The Coffee Crate in Colchester

I saw Coffee Crate on trip advisor and decided to take a drive and try out. good free parking. Friendly reception at the counter with all the lovely bakery coffee smells of the hard work going on in the kitchen out the back. We were seated in good time (one waitress) she was already pinging backwards and forwards with tickets and plates. We were taken next door where we had a choice of two tables as they were nearly full, nice atmosphere, cosy, seats were okay for the duration, tables, cutlery, glasses, cups were clean and shiny. The seating area is dog friendly, which is great for me as I love doggies and a beautiful flower Wall and matching theme looks modern. Food come out in good time presentation as expected was quite big portions Fresh bouncy bread, crisp salad and tasty crisps. Coffee was good frothy cappo and cold drink as expected, we were left feeling full and had a lovely time and felt the price was very reasonable. Overall a lovely little gem don't change! we will be back.

On the outside this does not look much but it offers such great food, drinks and really nice surroundings making our brief stop for lunch very pleasant. Dog friendly unlike the garden centre down the road.

My girlfriend and I recently stopped by The Coffie Crate in Tiptree, and we loved it! Harry, the owner, really knows his stuff and makes more than just great coffee. We called ahead to order a jacket potato, and Harry promised it would be ready and nice and crispy. He didn’t disappoint! The potato was huge, perfectly crispy outside, and soft inside. It came with a fresh side salad, a tasty dressing, and coleslaw, which left us full for the whole day. I also ordered an amazing strawberry milkshake and even got a free refill before our meal. I’m incredibly impressed with the service they provided. My girlfriend loved her iced cappuccino and fell in love with the place. The coffee selection is impressive, with everything from espresso and frappes to hot chocolates and lattes. The people who hang out there are super friendly, and the staff are really nice. We’re definitely going back! If you’re in Tiptree, definitely pop in for some great food and coffee. You won’t regret it!

My girlfriend and I recently stopped by The Coffie Crate in Tiptree, and we loved it! Harry, the owner, really knows his stuff and makes more than just great coffee. We called ahead to order a jacket potato, and Harry promised it would be ready and nice and crispy. He didn’t disappoint! The potato was huge, perfectly crispy outside, and soft inside. It came with a fresh side salad, a tasty dressing, and coleslaw, which left us full for the whole day. I also ordered an amazing strawberry milkshake and even got a free refill before our meal. I’m incredibly impressed with the service they provided. My girlfriend loved her iced cappuccino and fell in love with the place. The coffee selection is impressive, with everything from espresso and frappes to hot chocolates and lattes. The people who hang out there are super friendly, and the staff are really nice. We’re definitely going back! If you’re in Tiptree, definitely pop in for some great food and coffee. You won’t regret it!

I had such a lovely experience here! I was splitting my workday between a couple different locations and was looking ahead last night for a place to get a quick lunch. I was able to order ahead and specify that I was planning on eating in the restaurant so it was ready when I got there. Everything was delicious with reasonable prices, and I appreciate how accommodating their menu is to a variety of dietary restrictions, even if you're ordering online. The presentation of the food and drinks was very instagram friendly, if that's your thing, as well as the restaurant as a whole. There was a floral wall, comfy pillows on the benches, and lots of board games on a shelf in the corner. I also took advantage of the free wifi. A really great hidden gem— I'll definitely be back if I'm in the area again!

Wonderful breakfast at this hidden gem of a cafe. Fabulous service ... Will definitely be going again

I am so glad I looked at the great reviews for the Coffee Crate. We decided to drive down from Norfolk to Essex to take my mum out for lunch for her birthday. My problem is I can’t just eat anywhere due to multiple allergies, as many places can’t or won’t cater for a medical diet. I need gluten free, dairy free and the worst, rapeseed free which can be in so much now mixed in with other oils. This place is a real gem and Harry, family and staff are so accommodating, making and adapting food fresh from the kitchen. So a big thank you to everyone for your help in arranging this birthday lunch for mum, making a lovely cake for her and ensuring that I had a very tasty lunch to eat too and going above and beyond what I was expecting. It was delicious, we all enjoyed it, and mum will be back with her friends soon

What a fantastic little gem! Called in for a breakfast on the way home from a wedding and so glad we did fantastic greating from a great guy and catered for all our needs and looked after our pet dog too! The food was excellent just what we needed vegetarian and none vegetarian breakfast and treats for the dog! So glad we called had a nice chat too with some locals! And spoke to the chef too great guy! Would definitely call again without doubt! Thank you!

