A Day in Essex for Sweet Treats

Start your morning off right with a stop at JOE. Hot & Cold.

Located in Colchester at the Grove Motel, the team at JOE. love their job, the food, and the people. From international tourists to Essex locals, anyone can find a little something to brighten up their typical routine. Enjoy a refreshing strawberry matcha (and don’t forget the strawberry cold foam!) or a garlic parm bagel toasted with Mediterranean cream cheese and bacon. With a customizable menu, choose the classic option or be adventurous: whatever you get, you’ll come back for seconds. So come by, sit down, and stay awhile. 

After your morning start, take a quick walk, bike ride, or drive over to the renowned Colchester Harbour and stop by the Colchester Creamery.

Straight out of a beach-town movie set, the Creamery is open during the summer months to quench the hot days and nights with delectable, quaint, and charming flavours inspired by local iconography. Choose from well-loved classics, like Cookie Dough, to refreshing one-of-a-kind treats like their Blue Cheesecake. Who doesn’t love hard scooped ice cream on the waterfront?  

Just one cone isn’t enough: treat yourself! 

That’s the motto at Here’s the Scoop Ice Cream Parlour, the delicious counterpart to local retail gem Priscilla’s Presents. Choose from over 20 delicious flavors of hard-serve ice cream or indulge in a creamy milkshake or root beer float to keep the good times going. Once you’re done, feel free to pop by Priscilla’s next door to browse boutique items just as perfect as your sweet treat. 

Keep your dessert tour going with a stop into Gluten Free Pantry on Harrow’s Main Street.

A local business with a heart of gold, owner Kelsey’s mission in opening the storefront was simple: everyone, regardless of lifestyle restrictions, deserves good food and enjoyment. Tasty for both those with gluten tolerance and without, Gluten Free Pantry has got you covered in everything from hand-picked, curated pantry necessities to enjoy at home or fresh, homemade European-style baked goods that are reflective of the care and precision that Gluten Free Pantry’s customers keep coming back for.  

How about a warm, delicious pick-me-up with a side of perfectly cozy café vibes? 

Head right across the street to The King Street Café, where an ever-changing assortment of delectable treats is waiting to meet you. Their team of talented bakers are constantly whipping up a rotating menu of tantalizing squares, macaroons, cupcakes, cheesecakes, scones, tarts, turnovers, brownies, date squares, and more. 

Head over to Essex Centre for three more can’t-be-missed stops, beginning with Acorn and Oak Coffee Company.

A small coffee shop that brings big flavours in its beverages and baked goods, this shop has quickly become a staple for the community’s collective morning routine. Owned by Dave and Rachel, this micro roastery offers freshly ground coffee and many fruity, floral, and herbal drinks that pair perfectly with their daily, fresh-baked goods.  

Calling all sweet tooths!

Visit the little house with big flavour at The Little House of Cupcakes, a fixture in Essex's sweet treat scene. With varieties that change daily, from maple French toast and café mocha to confetti, coconut cream, cherry cheesecake, and salted caramel, sink your teeth into your choice of over fifty different cupcakes daily. Although cakes and cupcakes get top billing, the variety of sweets on offer will exceed your expectations. Try scones, tarts, cookies, chocolate dipped pretzels or peanut butter cups... there’s something here for everyone! 

Finish the day off right by popping into Big Daddy’s Cheesecake Co. 

This shop specializes in bringing you delicious, high quality, made-from-scratch cheesecakes. Inspired by a family love for baking, the team at Big Daddy’s make only the best for their clientele: you’re guaranteed everything you try in their electric catalogue is made with only the finest ingredients and love. End your Essex tour here, – your tastebuds will thank you!