Tollesbury Cafe in Maldon

We turned up on 12 motorcycles this morning which was probably not very helpful. We almost filled the seating capacity. We were welcomed and the service was spot on. The food arrived faster than I expected and the quality was excellent. A proper decent cafe with the bonus of an excellent range of baked goods, cakes etc. Not one of those fluffed-up and overpriced places you tend to find nowadays. Will definitely be visiting again but we will give the owners a heads up before turning up mob-handed.

I've debated whether to write this review or not over the last few weeks. Clearly, this is a small family business that is struggling and I don't want to negatively affect this business. I've never had to do this for any restaurant, but I feel it's necessary so that no one in the future is treated how I was. I walked into this cafe with two of my friends, we had come a long way to visit the area. The cafe has pleasant decor, and felt welcoming. We were given tables, and my friend had asked me to charge his phone for him. On the walls, there's multiple plug sockets but only one wasn't covered - therefore, one would assume that was the only one available. I plugged in his phone for him, not thinking I've done anything wrong. The waiter, who I assume is the owner too, came up to take our orders. He takes a look at me and asks, "Are you charging a phone?", to which I replied honestly and said "Yes". What happened next, shocked all of us really. He suddenly got furious, and spoke to me in a way which I've never been spoken to. He aggressively said "You ASK before you take OUR electricity", before adding comments about my manners etc. I was in a state of shock really, as he kept shouting at me condescendingly. Being told that I'm going there to take their electricity, felt highly derogatory. Politely, I agreed with him, hoping to defuse whatever he was doing. He hadnt finished however, and came back and told me off again. Despite this, I completely understand why he might be upset. Electricity is costly, and small businesses need to save whatever they can. This is why I've been hesitant to write this. However, I don't think there's ever a reason you speak to people that way. I had his spit flying all over our table and my face, as he told me off like he was a head teacher, making me feel extremely low and disrespected. In 90% of cafes, people go there to eat/drink/work, and charging outlets are there to keep people there working. I understand this cafe was different, but a simple explanation, instead of an aggressive attack would of sufficed. I've never had a experience quite like that, and I hope no one does too. I hope the owner of this restaurant can look at this and realize he didn't need to talk to me in that way. And in turn, thinks twice before he speaks to anyone else like that. It's not kind, and it doesn't reflect well on him or the business. Though the food was pleasant, this encounter destroyed the experience for us.

Gluten free scones are Fabulous Great coffee

4x breakfast unlimited coffee 😁

Very friendly, lovely atmosphere, plenty of choices of delicious scones and gluten free, definitely worth a visit.

Had a great breakfast freshly cooked and all hot good potion size. Also some lovely looking cakes if you still have room 😁 enjoy

The loo was disgusting and I forgot to bring it to the attention of staff. They chased after me and blamed me for it and demanded I clean it up. It was someone else. The staff were super confrontational and horrible.

Great cafe when exploring the estuary flats of Tollesbury.

Excellent food. Excellent service. Highly recommend

Great little cafe and dog friendly.

Decent cafe doing a good range of cafe style food and good cakes. Coffee machine wasn't working, not the cafe's fault, so couldn't comment on that. Owner was friendly and chatty. I would say it's mainly used by locals and people off the units and boat yard near by so it's not a table cloth and napkins venue or pretentious. Good number of tables and the breakfast options looked good so aiming to return and try those.

It's a great little cafe in a great location. Breakfast was stuff of folk lore, fresh and tasty. There were some fantastic cakes for sale, I never tried a slice as a long walk was calling. Maybe next time. Many thanks to the chap serving, you made our stay.

Simple, cozy cafe. Perfect little pit stop after a walk through the flats. Homely place, simple, straightforward caff fare, with breakfasts, sandwiches, jacket potatoes. Don’t go expecting avocado toasts and specialty single origin coffee but that’s not their approach. Huge range of cakes. Homemade by the joint owner and tasty as hell. Visited on a very quiet day. The owner greeted us immediately upon entering and made us our lunch himself. Really great guy, more than happy to chat and share his story of Tollesbury. We left satisfied and happy!

cake was a little dry and neither me nor my husband could finish it and we had different cakes.

Nice staff, nice food. Will definitely come here again.

What a delightful cake food excellent and very good value

Very happy and relieved this little cafe was open after coming off the England Coast Path in to Tollesbury on a late sunny afternoon. Appeared to be a popular little spot as was quite full and the outside seating was very limited. However, was happy with my lemon and poppy seed scone and a decent coffee. Cakes looked tempting too. Service was friendly and helpful. Nice and clean throughout but could do with a remodel as not a good layout which is why I haven’t given 5* Hence why I wanted to sit outside. A great location and a wonderful area to explore and spend some time when next in the area. Would definitely recommend.

Excellent little cafe close to the Marina.

Very nice people they come and apologize to me because the jacket potatoes are ordered when they cat opened was rotten I'm to say sorry for the delay

Lovely cafe, always so welcoming and friendly.

