a scatterbrained older. The food, bubble and squeak, is a strange sort of large Croquette. Ham was very mediocre. Poached egg hard, very bizarre salad dressing, Small portions for the price. Sandwiches laughable for the price, Tea for 2 made 1.2 cups each. Cokes served a little warm with hot glasses. Cakes one good, 3 poor dried up nothing special Place, cramped and cold , asked 3 times for the heaters to be put on as the wind was bitter, told no in the end as the side of the cheap gazebo we were sat in was up. Which is why it was so cold. All in all very poor.

The food was fine however the waitress walked past us and served a couple who had sat down after us. Next a couple who had also sat down after us received their food before us. Finally we ordered cake to go with our coffee then waited 10 minutes with it not arriving so gave up, our coffee being cold. I always tip but didn’t bother this time as service was so poor. Taken individually it wouldn’t have mattered as me and my wife are both pretty chilled but this spoilt our whole experience.

We came because we fancied a change from our usual fish and chips! This was our second visit,this time I had avocado and mushrooms on sour dough toast and an iced coffee. This is a lovely,charming place,cant wait to return.

Hadn't been here for a while and went today with wife and Amber our spaniel for birthday breakfast. Great vegetarian breakfast for me, bubble and smoked salmon for the wife and dog sausage and interesting hot CHARITY biscuit for Amber. Friendly chatty and informative staff and huge selection of vegetarian, vegan and standard dishes on the menu and great coffee. Quick service, great quality ingredients and good value for the area. Clean tidy dog friendly environment and good to see they are supportive of the local Ukrainian community and plight of the people suffering in that country too. Would recommend a visit. Their High tea selection looks great and offers great value compared to other local establishments

Whenever we go to Leigh on sea we find ourself drawn to this lovely tea garden cafe, we had two coffees with one large chive & cheese scone, and a very nice berry cheesecake, service as always excellent

Lovely food. Good service. Good value. Very obliging to disabled wheelchair user. Moved chairs and table to accommodate us. Had mackerel jacket potato. Was freshly filled with a lovely salad. Most enjoyable. Dog friendly.

Had an excellent afternoon tea here today with family, plenty of delicious food, plenty of drinks, all for £25 each. Good friendly service, will return🙂

We visited Leigh on Sea on Monday 29th January 2024,we usually get fish and chips and sit outside to eat it,but we fancied a change and chose this charming cafe on Old Leigh. We both had the pie and mash,one vegetarian and one meat,very tasty.

First time ever for us (plus doggo) to visit Leigh-on-Sea. Parked up and found this place, which we thought we’d only grab a takeaway coffee from, but after seeing the place and appreciating the obvious care the owner has put into making it welcoming, we quickly decided to stay for lunch. Ordered two fish finger sandwiches, which were said to be coming with chips and salad. Chips actually translated into crisps. Not a big deal really, said nothing. My main gripe would be that when you’re selling a sandwich for £13, you market it accurately ! That’s one expensive sandwich, also, which I am not the first to point out. Personally I found it on the bland end of things, I was expecting much more flavour, and had to compensate by adding an amount of salt & pepper. Ho hum. The only other thing we ordered was coffee (2 x lattes, large). Total bill, with 10% service (optional, but the waiting staff were friendly and quick) came to a few pence shy of £40. Quite a lot really, for what we got, But the cafe setting was a big plus for us, an unexpected lovely looking cafe by the sea, hence an extra star to give it a 3.

Didn't realise there would be so many dogs in the tea room. Very expensive. £3.25 for a small coffee and £13- £15 for a sandwich.

Lovely tea room with super friendly staff. Food is really nice, they also have a dog menu which is so cute - my dog loves the sausage omelette. They also have vegan/vegetarian menus as well. If you have a dog it's the perfect place to go as both of you will be well looked after.

I was very impressed with this tea garden, which I visited for the first time for lunch. I ate with friends. The choice on the menu was incredibly varied and I was surprised ( and delighted) that there was such a huge vegan and vegetarian choice. Normally there are only one or two things on any menu that I can eat as I’m vegetarian/pescatarian who doesn’t like cheese ( which can be awkward, believe me), but not here, I was spoilt for choice. I opted fur the vegetarian sausage sandwich, which came on granary bread with a generous portion of crisps and salad…then chose chocolate brownie. It was again a generous portion and was served warm. I gave to say it was the best chocolate brownie I’ve ever tasted. Would definitely return.

