Today I met up with an old friend and we decided to go for a enjoyed a leisurely walk along the Southend seafront, along what used to be called the Golden Mile. We parked in the Sea Life car park and walked along the promenade, past the pier, and a little further on, and then turned back – nothing too taxing.
For both of us, it was a place we had visited many times in our childhood, so it was very familiar territory. The main point was to go for a walk, enjoy each other’s company, catch up while putting the world to right – and it was a fine day for it. The sun was out and there weren’t too many people about, partly because the children were back at school.
We decided to stop somewhere for a coffee and a bite to eat and we came across a cafe called “Beaches Cafe Bar and Bistro”. It’s about a hundred or two hundred yards east of the pier and it was somewhere I had never been aware of before.
We found it to be a bright and welcoming place. When we went in, we were made to feel comfortable. We were asked where we wanted to sit. As it was such a lovely day, we sat out on the veranda overlooking the sea where you could see the whole Thames Estuary and take pleasure in watching various activities out at sea.
As it was getting on for lunchtime, I decided to have a brunch and ordered the breakfast wrap that included bacon, sausage and cheese, with a tea. My friend ordered toast and marmalade with a coffee. Again, the service was bright, helpful and cheerful, even returning to ask if everything was okay, which of course it was. I very much enjoyed my breakfast wrap. I have one minor gripe – I am not so impressed when tea arrives as a cup of hot water and a tea bag, but that’s a minor point. The price was perhaps a little higher than I would normally expect, but on the other hand it is right on the seafront and, given the seasonal trade and the location, I thought it was quite appropriate. I had no complaints really.
We enjoyed the hour we spent there – the service, the people including interacting with the staff, our chat, and the wonderful view. It is certainly a place that now I know it exists, I would want to return to again if I am taking people for a walk along the sea front and should we want to stop off somewhere for a bite and a cup of tea. There is a lunchtime menu as well – not extensive, but there is quite a lot on it – and they have a decent alcohol selection.
Beaches café is definitely recommended and it was a perfect way in which to end our walk.
