Red Bus Cafe

Colchester CO6 2JL, United Kingdom
$$$ Cafe
(42 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Welcome to the Red Bus Cafe, a delightful gem nestled in Colchester, England. This charming cafe, unique in its concept, is housed inside a vintage red double-decker bus, creating an inviting atmosphere that promises not just a meal but an experience. Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast or a cozy lunch spot, Red Bus Cafe delights visitors with its warm ambiance and friendly service.

As you step into the cafe, you're greeted by the rich aroma of freshly prepared meals that set the stage for a remarkable culinary journey. Popular dishes include mouthwatering fry-ups that feature succulent sausages, perfectly cooked eggs, and fluffy mushrooms, all enveloped in soft, freshly baked bread—a combination that one satisfied customer, Jay Wheeler, affectionately describes as "lush." Each bite from the menu promises to be a delightful encounter with quality ingredients that showcase the love and care put into every dish.

The cafe is not just about food; it's about community. Regular patrons rave about the friendly spirit cultivated by Di, the cafe owner, who engages her guests with heartwarming conversation, creating a welcoming atmosphere that feels like a home away from home. P. Fereday recalls a lovely chat while enjoying a delightful bacon and egg roll, emphasizing the strong sense of camaraderie that permeates the space.

Location plays a key role in the cafe's charm. Conveniently situated on the main road between Halstead and Colchester, it boasts a generous parking area that can accommodate everything from cars to full-sized lorries. This accessibility makes it an ideal pit stop for hungry travelers or families out for a leisurely drive. Though some guests acknowledge the need for road repairs—with reference to “crater-sized potholes”—the delicious food and vibrant atmosphere readily overshadow any minor inconvenience. Rob W humorously notes that if you haven't experienced a full English breakfast in a red bus, you haven’t lived.

For those who tend to rush their meals, fear not: the Red Bus Cafe serves up delicious coffee that’s perfect for a quick grab. Paul Younger appreciates the cafe's value with its “cheap and cheerful” offerings, highlighting the irresistible bacon sandwich that leaves guests longing for more. With flavors bursting in every element of the menu, it’s no wonder that visitors like Sam Woods find themselves enchanted, devouring everything before the chance to snap a photo emerges!

Long-time visitors like w.l.m. Timmers have come to cherish this cafe for over 45 years, delighting in each visit and as a tribute to their friend Dave Porter, further emphasizing the lasting impact and memory-making potential this cafe has fostered.

If you seek a spot that combines excellent food, captivating ambiance, and heartfelt service, the Red Bus Cafe is an absolute must-visit. Whether it’s a friendly catch-up over coffee, a satisfying breakfast to energize your day, or simply a moment to relish inspiring food in a peculiar setting, this cafe offers a delightful experience that you won't want to miss!

Service options
Outdoor seating
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Planning
Accepts reservations
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Openings Hours

Monday

08:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Tuesday

08:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Wednesday

08:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Thursday

08:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Friday

08:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

42 Reviews
Jay Wheeler

06 Sep 2025

Please I found this cafe! I had sausage, egg and mushroom in a sandwich and it was lush! Made with fresh ingredients (the sausage wasn't horrible, cheap stuff that looks processed and the bread was soft and fluffy). I'll definitely be back!

P Fereday

06 Sep 2025

Out for a drive in the sun and found the Red Bus Cafe. What a great place. Di was lovely. Sorted out a lovely bacon and egg roll. Value for money. Had a lovely chat with her and some of her regulars. I will be back!

Rob W

29 Aug 2025

If you've never had a fryup full English breakfast in a red bus in a layby, you haven't lived! Convenient location on the main road between Halstead and Colchester, massive parking area where even full sized lorries can park. The only downside is the state of the crater size potholes in the layby. Highly recommended great food, cooked well and presented with pride.

Paul Younger

26 Aug 2025

Love this place. Well worth a stop coffee and a bacon sandwichcheap and cheerful support this great stop thank you so much. Loved it

Sam woods

19 Aug 2025

Fantastic! After driving past for many years and never stopping in I finally made the effort and it was a mistake not coming sooner. Friendly atmosphere, fantastic food and a cracking coffee to top. Would've added pictures to compliment the quality and quantity of the food but it seemed to be gone before I got the chance. Also 10/10 for the toast!

w.l.m. Timmers

29 May 2025

Were coming a few times a year to my frien Dave porter for more than 45 years Finally we had our first breakfast at the bus. Lovely owner good food

Join the Red Bus Cafe Newsletter

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