Mission Cafe

Innovation Centre, Knowledge Gateway, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3ZQ, United Kingdom
+44 1206 259301
$$$ Cafe
(37 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Welcome to Mission Cafe, a delightful haven located within the Innovation Centre at the University of Essex, Colchester. As a cherished spot for both students and visitors, this cafe has garnered a reputation for its cozy charm and exceptional quality, making it a must-visit for anyone in the area.

From the moment you step inside, you're enveloped in the rich aroma of their freshly ground coffee, an inviting scent that is almost irresistible. The warm, welcoming atmosphere is complemented byfriendly staff who greet you with genuine smiles, creating a sense of belonging that keeps patrons returning. It's no surprise that mission cafe is consistently ranked as one of the best coffee spots in Colchester and even Essex!

Perfectly suited for a quick coffee break or a leisurely brunch, Mission Cafe offers a range of tantalizing menu options. Visitors rave about their exceptional coffee, often hailed as some of the finest in town. Each cup is crafted with precision, delivering rich flavors that will please even the most discerning coffee connoisseur. Reviewer Andrew Marvi Cañamo aptly describes it as "exceptional coffee," capturing the essence of what sets this cafe apart from the competition.

But the delights of Mission Cafe don't stop at coffee. Diners can indulge in a selection of fresh pastries, including delectable cinnamon rolls and almond croissants that have become highlights for many. Kornelija Prokopimaitė mentioned the fantastic aroma and flavor of hot chocolates, making this cafe an all-season favorite. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty brunch or a light snack, the menu satisfies all cravings, each dish presented beautifully and made with ingredients of the highest quality.

Customers like Maryam Rabbanian express how Mission Cafe is a "true hidden gem that never disappoints," with each visit offering a delightful experience. The blend of fresh ingredients, stylish presentation, and expert craftsmanship is evident in everything they serve. If you're looking for a spot that not only serves good food but boasts a cozy ambiance to relax in, Mission Cafe is the perfect place to unwind while enjoying a mix of delectable flavors.

Whether you're a local, a student, or just passing through, make sure to stop by Mission Cafe at the University of Essex for a delightful experience that embodies the spirit of quality and community. It's more than just a cafe; it's a place to connect, savor, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Your taste buds will thank you!

Service options
Outdoor seating
Kerbside pickup
No-contact delivery
Delivery
On-site services
Takeaway
Dine-in
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Live music
Live performances
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol
Coffee
Free water refills
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Bar on site
Gender-neutral toilets
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

08:30 AM - 05:00 PM

Tuesday

08:30 AM - 05:00 PM

Wednesday

08:30 AM - 05:00 PM

Thursday

08:30 AM - 05:00 PM

Friday

08:30 AM - 05:00 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

37 Reviews
hossein rabbanian

16 Sep 2025

Mission Cafe perfectly balances cozy charm and top-quality offerings. Whether I’m stopping in for a quick coffee or a leisurely brunch, it always delivers a delightful experience.

Luisa Ramos

06 Sep 2025

Delicious coffee, high quality, great friendly staff and prices are good too

Bob K

03 Aug 2025

Always enjoy having a great coffee and a yummy pide here when visiting the Uni of Essex Campus. Seriously good coffee!

Kornelija Prokopimaitė

01 Aug 2025

Visiting Mission Cafe was a great experience. The place feels cozy and calm, and the smell of their high-quality coffee hits you as soon as you walk in. Their coffee and hot chocolates are fantastic, full of flavour. They also serve fresh pastries such as cinnamon rolls and almond croissants which are really good. The best part is that the prices are reasonable for the quality you get. If you’re on campus. I highly recommend giving Mission Cafe a try. You won’t be disappointed. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful place to relax, great coffee, or tasty pastries, this cafe has it all!

Tala Khatib

04 Jul 2025

The mission cafe is an awesome place to spend my time in. The staff are amazing and welcoming and have smiles on their faces. As soon as step into the mission cafe you can immediately get the scent of the freshly grounded coffee and pastries. I am very happy this cafe is near me as its 100% the best place in the area. There is a mixed variety of food that tates fab and is affordable for most so next time you don't know where to go visit mission cafe in the uni and don't hesitate.

Andrew Marvi Cañamo

24 Jun 2025

Mission Cafe serves exceptional coffee—some of the best (if not the best) in Colchester! The quality of their drinks and service stands out in a league of its own. A must-visit for any coffee lover!

maryam rabbanian

12 Jun 2025

Mission Cafe is a true hidden gem that never disappoints. The coffee is consistently top-notch, with rich flavors and expert craftsmanship in every cup. Their food is equally impressive—fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented, whether you're enjoying a hearty brunch or a light snack. The warm and friendly staff make you feel right at home, and the cozy, inviting atmosphere creates the perfect setting to relax and unwind. Every visit to Mission Cafe is an experience that leaves you looking forward to the next one! Don’t forget to try their pizza. You’ll always come back for it

Dan Ball

01 Jun 2025

• Best coffee in Colchester and Essex! • Mission’s coffee has to be the best coffee I have tried throughout Colchester and if not, most definitely Essex! I have tried some of the best that London, Bristol and Edinburgh have to offer and Mission certainly comes close if not exceeds almost all of them. Mission’s aim (as being told by the owners) is to bring such quality tasting coffee that is sustainably farmed with fair profits for the local farmers of the coffee, while simultaneously keeping in store prices very similar to those around the rest of Colchester and chains like Costa. I recommend Mission to everyone that is all things coffee. Especially those who love a PERFECT Flat White!

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