Utopia in Southend-on-Sea

Quirky to the extreme but warm comfy and welcoming. And great coffee. And a super bacon sandwich. Just beware! No WiFi means no credit cards. Once more I would have been lost without the wife’s emergency stash.

We have been going here for Saturday morning brunch for years. They do the best ham, cheese and onion toastie. The ambiance is amazing, so are the staff. Definitely recommend

What a find this place is. Fabulous coffee, lovely food and great service. Very quirky decor which makes for a unique experience. Very reasonable prices. I’ll definitely be visiting again. Absolutely loved it.

The coffee shop was really busy during the lunch time. Staff were not very friendly or attentive.bi have been coming regularly but disappointed by the service today

Lovely environment excellent happy staff… that talk to you. Coffee, tea food all very good. The staff and environment make you want to visit again soon. It’s a great place to be with friends! Thank you!

Frequent visitor here. My visit Saturday morning did not disappoint! There with my husband and hound, I ordered 2 oat flat whites, peanut butter on granary toast, and a bacon sandwich. The bacon sandwich here is the best bacon sandwich in Southend. Probably the best in Essex. Friendly service as always! Thanks

Best coffee and service in Southend. Charming staff and coffee roasted on premises. They are dog friendly which adds to the relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

I enjoyed my lunch today but the shop was messy, table dud nit get cleaned after they cleared it from the previous customer. Not very attentive tbh.

So friendly. Better coffee than Costa and the best pain au chocolat I've had outside France. It was cash only but there is a cash machine 1 min away. Homemade cakes made to order sandwiches Love this place long may it prosper.

Adjacent to Costa coffee and Subway sandwiches, but those giants can’t make Coffee or sandwich’s any better. A rare independent.

Best bacon sandwich and cappuccino in the area. I found the staff to be friendly and attentive. I would prefer not to be cash only but hey this is my favourite coffee place.

On a day visit to Southend and just needed a quick breakfast so popped in here and ordered a Bacon Sandwich for my son and I. BEST BACON SANDWICHES WE'VE EVER HAD! Loads of really tasty bacon. The cafe is worth a visit even if you are not in need of food as it's really quirky with armchairs as well as the usual cafe seating. Upstairs is like an art gallery with more eclectic seating and craft type decorations. Loved it!

I have been visiting Utopia for years, and do so very regularly. Utopia is a lovely independent coffee shop. I wrote a review for Crufts magazine about 10 years ago as they are dog friendly, and although it has since changed hands, the ethos and atmosphere has remained consistent. I've never had a bad coffee here. My dog has always been warmly welcomed. I've enjoyed many a toastie and cake, my step son many a milkshake, and never any issues. It is a shame they are cash only, however the tescos next door but one has a cash point so you just have to remember to visit there first. Utopia is comfy, quirky, warm and welcoming and long may it remain on our high street!

My favourite coffee shop in Southend. Friendly, great drinks, amazing prices. The only reasons for a missing star are the loo is upstairs and they only take cash.

Super friendly staff! Nice cosy atmosphere, perfect setting for a chilled catch up! 🥰 I ordered a hot chocolate and chocolate croissant which were both lovely x

Before writing this review I want to say we have used Utopia many times and have never had a bad experience until today. We were a group of 3 wanting a coffee and some lunch, the downstairs seating was fairly busy. My 2 daughters went to sit down at a table for 2, the next table had 4 chairs with a party of 2 sat there, without thinking my daughter asked if we could use a spare chair and had started to move one. Obviously this cannot be done in the current climate however the staff member that addressed us was extremely passive aggressive in manner. My daughter said to me we could maybe sit upstairs and she headed to the stairs, I asked her to check before we all headed up, the same staff member interrupted me and was then very rude in her tone barking at us "if you just look at the CCTV screen you will see there is more than enough seating up there". We headed up to find the same situation, not enough seats at any table to accommodate us. We came back down and we did so 2 other customers who had been seated at a table for 4 came down to. I told the staff member there was in fact no where suitable to sit despite her saying there was, she looked again at the screen and of course could see the now vacant table. She rudely pointed it out insinuating we were clearly wrong, I replied that the customers had literally just left. We were still leaving when the assistant shouted at my back I could go back and sit there then. The table had obviously not been cleaned. There was no suggestion of the table needing to be cleared first, perhaps wrongly but I had understood tables were to be cleared and cleaned between customers in hospitality outlets under current guidance. If this had been a first visit it would have left a very poor impression. As I say this is not the service we have encountered here before which is why I have left this review. Sorry to say we are not sure we will return now, however the attitude of the staff member lends me to feel Utopia wouldn't care anyway.Such a shame.

