Utopia is situated between the giants of Costa Coffee and Subways sandwiches, yet they can’t make coffee or sandwiches better. A rare independent coffee lounge.
BEST CAFE IN SOUTHEND! I’ve been coming here over 10 years since studying at Southend college and now come with my daughter. Staff have always been so kind and friendly. Cannot beat this place and their fantastic atmosphere and food / drinks. Great vibes and atmosphere. Big big love to the Utopia massive 🙏🩵🌙
It’s amazing! Dog friendly 😍 the staff is lovely, the coffee it’s wow and the croissant are very very delicious 😋🫶🏻
Great surprise coming into this cafe, super friendly people, very extravagant and quirky decoration, with toys from the 70th. We had so much fun looking at all the decorations. We had a Frapuccino with creme on top, huge and delicious. We definitely come back in our next visit to southern. They take cash only!
I've visited a few times over the last week or so. Each time has been perfect. They have delicious vegan options available and the staff are always friendly. My daughter, Daisy particularly enjoyed the play corner and unique decor. Looking forward to our next visit.
Fiona Palacioglu (_fiosh_)
+4
Such a quirky, inclusive cafe. Owners are Consistently friendly and approachable. Wait staff are edgy-looking but warm and lovely.
Menu is straightfoward. Cakes display on counter are generous like doorstops!
Coffee is nice, sometimes I hope for a bit more finesse in terms of milk frothing but it's by far one of the best around. Side salad. is a bit bland (dressing or something would make it more appealing) Turnaround is quick so seating is often available. Ample seating outside as Well as upstairs.
Unfortunately no highchairs but still babies are welcome. No life, stairs only.
The people and their energy are really what make this place for me.
Love Utopia. Great vegan options, toasties, cookies and milkshakes. Cash only, but there's a cash machine just next door so not a problem. Lovely little play corner up stairs for children. Down stairs can be a little unpleasant at times as there are often people smoking outside and the smell drifts in, but not the fault of Utopia.
I have been using Utopia for a very long time your excellent in every way .. but if you are to keep your door open during the warmer weather please ask the smokers who sit outside to sit well away from the open door the smell of cigarette smoke in your cafe today was appalling one of your customers thought someone was actually smoking inside .. I suggest you put smoking ban stickers on the tables outside either side of your door Thankyou
Friendly staff and lovely atmosphere. Appreciate it being a dog-friendly place. Sat outside and had breakfast with my partner and dogs. Had a toasted tea cake and a bacon sandwich along with coffee drinks. The bacon sandwich had So. Much. Bacon. It was great. Will definitely come back and recommend
Learn British English with Hazel
+4
I love Utopia. I’ve been going here since I was a teenager and I love the milkshakes and the coffee. Recently however, utopia have been putting all the tray bakes in one cabinet. My absolute favourite desert, the chocolate peanut butter slice, is right next to the Bakewells and now, they always taste like bakewells 😭 I don’t like bakewell tarts…
Please store the peanut butter slices (perhaps everything) separately so Bakewell taste doesn’t invade everything 🙏
On a local Facebook page, I asked for the best coffee shop in town. Many people suggested Utopia, and my visit certainly didn't disappoint! Heavenly coffee, a delicious panini with plenty of salad, and a beautiful bit of carrot cake! The owners of the place are also particularly splendid.
My one word of advice, however, is to make sure you have cash on you before you go – at the time of writing, Utopia sadly doesn't take card payments.
Lovely friendly service. The coffee was nice but was pleasantly surprised by the toasted ham and cheese sandwich I received . Bursting with melting cheese goodness and flavour . Toilets were immaculate, not a spot of dust or dirt anywhere. It's right next to Costa coffee but this place will be my go to coffee shop whenever I visit .
Jack Beauchamp-Stansfield
+4
Been here a couple of times now. The decor is almost an eclectic granny chic, but it's pretty cool. No wifi.
The coffee is decent but the roast is very dark and quite bitter which is not my personal preference. Tea is bags but nice. Cakes are pretty darn good.
A quirky and unique coffee shop.
I needed a caffeine fix before my journey back to London.
My walk from Thorpe Bay suggested I checked-out this place. I am big advocate and fan of supporting local businesses vs. big organisations.
All staffs behind the counter are kind and friendly. If I didn't have a Mr Whippy iced-cream beforehand I would have opted for one of their baked treat. I was super tempted but declined.
This is a cash-only establishment and I did have a note to pay.
I opted to sit outside but the inside is very unique and full of all sorts of interesting items and seating. Even the till is old-school and funky.
My coffee (oat-americano) was priced fairly and super hot; just the way I like it. I consumed and people watched outside.
I would recommend and this is very good location.
The most comfortable environment to sit and have a catch up. I always have their soya hot chocolate with vegan cream as it is the best I've had. However they offer a wide range of hot and cold drinks to which are made to the same amazing standard each time. Lovely welcoming staff, the best place to stop for a bite to eat or even a place to chill on a Sunday and watch the world go by. They have a variety of Vegan options too on their menu!
Such a lovely café with incredibly friendly staff. Serves breakfast and lots of lunch options along with cakes and cookies. Lots of vegan options.
Bigger than it looks with more seating upstairs. CASH ONLY - although there is a cash point outside the nearby supermarket.
Very rigorous Covid precautions.
Wonderful friendly customer service as always! Delicious iced mocha!😋the seats are very comfy!
An absolute gem!
Do not waste your time in yet another chain coffee house, this spot is a must when in Southend. We’ll be back!
Stunning vegan cakes and snacks (I’m not vegan but loved the coconut and lime sponge)
Proper coffee
Great seating options.
Note:
It is cash only (no cards/contactless)
Fantastic cafe, great staff, welcoming environment, great range of drinks and food to cater for all. Couldn’t recommend this place more for any time of day. Also really supportive & welcoming for people with disabilities.
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