The Hive Chelmsford, nestled in the scenic Oaklands Park, is swiftly becoming a go-to spot for both locals and visitors seeking a delightful café experience. With its inviting atmosphere, the café offers serene outdoor seating that enhances the charm of enjoying delicious desserts and refreshing drinks in the summer. Patrons have raved about the extensive menu, highlighting the impressive array of handmade sandwiches and hearty meals available throughout the day.
Guests like Zoriana Pushka have praised the café for its exceptional coffee and the kid-friendly menu, making it an ideal family destination. Meanwhile, Frank “BigEffsAdventures” McLeod discovered this hidden gem and appreciated its reasonable prices and the warm, attentive service from the staff. The Hive’s elegant large windows provide beautiful views of the gardens, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Filipe Melo noted the superb quality of the food, especially recommending "The Hive Breakfast." Coupled with friendly service, it’s clear that visitors leave with satisfied palates and fond memories. The Hive Chelmsford truly represents a perfect blend of good food, beautiful surroundings, and a welcoming atmosphere that invites you to return again and again.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
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 alcohol
Serves beer
Serves coffee
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Historic
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Brunch reservations recommended
Lunch reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Photos
Reviews For The Hive Chelmsford CM2 9AQ
Zoriana Pushka
May 29,2025
Great location, very nice atmosphere, liked the tables outside the cafe, we enjoyed delicious desserts on the summer terrace. It was convenient to park the car in the parking lot, parking is paid. The cafe has a lot of interesting dishes and delicious coffee. There is also a menu and ice cream for children. In the Oaklands park there are two good large kid’s playgrounds, beautiful nature and the Chelmsford Museum. But unfortunately we did not get to the museum, it was closed,but we were not disappointed because we had a great time in the park and cafe.
Andrew Dines
May 7,2025
Really good cafe. Prices are really good here and the food and drink was amazing. Lovely and fresh handmade sandwiches but there were plenty of full meals available all day. Good options for drinks, including syrups and alternative milks. You can also order from your table and have it brought to you. The staff we met were bubbly and friendly. A little hidden gem that we had wished we had known about before.
Filipe Melo
May 3,2025
The waiters are extremely polite and nice. The food is very well prepared and tasted wonderful. Will come back again for their “The Hive Breakfast”.
Cathrine Brennan
Apr 21,2025
Beautiful place with beautiful gardens. Food is always lovely. Friendly and lovely staff.
Frank “BigEffsAdventures” McLeod
Apr 18,2025
What a find. Was looking for a cafe close to home but in a nice area, and thought we'd try this out. Never knew it existed, but so glad we took the chance to try it out. Food was excellent, and the cafe is a pleasant welcoming place with friendly attentive staff. Inside the park area, with lovely big windows letting in lots of light and giving nice views across the gardens and park. Reasonably priced as well which is a bonus!! Will be back.
Steve Fagioli
Apr 10,2025
Have called into The Hive a few times for a coffee, breakfast and lunch. Food has always been good, not a massive menu but good choices. Service has always been good with a smile. Can get very busy on a sunny day. Check opening times, as these change when the clocks alter.
Hannah Cashel
Apr 2,2025
Hidden gem in Chelmsford, found in the centre of Oaklands Park. A tranquil place to sit outside and listen to the birds basking in the sun (if you’re lucky). A great breakfast menu, the Eggs Benedict is cooked to perfection and the Hive and Veggie breakfasts are great value and good quality ingredients. The interior is beautifully designed like a period home however families groups and remote workers are all welcome.
Paul Leaman
Mar 14,2025
Went for a private event here . For a BBQ organised by our church family. It's a place we go every year. The staff as usual were great, the food fresh and tasty. A lovely place, easy parking too!
Reviews For The Hive Chelmsford CM2 9AQ