The staff here are always very helpful and friendly. Very reasonably priced with a wide and varied menu. Love the atmosphere and decor. Covid secure.

I’ve been going to utopia since I was a teenager in college and I’m 30 next year and I still come here! The only thing that has changed is the owners to which I’ve met most of them in my time and they’ve all been friendly and involved in the day to day process.The drinks and food are always great :) I used to live on chocolate fudge milkshakes in college, but as a coffee drinker now it is just as amazing! Great quirky decor and I love the fact they promote mental health and support for the LGBTQ+ community which a lot of my friends belong to :)

Love Utopia! Wonderful staff, food and drinks - and an amazing range too. Cool retro and popular coffee shop that never fails to deliver. The staff are welcoming and friendly, and the service superb.

I am pleased with the layout of the coffee shop in current situation. The staff are very friendly. Hot, great tasting coffee and a panini.

I love visiting Utopia Coffee Shop. Food is really nice and the staff are very friendly. Well set up to protect customers and staff during this difficult time.

I have to admit I’m a Costa man generally but having seen this coffee shop virtually next door and read the reviews on here I thought I would give it a go. Also, taking on board the comments re supporting your local shop makes sense. It was on Saturday so was extremely busy. In side there were no spare seats but looked cosy and people seemed generally chilled out. Got a kind of Hippy feel, very laid back. The lady serving was pleasant enough and I ordered a large flat white. The normal size is the same price as Costa. I saw the cakes on the counter and all looked nice so o chose a Peanut Butter slice. I had to go sit outside as it was full inside so I took my slice and the lady said they would bring my drink out. I sat at a table outside and immediately was surrounded dead by pigeons as they must of realised I had food. After shushing a few time’s I managed to get left alone but it wasn’t particularly pleasant. A young guy bought my coffee out to me. He was very pleasant. I was surprised to see it in a glass what I would normally associate with an orange juice. I like my coffee in a cup so didn’t work for me. Whether thats normal or because it was busy I’m not sure. As I was outside it was full of smokers and windy so was surrounded by stinky smoke. Again not pleasant or comfortable. I didn’t hang around too long. The Peanut Butter slice was pretty dry and crumbly. I’ve had a lot better. The coffee was pleasant enough but the glass killed it for me. I thought I would do them a favour as they were busy and took my empties back inside the shop but tbh it felt like they were doing me a favour. The lady finally took them off me but never even said thanks. Appreciate she was busy and seemed a bit stressed. Overall the outside experience probably make it not feel like a great one and had I got a seat inside may have felt different but I never felt the warm feeling and hospitality others have reported but will give it another go when not so busy.

In love with this place!!! Wonderful people, coffee AND food - it’s a triple threat!!! May we also recommend the wonderful Brie and cranberry toastie as an all year round treat :)

I have been coming to Utopia for years, it has always done the best coffee, and the cakes are amazing, staff are always lovely, it’s quirky, cosy and a local business, if you haven’t tried it, you should it’s amazing ❤️

People love coffee. People love coffee shops. People claim they love to support small businesses, but those large chain coffee shops are just so darn convenient, so...Stop being that person. Utopia coffee house is literally fifty feet down from a large chain coffee shop who have been in the news recently for not treating their staff very nicely. Go here instead. The decor is fascinating. The range of food and drink is vast. The staff are friendly because they are friendly people, not because they have to represent a faceless conglomerate. The range of vegetarian and vegan fayre is incredible. The prices are what they should be for such great food and service.Stop wishing you were the kind of person who supports small businesses, and actually do it. You won't regret it.

