Recently I’ve found myself talking a lot on Instagram about a place called Leigh on Sea. Why you may ask? The answer is simple: because it’s easily the trendiest place in Essex right now! Just 45 minutes from London (by train), 10 from Southend and the same from our house, we’ve ended up spending most of our weekends this winter drinking coffee and eating cake in Leigh.
Southend on Sea is one of Essex’s busiest seaside destinations but lets be honest, it’s not the most glamorous of places. Leigh on Sea however is having a bit of a moment right now with it’s contemporary eateries and instagrammable cafes, there’s no wonder why it’s the place to be every weekend. When you live outside of London, it can sometimes be hard to find those typical quirky eateries all us millennial’s can’t get enough of, but I think that’s why we’re so in love with Leigh right now. It’s Essex’s very own Shoreditch!
So without further a do, I’m going to stop chatting rubbish and actually share with you my top places to eat in Leigh on Sea. If you fancy coming to the seaside for the day in the summer, jump on the train and meet us in Leigh, you’re bound to love it!
Henry Burgers
Henry Burgers
Best for: Burgers and a beer
141 Broadway, Southend-on-Sea, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 1PJ
After spending the day on the beach or down by the waterside with a few beers, it’s easy to walk into Leigh in search of comfort food. Henry Burgers is the answer to your prayers. This place does the most amazing burgers, they’re so delicious. They also have a ton of local craft beers you can take your pick from. Burgers and a beer, what’s not to love?
Stop The World
Stop The World
Best for: Afternoon Tea
113 Broadway, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 1PG
instagram.com/stoptheworldcafe
If you’re looking for somewhere to have afternoon tea in Southend, don’t waste your time in town, get your bum down to Stop the World Cafe in Leigh. This place is literally heaving at the weekend! They have the most amazing selection of cakes and a whole list of different teas to choose from as well as red velvet and golden lattes. The cake in this place is so good you can even box it up for takeaway so I often make a visit here before a dinner party, it’s always a crowd pleaser!
Corner Club
Corner Club
Best for: Chilled coffee & cocktail vibes
44-46 Broadway, Southend-on-Sea, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 1AH
I was so incredibly excited when this place opened last year. It’s literally like having our own little Shoreditch Grind right here in Southend. With it’s wood and marble interiors, signature red cups and awesome coffee to match, I find myself visiting this place nearly every weekend. They’ve also recently started opening late on Thursday to Sunday night making it the classiest and most chilled out place to grab a glass of wine to start the weekend.
The Squeeze Cafe
The Squeeze Cafe
Best for: A health kick
Grove End, 1 Rectory Grove, Southend-on-Sea, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 2HB
Nursing a hangover or been for a long morning run? The Squeeze cafe has the best selection of fresh smoothies and juices you’ll find in South East Essex. So whether you’re looking to detox, refuel or just feel a little healthier, swing by The Squeeze cafe and pick up juice. They also do healthy breakfasts, if you need more than just a smoothie to make you feel better!
The Brunch Co.
The Brunch Co.
Best for: All day breakfast
69 The Broadway, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 1PE
instagram.com/thebrunchcompany
As the new kid on the block, The Brunch Co. has made a very quick impression on Leigh on Sea. Every weekend since it’s opening it’s been so busy you have to que out the door! But trust me, it’s worth the wait. Their all day breakfasts, pancake stacks and peanut butter lattes (yes you heard that right) are making this place the hottest brunch spot on the broadway right now.
Toppers & Toast
Toppers and Toast
Best for: Breakfast Stacks
202 Leigh Rd, Southend-on-Sea, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 1BS
When I first started working in London I came up with the idea of opening a ‘posh toast’ shop. Low and behold, a few years later, someone had done just that in Leigh On Sea! Everyone knows how important a good avocado on toast and so do these guys. Their toast and breakfast stacks are to die for!
Creme Cakes and Shakes
Creme Cakes and Shakes
Best for: Freakshakes
115 Broadway, Southend-on-Sea, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 1PG
When it comes to places to eat in Leigh on sea, we really do have everything! Remember when ‘freakshakes’ first came on the scene a few years ago? Well we have our very own freakshake shack here too! Creme is one of the only places I know this side of London that goes all the way when it comes to milkshakes. From pretzels to oreos and giant slices of cake, make sure you come with an empty stomach. Make sure you prepare yourself for a huge sugar overload too because who wouldn’t want a giant slab of cake on a milkshake?!
2 Comments
Wohhhh I am literally drooling at my desk – what a beautiful post as well! I’ve never been to Leigh on Sea before but this is certainly my call too. The burgers at Henry Burgers sound delicious and the cake at Stop The World look insane – definitely adding these to the list of places to visit!
Barlow and fields is a great place to drink coffee and eat lunch and chill. Well worth a try