Toast Colchester — Restaurant in Colchester

A big 'Shout Out' for Claire and the team at 'Toast' in Colchester.

We visited 'Toast' whilst we were waiting for our car to have service at nearby 'Salmon's'. We decided that we look around the centre where some my old haunts were. We stopped for a coffee at 'Toast', after a having a chat with a nearby friendly Norwegian who was selling veldig god kakke! The atmosphere in 'Toast' was very welcoming, comfortable and accommodating, and would appeal to customers across the age range; both the coffee and the service were both excellent. However, the 'icing-on-the cake', was the sense of community and service that became more and more evident as we chatted to Claire, the manager. 'Kindness' notices were on display by the counter, we asked about the origins of them as we noticed that they were written in an accommodating and friendly tone. In conversation we learnt more about Claire's approach towards both her customers and the community which showed a genuine her heart for the community. Furthermore she was more than willing to offer us advice and support for our small-scale community café/shop, 'at the crossroads, in Saxmundham. So this review is really a request to you, the reader, raise your cups to a 'toast' to Toast and go to town and support café with community at its heart. Colchester is very fortunate to have such an unique, enterprising and visionary business right in the heart of the city. John and Barbara - 'At the Crossroads'...

Awful experience. Ordered x2 hawaian toasties (1x gluten free) and x2 lattes. After an initial issue with the tills (seemed like forever) we sat down and waited for our order. 5 mins go by and our number eventually gets called. Our toasties turn up completely wrong. 1x non gluten free 1x tuna melt. Explained to staff and she offered to refund our cash transaction. (Fair enough). Drink our coffee another 5 mins goes by before I had to ask for my refund as they clearly forgot. Same staff member came over with a reciept about a few mins after, stating our refund had already been actioned on to our card. Well we paid cash!!!!!! She didn't like the fact she had cocked up yet again and her attitude changed drastically. Waited a further 5 mins and eventually she came back with the money. No apology/couldn't walk away quick enough and just stated there was a free coffee card for next visit. Definitely won't be using the free card as gave to a homeless person outside as we Definitely won't be returning. Costa coffee next time Oh And the price. Over £20 for x2 toasties and x2 coffees. Don't be stupid Toast can get a Sunday...

I'm genuinely sad to be writing this review. First off the staff are amazing across both the Colchester and Witham branches, but echoing Jenny's review, the recent changes have made it impossible for me to eat here ever again. Switching to pre-packaged toasties has not only limited the menu, but destroyed the USP of actually being able to choose what you want, especially for people with allergies. It might as well be a Costa now.

I did the math and between me and my partner we're knocking on the door of spending a not insignificant £600 at Toast in the first 4 months of this year, but as someone who is both gluten and dairy free I now literally can't eat here. I'm sure that money is just a drop in the ocean to Toast and they won't miss my business, but I'm genuinely sad I can no longer champion what I thought was an excellent Essex chain.

I get it, if you're changing your business model clearly something isn't working, so maybe it's to cut costs, maybe it's to cut staff, but sometimes what you gain in efficiency you lose in...