The Ultimate Guide to Cafe 21: Colchester’s Favourite Grade 2 Listed Cafe
- 12 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Looking for the best breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea in Colchester's historic city centre? Tucked away on Trinity Street inside a character-filled Grade II listed building, Cafe 21 pairs fresh local Essex produce with artisan coffee and classic English charm.
Whether you are hunting for a quick morning espresso, a bottomless Sunday brunch with friends, or a dog-friendly cafe in Colchester while exploring the Old Town, here is your complete guide to visiting us.
Where to Find Us: Location & Opening Hours
Located in the heart of the historic quarter, we are easily accessible from the main high street and top local landmarks.
Phone: 01206 626646
Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Why Visit Cafe 21? (Breakfast, Brunch & Historic Charm)
A Historic Grade II Listed Setting
Cafe 21 isn't just a place to eat—it's part of Colchester’s history. Housed in a beautifully preserved Grade II listed building on cobble-lined Trinity Street, our cafe offers a cozy, historic atmosphere you won't find in chain coffee shops.
Local Essex Ingredients & Artisan Coffee
We source our produce fresh daily from award-winning local Essex suppliers. Pair your meal with our specialty coffees, loose-leaf teas, or seasonal specials. Look Out for some new and exciting developments in our Beverage Menu!
100% Dog-Friendly Cafe in Colchester
Exploring Trinity Street or Castle Park with your four-legged friend? Well-behaved dogs are always welcome inside our cafe and in our beautiful outdoor courtyard garden seating area.
Vegetarian, Vegan & Gluten-Free Options
We cater extensively to dietary requirements. Enjoy full vegetarian and vegan breakfasts (featuring fresh avocado and vegan sausages), gluten-free toasties, freshly baked GF cakes, and plant-based milk alternatives (oat, soy, almond) at no extra fuss.
Most Popular Menu Items at Cafe 21
Whether you are craving a hearty cooked breakfast or a sweet treat, here are the local favourites:
21’s All-Day Breakfast: Thick-cut butcher’s bacon, premium sausage, free-range farm eggs, baked beans, mushrooms, and grilled tomato on our local artisan baker's thick-cut local toast.
Classic Eggs Benedict: Perfectly poached free-range eggs on a toasted English muffin, drizzled with rich, creamy hollandaise sauce.
Freshly Baked Waffles: Made-to-order Belgian waffles served with a range of mouthwatering sweet or savoury seasonal toppings of your choice.
Traditional Welsh Rarebit: Mature cheddar blended with Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce, melted over thick artisan bread.
Visiting Cafe 21: Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book a table at Cafe 21?
We welcome walk-ins every day! However, during peak weekend brunch hours (11:00 AM – 1:30 PM), tables fill up fast. To guarantee a spot, we recommend using our online system to book a table at Cafe 21.
Is Cafe 21 near Colchester Castle?
Yes! We are just a 5-minute walk from Colchester Castle, Castle Park, and the Castle Museum, making us the ideal spot for breakfast before a day out or lunch after exploring the historic site.
Plan Your Visit Today
Whether you're a local resident or visiting Essex for the day, stop by 21 Trinity Street for the ultimate Colchester cafe experience.
What Our Customers Say (Reviews)
Don’t just take our word for it—see why locals and visitors rate us as one of Colchester’s top-rated historic cafes.
Excellent Service and Grub
Popped in on the off chance of getting a table, not a problem at 10.30ish Saturday morning, a well balanced menu meant plenty of choices and a large selection of drinks made ordering a breeze. What a gorgeous breakfast, full breakfast choice, cooked to perfection, lovely sausage and excellently done bacon the hash brown at an added price is well worth the effort it was one of the best I’ve had. Scrambled eggs and bacon on toast for the wife, loads of eggs and two generous slices of bacon to boot. Wonderful service, lovely atmosphere and clean tables and chairs. Highly recommended we will be back.
First time visiting cafe 21 and we were pleasantly surprised. Very quaint vibe with the hidden gem which is the outside space. You wouldn't expect such natural beauty in the centre of a town. The food was unreal.. will defo be returning.