Lovely friendly staff...massive portions...much better than the usual chain coffee shops...love the decor and atmosphere...definitely come.back again xx

I was disappointed with the service on this occasion. My panini was nice, and tasty. I had to point out that I had been waiting long for my coffee

Met up with a couple of friends this morning. We fancied here as one of my friends is vegan.. I had the Bacon and Brie toastie, others had crumpets with vegan spread and toast and jam. All freshly made. Drinks were also nice. The cakes looked lovely and large portions served. Atmosphere was nice, quirky decor and friendly staff. Will definitely return maybe for a slice of cake next time. I will definitely recommend to others..

A gerat coffe shop located in the heart of southend town centre by the royal complex .Great coffee and some great art and comminty work inside.Outside seating and dogs very welcome .Always great service by the very freindly owners or their staff .Would recomend above going to any of the many chain coffee shops all nearby .

The kind of place you can go in and get cosy. Usually busy because of the lovely staff and great food. Appreciate the vegan options. Some of the chairs are a bit uncomfy and you can be sitting next to someone who seems to be a foot higher in the air than you, but that's all part of its charm! The atmosphere is always friendly. Great vibe.

Great coffee in a unique and independent shop offering a very welcome Change to the proliferation of bland coffee shop chains all around the high street . very friendly staff and worth a visit .

This is a super place, wonderful food and large menu. Something for everyone. If you have not been I suggest trying it as they have such wonderful seating. Try upstairs for relaxation and fun in airplane seats, arm chairs and sofas.

I’ve been in utopia few times... there’s always been a good atmosphere. Good service, delicious cakes, lot of nice drinks, friendly staff.. and always a nice smell of roasted coffee!! I’ll be back soon!!

It is important to support the independent shops where possible, but lines do have to be drawn when absurd charges are added. This has happened with me at Harris and Hoole who have since changed their stance on the issue.

Best hot chocolate in town! Also have a very extensive milkshake menu and great coffee. Great service and great vibe.

I enjoy coffee here at its great tasting. Staff are generally lovely and friendly. Appreciate it since they made lots of menus- that bit easier to get to mtead and choose what to eat.

I’ve recently moved down here and have to say from the first time I came across Utopia Coffee Lounge I fell in love. I go to no other coffee lounge now. The light bites are beautiful, the lattes are lovely and the staff and service is second to none. If your in Southend and fancy a refreshing drink in a unique And pleasant atmosphere then defo go nowhere else but Utopia 5⭐️ All the way

I will confess I was worried when utopia changed hands and initially it just wasn't the same, however, the new owners have settled in now and the environment is friendly and welcoming. There have been some really great additions to the menu, especially the new vegan options all of which that we have tried, have been lovely. They still do the best decaf cappuccinos and the cakes are to die for. Well done!

Certainly one of the best coffee houses in Southend - quirky, comfortable décor, friendly and efficient staff and reasonably priced.

Popped into here just for a coffee as rather try something new than Costa next door. Nice coffee, cake looked delicious but slices were to big and I just wouldn't have managed it as they looked very rich. The lady next to me left half of hers and said the same thing, delicious but to much of it. What left a bad impression though was the seating outside, messy and crowded with 2 dogs and their owners, one dog blocking the door so I had to climb over!

This a friendly cosy cafe in High Street so ideal for when out shopping and does great sandwiches and wraps. Friendly service and always made to feel very welcome

I look forward to when i go shopping in Southend and i have some spare time to sit and have a coffee (and rarely a slice of delicious cake) or maybe a filled Panini.

We had afternoon cake and tea. There are lots of quirky, comfortable chairs to sit in, and the food is brought to the table. No-one rushed us to finish eating and leave, we were able to relax and chat. Some people take books to read. The café also provides homeless people with a free hot drink or water. Excellent.

We were waiting for a friend and were not waiting for more than 15/20 minutes when we were approached by a staff member who asked if we were ordering, we told her that our friend was arriving soon so we were to order together. She then replied saying, 'These seats are for paying customers only' and walked off. I was shocked. She made us feel rude and awkward so we left. I love utopia and my friends and I have been coming for years but this encounter has truly put us off. We will not be returning and will have to find a new quirky cafe to meet at.

