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Hours
Sun
8:00 - 17:00
Mon
8:00 - 17:00
Tue
8:00 - 17:00
Wed
8:00 - 17:00
Thu
8:00 - 17:00
Fri
8:00 - 17:00
Sat
8:00 - 17:00
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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CUISINES
Cafe, International, British, Healthy
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, Drinks
features
Does this restaurant have parking?
Details
About
Cafe located on the beach in Chalkwell offering a great variety of good quality food and drinks. Food suitable for vegans and gluten free available.
CUISINES
Cafe, International, British, Healthy
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, Drinks
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts Credit Cards
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4.5
129 reviews
Excellent
100
Very good
14
Average
4
Poor
3
Terrible
8
Karen M
5 contributions
Aug 2020 • couples
We used to visit this place before lockdown. The ambience,food & service were always top notch. We have been back several times over the past two weeks & I'm pleased to report that the food is still excellent. They have had to close the indoor area, but there is a good in/out system in place for ordering & collecting food in two separate areas, with sanitizer available at both points. There is also plenty of outdoor seating. I had the smoked salmon & cream cheese bagel & it was packed with good quality salmon. Also highly recommend the brunch bagel..bacon, avocado & dijon mustard..delicious. Oh & a great selection of scoop ice cream flavours! Definitely recommend this place!
Written 2 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
locallady2017
Thank you for returning to us after the crazy period of time being closed! We are pleased to be back open and seeing our customers again. Thank you for your time to review the cafe
Written 4 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bianca
Hadleigh6 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
What a lovely little find. Great service and nice selection of food. Serving staff were really friendly and knew there stuff when asking about vegan and vegetarian options. Nice modern fresh feel to the venue.
Table space is limited even without the COVID restrictions. Nicely decorated and was good to see that the cooking and prep area was open so you could see, but it did clash a little with the rest of the decor, bit too industrial looking for my taste.
Portion sizes were decent so much so that I had to ask for a box for my chips to take away after my sit down meal, which the serving team happily provided.
Was nice to see a few bits on sale with a beech theme. Also there were a selection of game and blankets that customers could make use of which was a lovely touch.
Overall really good experience made by the good food and lovely staff.
Written 9 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
locallady2017
Thank you for your fabulous review, it really helps us to know that we are getting things right for our customers. We hope that you are able to visit again soon.
Written 18 November 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TinaBean13
Leigh-on Sea37 contributions
Sept 2020 • solo
I totally love this place, beautiful location, environmentally aware business who always go above and beyond for customers and the local space. They have fab products, great food and drinks, really lovely staff and not to mention the Paddleboarding and various workshops organised. This is a real hub in the local beach community and is without doubt one of the best cafes on our beachfront. If you have not visited then you are missing out. I truly love their Oat Milk Coffee and their fab range of Smoothies. Go visit them and enjoy a bit of our lovely beach culture.
Written 1 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
locallady2017
Thank you so much for your fabulous feedback, we look forward to you visiting the cafe again soon. Keep safe and well.
Written 18 November 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Danielle G
1 contribution
Aug 2020 • family
Queued for 25mins. Cold drinks where warm. When asked if there where colder at the back simply said no, didn’t even check not exactly what you want on a boiling hot day, warm bottled water. Then took a further 10 mins of waiting to get 1 portion of chips. £22 for 3 warm drinks 1 portion of chips and 6 fruit ice lollies and 35mins of waiting don’t recommend and won’t be going back.
Written 7 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
locallady2017
Hello Danielle,
Thank you for your time to review the cafe.
Just to clarify, the time in which you visited the cafe the UK were experiencing an unprecedented heatwave with the temperatures sky rocketing to 35 degrees. This was also documented on the news as the huge numbers of people visited our local area.
I can suggest that you were not the only person to think that the beach would be a good idea in that heat and given that we are a completely standalone cafe/kiosk we are open to serve a huge volume of customers. Apologies that you had to wait but there were many other people also visiting Chalkwell beach on that day also having the same queuing situation as you.
Whilst we make every attempt to keep cold drinks cold, with the sheer volume of people requesting cold drinks our staff most likely would have only just replenished the stocks in the fridge therefore knowing that the ones at the back would also be like the ones at the front, we do not have the space and capacity to house enormous fridges to accommodate the volume of drinks consumed on days like that.
We make all our food to order and fresh for each person including chips which is to ensure freshness for each person. Apologies for your wait but again there would have been people in front of you also wanting food so each persons order is cooked in the order in which it was received.
£22 for 10 items when taken into account the premium location on the beach, our staff who work tirelessly (in 35 degree heat) and the other costs in running a small business I do not think is an expensive visit and if you visit any other cafe along the seafront you will experience similar pricing.
