I hope I don’t give the wrong impression with this recent spate of reviews of eating places in the town (Southend) and particularly concerning my favourite meal of the day – breakfast. And I am open to offers to anyone who wishes to sign me up as a reviewer!? Today it was the turn of the Early Start Café and Diner in Sutton Road, following working out at the gym. It has been some time since I visited there, and with most places I return to after a while, I braced myself for possible changes since I last visited.

There were a number of people inside the cafe when I arrived and I was faced with a menu which included breakfast deals that offered six different combinations, none of which was my ideal mix. I chose the one costing £5, including tea and bread and butter and, for a change, it included fried bread, something I haven’t had for a while but rather liked. I was told afterward that swapping items was possible. I noticed one of the options included bubble and black pudding and as far as English breakfasts goes all bases were covered item wise. I noted it did a limited choice lunch time menu.

My tea and bread arrived promptly and before I finished reading the customary Sun newspaper the breakfast arrived. It was warm and cooked to perfection. I thought the tea was especially nice and it was a big mug! The down side was the sausage which was passable but no more (although I was assured they buy in more expensive sausages), which is a common occurrence among many cheaper breakfast places. But I enjoyed my breakfast. The environment was pleasant and relaxed. The service was cheerful and efficient. The breakfast was good value. It is a place I will return to, possibly to get their good value bigger breakfast, and it compares favorably with other cafes serving full English breakfasts.