The Lightship Cafe in Thurrock

Honestly, I know that Grays beach has been going seriously down hill since the new owner over the last couple of years but today I can and I was shocked at the state of it. Filthy, scruffy and completely unkept. Truly disappointing, this was without the state of the overpriced cafe.

Took my kids for a day out to Grays beach. The manager/owner was very rude to her staff, who looked no more than 14/15 years old. I was quite concerned for their safety as they were preparing and frying the chips in the big deep fryer..like I said they looked quite young. When the manager could see that I wasn't happy with the way she was barking orders at them, she tried to laugh it off. I could see that the kids working there were not happy. The things are over-priced, better to pack your own snacks if you want to spend a day Grays beach.

We only ordered ice creams here, the queue was really long but the children enjoyed the ice creams. There are 2 separate queues, one for ice creams and cold drinks and the other for hot food and drinks, although they had no coffee when I went. There is a new splash park and fairground rides outside. We payed £6 for a ticket for both my boys to go on the bouncy castle but was told it was only a 10 minute session so it's not worth paying for. The cafe was kept clean and someone was cleaning the tables.

Visited recently with my daughter and her friend. Food was ok bit overpriced. Found staff rude as in they didnt want to be there. Ordered a tea asked for some sugar and it was literally thrown at me or grunted something may have been "there is some on the tables.. didnt see any. The main issue was the staff were literally "slagging" someone off whether it was a customer or not. But the slagging off got more and more louder and lots of "she said this, she did that" mild foul language was used. This was picked up by my daughter who asked me "what is a minger! " Yes you may find it funny and no doubt they hear same at school but really dont have to hear that kind of talk inside a cafe. Fine if you want to slag someone off but dont broadcast for all to hear. When left there was a couple who commented to about the staff were saying "bet the person they are having a go out bet their ears are burning"

When you think of a play park you think of picnics - here at Grays Riverside park you can forget the picnic and still eat "Al fresco". Prices superb as was the quality and what a brilliant cup of tea!

The Lightship Café is situated on Grays Beach Riverside Park right next to the river Thames. The staff are very friendly and the food is excellent . The price of food is excellent too, a full English Breakfast for £4.50 ( Tea included ! ) Superb value, great food, cosy and great staff. Well worth a visit. 10/10