Smalltalk Tea Shop in Chelmsford

Unusual, traditional tearoom with old fashioned furniture. Fantastic selection of proper teas served in handmade tea bags in tea pots with little tea cosies. Nice quiet place out of the way. My husband enjoyed a slice of coffee and walnut cake which had a good quantity of walnuts which was to his liking. Unfortunately they had run out of Gluten Free cake options but I enjoyed my cup of tea anyway.

Not my kind of place everything is delicate and im not but managed to not break anything. my girlfriend really enjoyed her tea, i found mine disgusting but that was my fault for only ordering it as it had a silly name and not reading the description. Best tea/coffee place i have been to in chelmo next time i will have a different tea though

Lacking customer service, no baby change bed, asked for a towel or something to lay baby on and they refused. Not inclusive and just want to take money without facilities being good enough. Unhelpful staff would never come back and will make sure all family and friends steer clear too.

We visited late in the afternoon, but were welcomed in to a step back in time to Grandma's parlour. Enjoyed 2 of their large range of teas, along with Fruit Scones, Jam and Cream, idyllic.

We were seated by a friendly young waitress. The older one with blonde hair that came to take our order, not so much (possibly the manageress?). We had only just sat down and started looking at the menu when she came over. I asked for a few more minutes as we had decided what to get my daughter but not myself and my mother. I was greeted by a disgruntled eyebrow raise and a loud click of the ballpoint pen and she turned and walked off like we as the customers were an inconvenience. I would usually be asked what drinks we wanted then given time to choose until the drinks arrive. Feeling very put off and uncomfortable we left. We went to another tearoom in Moulsham Street which was a much more pleasurable experience for my daughters birthday lunch and shopping trip!

If you want a perfect place for afternoon tea look no further, lots of lovely cakes to tempt you plus very good coffee. You will not be disappointed

really enjoyed our first visit to smalltalk - just had time to pop in for cappuccinos today although range of light meals and cakes looked very tasty - staff friendly and cheeful - will try and stop for lunch next time

Having been here a few times and having enjoyed the food etc , my partner booked an afternoon tea for her Mum , Aunt and Uncle . They arrived and had already pre booked the afternoon tea which was £42 for 4 . Two of them asked for more tea but was disappointed that they were charged another £7.40 odd for the two teas . Considering they had ordered afternoon tea they were taken aback with the “extra” Charge for the tea . The sandwiches and cakes where on the small side in quantity for 4 adults . Although they had a nice time it was a bit light on the overall amount but the charge didn’t reflect that . It won’t stop us going back but just to make people aware that you will get charged more if you want more tea . As a suggestion in true British fashion there should be enough tea rather than pinching on something that is just a couple of tea bags and hot water . Otherwise it would have been 4/5 stars

Popped in for lunch as I love it here, lovely old world decor and efficient service. Had sandwiches and a pot of tea which arrived super quick and were delicious checked out the cakes and had to have slice too. Always polite and friendly and great fresh food. Only downside might no alcohol but I prefer this as no problems.

I love Smalltalk. It's such a cosy, beautiful little tea room which is wonderfully decorated. You get lovely tea pots & a great choice of tea & cakes. I always have a jacket with cheese & bacon which comes with a lovely side salad, I know it's just a jacket potato but it is delicious. Such a great atmosphere, you really feel like you are getting a real treat. It's quite small though so make sure you get there early!

We have been going to this tearoom for the last year or so but was very disappointed on Tuesday 19th Dec in the afternoon. We sat down at a table for 10 min and when one of the window seats became available we moved to that table. We sat at that table for 15 minutes hoping that the serving staff would come and clear the table and take our order. Another couple came in and took the table that we where originally sitting at. Meanwhile the serving staff cleared other tables where people had left and then to cap it they decided to serve the people who had sat in our original table. I didn’t mind waiting nearly half an hour because I was looking forward to a latte and a Welsh Rarebit, but when they did come to serve there was no apology from the waitress, which is why we were not happy and left. Up until this day I have always enjoyed going to this teashop and would always have recommended it, maybe the staff has changed but normally the staff would greet you when you come in but the two staff at the counter didn’t appear to be rushed off their feet while we where there.

Often have tea(wide range) and a snack here when I'm shopping, very clean and good atmosphere - always seems busy which is a good sign

Great selection of teas, sandwiches and cakes, and lovely service. Although quite small it is still good for babies and buggies.

Lovely ambiance to this restaurant which is situated just off the shopping area and perfect for a relaxing meal, plenty of snacks on the menu and food was very tasty and nicely presented, Not very large seating area but there is a feeling of relaxation in the premises which is great when you have spent a few hours shopping

Three of us arrived for lunch. We hadn't booked so we took our chances on getting a table. We sat on the table in the corner which isn't very comfortable to eat at and the very nice waitress said a couple of tables had nearly finished and we could sit at one of them when the customer had left. All good but when some people were more or less done I felt the waitress rushed them saying the table was needed for us like we were special (I know we are!!!!!!! ) or something. They gathered their shopping and coats off the backs of their chairs really quickly. I was embarrassed so perhaps if we come back we will book and WE won't be hurried.