Given the restrictions we face on respect to COVID and the fact we are a small family run business it is such a shame that you felt it necessary to post this review. I would rather hope that people would feel exceptionally fortunate to be able to experience a day out at the beach given the current circumstances.
Written 8 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Neil B
Southend-on-Sea2 contributions
Aug 2020 • family
We go down the saltwater cafe regularly most Sundays (ten of us).
I went down there today with my daughter and had one coffee, one tea and two bagels. At this point we were very happy with the service and the food - Although its over priced... But we know they are expensive (so five stars at this point)
Unfortunately we asked for some tomato ketchup for our bagels. At this point they said "that will be 20p". I simply do not understand how any cafe can have the audacity to charge for condiments considering that you can buy a bottle for 90p. I understand times are tough at the moment, but this is an utter farce. So because of this they are now one star and we will be buying our coffees from chalkwell Station and walking them down to the beach.
My advice would be if you need 20p so badly for ketchup this should be accommodated for within the price of the bagel. To avoid losing customers like myself.
Written 31 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
locallady2017
Hello,
Thank you for your review and feedback. We always take on board any feedback from our customers.
We are sorry to hear you are disappointed at being charged for a sachet of ketchup. We had to take the decision to charge for extra sachets because we are frequently asked by customers for 7-8 sachets to accompany portions or chips or baguettes. On occasion these sachets are not used and wasted so we had to take the unfortunate decision that we could not absorb the extra cost of this.
Due to COVID we are unable to leave a bottle of condiment out for customers to use as they wish, due to the restrictions placed on us and for health and safety reasons, we have to use single use sachets. We would prefer not to use single use plastics given the impact on the environment but we are unfortunately in an impossible situation.
Whilst your suggestion is to build condiments into the price of a meal, we just can not adjust the price to accommodate the cost of the extras that some customers require.
Our bagels do not normally come with sachets as they are already accompanied by a sauce/dressing/condiment, brunch bagel - Dijon mustard, smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel comes with a wedge of fresh lemon and black pepper, salt beef with Dijon and pickle mayonnaise all of which is included within the price. If it was a baguette you ordered, they would have one sachet included within the price and will be included in your order, any extras on top of this we do unfortunately have to charge for.
I’m sorry you felt you had to give us one star in relation to the cost of a condiment. We do try our best to make the best experience for our customers.
As you say in your review, this is an incredibly tough time. I’m sorry you were disappointed. We are all just trying to make the best decisions and choices given the restrictions at this present time.
Written 31 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nikki M
1 contribution
Nov 2020 • family
Our family visit Saltwater Beach cafe often when walking our dog along the beach. Friendly staff, great food and drink. They have a good vegan selection for drinks, snacks and hot/cold food.
I would highly recommend this cafe x
Written 12 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
locallady2017
Thank you for your great review and feedback on the cafe, it's great to know you enjoy coming to the cafe and making the most of the beach.
Written 18 November 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ann
1 contribution
Dec 2020 • none
Thank you to all at Saltwater, for the warmest welcome at each of our visits. We have enjoyed beautifully presented lunches, with the most delicious coffee and food for miles. All Covid precautions in place and professionally organised. Most of all, we so appreciate you taking tome to chat with your customers, there is a real community oriented ethos shining through, so valued during these uncertain times.
Looking forward to eating at Saltwater again very soon.
Written 9 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
locallady2017
Thank you for your kind comments and review on our cafe and staff. We do our best to make sure that everyone is catered for wherever possible. During this year it has been incredibly hard work but it makes it worthwhile when we receive lovely reviews like this. We will look forward to welcoming you back again soon.
Written 13 December 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JoC
4 contributions
Nov 2020 • none
A visit to Saltwater always brightens up our day. Liz, Jeff and their team work super hard and we’re always greeted with a happy, smiley face, whatever the weather, and whatever’s going on in these difficult times.
Saltwater was a ray of sunshine for us during the first lockdown and continues to be for lockdown 2. Last spring they took every measure to ensure that when they could reopen, initially for takeaways only, that safety came first. It became part of our daily ritual to grab a coffee and sit and watch the world go by on the seafront.
The café has such a different and chilled vibe to it…. we spend a lot of time in Australia (well, we used to!) and Saltwater always reminds us of one of our favourite beach cafes there. And the coffee is the best in town… hands down!
Thank you Liz & Jeff for what you have created there.
Written 9 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
locallady2017
Thank you so much for such a super review. It is hard work but seeing our regulars especially through these uncertain times lifts our spirits as much as it does our customers. We love that we remind you of your favourite beach cafe in Australia as that is one of our favourite countries to visit. Keep safe and we will see you again soon
Written 18 November 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Narrowboatmen
Leigh-on Sea3 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
A friend and I stopped here for lunch. Lovely varied menu with some really unusual specials. We both chose the quinoa and sweet potato salad which was delicious but the sandwiches being served at another table also looked very inviting. Friendly helpful staff made us very welcome. Will definitely visit again.
