Willow & Hearth
Morning coffee, market-led lunches, and candlelit supper plates from an independent cafe tucked beside the old market square.
Today
Coffee from 8am
Supper
Thu-Sat from 6pm
Location
Market Hill, Essex
Our story
A neighbourhood cafe with a proper supper table
Willow & Hearth was opened by Maya and Tom after years cooking in small restaurants across East Anglia. The idea is simple: good coffee, seasonal plates, and a room that feels settled the moment you step inside.
Mornings start with espresso, pastries, and breakfast plates. Lunch follows the market, with vegetables from nearby growers, bread from a local bakery, and fish delivered from the coast.
From Thursday to Saturday the lights drop, the wine list comes out, and the cafe becomes a relaxed supper room for locals, dates, families, and anyone passing through the town.
30 seats
Intimate room
Local
East Anglian produce
All day
Coffee to supper
Food style
Familiar food, carefully made
The kitchen favours slow cooking, bright herbs, good bread, and small details that make simple plates feel considered. There is always something vegetarian, something comforting, and something light enough for a weekday lunch.
Drinks
Coffee by morning, spritzes by candlelight
From the first flat white of the morning to a late glass of wine, our drinks list follows the same seasonal approach as the kitchen. Expect house sodas, small-producer bottles, and a few well-made cocktails.
Coffee & Bakery
House Specials
Wine & Low Alcohol
Gallery
Food, drinks and the room
A glimpse of what is waiting at Willow & Hearth, from bright seasonal lunches and house cocktails to desserts worth saving room for and the warmth of the garden room.
Reviews
Warm words from the room
From quick weekday lunches to slow Friday suppers, these are a few words from people who have shared our tables.
"Beautiful food without fuss. The room feels special, the coffee is excellent, and supper has become our favourite Friday ritual."
Eleanor P.
Local Guide
"Warm service, thoughtful seasonal dishes, and the best sticky date pudding I have had in years. Exactly what the town needed."
James R.
Sunday lunch
"A polished independent cafe with a proper evening menu and a lovely habit of making local produce feel generous."
Mina S.
Press mention
Find us
Beside the market square
We are a short walk from the market square, with town centre parking nearby and step-free access through the front door.
Opening hours
Reservations
Call us to reserve a table
Give us a call for breakfast, lunch, or supper reservations. We will confirm availability and note any dietary requirements.
Call 07912 345678