The food was excellent and I staff were very polite. I would well recommend this place and the cakes are amazing plus they are homemade.

A must go to when visiting Tollesbury excellent home cooked meals and cakes.Clean café and toilets.Friendly staff.

Great cafe ! we had lunch here today large portions! I had the tuna melt panini served with salad, homemade coleslaw and crisps yummy! and my partner had salmon and scrambled eggs on toast, friendly atmosphere and staff

Very good food excellent friendly service

great food and lovely cafe people!

Always absolutely sterling service, food & value for money. Awesomeness

Had lunch in here on Good Friday as we were walking in the area. Dog friendly inside, which was a bonus. Nice atmosphere, helpful staff, and really nice food. It's definitely worth a visit, and we will be back.

Mom and pop cafe great service and ample food, there are tables outside and a surprising amount of space inside. Popular with locals and visitors alike perfect that it stays open until 3 pm.

Had my lunch in Tollesbury Cafe twice while visiting a yard across the road for work. Sat in the first day and had a sandwich to take away the second day due to being in a rush to get back to work. Sandwiches were great, very generous on the fillings. Cracking coleslaw included too. Great little cafe with friendly staff and great service. Will definitely visit again the next time I’m back.

Lovely friendly people, can't wait to come back

Very nice café, very pleasant staff, great service, and clean, including the loo's. Well done guys, keep it up, we will be back, and take photos next time Been back and just as good

Excellent food,service and atmosphere

Lovely cafe in a very interesting area. Very good food and excellent service. Sensible prices.

Perfect place to stop for a coffee. Seems like a popular motorcycle stop.

Lovely coffee nice bacon sandwich and dog friendly

Went all the way there for breakfast when it says open and it was closed

Lovely place great food and staff

What a cracking little hidden gem! I double checked my little dog was allowed in which was okay. The table was all clean & ready, a menu was bought over for me to look through. I chose ham, eggs & chips as hadn't had that in such a long time. It was delicious.... as you can see I started to eat it before remembering to take a photograph!! I will certainly be going back again & perhaps not on a day of downpours which I was dodging.

What a great little cafe, lots of choices on the menu to tempt you. Along with with delicious looking cakes!!! We all had a breakfast option this time, the Big TC is not for the faint hearted. Everything was very tasty, teas and coffee enjoyed by all. This was our first visit but won't be our last.

Spot on for a breakfast!really friendly staff, owner couldn't do enough for us ...highly recommended

Clean and great food. Helpful staff. Dog friendly. Dog and I love ut here

was ok i understand dogs bark but to have to ask for my eggs to not be snotty everytime would be bliss! I love the food there so will be back!

Good food large portions good price job done!

What a delightful place to stop for a drink, snack or a meal. We went in for a coffee and cake ... there was an amazing selection of cakes on offer. The service was excellent: very friendly, very accommodating and very efficient. I can't wait to go back and try something from the main menu. This place is well worth a visit if you're ever in Tollesbury. Update: I've now been back several times, breakfast, lunch, coffee and cake. The food is always fresh, delicious and plentiful. A fabulous café that Tollesbury is very lucky to have.

Just excellent quality service, food and environment at a good price

Discovered this cafe on a day out. I am absolutely impressed with it. Great customer service, great food, great venue. Even my kids said the whole experience was amazing. 100% will visit again

Awesome breakfast and very clean too...

Great food, friendly staff, with indoor and some outdoor seating. Over all worth a visit

Great place excellent good very hospitable highly recommend

Beautiful place and lovely food

Decent coffee and a great bacon roll!

Myself, my husband & daughter went for lunch on Armistice Day to Tollesbury Cafe. I didn't know if it was going to be busy so I thought it best to book. It was very easy to communicate with them and book. I wasn't sure if we were going to be late as my daughter had a Doctor's appt beforehand, they were very flexible & said it didn't matter. When we got there, the table was all ready and after a few minutes perusing the menu, a lovely lady approached and took our drinks and food order. It was all very relaxed. My husband ordered the sausage baguette with cheesy chips, I ordered the omelette with cheese, mushrooms and sausage & my daughter ordered the ham egg and chips. The food was lovely and very generous portions (I took pictures of the omelette & ham, egg and chips. I didn't have a chance to take pictures of the baguette & cheesy chips as it disappeared too quickly). Can't believe this little gem is on our doorstep & I'm looking forward to returning! Thanks guys for a lovely lunch. Moore family of Tollesbury

25min wait for a takeaway. When asking young lad was very rude and argued. Gave us watery coffee instead of cappuccinos and no knives and folks when we got back to car only realised. If you want takeaway stay well clear. Terrible place, wont be returning or recommending to anyone.

Popped in for lunch , a good atmosphere and decorated. Food was generous and tasty. Good mug of tea to finish off. The cakes on display looked yummy but my belly was too full to try. Next time I will.

