Chevers (9 April 2012)

Caffe Nero is in an old bank building on the corner of the High Street & Elmer Approach - about midway down just by the University. Being an old bank, it's a good space with rather more grandeur than other coffee houses. It's a listed building, I understand. Being a corner sit,e there's plenty of space outside and there's sun in the morning and afternoon. No traffic noise as this stretch of the high-street is pedestrianised. Inside, there's leather armchairs and a bankette at the rear with 5 tables and their respective power-plugs for Wi-Fiers. Friendly, knowledgeable and efficient staff that remember the regulars and treat them well. (I come in most days) The most stylish and comfortable Coffee House in Southend by a long stretch. More business and academic customers than you'd get elsewhere as its not right next to the bigger shopping hubs at either end of the high-street so the customers are rather more civilised than you'd expect here. Coffee is a personal taste but I prefer Nero's by and large, over the other big brand offerings. Good selection of toasted paninis (a touch expensive so only as a treat when you're in as often as I am. Beautiful free-range egg sandwich though! Drop in and see for yourself. I'd need a very good reason to go somewhere else. 4 star coffee house! (I'm in the corner hunched over the laptop!)