Had a takeaway coffee today and it leaked gradually and made a mess of my sweater I returned to tell them the cup leaked and was told it’s an eco cup and oh that’s a shame. Very off hand and certainly won’t be going back Thank you for your reply. I was concerned how your staff lady dealt with me 2 drops!! I could send you a photo of six drips plus one on my light jeans and she was so couldn’t care a less!

I just love this place. I visit 2/3 times per week for coffee or food. Harry and his staff are friendly and genuine, they always make you feel very welcome. The coffee hits the spot and the food always fills the hole (they adapt it to your preferences). I highly recommend giving the coffee crate a look.. it’s a hidden local gem x

Absolutely delicious coffee, great place, very well laid out and built, so many great shops in this complex, will definitely be back :)

Amazing staff, delicious food, and fantastic coffee. I would highly recommend this place. We popped in as we were buying a car around the corner and waiting for it to be sorted. We got talking to the owner, he was an friendly down to earth guy. I just want to say thank you for the drinks, we are so grateful for your kindness.

The guys here are so nice always sort us out whenever we come so friendly and make us feel so welcome best place in tiptree

I’ve been to the Coffee Crate many times now and everytime the staff have been so friendly and helpful. It’s a great little hidden gem and I couldn’t fault it!!

What a super little place, tucked away in a cute location! The staff are genuinely happy to greet everyone, everyone is all smiles, chatty, they even brought our takeaway drinks out to the car! Bacon sandwiches on sumptuous, thick, granary bread - cooked as you like it, coffee made fresh and was to die for! We are ashamed to say this is our first visit - it's a must if you're nearby! Refreshing to have something this lovely in the local area - flawless and can't wait to return. thank you! ✨

Working from The Coffee Crate today, if you work remotely and want a creative space that is free to use when you buy a coffee then check them out. • Indoor Heating • Blankets & cushions • Plants • Natural light • Warm homemade food • Proper coffees • WiFi connection • Books Can’t recommend enough! 🙌🏽

Coffee OK - very very slow service though, 6 cups of coffee (4 for the person in front of me + mine) took almost 20 mins!

Always a friendly welcome and good coffee ☕.

An absolute gem 💎 would definitely recommend excellent quality,an amazing range of goodies to enjoy. We had a lovely time we went in for a quick snack lunch and a coffee and even came away with some Delicious homemade salads assorted Lovely owner and great chef do try the Coffee Crate I’m sure you won’t be disappointed Cosy atmosphere and quirky love it can’t wait to return asap 😊🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Visited the coffee crate with family today (5 of us) The food was 5 star, the staff was 5 star. Absolutely brilliant not had service like this for a very long time nothing was to much trouble, they went above and beyond. Thank you Coffee crate we will be back very soon.

I ordered a flat white like I always do as I prefer a stronger coffee. It was nice no burnt taste at all. The barista that served me was very polite. She brought my coffee to my table and apologised for a little spillage that had been caught by saucer. Never a problem when it's simply because the cup was so full so I didn't mind. No half measures here. I found The Coffee Crate by chance. I passed a sign on the road and had to find this oddly placed cafe with an interesting name. I was expecting a small coffee vendor within a small converted shipping container. With this in mind I was pleasantly surprised to find multiple containers. One converted to seat at least 12 guests and another that The Coffee Crate barista prepares food and coffee. The seating area is converted to a high standard with plush pillows that cover the nice looking albeit a bit firm seats. There is a bench on one side as shown in my photo and I'm sure you could easily bring 5-6 friends here and have plenty of room left.

Came here for a little bit of lunch before a shift at work, and I couldn’t recommend more. Such friendly staff, food was lovely (also accommodates for GF and dietary requirements) and super affordable. Milkshakes were amazing too! Can’t wait to come back.

I had a take away coffee, very nice, friendly staff

We had a hen party at the crate. It was perfect. Harry couldnt do enough to cater for us. Fantastic xxx

We had a hen do here and it was made so unique and special for our party. Everyone was catered for including vegetarians. We were able to bring our own wine ec.Harry worked really hard to ensure the afternoon went well. This made the whole occasion just perfect for what we wanted. I would highly recommend this little boutique cafe.

Harry is amazing and runs the coffee crate. The service was excellent, and the food was excellent, too. I would well recommended it.

