When is the tea room open?

Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 9:30am–2pm, and Friday 9:30am–1pm. We’re closed on Wednesdays and at weekends.

Is the tea room open in winter?

The tea room may close from December to February, so please call us on 01206 560060 or check our Facebook page before you visit. Funeral wakes continue to be held all year round.

Yes – there is free parking right outside the chapel.

Is the tea room wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the chapel is wheelchair accessible.

Can you cater for dietary requirements?

Yes. Just let a member of the team know when you order and we’ll do our best to help.

Do you take card payments?

Yes, we accept both card and cash.

Assistance dogs are very welcome inside the tea room.

To preserve the character of our Grade II listed chapel, there are no toilets inside the building itself – but the cemetery’s public toilets are just a short 100-metre stroll away, and our team will happily point you in the right direction.

Can I hold a wake at Starlight?

Yes – we host funeral wakes and Celebrations of Life for up to 80 guests, with catered packages from £9.25 per person. See our wake packages.

Tea room & café

Tea Room in Colchester

✦

Tea, coffee, sandwiches, toasties and cake inside a Grade II listed Victorian chapel, set among the trees of Colchester Cemetery.

View our menu Opening times

Historic chapel

A Grade II listed 1850s chapel, peacefully set among the trees of Colchester Cemetery.

Cakes & light lunches

Sandwiches, toasties, cakes and hot drinks – with dietary needs catered for.

Free parking

Free parking right outside, and the chapel is wheelchair accessible.

★★★★★

5-star food hygiene

Rated 5 – Very Good for food hygiene. Card and cash both welcome.

Tea•Cake•Community

A peaceful place to pause

Starlight Tea Chapel is a charming Victorian chapel, built in 1855–56, that once stood empty in the grounds of Colchester Cemetery. Today it’s a welcoming little tea room, run by Michele and Karen and a lovely team of volunteers.

Whether you’re visiting a loved one, out for a walk or simply fancy a cuppa, pop in for a pot of tea, a freshly made sandwich or a slice of cake – a mix of homemade and carefully chosen bakes.

See the menu

Inside the Starlight Tea Chapel tea room: tables with blue cushions and flowers beneath the tall leaded window

Freshly made to order

Tea room menu

Sandwiches on white or wholemeal bread. Dietary requirements can be catered for – just ask a member of the team.

Kind words
from visitors

★★★★★

5-star reviews on Google

“Beautiful little gem of a place… often pop for lunch.”
– David W., Google review
“Cute little coffee shop and helpful friendly staff.”
– Charlene P., Google review
“Absolutely love this tearoom.”
– Kerry D., Google review
“The atmosphere is perfect whether it’s a wake you are attending or just calling in…”
– Julie P., Google review

Opening times

Monday	9:30am – 2pm
Tuesday	9:30am – 2pm
Wednesday	Closed
Thursday	9:30am – 2pm
Friday	9:30am – 1pm
Saturday	Closed
Sunday	Closed

Winter opening: the tea room may close from December to February. Please call or check our Facebook page before visiting. Wakes continue to be held all year round.

Card and cash both accepted
Assistance dogs welcome inside
01206 560060

Find us

Where we are

Colchester Cemetery & Crematorium, Mersea Road, Colchester CO2 8RU
Free parking right outside the chapel

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Anything else you’d like to know? Give us a call – we’re always happy to help.

Call 01206 560060

When is the tea room open?
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 9:30am–2pm, and Friday 9:30am–1pm. We’re closed on Wednesdays and at weekends.
Is the tea room open in winter?
The tea room may close from December to February, so please call us on 01206 560060 or check our Facebook page before you visit. Funeral wakes continue to be held all year round.
Is there parking?
Yes – there is free parking right outside the chapel.
Is the tea room wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the chapel is wheelchair accessible.
Can you cater for dietary requirements?
Yes. Just let a member of the team know when you order and we’ll do our best to help.
Do you take card payments?
Yes, we accept both card and cash.
Can I bring my dog?
Assistance dogs are very welcome inside the tea room.
Are there toilets?
To preserve the character of our Grade II listed chapel, there are no toilets inside the building itself – but the cemetery’s public toilets are just a short 100-metre stroll away, and our team will happily point you in the right direction.
Can I hold a wake at Starlight?
Yes – we host funeral wakes and Celebrations of Life for up to 80 guests, with catered packages from £9.25 per person. See our wake packages.

Planning a wake?

A calm, caring setting for funeral wakes and Celebrations of Life, with catered packages from £9.25 per person.

Explore wake packages Call 01206 560060

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