Sara's Tea Garden
A quirky, cozy all-day venue in Old Leigh, boasting a fairytale garden ambiance and a warm welcome for both humans and their furry friends.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Sara's Tea Garden
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A quirky, cozy all-day venue in Old Leigh, boasting a fairytale garden ambiance and a warm welcome for both humans and their furry friends.
"This place is a truly happy place, where you don't feel under manners with a dog!"
Beat the Weekend Rush
Visit early on weekdays for a quieter experience, as it gets very busy on weekends.
Bring Your Furry Friend
Fido is a VIP here, with a special doggy menu and even a Doggy Gallery for photo contests.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
English Cafe
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+44 1702 477315
Address
High St, Southend-on-Sea, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 2EP, United Kingdom
Website
sarasteagardens.co.uk/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dog-Friendly Paradise
A truly welcoming haven for canine companions with a dedicated doggy menu and even monthly photo contests.
Charming Garden Ambiance
Dine amidst a fairytale garden setting, complete with plants, flowers, and cozy outdoor seating.
Mouthwatering Homemade Cakes
Indulge in delicious homemade cakes, with the chocolate brownie and cheesecake being particular standouts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Beat the Weekend Rush
Visit early on weekdays for a quieter experience, as it gets very busy on weekends.
Bring Your Furry Friend
Fido is a VIP here, with a special doggy menu and even a Doggy Gallery for photo contests.
Don't Miss the Sourdough
The sourdough bread is incredibly tasty and a highly recommended menu item.
Be Prepared for a Wait
Service can be a bit slow, so allow time for a leisurely meal.
Tips
from all over the internet
Beat the Weekend Rush
Visit early on weekdays for a quieter experience, as it gets very busy on weekends.
Bring Your Furry Friend
Fido is a VIP here, with a special doggy menu and even a Doggy Gallery for photo contests.
Don't Miss the Sourdough
The sourdough bread is incredibly tasty and a highly recommended menu item.
Be Prepared for a Wait
Service can be a bit slow, so allow time for a leisurely meal.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sara's Tea Garden is a beloved all-day venue known for its exceptionally dog-friendly atmosphere and charming garden setting. Diners rave about the delicious homemade cakes, generous portions, and unique dishes like kedgeree. While the ambiance and food are highly praised, some guests note that the service can be slow, suggesting diners allow ample time for a relaxed meal.
"Lovely little tearoom.
Came here with my mother at about 9.40 on a Sunday, nice and quiet. Staff are lovely and cheerful.
I ordered egg florentine, my mother ordered scrambled; The florentine was nice, only the spinach was quite watery and the eggs were a little overcooked. Other than that though, the bun had a nice crunch and the hollandaise and rocket were flavourful.
My mother said her scrambled eggs were a 5/5, as was her coffee [with oat milk].
I had the Folkington's apple juice, kept at the perfect cold temperature and served in a nice little glass.
I also ordered the brownie to finish - gorgeous. Almost too rich, it was warm and chocolatey and a nice helping.
All in all, 4.7/5. Will definitely be returning!"
Hafsa Akbar
"Last minute decision to have breakfast and coffee here on a Tuesday morning after a long walk! Sat in the outside area under cover. Waiting staff very friendly, took our drinks orders which arrived quickly after ordering. We then decided to order food, which again arrived quickly after ordering. There were several other tables occupied so, middle-to busy. I highly recommend the sour dough it was incredibly tasty!
Would love to return again, very enjoyable."
Kerry Green Photography
"What a beautiful peaceful, piece of paradise. The food was amazing, the service was quality and the price is great. You visit Old Leigh you gotta go in. Love this place, will be returning!"
Adam Brodrick
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is extremely dog-friendly, with a dedicated doggy menu and a welcoming atmosphere for pets.
Weekdays, especially early in the day, are recommended to avoid crowds. Weekends can get very busy.
Yes, the restaurant is knowledgeable about gluten allergies and offers many gluten-free options.
Popular items include homemade cakes (like brownies and cheesecakes), sourdough bread, and full English breakfasts.
Parking can be difficult due to busy days, but visitors find it's worth the effort.
Yes, there is an outdoor seating area, often covered, which is lovely on a nice day.
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Dog-friendly Southend | Dog-friendly Essex
Sara’s Tea Garden, among the cobbled streets of Old Leigh, is another place that really values its four-legged customers. There’s a separate doggy menu and if you pick up a Loyalty Card, you can redeem stamps for sausages. The cafe also has a Doggy Gallery on its website – make sure you upload a picture of your pup for the chance to win a monthly prize.
The best pubs in South Essex
Okay, so this one isn’t actually a pub, but we couldn’t not mention it in this dog loving list. Sara’s Tea Room in Leigh-on-Sea is a super friendly, super chilled place to relax with some great grub in a setting reminiscent of a fairytale garden. They even have a menu specifically for dogs too, how good is that?
The 5 Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in Leigh-on-Sea
64 High St, Leigh-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 2EP, UK. A lovely little cafe in Leigh on sea. I am gluten free (gluten allergy - staff were knowledgeable and knew about shared fryers etc) and had lots of options without missing out on much (only change to English breakfast was to swap sausage out).
Top 30 Gluten-Free Breakfast Spots to Delight in Southend-on-Sea
I am gluten free (gluten allergy - staff were knowledgeable and knew about shared fryers etc) and had lots of options without missing out on much (only change to English breakfast was to swap sausage out). A lovely atmosphere and if you have a dog it is a perfect spot!. Look forward to returning in summer
Best Breakfast and Brunch Places in Southend-on-Sea
Tucked away behind the seafront pubs of fishing village Old Leigh lies this whimsical tea garden, all plant fronds, terracotta pots and the odd friendly dog padding about. Sara’s Tea Garden is much more than a quick lunch spot. The lengthy menu makes use of shellfish sourced just 68 steps away.
Best restaurants in Leigh-on-Sea
Nestled among the cobbled streets of Old Leigh, Sara’s Tea Garden is the perfect spot for all occasions, be it a special birthday or a casual catch up. Promising a homely atmosphere, tuck into locally-sourced fishes, traditional cream teas and homemade cakes.
Essex's best 'hidden gem' restaurants and takeaways
This cosy and quirky tea garden in Old Leigh High Street offers traditional cream teas with home-made cakes and locally sourced food. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Sara's Tea Garden (@sarasteagarden)
How to spend a day in Leigh-on-Sea in Essex
Another hidden oasis worth a visit is Sara’s Tea Gardens, also in Old Leigh where guests can enjoy tea and cakes surrounded by plants, loving cared for by Sara and her team.
Best Breakfast Cafés & Restaurants in Leigh on Sea
The menu isn’t as big as Stop the World or Saras Tea Garden, but you do get a scrumptious breakfast and great sized portions. Why not give it a try?
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