Have enjoyed visiting Sara’s for many years so was looking forward to a pleasant lunch there with a friend. It was only after ordering my usual prawn sandwich that I glanced at the menu and was horrified to find that the price was now £13.00. I appreciate that costs have risen but felt that this was an outrageous price for what was a a pleasant but average sandwich with a bit of salad and a few crisps. Needless to say my friend and I will be taking our custom elsewhere in future.

I booked afternoon tea for 8 people and had a wonderful afternoon. It is a little crowded inside and a little hot but I loved all the bunting and decorations. Service was perfect. Plenty of friendly staff to keep us restocked with cold drinks as well as pots of tea (all drinks included in the price). Food was freshly baked, beautifully presented, plentiful and delicious. Dietary needs were catered for without any fuss Best afternoon tea I've had (and hubby enjoyed the leftovers that I took home!!!) Thank you Sara.

Outstanding customer service! After giving them a less than favourable review, Sara invited us back to have breakfast on them. I facebook messaged them the night before, for 10 am the next day, they said no problem. When we arrived a table had been specially reserved for us. The service was extremely polite and prompt. Sara came out of the kitchen to bring us our Full English Breakfasts, with a smile and used my name. The ambience and atmosphere was just perfect in every possible way, plus the food was delicious. I am extremely happ to say that our return visit exceeded expectations and that we are now both huge fans of this place. Huge thanks to Sara and the team for making us feel so welcome! We will be back at the earliest opportunity!

A beautiful little restaurant with a nice selection of food and beverages. Dog friendly and dog treats available for your pooch along with a fresh bowl of water. Staff polite, professional and welcoming. Pie and Mash was gorgeous Will be back.

Sorry too disappoint ladies but … it’s a small cramped area outside and very warm under the plastic gazebo… ordered tea - a pot is enough for two if you use two tea bag’s otherwise very weak … cake was cold from the fridge and at £5.25 a slice is very overpriced for the portion… needs sorting out a bit here as tables very close so almost sitting with other diners - inside looked very hot with the door closed so will avoid here as was not for us .

Pleasant surroundings, service was good, but the tea was very weak as was the cappuccino. We sat under the gazebo and all of the chairs were damp, which we didn’t discover until we got up to leave. Clearly the gazebo furniture needs to be moved when it rains.

Rude waitresses, made us wait for 30 minutes in the pouring rain without telling us they were fully booked. Multiple waitresses walked past and ignored us why we were waiting.

Very nice place, friendly atmosphere found by mistake walking with my wife on saturday morning I will recommend it for a relaxing say out.

I visit Sara tea garden a lot with my Nan and my little girl, last time we came the staff where so friendly, the lady who served us last time was so friendly and polite and made such a fuss of my little girl, until today! I came last week and my little girl was playing with a couple of sugars, she has a thing where she opens a few and poors them into a pot then used a spoon to mix them like she’s making cakes, I mean I would not give her loads of them just a couple and don’t think it’s hurting anybody apart from today. A very rude waitress came up to me and told me can she stop doing that there for customers, which one we are customers she’s 2 years old, I would of walked out at this point but had my elderly nan with me also. There was people in there saying how lovely and beautiful my little girl was which made use feel so welcome unlike the staff! As for the waitress that served me today you need some customer service manners, my daughter is 2 and was playing with 3 sugars as for the customer comment we are paying customers and regulars to Sara tea garden she wasn’t doing anything to hurt anybody after the comment of let her play with some crayons! The staff today where not friendly, took a while to serve us and kept staring at us whilst my little girl wanted to say hello to people, I am gutted as we used to love Sara tea garden and was such a friendly welcoming place but was so upset with today, I would of popped to the hatch if it wasn’t for my elderly nan

What a lovely little place! Served quickly, mash, sausage & pea was delicious! I loved all the doggys that were very welcome here & behaved beautiful :)... Price very fair for location. Tables a little bit squished together & I don't like being seated facing a wall but this was my only complaint, would recommend & return for sure. 9/10***

It felt lovely and cosy. Relaxing ambience. Very nice scone and coffee. The young waitresses are friendly. A good place to refresh

Lots of character in this ‘secret’ garden tea rooms. Friendly staff, cosy surroundings inside and out. Extensive menu for breakfast and lunch for meat lovers and veggies. I went for the falafel with hummus which was nicely presented but poached eggs were overcooked. Lovely venue though and some amazing looking cakes.

