Cafè Plaza — Restaurant in Braintree

This morning my husband and I visited together for the first time. I have been many times to this great cafe and suggested to my nearest and dearest that we should visit because the meals and cakes along with the coffee is excellent quality. Finally, we visited today. One very happy man who enjoyed the all day breakfast bap and coffee. We had fried egg, hash brown, bacon, sausage and tomato. Quality ingredients cooked to a high standard. Cappuccino Coffee in a cup and saucer was enjoyed too. Our little dog received lots of attention and the bowl of water given was welcomed. She also enjoyed the free dog treat.

Parking is very easy and free if you register your number plate at the cafe counter and make purchase.

The Discovery Park is only a couple of minutes away.

I think the younger children corner with books and a few toys is a lovely touch. Plus some tables do specify dogs nor allowed - not everyone wants a four legged friend alongside them. So I feel this cafe is special and deserves a 5/5. Staff are...

Won’t waste my time again. Got to the counter and asked if they had a take away menu, replied; well we have a menu. Asked if everything on the menu we could get as take away, replied; well most things. So great start with unhelpful staff. Ordered 2 toasties. Was told numerous times while waiting; sorry for the wait, yours are coming. After 35min we asked how long, told ours would be out next. After 40+ min and 2 other orders going out, asked again to be told they were being done now. Asked for a refund as 40min for 2 take away toasted sandwiches was ridiculous and would mean I didn’t then have enough time to have lunch before going to work. Staff didn’t seem to understand my frustration and not being advised about a significant wait when we initially ordered seems poor service. Don’t think they cared in the slightest. Shame as the sweet and savouries we’ve had off the counter previously have always been good and perfect spot for a coffee after a dog walk but will never...

The staff couldn't have been more helpful. However, that's where it stopped for us.

The food was average at best. Our expectations were quite high given the price, but the quality was akin to Wetherspoons food with a sprinkling of micro herbs on top.

All of this I could have got over, if it weren't for the lack of hygiene. Considering people were allowed to bring their dogs into the cafe, we did not once see any of the tables being sanitised between guests. Our table was covered in mud and dog hair from the previous guests and the floors were filthy.

I love dogs as much as the next person, but I think if dogs are going to be allowed into a restaurant then I'd rather see some extra cleaning being done to ensure it's still hygienic enough to eat there. Sanitising tables between guests as a minimum should...