Cafe 709 — Restaurant in England

I’m still feeling very confused and looking for some kind of justice after my experience here today. I cried myself all the way home and still shaking in shock and disbelief. With the parting words given to me as ‘off with you then’. I have been accused of being rude and being hostile when all I have ever done is be a regular at the cafe, brought friends, told others and only ever been nice and even said before how I rated them.

I was told on a previous visit when I tried to stay that it was full. I saw empty tables with ‘reserved signs’ and I asked him genuinely (the front man/owner) ‘do you not lose any money?’. I asked this because as I said I did like this cafe and this was the second time I’d seen reserved tables but cafe looked empty.

I was told today after my meal here today that when I was there last, I was rude and left the door open. I have a baby in a pram. I imagine I forgot to shut the door because of that? Or being a hurry etc I don’t even remember doing it. Yet this was taken somehow to be an act of rudeness. Don’t doors get left open sometimes? It just feels like looking for something to accuse me of.

As a black woman, all I could think of was could it be because I’m black? It can be an issue black people face, bias in being considered hostile for no reason.

From when I had walked in today with my baby I sensed something was off, I couldn’t put my finger on it.

At the end of my meal I asked for a box to come with my cake so I could take the rest of my cake away knowing I usually don’t finish it. I had ordered another cake to take away for my husband as well. The waitress came with the cake and said we’ll give a box when you don’t finish it, with the other boxed up. I thought it was unusual, and I didn’t want to misunderstand so when I finished went up to the till and asked the front man/owner who straightaway defensively argued ‘she didn’t do it on purpose’ and was quite off with me. This progressed into the mistreatment I was given. I had simply asked a question, that was literally all, but he said I was rude, again. It is clear he already had a grievance towards me after mentioning ‘well last time you were here, you were rude’. And I thought aaah, there we go. I thought there was something.

I will add, now I think about it, the first few times I came here there was an amazing waitress who honestly is why I kept coming back. Everytime since, she hasn’t been there and it’s been this gentleman, it’s just been a bit ‘off’.

I don’t know what I have done. I know I have only been kind, jovial, sung praises and even tidied after my baby’s eating. I deserve an apology for how I was treated today.

He did not take my payment. Says he doesn’t want my money. I left the cakes as I didn’t pay for them.

If anyone reads this and understands, please do not go here to avoid being treated this way. Still just so confused. So strange. There is no justice for me. I left saying, is there any black person here who can understand?...

I hardly ever leave reviews either can't be bothered or too busy but just HAD to for this cafe! My god I wish I lived closer! Visiting family and never been to this area before. She suggested this cafe, mistakingly thought she booked but hadn't. There was tables outside where we sat and browsed the menu till the lovely server said we could move in. Incredibly accommodating and friendly. Food choices brilliant. Quality and taste of the food was the best I have experienced from a high street cafe. A lasagne that actually has meat in it, properly homemade! Not wet, soggy and half cooked with more pasta than meat like other pubs/cafes. Very high quality food all round, not plastic cheese in a sandwich, proper cheddar. Honestly, could go on but if you're...

Upon my second visit, I decided to leave a review for this cafe. I've been to plenty and whilst being okay, never really made me want to return. Cafe 709 does.

It's conveniently located on Southchurch road, with indoor and some outdoor seating (I have yet to sit outside though, it's too cold). The food always arrives hot and well presented, the staff are all attentive, kind, and efficient. Perhaps might be a little more expensive than the average cafe but I feel this represents excellent value when compared to the food quality and service.

I can't fault the place. My friends and I have made it a regular visit because we like it that much. The cakes on the service counter are top notch too. Easily the best cafe in Southend...