Went there with the family and dog for breakfast. Really lovely cafe. Windy cold miserable morning and it was brightened up by lovely food and thoughtful service including blankets and hot water bottles. Dog enjoyed his food as much as us. Would definitely recommend.

Lovely surroundings,good service with nice coffee and very tasty scones The location is absolutely fantastic down in old Leigh overlooking the fishermens wharf.

We have been to Sara's Tea Garden many times as well as virtually everywhere else in Leigh and to be totally truthful nothing compares to Sara's, I used to visit there years ago when Sara only worked there and it was nothing more than a drinks and sandwich place but since Sara took over it is the most wonderful place to eat, drink and be merry, it has a fabulous menu with also a little menu for dogs, the food itself is totally fresh, presented beautifully and tasting as you would hope, the young staff are warm, exceptionally friendly and all look so clean and well dressed in uniformed outfits, prices are better than most and better value than anywhere, it's always busy and you usually have to book but believe me it's worth it, inside and outside tables mostly all undercover, i cannot praise dear Sara enough as she has worked very hard to make this treasure what it is today....When we left today after an early lunch Sara's was packed with people waiting outside....everywhere else was empty.....seems like it's not a secret anymore....see you soon Sara...Richard, Lesley, Bessie &Bertie...........

We visit Leigh-on-Sea two or three times a year and always make a point on visiting Sara’s tea rooms for breakfast. The food is excellent and the staff very friendly. One warning, if you want to visit then it would be a good idea to book to ensure a table. It is very popular!

I’d passed by Sara’s tea garden a couple of times on previous visits and glimpsed into the gorgeous garden and seemingly very happy diners on previous visits to Old Leigh, but either it hadn’t been a meal time, or it was well deservedly fully booked. This time however on a fabulous sunny day I happened to be there in the morning before visiting the art trail and thought it would be worth the trip back to lunch after my artistic viewings. I was very lucky to have had the foresight as even though it wasn’t the weekend when I arrived for my 12.30 table others who hadn’t booked were told it was a considerable wait but phew not for me. The atmosphere was delightful, I think everyone including me felt very fortunate to be able to there on such a glorious day. The garden is truly stunning, it feels like almost a neverland bountiful with plants and decor and lattice to provide some shade but not block out that lovely sun.There’s a good variety on the menu, from sandwiches, panini’s, full lunches (including good vegetarian section), desserts and afternoon tea all freshly made and presented beautifully. I have to say a massive thank you to one of the staff (unfortunately I didn’t catch her name) who took time out to go above and beyond when something happened (nothing to do with the cafe) and ensured that my lunch in that wonderful garden was one that I have a treasured memory of. Can’t recommend enough, but make sure you book!

So this is my second review of this place.... But like New York New York it's so good I had to review it twice. Firstly the cheese cake .... Thank God it's Friday as this was not only possibly the best cheesecake I ever tasted but it was also possibly the largest heart attack on a plate I ever had..... But as the waitress reminded me.... Don't worry, it's Friday lolSecondly the place is just stunning, almost magical and every single waitress (and there were loads) was warm, smiley and really that's all you can ask.....Thirdly... let me just say... this place is not just dog friendly.... They actually treated my dog Ziggy like a prince, they have a doggie menu and his drink and food arrived before mine ! AND it was in cute little dog bowls... he felt special I could tell....Lastly.... They have made such an effort with the interior... if you are having a bad day just read all the little signs and anecdotes dotted around....some of them warm, some funny... some poignant I love the one about naughty children ha ha ha Thanks ladies.... Just like the first time I came it was a real pleasure Zak

In Old Leigh, an attractive area, (very) popular with visitors and locals alike. Really great (homemade) cakes, other food looked good as well. Friendly staff, sensible prices. Somewhat slow service, but they were busy.

We didn’t book but Managed to get an inside table on a lovely Sunday lunch time, I would suggest on sunny weekends booking in advance, nice outside tables.I had a cream tea(coffee) while my wife had a bacon,scrambled egg and tomato on sour dough and a coffee, all cooked fresh so don’t expect fast food outlet on a busy day.My wife’s meal was excellent, my scone was however although beautifully soft and cooked fresh was quite small(2” diameter) it was supplied with a good portion of clotted cream and a small jar of Wilkins jam, our two coffees were very nice, and service by the young ladies was very good,The meals we see come out looked excellent value and would definitely use again for brunch.