Lovely place to meet friends and enjoy the atmosphere, the food is excellent and plenty , the cakes are home made and delicious -the staff are very friendly and deliver-your coffees and snacks to your table lovely little place with seating outside too

Visiting Southend, my partner and I were looking for a bite to eat and a hot drink, and - having been to college in the town almost a decade ago - her first thought was to go to Utopia. And what a pleasure it was! Great staff, lovely food, decor that is a mixture of charming and unashamedly local without alienating outsiders. And the white hot chocolate... not my personal cup of tea (I like tea, hence the use of the phrase), but my girlfriend loved it back then, and she still loves it now! And don’t get me started on the cake! Fresh wedges of fantasy! If we ever find ourself down this way again, we will definitely be back!

One of my favourite places. The service comes with a smile and the whole place is buzzing with conversation. The coffee is smooth and the cakes are plentiful and generously portioned. A mish-mash of eclectic chairs, tables and crockery helps to add to the unique atmosphere. Give the chains a miss and opt for the individual loveliness of Utopia.

I often have lunch from Utopia and thoroughly enjoy excellent quality food and amazing coffee. It’s lovely to enjoy and support a local independent business which offers so much more than the local chains.

On a cold and windy day it was a pleasant surprise to walk into the utopia cafe. The deliberately mismatched furniture could have created an impression of cheapness and shabbiness but in reality it worked beautifully. It felt welcoming and homely. The staff were friendly and helpful and the service was quick and efficient. Upstairs was a small play area for young children enabling parents and grandparents to relax over their coffee or hot chocolate knowing that the children were safe and well catered for. We shall certainly be returning. This cafe is a little gem that needs to be an open secret!

The cafe is really quirky with eclectic assortment of chairs, sofas, throw rugs and cushions. The staff are friendly, and generous, and make great coffee in large steaming cups.

Met friend for coffee in cake in this individual, interior decoration is quaint and homely. Service is friendly coffee is excellent and cake is tasty.

Having searched on Trip Advisor for a decent coffee house in Soithend, we weren't disappointed! I had come over from France for a few days to go on a Christmas shopping spree with my friend from Cornwall. We stayed in Southend for 3 days.

There coffee and food is simply amazing, friendly staff with amazing customer service. Would definitely recommend to anyone!!

I love coming here, the staff are always so welcoming and helpful. There coffee is what keeps me coming back, the best in town!

Came into town just to go to utopia. Got there for 5pm and was told takeaway only. I said I thought they didn't shut until 6pm (I had checked the website in advance). They said "No we shut at half past, we leave here at 6" and shrugged unconcerned as 5 of us took our custom elsewhere. Such a shame; loved our previous visits; won't be back again.

Love coming here with a friend for a coffee, sort of place you can stay all day! Lots of cosy seats and a bigger area upstairs. Welcomes children too.

Very efficient and nice staff. The food was prepared quickly but was also delicious. We are really enjoying our meal and definitely we will come back.

Had a mess up with my car repair so had lots of time to spare

I am a regular visitor to Utopia and can honestly say I have enjoyed everything . The staff are always friendly and attentive. Orders are served quickly and the coffee is the best I have had outside of Italy. Food is reasonably priced and always good Tables are always cleaned straight away as someone leaves, I have never seen Utopia scruffy.. Family friendly with toys etc on both floors, it really is my favourite cafe in Southend for coffee and sandwiches/cake.

Absolutely love it here, coffee is so good and the milkshakes are the best, it has a comfy vintage theme throughout, the staff are so kind and friendly, they do a selection of paninis, toasties, sandwiches! Great for vegetarians and meat eaters!

Walk through the Royal shopping centre and Utopia is situated outside at the back net to Costa and Subway.

I love popping in here for a coffee (ok and the occasional slice of cake!).....

I went went with a friend and just had a cup of coffee, it was great. Place is bohemian and the staff are very friendly, the food looked good. I'll definitely go back and try something else.

We came here as Costa was too full - so glad we did. I much prefer these one off quirky coffee shops. I had a vanilla latte and mum had a tea. We shared a slice of the red velvet cake which was delicious. Came to £7 something.....cheap!

The value is incredible here. I find chain coffee places so boring and to have this place next door is great. Cheese toasties on point and an interesting selection of hot chocolates. A great destination for folk who want some excitement with their hot beverages.