Fantastic place, popped in on the way to school, food was cooked fresh and was amazing. The chef asked how we liked things cooked eg bacon. Couldn't have asked for better.

What a hidden gem of a café - restaurant!! Superb coffee, great food, lovely service, lovely space, inexpensive... I could go on...

Popped in for a takeaway sandwich and drink - delicious food and extremely quick service. Absolutely great - couldn’t help but nibble at it on the way to the office. Will most definitely be coming back for the odd lunch if I have nothing at home!

Nice food. Nice staff. Brilliant stop over after a dog walk. Dog allowed. Has eating in or out options plus a toilet.

Great food & relaxing atmosphere ☕

With super friendly staff, a warm welcoming environment and great quality food at an affordable price. Would highly recommend if you’re looking for some food

Super good service and quality of food, very accommodating for different dietary requirements too. Highly recommend✨

Lovely welcoming staff, very friendly and as a Yorkshireman I'm not used to paying £7.95 for a chicken wrap but wow... even without all the extras like salad, coleslaw and crisps on the side in my takeaway box... the wrap was heavenly 👌

Delicious jacket potato delivered in under 15 mins. Great food great service. Lovely team

Great find. Food was lovely and good size portions. Great drinks range. Price was very good!

Perfect stop off on the way to Suffolk coast..friendly welcome tasty food and excellent coffee. Toilets, parking and a pretty place to sit.What a gem xx

First time visit. Friendly. Good menu and prices. Outside seating, (which is a bonus). Don't let the location put you off. Maybe a cover over the outside seating for winter.

Love visiting here. Always friendly and lovely service

Lovely cafe with friendly staff.

Being stuck working from home has its privileges when you are in the catchment for delivery for This amazing coffee shop!! The food is delicious and the milkshakes are out of this world combined with the fact that they deliver makes them a 5 star coffee shop in my book!

Enjoyed a delicious beef & Stilton salad for lunch. It was so good, lots of great fresh ingredients with dressing and coleslaw in separate pots. Delivered on time by a lovely friendly lady. The decaf mocha with almond milk was great too. Highly recommended!

excellent coffee, lunch and superb carrot cake, highly recommended 👌

Found this great place today whilst visiting Tiptree. I had an amazing gluten free sandwich, gluten free cake and coffee. Really pleasant seating area, just an enjoyable experience ...well done and thank you🙂

Had a latte this morning and last week.... tasted great :)

We visited this small business for the second time yesterday. What a pleasant place to share a lovely lunch. The food was excellent the service and staff were welcoming and nothing was to much trouble. They told us since the pandemic they were also doing takeaways and deliveries. Hunt this little gem out and enjoy a great lunch/ break. Thankyou girls.

I ordered an afternoon tea for my birthday. The ordering on line was so simple and gives you the opportunity to choose your selection of sandwiches and a selection of teas to choose from. It comes beautifully presented. The cakes are delicious. Excellent value for money. Highly recommended.

100% my favourite coffee shop, staff Alway happy and helpful. Chris the dog man.

Wonderful company to deal with, Rachel is incredibly professional and integral. Beautifully packaged afternoon tea with superb cake selection ordered for my husbands 40th birthday lunch during lockdown. Slight problem with the order initially but Rachel went above and beyond to immediately rectify. Great customer service, great food .... please don’t hesitate to order and support this local company!! The puppacinno (frothed Oat milk) was also a huge hit with my Lab!!

Excellent welcome, coffee and lemon drizzle cake. Perfect for a very cold cyclist.

Lovely little cafe offering nice cakes and coffee.bgrest for cyclists.

Lucky enough to have won an afternoon tea for 2 and took advantage of that today but thankfully took along another person and am grateful we did (so much food). What a fantastic array of sandwiches and cakes along with beautiful presentation. The added bonus was we were offered the choice of tea or coffee. We did discover this place during eased lockdown and it was such a wonderful find, just something simple as getting out the house for a really good coffee (double shot as standard) and the best oat milk latte I have ever had! The inside seating area is so simply put together and thought out and decorated but so effective, it has a charm of it's own. During this crazy time it's also lovely to receive such amazing service, ALL of the staff are happy, welcoming, observant and attentive (no exceptions) and you can sense their smiles even through their masks!

Had a delicious coffee and bacon bap here recently. Got there before lunchtime rush so got a seat. Friendly staff and the cakes looked amazing. Looking forward to going back. Highly recommended!