Amazing dog friendly tea room. Upon arrival the team quickly offered our lab a drink and a handful of biscuits settling her down. A large breakfast menu with lots of delicious choices both vegitarian and not. Would highly recommend to anyone to visit Sara's.

My first visit with my granddaughter and it was packed with a lovely buz inside and out in this lovely oasis of a tea shop. The staf were very friendly and helpful. The menu varied and interesting. The cappuchinos first class and sandwiches well presented and well filled with fresh ingredients.

We sat down and ordered and waited 25 minutes for a drink when other tables around us were receiving theirs. We then waited around another 20 minutes for our lunch. The food was nice but wouldn’t rush back for the price and service.

Hadn't been to Leigh-on-Sea for years but stumbled across this place yesterday. We only had Tea/Coffee and cake but the menu looked good. Prices were as expected. We sat outside in the garden which was lovely. Staff all seemed to be very young but well trained, polite and well groomed in their uniform. Glad we found Sara's Tea Garden and will definitely recommend and call in again,

Very dog friendly (water and treats offered) cafe with a small, largely covered garden at the front. Very busy, but plenty of friendly staff to handle the breakfast peak. Prices are acceptable and service is relatively quick.

A fabulous afternoon lunch with selection of home made cakes. Dogs very welcome - even have a doggie menu. Sara makes everyone welcome and takes time to speak to all customers. Waiting staff very attentive and accommodating.

Booked a table for 6 girls on Sunday to celebrate my daughter’s 12th birthday. I made Sara aware that I wanted to leave the girls to enjoy a brunch on their own and could she just ‘keep an eye’ on them. Sara and her team could not have done more. The girls enjoyed an amazing birthday brunch and they could not have been better looked after anywhere else.Not our first visit, but thank you so much Sara and team, we will be returning again.

All I can say is yes quaint place but majorly overpriced! Food nothing special. Breakfast is almost £11.00 and def not worth the money. Most of the other dishes are equally as expensive. Wont be going back. there are plenty of nice pubs and other places to eat that are much better value for money.

We were looking forward to our breakfast as recommended by our friends who brought us here on our first visit. Firstly the table we had reserved was not available, although the alternative was acceptable. However the quality of food was very substandard and cold and equally of importance was when we brought this to the attention of the management our complaint was met with indifference and we were told “Nobody else complained”As if this was an acceptable reason for the poor quality fare served

Booked Sara’s Tea Garden to celebrate my friend’s birthday. Booked on the recommendation of a friend and we certainly weren’t disappointed. We were shown to our table by the friendly staff who brought up a choice of tea. The first course consisted of home-made sausage rolls and potato wedges served with mayo and a chilli dip – delicious! (I would say that all the food we had was home-made and equally delicious). This was followed by an amazing selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and even more cakes!! We were so full that we had to take a couple of doggy bags home which shows how much food we were given! Talking of dogs, the café welcomes our four-legged friends and heven has a special menu just for them. Highly recommended – we will return! X

Went for lunch with two family members today, sat outside and the food was tasty. We had mozarella ciabatta, steak ciabatta and sausage ciabatta and hot drinks. Service was prompt and friendly and the ciabattas were done just right and still warm when served.

Three of us came for lunch. One order of the cheese and ham ploughman’s and two for the Mediterranean omelette. Service was very quick and it all looked nice. The ploughman’s was enjoyed very much, but the omelettes were both undercooked. I told the waitress that this was the case and pointed out the egg “slime” on the plate. She said we should have said something, which I thought I was doing? The peas in the omelettes were green beans and a bit on the crunchy side. Quite a lot of food waste sadly. Full price was requested without an apology as the ladies were too busy worrying over a payment from another customer not having gone through and a discussion about one of their children whose teacher has covid.

We were served by a lovely waitress called Hollie. She was very attentive throughout and made sure we were looked after. Food was delicious and we were all stuffed and very impressed! She was so attentive that she noticed that it was one of the party’s birthday and she bought a slice of cake with a candle over so we could sing happy birthday!!Thank you for a lovely breakfast! We will be back!