Only popped in for a couple of drinks late afternoon with my mum & baby. Needed to BF my daughter and was offered a glass of water whilst I was feeding her. A small gesture, but went a long way and was, and is, very much appreciated.

Fantastic cafe for Southend. Coffee beans roasted on site, homemade cakes, hot chocolate & milkshake menu looked really good. Great food choice options. Very quirky interior with lots of interesting bits to look at.

Excellent coffee, really full bodied and roasted on site. I can highly recommend the Bacon and Brie toasted sandwich, amongst other things 😋

Love this place! It can get very full in here but there's usually space upstairs (rickety) to sit down with your food and relax and it's certainly a relaxing place to be. The decor's brilliant and highly unusual and the seating's rag-tag with sofas, armchairs and low coffee tables and not a formal seat in sight. The coffee's lovely and the sandwiches are wonderful with plenty of filling and salad and nice new bread. You can sit in there with a book but just looking round at the walls and ceiling is a delight!

I had lunch by myself as usual, which Zip do not mind. Some staff were pre occupied and I could not give them my feedback. My food was disappointing

Cakes are a must to first with a nice cup of great coffee . The atmosphere is lovely . The cakes are all home made and big .its a very quirky in a nice way .

It's next to Costa. Now I like Costa, but it gets very same-y. Utopia is anything but same-y! In fact it is, like me, a bit odd. But in a good way (like me!). It is what you might call shabby chic. Very shabby chic (sounds more and more like me). Which is not to say it was not clean, it was very clean. The cakes were to die for, the coffee was deep and strong (like me again). The staff were very nice, it was comfortable, it was busy but no-one rushed me and I sat and read a book for an hour. I am telling everyone I know about this place, because it deserves to thrive. Part of me says keep it quiet so it stays like it is. But, that would be selfish. Go go go!

My friend really enjoyed Utopia. We had pannini each and some cake. She had a milkshake and l had a smoothie. All of which was very tasty. The staff gave helpful and friends service. Definitely a place we want to go back to. Convenient location in the middle of Southend town centre with a retro décor.

Met up with some friends at this lovely cafe today, one of the group is a regular visitor. Glad I made the trip from Billericay.felt like I'd stepped into Narnia or a 1960s kinda querky world. Lots of interesting things to look at from the old typewriter to the teddy bears and crochet covers. Had a lovely cup of tea and a huge piece of cake. We sat on comfy chairs all with that shabby chic kinda look. Loved it will definitely be going back

Our first time to this gorgeously eclectic café. So warm and welcoming, great atmosphere. Had to sample the irresistible cherry bakewell which was as delicious as it looked. Gorgeous coffee too.. will be back very soon.

I have been enjoying Utopia for the past couple of years, awesome coffee and the most amazing home made cakes, this shop is always busy!

Utopia is a great place for coffee. The interior is anything but the bland coffee chain look, and the drinks themselves are well made. Even better, the friendly staff will happily carry your coffee out to you, which saves what for me is an inevitable spill on the way to a table.

2nd time I've got lunch to takeout...first time got a sandwich instead of a panini and today, asked for a chorizo, cheese and red onion panini... really disappointed with the fake panini bread with printed toaster marks and pretty much just paid £4 for a mouthful of raw red onion as it wan't even cooked - nice! Shame because the cake and coffee is great.

Literally the only reason I visit Southend these days (unless forced to!). Fresh roasted coffee from the premises and excellent cake.

Utopia is a lovely cafe and allows me to bring my dog in, where she is fussed over. Their coffee is lovely, cakes to die for and lovely sandwiches.

if you are looking for a coffee shop in southend you have to go to utopia otherwise you are missing out big ime

I have visited Utopia on many occasions and cannot rate it highly enough. It is easily the best place to buy coffee/tea/milkshake/sandwiches/paninis/cake in Southend. Whenever I meet up with friends for lunch it is always at the top of my list. The homemade cake is delicious and have probably tried everyone going. Comfortable atmosphere and staff are great.

I go here mainly because I love the Oreo Milkshakes! (The best milkshake ever).

The home made cake is superb, which if 'm being honest is most of the reason that we visit. The coffee is also decent, and if you can get a seat it's good to drop in.

