The Novel Coffee Shop

98A London Rd, Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea SS1 1PG, United Kingdom
+44 1702 341250
$$$ Cafe
(77 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Nestled in the heart of Westcliff-on-Sea, The Novel Coffee Shop offers an inviting oasis for coffee lovers and bookworms alike. Located at 98A London Rd, this charming café isn't just a place to grab a caffeine fix; it's a community hub where every visit feels like a warm embrace. With a commitment to supporting individuals with special needs through their partnership with MENCAP, The Novel demonstrates an admirable ethos of inclusivity and kindness.

Stepping inside, you're greeted by the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air, mingling beautifully with the scent of baked goods tantalizingly displayed. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, ideal for enjoying a brief respite from the bustle of everyday life. At The Novel Coffee Shop, the ambiance encourages you to relax, sip on a delightful cup of coffee, and get lost among the shelves lined with secondhand books, CDs, and vinyl records.

What truly sets this café apart is its unique combination of delicious offerings and literary treasures. Customers rave about their fantastic selection of cakes, which pair perfectly with your drink of choice. Whether you're indulging in a sumptuous slice after a savory lunch or simply enjoying a coffee with a pastry, the quality shines through. Alan Stevenson highlights the friendliness of the staff, who are always ready to provide service with a smile, making you feel like a valued guest every time you visit.

Reviews from satisfied customers echo the charm and warmth of this unique café. Andrea Haddon shares her admiration for the friendly environment, noting that it's a great place not just for coffee but also for finding a treasure trove of used books and DVDs. The ambiance cultivates connection, with patrons often mingling and sharing their own finds, just as Stephenie Jenkins mentions the delightful combination of great coffee, lovely cakes, and warm staff that made her visit so memorable. Each review paints a picture of a space that feels less like a typical coffee shop and more like a beloved neighborhood gathering spot.

Furthermore, The Novel Coffee Shop isn’t just about serving you coffee and snacks; it's a place where stories come to life. You might uncover a beautifully bound edition of Shakespeare’s plays or a nostalgic DVD that takes you back in time, as Hok Lim Cheung found during his visit. It’s stimulating to see how each customer leaves not only with a beverage but also with a newfound love for reading and the joy of discovering something special.

In conclusion, if you're searching for a cozy spot to sip coffee, feast on delightful pastries, and immerse yourself in literary wonders, look no further than The Novel Coffee Shop. With its inviting atmosphere and commitment to community, it's a destination that promises not just refreshments but heartwarming experiences. You may just find that it becomes your new favorite retreat, as it has for so many others. Stop by today and discover the delightful offerings waiting for you!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Service options
On-site services available
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Offerings
Serves coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves lunch
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Good for groups
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

9:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Wednesday

9:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Thursday

9:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Friday

9:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Saturday

9:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

77 Reviews
Alan Stevenson

13 Sep 2025

Really nice people - bear in mind their link with MENCAP - but extremely friendly and helpful. Plus a truly wonderful collection of second-hand books, including a nicely bound leather version of some of Shakespeare's plays!! WOW!!

Andrea Haddon

10 Sep 2025

Lovely friendly coffee shop, also sells used books and dvd. Some of my sons friends work in their, helps people with special needs. Very good value for money on the food. Definitely be going back.

Colin Hill

21 Aug 2025

Great coffee shop with books for sale really good friendly service And a really good cake

John Kempton

16 Aug 2025

Nice place to have a coffee and browse the books,cds and vinyl records for sale

Stephenie Jenkins

06 Aug 2025

Great coffee shop, lovely cake, eat, drink and buy books, what more could a girl ask for, lovely friendly staff, very pleasant and very welcoming, definitely going again thanks guys had a lovely time

Hok Lim Cheung

08 Jun 2025

A lovely book shop/cafe which they have kind and nice staffs, big lunch with decent price as well as various kinds of cakes! I don't usually read but still manage to find a book that I like and spend the time reading it.

Elaine Eager

05 Jun 2025

I’ve been in for lunch twice in one week. I’ve also bought books and dropped some off. What an utterly fantastic book shop and cafe you have here. So warm and cosy and the staff are so friendly. Please post this where everyone can see it. You’re my new favourite place

Join the The Novel Coffee Shop Newsletter

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