Written 5 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
locallady2017
Thank you for such a great review. We are glad you enjoyed your visit and look forward to you returning.
Written 20 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Littleprincessgurn
Essex102 contributions
Nov 2020 • solo
This place has literally got me through and kept me sane during lockdown #1 and so far #2.
I never go to anywhere else along the beach, it is the absolute best. Perfect location, reasonable prices and super fresh made to order food. A walk along the beach or esplanade with a coffee in hand is the best therapy you will probably get this year! They are so accommodating too with dietary requirements. The staff are super friendly and the place has really become a staple of the community. The brunch bagel has also cured a few of my hangovers, and our young son thinks the sausage baguettes are the best thing ever! Not forgetting the Buddha Bowls are dreamy on a hot summers day! All topped off by the fact Fabio the coffee king of the local area is now working here churning out perfect coffee.
Written 10 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
locallady2017
Thank you so much for such a great review! we really appreciate your feedback as it has been a tricky time for all businesses to navigate these very unusual times. We are super pleased to hear you love our coffee and food and look forward to seeing you on a regular basis. Keep safe and well
Written 18 November 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wolfie88
London11 contributions
Sept 2020 • none
I have always lived in and around Leigh on Sea. But it’s rare you find a little treat like Saltwater Beach Cafe. The strange goings on in the world brought me to the beach a lot more than I had done in the years I have lived opposite it. I stopped in for a quick coffee and now am like a yo-yo keep going back, the gelato is ridiculous, amazing flavours and it’s all original natural ingredients.
The Buddha Bowl is great for lunch or if you fancy something a bit more on the sea side buzz the fish-finger bagel is so tasty with their home made Tatar sauce.
For a sea side cafe it’s a different level to most, you can still get your crabbing lines, buckets and spades and fishing nets and they even sell the bacon to catch the little fellas.
The staff are all smiley and friendly and they have sorted the caution levels put in place with the crazy Covid.
Finally they have an attached Stand Up Paddle board business that I for my sins have signed up for. Let’s hope I survive it to head back for my fish finger sandwich next week after the lesson. I have never been a great swimmer.
Written 2 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
locallady2017
Thanks for your great review, hope you enjoy the paddleboarding and make it back for a coffee and fish finger bagel 🏄🏽♂️
Written 4 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
W F
London16 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
What can I say?! Saltwater is the best. It is not just our favourite cafe on the seafront it is also an extremely valued community hub. Not only do they provide us with the best ever coffee and delicious food they include everyone; they reach out for people to do beach cleans, teach SUP, organise mindful craft sessions, invite people that are on their own to go and meet others by going on weekly walks. They are a firm part of our local community and our lives are richer for them. Thank you Saltwater! Wendy
Written 28 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
locallady2017
Thank you for your fabulous review on our cafe and being part of our community
Written 30 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sarah B
Rayleigh25 contributions
Jul 2022 • friends
Fishfinger sandwiches were nice BUT we ate on public benches as the outdoor seating area is so poor. Few tables on area that needs weeding and jet washing. A few umbrellas and a couple of planters, hide the bins and it would be transformed!
Missed business opportunity as if it had been nice we would have stayed and had wine etc.
Could be so much nicer!!
Written 22 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elizabeth C
Hi Lucy,
Thank you for your feedback. The patio area is owned by our local council and as such there are a number of restrictions in place that we cannot circumnavigate (we would love to put up sail shades but sadly it requires planning permission)
The council & C2C are shortly to be removing the bridge that crosses the train line and replacing that section with a more modern bridge, so sadly any investment in that area for us as a business would be wasted. We are still waiting to see the final drawings on when they will be commencing work so we are unable to make amendments.
Good to hear you enjoyed the food and had the opportunity to enjoy them on the beach.
Written 23 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Janie121
Rayleigh44 contributions
Feb 2022 • family
Popped in for lunch after a short walk. Staff very friendly and helpful. Moved tables to accommodate us. Lovely bagels smoked salmon and cream cheese and salt beef with pickles. Home cooked salt beef was delicious. Nice cup of tea. Would definitely come again.
Written 1 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elizabeth C
Thank you for taking the time to review our café and give us 5*, very much appreciated and we always give this feedback to our staff 💙
Written 26 April 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
KittyKatHorse
Rayleigh28 contributions
Apr 2022 • none
We visit here a lot with the dogs and always enjoy the vegan options, including a sausage baguette and breakfast bagel. Always tasty, hot and fresh. The coffee is good too and you can get a vegan hot chocolate with all the trimmings. Service is friendly and staff are lovely. Can't recommend enough.
Written 24 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elizabeth C
Thank you so much for your review. As always we share these with our team. Hope you get to visit again soon
Written 26 April 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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