SOUTH Essex may come alive during the summer months, but there’s no reason to be disheartened as the weather turns.

There are plenty of cosy coffee shops and cafés that offer relaxing escapes from the colder weather this autumn and winter. 

The spots included in this list are the highest rated in south Essex according to Tripadvisor.

The Quirky Bird Café, Westcliff

As the name suggests, you’re not going to get the standard coffee shop experience in Westcliff’s The Quirky Bird Café.

This vibrant, and unique spot is known for its eye-catching décor, personality and fantastic fresh food and drink. You’ll find an amazing array of dishes on the menu, ranging from homemade soups to jacket potatoes. This is the perfect place to enjoy a warming, winter coffee.

The Quirky Bird Café is rated 5.0 on Tripadvisor with user Donna12017 saying: “Amazing brekkie at this lovely little cafe opposite Chalkwell Park. Great service and I can highly recommend the avocado bubble!”

Café No.11 is a local favourite in RayleighCafé No.11 is a local favourite in Rayleigh (Image: Café No. 11) Café No.11, Rayleigh

Proud supporters of local suppliers and businesses, Café No.11, is open seven days a week until 3pm, so if you’re in Rayleigh and looking for an escape from the cold you won’t be disappointed with Café No.11.

Serving everything from bottomless dinners to signature breakfasts, this is a café that has something to offer everyone.

Café No.11 is rated 5.0 on Tripadvisor with user Emelia F saying: “Amazing service, food quality and atmosphere! So impressed every time I come here, presentation and flavours of the food always wow me! 100% recommend”.

Maxwell’s, Southend

Self-described as serving “fresh food at a fantastic price” Maxwell’s is a popular choice for those meeting friends or simply wanting a quiet coffee. As the weather worsens, Maxwell’s is the perfect place to relax and watch the world go by.

The café offers a range of snacks and dishes in addition to their freshly ground coffees and visitors can enjoy jacket potatoes, salads, sandwiches, pasta, bagels and much more.

Maxwell’s is rated 5.0 on Tripadvisor with user CharlieJuliet saying: “This is a fabulous little bolthole for us. Just tasty, simple food that you love, without the fancy-schmancy fuss of having your food served on a brick or in a pan with unnecessary miniature milk urns for the milk with your coffee.”

Beans and Bagels is well known for it's high quality of customer serviceBeans and Bagels is well known for it's high quality of customer service (Image: Beans and Bagels) Beans and Bagels, Wickford

Beloved by locals for the quality of service, Beans and Bagels is rated as the best café in Wickford and from the reviews on Tripadvisor it’s not hard to see why.

The café is known for its regular deals on food and hot drinks and is a popular spot for birthdays and celebrations. It’s location on the town’s high street make it the perfect place for a mid-shopping coffee.

Beans and Bagels is rated 5.0 on Tripadvisor with user KarenK saying: “Hands down... the best place to eat in Wickford. Nikkie ( the owner) and Mark are so welcoming and friendly and had us crying with laughter, what brilliant people they are, nothing is to much trouble for either of them.”