Lovely little gem of an establishment on Ardleigh Green Road. Now, let me get this clear. I love my quality espresso and brunch food. I tend to benchmark different cafes and restaurants by ordering a double espresso and Eggs Benedict. Well, today I went out for a stroll and some food and coffee. When presented with the unique opportunity to brunch at the local “builders caf” and the new (I haven’t been here before, and I believe they opened in November 2022, so fairly new)The Waffle Bar, it was a case of basic human curiosity. I knew what to expect at the “builders caf” but did not know the hidden cosiness and comfort that awaited me at the latter. So, The Waffle Bar it is then. My first impressions upon entry. Wait, is this where Barbie and Ken would have brunch and coffee? Lovely, clean, cosy, neat, and … wait for this one…air conditioned. I know this isn’t much of e perk in rainy Britain, but hey, on a hot day like this I’d rather have it cool. The smiling owner greeted me and explained the menu. Great vegan and vegetarian options, together with breakfast and brunch staples, sandwiches and … waffles 😀. Food impressions. Espresso - beautiful. I have Ethiopian coffee beans in my coffee machine. Guess what were the beans in their coffee machine 😃. Yep, awesome taste. I ordered the veggie breakfast option. My first question - how do you make an ordinary toast taste like you are having a toast for the first time in your life? That was one great tasting toast. Full stop. Two poached eggs, baked beans, grilled halloumi, sliced avocado and grilled cherry tomatoes completed my breakfast plate. Everything was delicious. The halloumi and cherry tomatoes were a nice touch. Thank you. Quality sparkling water from a glass bottle. I asked for some chilli flakes and low and behold, I got chilli flakes. Brilliant! The only recommendation I have is to include Eggs Benedict and to add some Extra Virgin Olive Oil to their stocks for weird picky customers like me. But that’s just a tiny drop of OK in the ocean of BRILLIANT I would like to award The Waffle Bar. I felt very peaceful and comfortable, had a delicious spot of brunch, had a lovely little chat about coffee with the owner. I could not help but reach for my phone to take a few photos and leave a review. Highly recommended to everyone who values their quality food and brunching.

I had a delicious brunch here with my wife. The food and drink were lovely, and the staff were friendly and very helpful. Can't wait to stop by again with the kids to enjoy some of their sweeter options.