Essen Sandwich Bar

131 Main St, Kelty KY4 0AQ, United Kingdom
+44 1383 839262
$$$ Cafe
(42 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Nestled on Main Street in the charming village of Kelty, Essen Sandwich Bar is more than just a cafe; it's a delightful escape for food lovers and weary travelers alike. With its inviting atmosphere and a menu that pleases both the palate and the pocket, this local gem is a must-visit.

As you step inside, you’re greeted by a warm and friendly staff that immediately makes you feel at home. The cleanliness of the establishment is immediately striking; you can tell that the team puts great effort into maintaining a welcoming environment. Bright and cheerful, the cafe's ambiance is perfect for a casual lunch, a quick coffee break, or a cozy afternoon tea.

The menu at Essen boasts an eclectic variety of freshly prepared dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you're craving a hearty bacon roll with brown sauce or a comforting toastie accompanied by a colorful salad, every item is crafted with care and attention to detail. Customers rave about the homemade Victoria sponge cake and the biscoff fudge bar, which has been described as "truly the best dessert" one can have while visiting Scotland. Paired with a perfectly brewed cup of coffee or a selection of refreshing teas, every meal is an exploration of flavor.

Local patrons, like Johnnie Maltman and Russell Taylor, have left glowing reviews, praising the food’s freshness and the friendly service. One customer emphasized the cafe's accommodating nature, as they welcomed soaked cyclists with a smile. You can expect the same hospitality during your visit, with staff eager to ensure you enjoy your time there.

Helan Fraser-White and Paul Lynch highlight the variety and quality of dishes offered, stating that they were pleasantly surprised by the generous portions and the delightful salads accompanying their meals. It's this fusion of generous servings and exceptional taste that keeps guests like Liane Vaz coming back for more, even when it’s a bit out of the way.

In addition to its delicious menu, Essen Sandwich Bar is also a fantastic spot for grabbing lunch on the go, making it an ideal choice for business meetings or leisurely outings. It's not just a cafe—it's a local sanctuary where people gather, unwind, and share stories over delightful meals.

So whether you’re a local looking for your next favorite lunch spot or a traveler passing through, make sure to stop by Essen Sandwich Bar. Indulge in a delightful meal and experience the warmth of community that this fantastic little cafe has to offer. You won’t be disappointed!

Service options
Takeaway
Dine-in
Highlights
Great coffee
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Offerings
Coffee
Healthy options
Quick bite
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Tourists
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Openings Hours

Monday

09:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Tuesday

09:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Wednesday

09:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Thursday

09:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Friday

09:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

42 Reviews
Johnnie Maltman

17 Sep 2025

2nd visit whilst out on a cycle ride and again the food was fresh tasty and a decent price. First time was with some cycling friends and we stopped in middle of a downpour and the fact we were soaked and then proceeded to soak the place they couldn't have been more accommodating. Very friendly staff , will be back.

Russell Taylor

10 Sep 2025

Absolutely love a lunch treat at Essen. The staff are fantastic and friendly. The food is excellent. I find it hard not to avoid the temptation of a cake, they’re always amazing. I have also regularly had afternoon teas to takeaway along with business lunches for meetings with my clients. Highly recommend you stop in and treat yourself to a great lunch. PS - my pics of lunch are older - they now use more environmentally friendly packaging.

Alan Murray

21 Aug 2025

Very nice local eatery. Friendly and welcoming service. Tasty soups, toasties and salad. Braw tray bakes and cakes - yum yum.

Paul Lynch

18 Aug 2025

Dropped in for bite to eat and some coffee whilst my car was in the garage getting some work done. I had a bacon roll with brown sauce, a slice of home made victoria sponge cake and a couple of cups of coffee. The food was delicious and the coffee was perfect! There's ample seating and the cafe has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Overall, a great wee cafe and a fantastic asset for the village.

HELEN FRASER-WHITE

18 Jul 2025

First impression was of the cleanliness. Very high standard. Friendly welcome and polite staff. Good variety of dishes. Freshly made to order. I ordered a snack of a toastie and was given a plate full of salad and veg that really constituted a meal. To my delight, they also had one of my favourite teas. Served up with an extra pot of hot water. Well impressed by both the service and the quality of food, so will highly recommend this to both locals and travellers. Don't be put off by the photo on Google Maps. The photo depicts the use of the premises before it was taken over by the current business.

Skye Lawson

29 Jun 2025

Food is delicious! Really friendly staff and great pricing. Definitely will go again.

Liane Vaz

14 Jun 2025

My main regret is not getting more of the homemade biscoff fudge bar. Truly the best dessert I ate while in Scotland. This cafe is kind of in the middle of nowhere but I'd go out of my way to come back here for the service and food.

Rafa r

05 Jun 2025

Very good food and very gentle and helpful staff. Very nice atmosphere, I felt like having breakfast in my dinning room.

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