Where to start?  The Southend version of the Common Market has many things to talk about, and I'm sure I'll miss something.\n\nFirst, you have the market.  On that front, it's not bad.  I mean, it's a market.  They are a bit on the funky side, but generally they aren't much different than any other convenience store.\n\nNext you have the \"deli\", where they serve up fare that is generally healthier than your usual fast food, and at a decent pace (unless they are busy, which can happen).  The only thing that is a bit bizarre here is you go to the back to order, then back to the front to pay, perhaps shopping while you make it there, then wander around while you wait, then pick up your food - and you don't typically have to show a receipt that you did pay.  You also have to guess as to when it's ready, because they don't let you know and they don't bring it out to you.  And there isn't a sign saying that you go through this process.  You're just supposed to know (or ask).  It's not bad, it's just awkward, and more so for first-timers.\n\nFinally you have the patio, often adorned with lights of some kind, and usually featuring dogs, music and a variety of clientele.  It can actually be quite a nice place to enjoy your food and even an offering of the CM, such as a beer tasting.  The downside?  Even if there aren't many people there who are smoking, it smells like smoke.  If you smoke, it's not a big deal, but if you don't, it's a bit overwhelming.\n\nAs to the food?  It's decent.  Much of the packaged food, even the not-quite-what-you-would-find-elsewhere stuff, it's not generally outstanding, because it is packaged after all.  What you get from the deli is typically good, but it may not be worth the hassle of everything else.  Probably better than what you or I could make at home, but maybe not, as I have no idea who you are.  I only know my own limitations.