Delicious food. Such a cute little gem! Service was a tad slow but it was worth it. The portion size abs presentation was brilliant

My daughter ordered afternoon tea for our lockdown Mother's Day. We have had many afternoon tea from lots of establishments but this was one of the nicest. There were 5 different types of sandwich, scones, sausage roll, crisps and a selection of cakes. Will definitely return once the tea rooms are open again.

Me and my boyfriend ordered an afternoon tea for valentines day for collection (lockdown dates). We were asked what sandwich fillings we wanted and was told all was good! We collected and thought all was OK until we saw they got 2 out of the 3 sandwich orders wrong. When we called them, we were told they didn't have what we asked for so they replaced it with something else. Unfortunately what they replaced it with we didn't eat. We then had to drive back and wait for some more sandwiches to be made. We would have preferred to have been contacted and told they didn't have what we asked for originally instead of changing the order for us. On a plus side the brownie tasted amazing!

Our visit here exceeded our already high expectations. Not only did they make us and our dog feel very welcome (they even have a menu for dogs!) the quality of the food and drinks was amazing. Definitely one of the best breakfasts we’ve ever had, fantastic coffee, wonderful service and such a lovely atmosphere. We will definitely return in the future!

Enjoyed a lovely lunch with my mother. Food was delicious. Staff were friendly & helpful. We felt completely safe in these strange Covid times as they scrubbed the tables like no other place. It was very reassuring to see. Such hard workers.

I found Sara's Tea room today whilst walking my dog from Chalkwell to old Leigh. It is a lovely cosy little corner of old Leigh. Excellent coffee strong, but not bitter, hot but didn't take the roof of my mouth off . Lovely piece of Lemon cake, tasty and moist but not too sweet, Best of all is the doggie menu - sausages, biscuits. really dog friendly . wonderful efficient staff . Great place for families, dog walkers,. couples

This is our second visit here and once again it didn't disappoint. We booked our table 2 hours earlier to ensure we got an indoor table. We brought our dog who was welcomed as much as we were! Dogs everywhere and all well behaved!Delicious food, great service. We will be back

If you take anything away from this - take the the FOUR-STAR rating - Sara's a very good little cafe.The Good: - COVID COMPLIANCE: I've noticed a few disgruntled reviews comment on social distancing' problems at Sara's... but: 1) the management did an excellent job spacing people out, and with most of the eating area outside, I think it's a comparatively safe place to dine out. 2) all the negative reviewers presumably SAW Sara's was crammed when they stuck their nose around the corner to get a table, decided to go in anyway, and then wrote a review moaning about the crowding??- CHILD-FRIENDLY: Staff and atmosphere great. If you've a young family, Sara's is a better alternative to one of the pubs over the road.- DOG-FRIENDLY: Not only are dogs welcome, the staff and co-diner are very hospitable. If you're taking a dog out for the day, Sara's might be the best place around. Again, I loved the atmosphere of the place because of the dogs.- EATING AREA: Stormy and wet today, but the outdoor area is beautiful laid out with plants, sheltered from the wind and airy yet cosy. Inside of Sara's is very tastefully decorated.- PRICE: Eight quid for a main, 4 for a kid's main, cakes, sides and drinks very fairly priced too!The Ordinary:- MENU. For supposedly the SECOND best place to eat in Southend according to Trip Advisor, Sara's the menu was one of the most uninspiring, unoriginal and unimaginative menus I've ever seen. I've eaten in community cafes with similar lengthy menus that are essentially: jacket potatoes, sandwiches, paninis and wedges. I am sure the management will defend this decision on the grounds that it appeals to their local customer base, which is fair enough, but my partner had to stop me looking elsewhere when I found NOTHING on the menu of any interest. No pasta, no saladsThere is nothing here you couldn't cook at home to the same standard. It's the first time I've paid to eat out and found the hot drink I ordered the most exciting part of the meal. Wedges in place of fries, no alcohol license, and identical fillings regardless of whether you're eating sandwiches or jacket potatoes... everything screams 'what will cause us the least hassle' - a list of dishes designed to be prepped by anyone for anyone?As for my food, it was so-so. Soggy bread, filling-not-as-good-as-a-Waitrose-sarnie, bland coleslaw, minute side salad; table on which it was served felt like they'd blow away... In fairness, I did see a couple eating a lovely-looking tower of cake and tea, which I know we'd have enjoyed. And it may be the case that the fish here is really good? Do you know what, assume the problem is me not the menu(!)The food was 3 out of 5 (all of us thought) ... 'good' rather than 'average', but it's bizarre that Sara's ranks as highly as it does on Tripadvisor if that ranking is based on its menu.Overall:Would I, or anyone I ate with, go back to Sara's? If they overhauled the menu, 'definitely'. Should you give it a go? If you fancy coffee and cake with your dogs, then 'yes!'I really liked the staff, location and vibe.