Great english breakfasts, jacket potatoes and sandwiches. All food is good quality and nicely presented.

Really enjoyed a late morning scone and coffee. Lovely scone with cream and jam. Good service and clean and tidy. Not sure why it's cash only? Get's very busy though.

Love this tea shop. Yes the queues are sometimes lengthy, but worth it. The staff are always very polite and immaculate. The interior is quaint and they always have a beautiful vase of roses on the counter (the roses are from Poland I believe). The breakfast tea is ideal for me, and I have tried many of their sandwiches. They are extremely reasonable with prices.

One of my favourite little tea rooms! Always get great friendly service, so meany teas to choose from, and delicious cakes.

Breakfast hits the spot, good fast service and food of excellent quality. Needs served on hot plates, sadly lacking at most restaurants.

I was very disappointed to have booked afternoon tea for myself and a freind who has a nut allergy, I booked sat but when I rang at 3.00 was asked to ring back as it was busy, that was fine but I felt rushed again when I rang back. I wanted to ask if I could have a nut free afternoon tea but as rushed just booked and rang this morning at 10oclock, very polite lady and said it was not a problem and they Wouldnot put carrot cake or walnut cake on the stand. When the stand was bought up at 12.30 it had carrot cake and walnut cake on. As this was a birthday treat it was disappointing to have to send it back to be change.

Had brunch twice. A very nice experience. Good service and lovely food. Perhaps a little on the expensive side but it's only once in a while.

The search is still on for a decent cup of tea in Chelmsford. Being a tearoom we thought this might be just the place. One pot of tea for two with two tea bags and too much water.

I've visited this tea room many times and everytime, has been a delight! The staff are attentive, the food is freshly prepared and the choice of drinks are impressive. The environment is quaint with lovely old furniture. Well done everybody for great service and excellent food

Really cute for tea and cake! On the high street so a nice get away during shopping. They do a great breakfast too

Had been meaning to visit for some time. The decor promised a good reinvented tea shop. This hid a poor excuse for a regular cafe. Soup made from powder, squashed to death bagel, so flat it resembled a pancake. Very poor service and in this day and age something g that rings alarm bells - cash only! This always makes me uncomfortable as it shows lack of commitment in your business.

Have been put off visiting here by the fact that both me and my brother have been trying to call them to book a table for our mum for the last week and a half and not once has someone answered the phone or got back to us! Pure rude and AWFUL customer service! Will certainly be taking our custom elsewhere!

I've been in a number of times now and find the staff and service very good. On each occasion I've been directed to a table if I cannot see one as soon as I go in. They are accommodating for mums with prams. And they serve the most amazing selection of teas. The cake and scones are lush. On the down side the toast is overpriced and I wouldn't rate the jacket potatoes at all the one I had was over done in a microwave with a nasty cress garnish. But over all the best tea room in Chelmsford for its wide selection of teas and cosy warm and welcoming feel.

Popped along for lunch with my friend for a catch up. We sat near the window which was lovely. I've been to this tea room before and it's been okay but on this visit the staff must have been having an off day. I ordered a cheese and onion toastie on white bread. Well, when it came, it was accompanied with the most wilted lettuce I have ever seen - I did not eat it. I was very disappointed with the toastie too, it was so thin, I thought someone had sat on it. The staff were not very attentive either and this let down my visit. I wished I had gone somewhere else. Very disappointing.

Delightful shop with every kind of tea on a separate menu, 'ordinary' tea and coffee, delicious cakes, light lunches and meals. You must make time to visit!

I vow I will never go to this tea shop again. This the third time I've been here and I wasn't impressed with the staff and on the last occasion I was there with a friend we ordered a pot of tea for two and it was £4.00 for one large teabag and a tiny pot of milk. When we eventually caught the waitress' eye we complained the tea was too weak. It was changed immediately but sadly it still rubbish. The place looks pretty and it is very clean but the uninterested staff and poor tea let it down.

I took my nan to this tearoom for her birthday and it was a nice experience. We were sat at a table we werent all that happy with, was very cramped but we were quickly moved when a nicer one come available which was nice. The service was good but waitresses didnt seem all that happy! There qas ample food and yummy at that. The cake I had for afters was quite dry which was a shame but my nan thoroughly enjoyed the lemon meringue pie! Overall I would rate this a 4, would be a bit of oomph for top marks! I would most probably return again

I visited today for the first time with my daughter, we ordered tea and cake for both of us. The service was a little rushed. When it came to settle the bill the owner came over and it was paid. We went to the restroom and tried to leave. We were surrounded by all five waitresses and accused of not paying loudly in front of the other customers. Very rude and will not be returning.

I recently visited this delightful little tea shop in Chelmsford. The ambience is very pleasant for anyone who enjoys an old fashioned light lunch or afternoon tea. Every teapot served with its own cosy. My jacket potato served with two toppings of choice was served quickly, and very well presented, just the right size and perfect side salad.