I love the coffee crate, it has the cutest seating area and does the most amazing hot drinks, that staff are always friendly and I definitely recommend if in the area.

Excellent fresh ground coffee . friendly staff.

Lovely accidental find today - really nice coffee and an excellent couple of sandwiches - proper doorsteps. Lovely friendly people. Thank you!

Always a pleasure! covid friendly, great staff, a variety of tasty treats and great value for money. Couldn’t be more perfect.

Great cup of coffee, wonderful brownies and friendly helpful staff. What more could you want. Love this place.

Lovely coffee and friendly staff

Great little dog friendly coffee spot. Lovely food and drink. Made a change to be able to have a game of Jenga while out rather than staring at a phone screen!

I couldn't have been happier after our visit to The Coffee Crate last week! Delicious coffee, wonderful ambiance. The little touches (flower wall, snuggly blankets, jenga for kids) were perfect. As for my sausage and caramelised onion bagel... I'll be back regularly! Fabulous place. A true hidden gem. 10/10 ! ❤

Friendly, helpful service. Lovely surroundings. Great coffee and cake.

Visited the Coffee Crate at Tiptree and although it was cold and pouring with rain we were welcomed with our dog in the outside area which was warm and cosy with throws and heaters and even hot water bottles if wanted. The coffee of course was great and the food delicious and even puppachinos for the dog . Staff are top notch and we had a lovely time. Would thoroughly recommend The Coffee Crate.

Great coffee and excellent service

Had such a lovely afternoon visiting The Coffee Crate, the staff are so welcoming and friendly. Also super dog friendly (the best puppuccinos and pup cakes!) and a cosy little seating area with a lovely flower wall. Would 100% recommend and will definitely be back! :-)

Visited for the first time for a coffee with our puppy. Lovely coffee and cake (plus a pupuccino and doggy cupcake!). Nice to be able to enjoy a game of Jenga too. Will definitely be making a trip back.

Lovely little coffee stop at the coffee crate yesterday great service , lovely staff and delicious refreshments and enjoyed in the lovely new seating area we will be back 🎉

Thought we’d try somewhere new, and so glad we did. Lovely little place, great coffee and friendly member of staff!! Played a couple of games of Jenga whilst we were there too, can’t wait to go back and see the new flower wall! ☺️

Very nice coffee, very limited seating.

Millionaires hot chocolate, cookies and cream, there’s everything here! It’s somewhat becoming a guilty pleasure for me. Also the vegan cakes are top notch even for non-vegans! This place is highly recommended! 😋

Excellent service, very friendly staff! Best hot chocolate I have ever had

Was a real good experience with the family, the staff was so friendly and accommodating especially for my fussy vegan brother, the coffee and cakes were very moorish and could’ve easily sat there for a few more hours eating and drinking ..... a great find!

This is a great little find. Tucked away in a corner it is warm and cosy. Great staff and fabulous coffee, cake and sandwiches. Visit every week.

This is one of my favourite coffee shops around. I am dairy free and finding a good dairy free coffee has been hard, Until the coffee crate opened. They are the only shop I have found that don't charge any extra for a dairy free milk. They also have amazing dairy free and vegan cakes. The staff are all super lovely as well which makes visiting on your own great and they are always happy to chat.

This place is lovely so carm and quite, staff are happy welcoming people I love coming for a coffee here

Quick visit, I had coffee & cake, friend had coffee & ploughman's roll. All very nice. Only seating (indoors) was up at bar (table was used). Didn't want to sit outside. Couldn't fault food/staff. But lack of seating indoors put me off. Sorry x

The Coffee Crate has an amazing selection of hot and cold drinks, freshly baked cakes and sandwiches that not only are delicious but cater to variety of people (including dietary needs) at affordable prices. BONUS The barista’s are super friendly, welcoming and passionate about delivering quality coffee, unlike the big chains that want to rush you out the door with your order. The Coffee Crate is exceptionally clean, has quirky décor and a lovely spacious seating area outside. The Coffee Crate is a unique asset to Tiptree

The Coffee Crate has an amazing selection of hot and cold drinks, freshly baked cakes and sandwiches that not only are delicious but cater to variety of people (including dietary needs) at affordable prices. BONUS

Went here with my little girl and had a lovely visit. The coffee was amazing and they had a large selection of drinks from coffee to loaded hot chocolates and frappes. The cakes were out of this world! The seating area outside is lovely and quiet and nothing was too much for the staff. They bought out crayons and colouring sheets for my little girl so I could relax with my coffee while she was entertained. It’s a lovely community down there with other businesses and shops to visit such as the CBD oil shop and the Reco store. Definitely recommend visiting!

