The Commons Community Kitchen & Café at The Minories — Restaurant in Colchester

I usually love Tiptree tea rooms, but this one let's the side down, regularly! Visited at the end of Feb on a Saturday afternoon at 2.10pm. Was ignored for ages so sat myself down where I pleased. I had observed that there were a few customers sat outside, as the weather was nice. When I eventually saw someone at the counter I went up to place my order. There didn't seem to be many staff, possibly 3, and they all appeared a bit frazzled. I asked if I could order a sandwich and was told 'no, only cakes and scones'. I accepted this as they had probably had a busy lunchtime, however an apology would have helped. But, I was astounded when the same person went to a table that had just arrived and took an order for hot food! Someone needs to organise this tearoom a little better, as they then told every successive customer there was no food at all, just drinks. As they don't close til 4pm, there must gave been a shortfall in the days takings. I can appreciate that they may have run short after a busy lunch, but with better stock ordering and understanding of their footfall patterns, they would have...

The Minories Gallery has a long, important & very intrinsic history in the Colchester arts scene. Well worth a visit to see it's seasonally changing displays, ranging from sculpture, traditional painting to digital media, & concerts. The adjoining garden cafe & folly summerhouse should also not be missed. On the wall of the main gallery building is an official Blue Plaque, dedicated to the town's first female doctor & founder member of Colchester Arts Society, Ruth...

Lovely cafe! High quality ingredients, delicious food, lots of vegan options, great coffee, organic mylk. Beautiful and heated cafe with free access to the art gallery. View of their garden from the cafe too! 10/10 and very nice staff!! Thank you especially to Nicky (hope I've spelt that correctly) and all the chefs cooking up those yummy...