Parlour Cafe — Restaurant in Maldon

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS PLACE the moment we parked and was walking to it. I was suprised it was here tbh. But i cant say 1 bad thing about it. Off the rd. Safe area for kiddies as its enclosed in the garden area which has what i would say quality play equipment. Don't be put off by the little bit of building as I do believe looking at it it's an extension for more inside seating. But it was beautiful sitting in the garden. Loved the resident dog. He just seemed so gentle and didn't bother Anyone So felt like I was sitting in the garden of a friends garden. Obviously a rich friend lol as the garden was big and accomadating. Inside was unique too. I was going to sit in there but it was such lovely weather we chose outside. You order and pay for your food inside they give you a spoon number and find u. Look area and you see little touches they have used for decor in and outside. Like the trinkling watering cans. I was TOTALLY in love with the menu. I wasn't expecting to see bacon or sausage sandwich on the menu. My friend had full English which wasn't like a greasy spoon cafe. But very well presented. There was other stuff like panini and jacket potato and tea cakes even burgers. I would imagine they use all local produce as it appears that kinda place. I didn't like to ask. Soft drink ...what can I say except omg. I had strawberry lemonade which was real strawberries in lemon squash or something. My friend had Elderflower and I think mint leaves was in it. It was so refreshing and obviously made on the premises. We had cake and scones with hot chocolate and coffee after and I have to say I could have stay there all day. Free parking on the off rd bit that also has another building called near the car park where I believe the massage/beauty /spa place is. Which we will try as we picked up leaflets in the Parlour Cafe with the offers etc on. There are lots of events from what we could see at the Parlour Cafe for evening events too. So if you see something advertised you can buy your tickets here before hand for the future event as my friend did. The parlour cafe is easy to get to but not if you aren't familiar with it or the area. You either go passed Elmwood riding school then look for the next turning on your right and just drive all the way to the end or if you miss that turning you pass the petrol station then look for Creeksea rd on again your right. Signs are brown and I think say Caravan park on but just follow it to the end bare left and again its follow to the end parking up on the right. ENJOY 100%would recommend. Still in shock its down there. A little piece of beauty you done expect...

Now edited! Things have changed a bit at the Parlour Café and they're now much more flexible with breakfast options. Their vegan shakes are delicious and they're making some great improvements to the building. Very friendly staff.

Old review: Very up and down experience here. Love the setting and young staff tend to be friendly, but they don't cater for vegans here really. They don't have a vegan option on the menu (other than beans on toast with no butter) but they also WON'T ,as sternly told by the owner, allow swaps. So if you get the veggie breakfast and hold the sausages and eggs you have to pay more for an extra hashbrown or mushrooms..? So we ended up paying £9 for one small vegan breakfast... Also, some staff need more training on heating soya milk for coffees. Sometimes their coffees are the best you'll taste, and other times are thin, burnt milk and hotter than the centre of the sun. I emailed recently to see if they might add a vegan option to the menu and was told lots of changes were being made, but when I returned on Friday morning with my Dad we were told the floors had just been done and they weren't ready for customers, there would be a 15 minute wait on drinks, longer for food. So inevitably we went elsewhere.

Just seems like the owners don't care even though I've given them a lot of business...

We have always loved Parlour Café - but I wanted to address some points. The food standard has massively dropped, all breakfasts are very 'slapped' on a basic white plate, the panni's looked microwaved with a bag of crisps on the side, coffees put on table with no saucer and just a spoon on the table and always lukewarm. The paninis used to come in nice boxes with crisps in a pot etc, milkshakes in lovely silver cups, now just served in plastics. It looks very rushed out the kitchen even with long wait times. The food menu also has not changed since opening, they advertise new summer/winter menus and change 2/3 items max, just upping prices. If this was a standard cafe, not an issue, but the prices they charge do not reflect this 'style'. With the competition upping with new Cabin Dairy opening with much more varied options, better presentation, and Ground Coffee House doing the same... I really think Parlour needs to focus on the small things that do still matter like presentation & menu options. The atmosphere is always great due to its lovely setting/location, and staff are always friendly at the till- but there is something always slightly disappointing when I see my breakfast on the table, and remember how it...