Worth a visit,we will be going back 👍🏻

A little gem in an unexpected place! Friendly staff, nice coffee

Great breakfast all lovely and clean inside, nice friendly staff. Great old photos of Tollesbury all round cafe A+

Stopped here for coffee. Very clean. Staff friendly. We didn't eat here but people at next table did and food looked lovely and well presented. Will visit again.

The best veggie breakfast ever! And the sausages! I can't believe we left visiting until our last day... Lovely clean little cafe, with fab staff, who couldn't have been more helpful. Everyone was so friendly and first time visitors were made as welcome as the regulars. Enormous breakfasts, with swimming pool sized coffees - and so, so reasonable. Be prepared to waddle out already planning your next visit!

A very nice breakfast at a good price. Very polite staff.

Fantastic traditional cafe, and the staff are super welcoming. Highly recommended

Lovely cafe with friendly service !

Good service and good food. Worth a visit.

Excellent service, superb breakfast for family of 5. Highly recommended.

Great food and lovely service, friendly and made very welcome

Excellent cafe with very reasonable prices and cheerful and efficient service.

Have not been there before. Walked past it many times. I liked it, nice and clean, staff very good. Will go again.

Friendly staff, affordable prices.

Good food, nice atmosphere, friendly service.

Lovely little cafe with a good choice of food on the menu, staff were charming and made you feel welcome. Well definitely return. 😁

Fantastic service in difficult circumstances. Won't go to the ice cream van again, its a lot more expensive than Tollesbury Cafe. #Go local. Can't wait to try the iced coffee (saw the machine being unpackaged while I was there.

Wonderful to see this cafe fully open again. lovely food and a warm welcome by all the staff.

Perfect after a lovely sea wall walk

Lovely bacon baguette & cuppa after a 6.9 km walk.

They do a great breakfast good quality ingredients and value for money will be going back again

Stopped for lunch after a lovely walk. Freshly cooked jacket potatoes and delicious cakes! Staff were friendly and helpful

Had a lovely jacket potato and coffee here today ,was allowed to take my doggies in with me while I sat inside for my lunch .very helpful staff,and asked me if my lunch was all ok ,though that was very nice .very nice and clean . Very COVID-19 frendly,Hand gell ,by door when you walk in .will definitely be returning soon ..They are open seven days a week,.would be best to phone and book a table . .thank you Linda Kingstone and my Shihtuz x🐾🐶☕️

Great little cafe friendly staff you can have a laugh with

Very nice, very friendly, lovely service

The food is fantastic and the service is very good and the staff are very friendly

What a delight this cafe is. Our first visit today and we were impressed with the greeting by the owner, and quick friendly service. The decor is clean and very fresh looking plus the tea (in nice big cups) and bacon sandwiches were delicious. Very good value all round would recommend.👍

Really good fry, kitchen mucked up my order slightly but my hangover took over and I went into demolition mode before the waitress could come over to swap the plates. Ended up with an extra sausage for the trouble which was a godsend

Had a refit, looking great, friendly staff, good coffee

A welcome tea stop with delicious scones

Lovely latte and Mr Whippy Ice cream 🥰 Fresh water bought out for our dog too 🥰

Great food, great service, great prices. Dogs welcome too

Lovely cafe excellent food especially the bacon highly recommended

Lovely staff and lovely food, good for a bike stop or a walk by the coast.

Recently refurbished and under new management, simple menu, average prices and service.

Good food, good prices and friendly staff.

Good lunch and dog friendly too!

Lovely little cafe, had a scrummy breakfast. Friendly staff and a quick service. Would recommend.

This is a lovely little cafe. Its inviting fresh warm decor with old local photographs sited around the cafe . Newpapers n WiFi ,a TV and friendly welcoming staff who always greet me n my dog Coco warmly by name. It's a must. My dog actually makes a B line for it after every walk lol. Can't say I blame her. The food is hot , prompt and tasty. And they go the extra mile to cater for your individual needs. A lovely selection of home made cakes .... and good filter coffee selection is available. Coco is in training and this is a fantastic home from home environment for her. ( n me ). She sits and lies down while I have a spot of breakfast or a coffee and sometimes waits patiently outside as I don't bring her in if shes wet dirty or excitable . I always ensure my dog is clean and well behaved. And the cafe is spotless. Its a real treasures to find a place like this. This little gem a place me n coco will continue to visit. 🐾☕🍰

Dog friendly, people friendly and good food. Nice to have a fry up on a Sunday afternoon.

Have been a regular in the past with great breakfasts but today was terrible.my mother and i ordered poached eggs on toast with beans which never came so after 35 mins i asked if it was done yet they hadnt even started we were still 4th on the list..so we got our money back..so much food was microwaved as well. plus dogs allowed in the cafe with food is unhealthy..its a shame but we will not be returning

My favourite breakfasts in the uk

Good food and service, well worth a visit.

Great little cafe biker friendly lovely breakfast and very reasonably priced.

Love to stop here for an All Day Breakfast after a wonderful stirring walk along the coast. A small cafe with great staff.

Great food, great service, great price & great location :)