The staff was friendly and white hot chocolate was yummy!! Loads of filthy lovely cakes too. Nice outdoor seating if it's sunny out too.

Great little coffee place with loads of options and yummy cakes!! Friendly.

Quirky coffee shop located in, as the name suggests, a connex container. Found in an industrial estate near Tiptree, the facilities are clean and tidy, smart and well presented. Upon entry, the staff are friendly and engaging. The menu is clearly displayed and features a multitude of locally sourced coffees and drinks, as well as freshly prepared cakes and dessert items. The menu features many vegan and gluten free products too. Service was order at counter, table service when finished. Seating is located both indoors and outdoors, very limited seating inside. Overall, the experience was wonderful, well worth stopping for a hour to enjoy

Great place to go for a coffe with friends and family Highly recommend!! Great staff and food I always look forward to coming here. Its tucked out of the way, but a worthy find! Cakes are to die for!

Fantastic coffee, scrummy cakes, lovely service and a quite spot to sit outside. Worth stopping for, although the location might not be promise much but in conjunction with the other 'crates' it's definitely worth pulling in.

Visited the coffee crate today on our way home from Tiptree what a find ! Sat in the sunshine with a latte and delicious slice of cake ! Staff friendly and polite Will definitely be coming back !

The Coffee Crate has a lovely friendly atmosphere. Everyone is always more than happy to help you find what you need and talk to you. Lunch at The Coffee Crate is lovely, sandwiches, crisps, cake with hot and cold drinks.

I have been a regular at the coffee crate from day one. It’s the perfect place for so many reasons, not just because of its great tasting drinks but it also has a varied selection of drinks, cakes and sandwiches, it’s a wonderfully friendly place to go, the outside area is perfect for a some time out or to meet friends. Our daughter loves coming here so she can have her caramel slice and hot chocolate. If you haven’t been you really should try it. Best tea, coffee and hot chocolate in Essex, especially the Black Forest.

A very enjoyable visit in a surprisingly peaceful location. Coffee excellent as was the rhubarb and gin cake! Nice to support local small business. Staff were very nice

The first time I've been and was very pleased and impressed with all that I saw, shall definitely be trying refilling my empty bottles, what a great idea and dry goods to. Had lovely cup of hot chocolate at the cafe a great asset on our doorstep. Well done all xx

Currently trying to get to grips with a recently diagnosed illness, I discovered this wonderful little coffee shop local to me, whilst feeling at my lowest ebb. As I'm currently off work sick, it has proved to be a calm, friendly haven that serves excellent coffes and teas and the most scrumptious tray bakes ever. The girls (Rachel, Rose and Rachel) are so warm and friendly, very polite and professional and a joy to know. They're cheery manner is not just for familiar faces but for all customers who appear and nothing is too much trouble for them. There is a lovely outside seating area.....perfect for a quiet read of the paper and away from the main hub of busy roads. I go up every morning for a cuppa if I can and thrive on the tea, cake and conversation. Don't just take my word for it....go and see for yourself!

Delicious Coffee Latte with more frothy lushiousness than Costas and a lovely sandwich. Very reasonable and the two batista working well under difficult crowded conditions. Hope you get your shop soon.☺☺

Great coffee, Rose served us with a smile and friendly chat.Sandwich was lovely. Would recommend to everyone x

Lovely food, lovely people and a great sense of humour. Will definately be back and will definitely recommend!

Excellent customer service in a tiny space!

Great coffee and wonderful cakes

Really seriously good coffee (Paddy & Scott’s) with a fantastic range of homemade cakes catering for all kinds of dietary needs and now starting to serve sandwiches too.

Lovely place for a drink, a good opportunity to visit the other businesses too.

Nice coffee, good value and served quickly

Really lovely coffee, litmus test is always an americano for us, very smooth and accompanied by the classic lotus biscuit. The spring fling is a great idea for a Sunday coffee and a mooch about The Crate shops. Hope it happens again.

The Coffee Crate serves some of the best cakes I have had anywhere, and I eat a lot of cakes ! --- the coffee is top rate as well -- Try their special hot choc it's a feast for the eyes and taste buds (not sure about the waistline). Very personal and friendly staff -- Rachel has made a hit of this cafe.