Welcome to Grubbio, where culinary treasures await! Today, we delve into the delightful world of ALCHEMY, a charming café located at 117 Broadway, Southend-on-Sea. This gem stands out not just for its warm ambiance and friendly staff, but also for a menu that captures the heart and the palate.
At ALCHEMY, coffee lovers will find solace in their expertly brewed beverages, from a robust double espresso to a velvety flat white. The café offers a variety of options that cater to every preference—be it an invigorating Americano or a luxurious hot chocolate to warm you on a chilly day. And for those who prefer tea, options like English Breakfast and chamomile ensure that every sip is a moment of tranquility.
But it’s not just about the drinks. ALCHEMY’s food menu has garnered rave reviews that speak volumes about their commitment to quality. Lydia Bradford highlights a standout vegan brunch option: the avocado on toast. This simple dish is elevated by a showering of toasted seeds, delivering a flavorful punch that she believed was hard to find elsewhere. Sarah Frances Hartley exclaims that ALCHEMY serves one of the best breakfasts she has ever enjoyed, begging for their culinary excellence to grace North London. A sentiment echoed by many, including April, whose love for the kimchi scramble has her returning time and again.
Beyond breakfast, the café does not shy away from showcasing innovative creations. Diners like Ally Weng rave about the synergy of flavors found in dishes like sourdough with miso butter and banana cake paired with double cream. It is clear that ALCHEMY possesses a knack for marrying quality ingredients with creative concepts, resulting in an array of dishes that linger delightfully in one’s memory.
ALCHEMY’s atmosphere is equally commendable. Patrons consistently note the calm and inviting environment enveloped in attentive service. Digby T aptly summarizes the overall experience, commending not only the flavorsome dishes but also the genuine care evident in the service. Each visit feels like a culinary adventure, with every element thoughtfully curated to enhance your dining experience.
In essence, ALCHEMY transcends typical café offerings. It is a celebration of flavors, an embrace of quality, and a warm haven for both coffee aficionados and food lovers alike. Whether you’re stopping by for a casual brunch or seeking a cozy spot to savor exquisite treats, ALCHEMY surely leaves its mark on all who enter its doors.
We’d love to hear from you! Your email address will remain private. Required fields are marked *
Lydia Bradford
30/07/2025
Had the most delicious avocado on toast … I was starting to lose hope of finding a decent vegan brunch option and after being left disappointed with a couple of other brunch places I was about to give up! It was simple but packed with so much flavour including some toasted seeds sprinkled on top which were very much appreciated! The calm atmosphere was just what I needed and the service was warm, attentive and friendly! Thank you for your lovely vegan options - I’ll be back :)
Ally Weng
17/07/2025
Sourdough with miso butter, banana cake with double cream, latte… everything here is just wonderful, absolutely brilliant
Sarah Frances Hartley
17/05/2025
Excellent food concept and execution. Best breakfast I have had in a looooong time (or maybe, ever!). I wish you would open an outpost in North London
April
13/05/2025
Always have a great experience eating here. Staff are always super friendly, I may be slightly addicted to their Kimchi Scramble it’s so damn tasty!! The drink options are fabulous too, great coffee and juices.
Digby T
12/05/2025
The food here is genuinely outstanding; flavoursome, fantastic quality, a great varied menu and with genuinely attentive service! Having eaten all around the world from street food vendors to the world’s best, Alchemy produces some bloody tasty dishes.
Chris Cox
01/05/2025
First off the food was impeccable, some of the best scrambled eggs, cooked to my liking, ive ever had and her ladyships breakfast sandwich was spot on. Our coffees were well made, the only slight issue was the only alternative milk they had was oat, but im ok with that although coconut is always my preference. Cost was fine, just under £30 for a decent breakfast item each and a coffee each. For me it was the little things that lost it a star, no sugar on the table or offered when the coffee was delivered, no salt and pepper either, only two serviettes in the little box that the cutlery was sitting in and the final issue, is the open kitchen which resulted in us both walking out smelling of cooked food, sure there are worse things to smell of, but the extraction in the cafe could def do with a boost. We'll def be back but maybe we will sit outside on future visits.
Jonathan Batty
28/04/2025
Perfectly executed. I’m so relieved there are places like this that exist where quality of ingredients is the most important thing. The salad bowl was one of the best lunches I’ve ever had. it had 13 different plants and homemade fermented cabbage. Tasted incredible. Felt like a treat but completely guilt free.
Karen Harvey
22/04/2025
Lovely breakfast of scrambled eggs. The eggs were so tasty and yellow! Great coffee too and lovely sitting out the front, watching Leigh go by. A lovely healthy spot to eat! The fermented sides are excellent. Highly recommend.