We visit very often this place!My partner and I!We love it.Best cakes and coffee in town.Different cakes every day and decorations.Lovely place to sit and chill!Live it!!!

I usually go there for their milkshakes, they are delicious! I've been there since it oppened a few years ago and it's got a nice vintage quirky feeling about it especially upstairs. It's a bit pricey for a milkshake and the price has gone up over the years but it's still a nice treat.

I've seen this cafe but never been in until today. Amazing. The service fantastic and friendly. The sandwiches/toasties/panini were great value and all looked lovely. The specials looked tempting as did the cakes. The cafe itself was a treasure trove of so many things to look at. Could have spent ages looking. Can't believe I've never been here before! Independent cafes like this are fantastic for Southend.

Love this place! Have been coming here since it opened, and it's my favourite location to sit and chill. Amazing choice of drinks and the cakes are to die for . Adequate outside area bearing in mind the location, but nothing nicer than sipping coffee on a rainy afternoon inside, soaking up the quirky atmosphere. If you're looking for a vintage style place to relax, with great staff and the aroma of coffee, with nice background music, this is the perfect place. Only drawback is they don't accept cards, but there is a cash point a short distance away. So after a busy afternoon shopping or for a pick me up after work, I can't recommend utopia highly enough.

I love this quirky little family coffee shop, great choice of coffee's, milk shakes to die for. Fantastic sandwiches and snacks, I love the tuna and cheese melt paninie yum yum.

Love this little cafe so cosy and vintage, really nice alternative to the chain in town. Good coffe, lovely cakes, friendly staff..baby friendly too

i love this little coffee shop..often visit and always enjoy their coffee and toastie..haven't tried the cakes etc..but look great...all in all a great coffee and would highly recommend (in fact i have many times)!

Nice atmosphere with eclectic mix of furniture and presumably second hand crocheted shawls and blankets used as throws. Cappuccino was good - not quite the best I have ever had in my life - and atmosphere busy with a friendly feel - the sort of place you would feel comfortable coming alone. Can't comment on food as we only stopped by for a coffee, but the cakes looked good.

What a super little coffee shop this is! It's a one-off and it is brilliant. Comfy, quirky seating.Superb, speedy service and a really delightful relaxing atmosphere. The coffee was delicious too and me-oh-my the cakes - to die for! Really generous portions and a truly fabulous selection of delicious freshly baked and iced cakes. Really lovely little eclectic touches in the decor and styling - the dinosaurs in the birdcage really made me smile.

Great coffee, really nice and interesting place. Right in the centre of town so really convenient whilst in the high street.

This is a fun option next door (quite literally) to your more commercial coffee choices. It's true that sadly, like pretty much every other food or drink provider, that outside seating area caters to smokers, but whether you're inside or out, you'll be in a much more original & eclectic setting, enjoy more personable customer service & get just as good a cup of coffee. So next time in town, give this place a try - I'm glad I did!

I have returned to this coffee shop due to its high standards on customers sevice. This place has lovely coffee and cakes (you better be hungry as there are huge slices). I can't wait to try the toasties! Love the place!

A recent business trip to Southend I tried several cafes for lunch/breakfast, where they advertised 'tripadvisor' asking for reviews. Utopia was recommended to me but first impressions were not great with smokers sitting outside and blocking the door so I had to negotiate my way past them. The menu was not what i had hoped, sandwiches cakes drinks was the order of the day and i really wanted a hearty lunch. I decided to just have coffee and cake and go elsewhere for lunch. Coffee and cake very good though.

the food is always on point, the decor is quirky and fun and the staff are so polite. Even with pushchairs they help es get all the kids in. Also have toys for the kids which is really helpful.

Snack needed mid-shopping trip and Utopia ticked all the boxes. Such a great quirky place, not what you'd expect tucked in between shops at the side of the Royals. Lovely lovely staff who treat everyone like old friends. Good menu - I had a skinny latte with a goat's cheese and caramelised onion panini which was really tasty and perfectly done.

And to meet Stephen, the owner, who's a legend of a guy. Super passionate about his coffee, knowledgeable and the nicest guy around. Did I say the coffee is amazing too? We have high standards when it comes to coffee and Utopia's Guatemalan dark roast was up there with the greats. DEFINITELY going back! :)