First time, but very nice down to earth food, we didnt have cakes but they looked so nice! Would 100% go again.

Whilst I can understand people’s attraction to this place, I think they need a kick up the backside regarding their Covid measures. No enforcement of mask wearing, people shouting across the tables, and worst of all, tables far too close. Government rules are for tables to be 2 metres apart unless there are additional measures in place. Tables here are less than half a metre apart and there were no measures to mitigate this, such as screens. We sat at a table for 2 and were asked if it was ok for someone to sit at the table next to us, which was very close. We said yes because we felt awkward and under pressure (there was a queue) but the truth is we should not have been put in that position in the first place. Sara’s Tea Garden need to take their responsibilities seriously and adjust the seating, insist on mask wearing and ask people to stop shouting across tables.

A warm welcome awaits at this tea room near the front in ‘old’ Leigh. Unusual but tasty choice of sandwiches along with a wide range cakes are available here.

The fact that its always packed speaks for itself. Great service, top notch coffee and cakes and the most dog friendly cafe ever...and this after I lived in LA for two years where dogs are welcome everywhere! Theres even a doggy menu! Service was swift and efficient and with a smile. In response to the last message i felt, from my experience, the systems in place regarding Covid were taken very seriously..during my short stay I saw tables and chairs sprayed..menus wiped, track n trace in place and tables seperated. We are free to make our own decisions to eat out or not and based on my visit il be back...my dog demands it!! :0)

we stopped here for refreshment during a run along the seafront. friendly service and fantastic cake

I had the breakfast sandwich and the wife had the smashed avocado. We both loved our food with generous portions and freshly made taste. Very good tea also. Lovely friendly staff serving so give it a go.

Visited this charming tearooms for the first time on Saturday.Lovely little place, dog friendly, staff friendly, food great.However social distancing was not in place.Tables were on top of each other and people on top of each other too.The Tables were not even meter apart.The staff were not in masks at all.I sat and watched the lady behind the counter wipe over the menus with the same cloth for the whole pile of menus,she didn't spray the cloth or menus once.Very disappointed in this lovely tearooms but not safe to visit sadly.

I have been here before but awhile back and we enjoyed a nice lunch - so what happened ? It was packed and the table behind me had a dog that was rifling through my bag ! they couldn't move the dog because there wasn't room . We were packed in and the people behind were squashed in the corner and my chair (according to them was to close to them - they were right.) What happened to social distancing and removing tables? I had a fish finger sandwich and the fish fingers were cold, my sisters sandwich had an ingredient missing which they did replace and my niece's omelette was very greasy - grease all over the plate. So all in all a disappointing experience. The staff were very pleasant though and service was good. Maybe look at removing a few tables especially at this time.

Thoroughly enjoyed our visit. Food was amazing, staff friendly and efficient. Lovely ambience in this gorgeous tea garden.

I visited here recently with my family, the food was great and the courtyard is lovely but what really struck me was how child friendly it was. My 3y/o niece was given her lunch on a children's plate, with children's cutlery, whilst this might seem like a small gesture, I've never actually had this in a restaurant and it is such a great idea.We had fish finger sandwiches and paninis between us, which were all tasty, service was friendly and prompt and it's also doggy friendly!

Food not as good breakfast piled on top of foul mushroom what's happened to Sara's????Went for omelette 2 days ago that was awful too looked like it had been frozen and woken up in a bad mood!! Didn't taste much better

Booked here for morning brunch, there were 6 of us, including 2 Coeliac’s.Tables were spread out nicely to control social distancing. We were seated outside under netting.Quite a bit of choice for the Coeliac’s which made a nice change from the usual offering of brownies.I could have had but settled for a Gluten Free scone with cream and jam.Staff were very friendly, and service was quick and efficient.My only complaint was that our table was very unsteady. We had a 5 yo with us, and he leant on one side causing the table to tilt, sending food and drink into his sister’s lap.However, the staff came extremely quickly, helped clear up the mess, and replaced the food and drink immediately. So hats off to them for that.Overall, a nice place, well worth a visit. Reasonable prices for the area, too.

