Starlight Tea Chapel

crematorium, Mersea Rd, Colchester CO2 8RU, United Kingdom
+44 1206 560060
$$$ Cafe
(71 Reviews)
Price Range £10–20

Nestled amidst the tranquil atmosphere of the crematorium on Mersea Rd, Colchester, Starlight Tea Chapel is an extraordinary café that offers a unique experience steeped in warmth and compassion. This charming tea room has emerged as a cherished venue, especially for those seeking a serene place to gather and celebrate cherished memories during times of loss.

Starlight Tea Chapel prides itself on its thoughtful service and inviting ambiance, making it an ideal spot for wakes and memorial gatherings. Guests have expressed deep appreciation for the attentive staff who go above and beyond to ensure every detail is handled with care. As reflected in Clare Gilbert's heartfelt review, “The team were just so kind and accommodating,” it's evident that the staff's compassion creates a comforting environment that is often needed during such poignant times.

The venue is not just about the setting; it’s also about the stunning food. Customers have raved about the delicious offerings available for buffets, with ample portions that cater to all tastes. Julie Prentice perfectly captured this sentiment when she remarked on the delightful and fresh food that kept everyone happily satisfied. Imagine indulging in a beautifully presented spread while reminiscing with loved ones, enveloped by the supportive atmosphere that Starlight has carefully cultivated.

Starlight Tea Chapel is not merely a gathering place; it serves as a sanctuary for reflection and connection. With its cozy interior and outdoor seating available for when the weather is just right, the venue fosters a lovely setting for mingling and sharing stories. Louise Young highlighted that their dad’s wake was “a perfect setting” — a testament to how the chapel's serene environment resonates with guests and encourages heartfelt conversations. It's this blend of comfort and conviviality that makes the Starlight so special.

Those looking for a unique and personal venue for memorials will find Starlight Tea Chapel to be an unmatched choice. The personal touch provided by managers Karen and Michelle, who are frequently mentioned in glowing reviews, ensures that every event feels tailored and meaningful. Emma Williams perfectly articulated this unique ethos: “The staff was so friendly and welcoming. They made the whole process easy.” With such care given to both food and service, it’s clear why so many families choose Starlight for their significant gatherings.

For anyone needing a place to commemorate a life, or simply wishing to enjoy a comforting cup of tea and delicious cake in a peaceful atmosphere, Starlight Tea Chapel stands as a beautiful beacon of support and warmth, promising an experience that feels both heartfelt and genuine.

Starlight Tea Chapel is more than just a café; it is a haven for connection, remembrance, and compassion. Whether you’re there to celebrate a loved one's memory or to unwind with a soothing beverage, you will always find a welcoming smile and supporting hands at Starlight Tea Chapel.

Service options
Outdoor seating
On-site services
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Small plates
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Groups
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Openings Hours

Monday

09:30 AM - 02:00 PM

Tuesday

09:30 AM - 02:00 PM

Wednesday

Closed

Thursday

09:30 AM - 02:00 PM

Friday

09:30 AM - 01:00 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

71 Reviews
Clare Gilbert

20 Sep 2025

My mother’s wake was recently held here. It was perfect. The team were just so kind and accommodating. I highly recommend this venue. Thank you xxx

Pauline North

19 Sep 2025

What a great idea - a tea room in the Chapel. The staff were lovely and attentive. We had a buffet for a wake and it was all set out beautifully and ready for us when we arrived after the funeral.

Louise Young

13 Sep 2025

We held our dad’s wake here and it was a perfect setting and we’re sure he would have approved. Michelle and Karen were very helpful and welcoming, the food was very good, well laid out and plentiful for all the guests. There was plenty of room for people to sit and we were blessed with good weather so we could use the outside seating too. The venue was very convenient too being within the grounds of the cemetery and crematorium so guests who had travelled a long way didn’t then have to drive further afield. They asked for an Order of Service to place on their wall, which we thought was a nice touch We would certainly recommend Starlight Tearooms.

Emma Williams

15 Jul 2025

I highly recommend this place we hired it for my aunt wake and it was perfect. It was perfect for many reasons that my aunt didn’t drink so a tea room was ideal. The beautiful chapel setting was lovely and the staff was so friendly and welcoming. They made the whole process easy the food was amazing. They helped us and allowed us to decorate and share memories When we met them. It was very reasonably priced and now For every anniversary on milestone as a family, we are visiting to have lunch or breakfast at this beautiful place highly recommend it

J

13 Jul 2025

The wake for a recent funeral was held here and it was a perfect location on the edge of the cemetery grounds. Lovely friendly welcome great food and service was really friendly. From what is always a sad occasion a cremation the atmosphere and friendliness was just what we all needed. Whilst it's not the biggest venue it definitely has a place for a smaller wakes. Highly recommended

Julie Prentice

25 Jun 2025

Just had a wake here for mum. It really was lovely. The food was delightful and fresh, there was plenty for everyone. Staff were very pleasant and kept us topped up with drinks. The atmosphere is perfect whether it’s a wake you are attending or just calling in for a cuppa and cake. Hope my children do the same for me for me when my time comes. Thank you Starlight Tea Chapel.

Mark Leech

31 May 2025

We had my father-in-law's wake here in May and were very impressed. Karen and Michelle were really helpful and extremely friendly throughout the whole process. The venue is very quirky and has such an interesting history. The Starlight is a very friendly and informal venue with great food and staff.

Julie Barr

28 May 2025

Yesterday we held a wake for our dear mum at this beautiful tea room. I can’t thank Karen & Michelle enough for everything you did, from coordinating a booking with the funeral directors, helping us chose a perfect package of delicious food, which was beautifully presented, to making us feel so welcome. Mum would have loved it. I can’t recommend this venue enough as well as the convenience of it being a stone’s throw from the Crem. I was delighted when Karen requested a spare order of service to display on their wall of remembrance. The service you provided was outstanding, and on behalf of the Roberts family, thank you so so much. I can’t recommend this beautiful venue enough. I look forward to calling in for a cuppa when I call by to pay my respects to mum.

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