Selby’s Cafe and bistro

215 Hamstel Rd, Southend-on-Sea SS2 4LB, United Kingdom
+44 1702 844746
$$$ Cafe
(62 Reviews)
Price Range £10–20

If you're seeking a delightful café experience in Southend-on-Sea, Selby’s Cafe and Bistro is the place to be. Nestled at 215 Hamstel Road, this charming spot effortlessly combines a cozy atmosphere with a menu that speaks to breakfast enthusiasts and lunch lovers alike.

The moment you step inside, you're greeted by a warm, inviting ambiance that makes you feel right at home. The interior boasts a blend of rustic charm and modern touches, making it perfect for everything from a leisurely brunch to a quick coffee catch-up with friends. The service is consistently commended, with friendly staff that goes above and beyond, all of which can be felt in the genuine smiles that greet you upon entry.

Now, let’s talk about the food! Selby’s is particularly renowned for its breakfast offerings. Dive into the Bubble and Squeak, a comforting medley served with perfectly poached eggs, crispy bacon, or sausage, a dish that resonates with the heart and soul of hearty English fare. For something a little different, their Picante Bubble is a must-try – a delightful twist that challenges your taste buds with its spicy flair. Diners rave about the Fully Loaded Stack, ideal for those who believe in starting the day with indulgence.

Don't miss their splendid range of sandwiches; whether you opt for the Tuna Mayo with Fresh Salsa and Iceberg Lettuce or the delectable Halloumi, Chilli Jam and Mixed Leaves, each bite is a testament to Selby's commitment to quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation. Additionally, the Smashed Avocado with salmon and eggs makes for a refreshing and nutritious choice that’s guaranteed to delight health-conscious patrons.

What truly sets Selby’s apart is its attention to detail and customer satisfaction. Reviewers often share heartwarming stories, such as when the chef personally ensured a perfectly cooked poached egg was served, illustrating the level of care that embodies Selby’s service philosophy. One satisfied customer, Mark, exclaimed, "The best breakfast in town, served by lovely people," while others highlight the deliciousness of the food and the welcoming vibe of the café. Whether you're treating the kids to milkshakes and pancake stacks or indulging in a savory breakfast wrap, you can expect smiles all around.

Every visit inspires a sense of community and comfort, making it clear that Selby’s is more than just a café; it’s a local treasure. With an impressive menu, friendly service, and an atmosphere that feels like a hug on a plate, it’s no wonder reviews glow about this fabulous establishment. Grab a seat, sip on some freshly brewed coffee, and let Selby's Cafe and Bistro charm you over a delightful meal.

Service options
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Offerings
Coffee
Healthy options
Quick bite
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Groups
Payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Openings Hours

Monday

08:30 AM - 03:30 PM

Tuesday

08:30 AM - 03:30 PM

Wednesday

Closed

Thursday

08:30 AM - 03:30 PM

Friday

08:30 AM - 03:30 PM

Saturday

09:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Sunday

09:00 AM - 02:00 PM

62 Reviews
Alex M

21 Sep 2025

Having been recommended to visit Selby’s as a newly opened cafe, it certainly didn’t disappoint, and was honestly one of the nicest cafes I’ve been to! Atmosphere was cosy and welcoming. Service and food were excellent. The chef even brought out a newly made poached egg as he wasn’t happy with the last one, even though it looked perfect. These small things go a long way and are very much appreciated! Looking forward to our next visit! Definitely stop by if you’re in the area. Also their homemade Blondies are amazing!

Mark Rennie

10 Sep 2025

The best breakfast in town, in a lovely setting with a lovely ambience served by lovely people. The kids loved their milkshakes followed by their pancake stacks. My full English was perfect and my wife’s picante bubble was insane (my 7 year old helped her finish it too ) Colouring for the kids is perfect and they loved it there! We’ll be back and I can’t wait to try out the club sandwich soon! Keep up the great work!

Patricia Hunt

16 Jul 2025

Oh so delicious. Presentation so good as well. Such a friendly place as well. Can see chef cooking as well. Cakes looked delicious, but to full so had to take away for later.

Paige Adams

09 Jul 2025

Food was lovely, I had a salad with harissa chicken. Chicken was cooked perfectly and salad was very fresh, the croutons were tasty and crunchy as were the chickpeas. Would definitely go back, would recommend.

Jem Elliot

28 Jun 2025

Fantastic food and great service… also dog friendly. Californian eggs and breakfast wrap

Sophie Lou Lou

17 Jun 2025

The Picante eggs are delicious! service & atmosphere both very good with a nice cosy feel to the place. They offer smoothies, homemade cakes and good coffee all reasonable in price. A must try!

Sam Weir

08 Jun 2025

Amazing spot for breakfast. Great choice of breakfast/brunch. Bubble and squeak with bacon eggs and sausages would definitely recommend. Smashed Avacados were nice too and pancakes looked amazing. Staff very friendly and I was really happy with the price. Great value!

Jacquie Tolan-Smith

29 May 2025

We’re pretty new to the area and thought we’d found our favourite breakfast spots , until today … we tried this little spot in Southend and wow it was lovely , great service , lovely and clean & the breakfast was delicious , and served piping hot , my bacon , sausage etc was cooked to perfection and the coffee was great , we both said we will definitely return soon , the reviews are really good and so many people can’t be wrong I honestly can see why every review is full of praise , this is most definitely a hidden gem . We parked outside and today we had no trouble finding a space .

Join the Selby’s Cafe and bistro Newsletter

Get the latest updates on seasonal pastries, special events, and local highlights directly in your inbox.