We had a choice of eateries in Leigh and Old Leigh for brunch this morning (Monday). The sun was shining, so we wandered along the front to Old Leigh. Passing Sara’s Tea Garden, we decided to pop in for an impromptu full English, with coffees etc. With just about every eatery in the UK offering the 50% off/£10 per head discount on Mon/Tues/Wed, we imagined Sara’s would be participating. There was no notice to say otherwise, so we were a bit shocked when we received out full price bill. We queried it with the waitress, who told us Sara had decided ‘It was too much paperwork’. We were gutted - could have gone to The Grove, Peter Boat, Boatyard - pretty much anywhere in Leigh. We noticed a couple of other tables also queried their bill. We felt we’d been ‘had’! Not much you can do after the event, but after being regular customers there over the years, we won’t be returning. Come on Sara’s, get your act together - you should be looking after your customers.

a beautiful unique spiritual cafe with the best eggs Benedict I have ever tasted dog friendly surrounded beautiful dogs and a beautiful apple tree with beautiful messages. in my opinion one of the best I've been into

After not so good service and drinks local to this in Leigh-on-Sea happy to say this place was the opposite and would definitely revisit if in the area again Friendly smiling staff and made to feel very welcome Well done

Thanks Sara, we had a lovely start to our morning off work. You managed to fit us in last minute. Your team were amazing and took care of us and our dogs with great care, breakfast was tasty and the service was just the right speed to enjoy our visit. We will definitely be back soon!

Very clean well run restaurant. Very pleasant courtyard for eating but you could eat inside. Lots of choice on the menu for cakes and other things such as omelettes.It was my daughters birthday and they really made a special effort by giving her a large free piece of cake with a candle on it.Would definitely go back

A fair attempt at social distancing with hand sanitiser bottles on every table; some of the chairs removed and yellow taped crosses on the tables to show where not to sit. However, I could easily have reached out and touched the shoulder of the unknown person sitting next to me on a different table. Despite the menu saying some customer details would be recorded, none were.Stopped for a cream tea (warmed scone, Tiptree jam and a pot of clotted cream). The pot of tea for one was easily enough for over two cups of tea. The "High Tea" on neighbouring tables looked very good, although we thought a little expensive at £20 a head given the surroundings. However the quality looked undoubtedly good.

We had an enjoyable cream tea today, which was very reasonably priced. Service was great and would definitely recommend a visit.

My wife, 4 year old son and I went a couple of weeks ago for lunch and although they are very well organised for the new norm and the venue is lovely, the service was shocking and the food was bad.We stood outside for about 15 minutes and it was only because I needed the loo that we were acknowledged. When we got our table and eventually got served the lady messed our order up. I say eventually because they had a few people working but none of them really on the ball.The food - not good!I had the coronation chicken sandwich, which was punchy at around £8 (no chips or crisps toaccompany it) and dripping in oil.My wife had the mushroom omelette and it was bland and tasteless.My son had baked beans on toast and I don’t really know how you can mess that up but they tasted odd.We won’t be going back for lunch but will try the afternoon tea, as that looked tasty.The venue is stunning and for that reason I will give it three stars otherwise it would be two. If the afternoon tea disappoints then my next review will reflect that.

Had a lovely afternoon with friends in the tea rooms... wonderful atmosphere and surroundings. The ‘afternoon tea’ package was well worth the £19.95 more than enough for all of us. The staff were very attentive ... great service....definitely worth a visit ... we will be returning.

We visited during lockdown, so it was only takeaway only, but the lady was wonderfully helpful, polite and chatty and welcoming. This is how you do it. This is how you get customers and retain customers by being super lovely and making great food!Sandwiches to take away were really tasty and reasonably priced too and plenty of filling. Happily continue to support here. Lovely.

We’d booked to go to Sara’s on Good Friday which was obviously cancelled due to the current situation. When heard it had opened again we picked a day to bring our two little dogs who love it here as they feel safe and the staff are fab with their four legged customers. We’d booked a table as soon as it opened as I was a little apprehensive but the tables were spread out, some couldn’t be used and there was hand sanitiser on each table. We had a table in the garden which had lovely brollies and it just felt normal, bar the staff were obviously making sure that people weren’t all sitting down at once. We had a lovely full English and the dogs had a sausage each. They don’t give out the throws now and as we were sitting in the garden the dogs didn’t lay down too much but it was still lovely. Would def. recommend and we can’t wait to treat ourselves and the dogs again soon. Well done

So lovely to be back in the Tea Garden, delicious cream tea for two and a couple of slices of Sara’s cakes to take away. The garden looks as pretty as ever, excellent service and friendly staff, would highly recommend.

I attended a baby shower at Sara’s team room. Although very busy, the managed a big group of us well. Food is delicious, as are the coffees and I think it’s very reasonably priced. I’ve since been back but they were too busy and had no spare tables. I wish the place was bigger!

Relaxing environment and a clean comfortable space.Serving staff polite.Unfortunately I cannot recommend the vegetarian breakfast served with sour dough toast.The quarter of avocado not well presented, the baked beans served nearly cold, the slice of sour dough toast was tiny, the mushrooms were soggy and therefore overall very disappointing.( No vegan options)

Lovely place where to eat and share a fantastic afternoon in a lovely athmosfere Staff very polite and kind. Thank you very much!

We had a lovely hot chocolate and delicious cake to celebrate my grandmothers birthday. Great service and set in a unique garden setting.

Have taken the dogs to Saras on a few occasions now and have even booked to go again. Had the full english which was great and had a cake as well this time which was yummy and they even gave my friend and I a doggy box as we couldn’t eat all our cakes (fab touch). The staff are extremely brilliant with their furry guests and the boys had a bowl of water, Gravy bones and a blanket for the floor. I bought the boys a sausage each which they really enjoyed. Would def. recommend coming here.

Lovely setting on a cold winters sunny day. Came here with a friend, we sat outside as I have a dog. Friendly staff, large choice on the menu with good ingredients, reasonably picked all served with a smile. Coffee was good and nice and hot as were our sandwiches along with the warmth of a patio heater. Lovely touch with a water bowl and gravy bones for my puppy. Would return, thank you.

What a beautiful tea room !! Just popped on passing with the dog as heard from a family member how good it was. It’s super dog friendly with lots of water and even a menu for your dog. The staff are absolutely fantastic and even put the heater on for us. Had a small breakfast which was perfect. Absolutely highly recommended this fantastic place!!

Dropped in whilst out for a walk and were treated to a smashing lunch. Staff were lovely, toilets clean. All good, amazing veg soup with lush cheese on toast. Bubble & squeak went down well too. We’ll be back.

I have eaten here a few times over the years and this tea room serves very good cake and coffee. You will find plenty of seating both inside the tearoom and in its courtyard which has heating at this time of the year. I would highly recommend a visit here.

Have not visited Sara's for some while and was disappointed that it had regressed from being a First Class place to go. The setting is still as good as it has always been and dogs ares till allowed but the food was at best average. I used to order beans on toast and have two slices now it is one slice and the price the same. Friends found similar with theri food. Staff did not appear as friendly, not sure if there has been a change of hands. All in all disappointed but for the setting alone worth a visit.

Sarah's Tea Garden is in a lovely setting in Old Leigh, I'm not sure why I've never eaten here before but a couple of people were eating what looked to be delicious pasta.

The brownies are absolutely oooeyy-goooeeey! I have dreams about them. Yum! The staff are really kind and friendly. Love the decor and the fact they offer blankets for the cold days when you want to sit outside. Lovely find in Leigh on sea

We knew this place was dog friendly, but have not been for a while. We have 3 dogs. One who is disabled. We were welcomed with open arms. Everyone in the Tea shop, was welcoming to our dogs. We had a gorgeous breakfast and our dogs had scrambled eggs and bacon served in their own dishes which was wonderful. Great food, wonderful staff. Love it. Hope this years season is wonderful for you, you deserve it.. Thank you. See you in the Summer . xxx

Visited for a hot drink and snack, ordered garlic bread at £2.50 and when it arrived I got 1 slice of bread with some very non-garlic butter! Won't be rushing back

My wife and I had been given a voucher for afternoon tea. As always everything was very good and the staff pleasant and helpful.

Return annually for a Boxing Day Breakfast with the family. Superb breakfast, fantastic friendly warm service. Made to feel very welcome and the food is always fresh and hot. Done a fantastic job serving a needy table of 7 and we look forward to returning very soon!