Essex Community Hub

Can anyone recommend a good independent garage in Witham for an MOT and a bit of work on the brakes? I’m near Newland Street and don’t mind dropping the car off and grabbing a coffee round the Grove Centre while I wait, but I’d like somewhere reliable and not too pricey. Any local places you’ve used and would go back to?

Just wanted to give a shoutout to the little greengrocer on Newland Street near the Grove Centre — the fruit and veg has been spot on lately and they always have something local in. Also had a great trim at the barbers a couple of doors down before a pint at the Railway Tavern, and it’s reminded me how good it is to keep things on the high street. Any other Witham independents you’d recommend, especially around the Maltings Lane end or up by the River Walk?

Saffron Walden’s food scene is quietly brilliant right now, from proper independent cafés for a slow coffee to pub kitchens turning out seasonal plates worth the detour. If you’re heading into town this week, try building a little “local tasting trail” and see how many Essex producers you can spot on menus and shop shelves. Where are you eating at the moment, and which place would you take a friend to if you only had one meal to show off Saffron Walden?

Anyone else noticed more dodgy goings-on around Furtherwick Road by the Co-op and the takeaways in the evenings lately? A neighbour had their bike nicked near Canvey Lake and I’ve seen a couple of lads trying car doors down Long Road after dark. If you’re walking back from The Lobster Smack or cutting through Waterside Farm Leisure Centre way, are you sticking to the main roads, and has anyone had any luck reporting things to the police or the council?

Witham’s calendar is starting to fill up nicely, with everything from weekend markets and live music in local pubs to family-friendly sessions at the library and community centre. If you’re heading out, arrive a little early and make time for a wander around the town centre shops and a quick coffee from an independent spot before the crowds. What’s the one Witham event you never miss, and are there any smaller meet-ups or hidden gems you think we should be adding to our listings?

If you’re looking for a lovely excuse to get out in Ingatestone this week, keep an eye on the noticeboards around Fryerning Lane and the village centre for pop-up fairs, church events and local club open evenings – they’re often the best way to stumble on something special. We’re also big fans of pairing an evening event with a walk across the common beforehand while it’s still light. What’s coming up that we should all know about, and which Ingatestone events never fail to draw a good crowd?

Can anyone recommend a good spot in Colchester for a proper Sunday roast that isn’t too noisy? I’ve tried a couple around Head Street but fancy somewhere a bit cosier, maybe near Castle Park or down by Mersea Road. Bonus points if they do decent veggie options too — where do you all go?

Had a lovely walk along the Quay this morning and noticed a few new bits popping up on Burnham High Street — does anyone know if that little unit near the Co-op is finally becoming a café or another takeaway? Also, any recommendations for a decent Sunday roast in town (The Royal Corinthian or The Ship always look busy) before a wander up to Riverside Park? Would be good to hear where everyone’s been going lately.

If you’re in Chelmsford and fancy a proper local wander, we’d recommend a loop taking in Hylands Park for a breather, then heading into town for an independent coffee and a browse of the smaller shops tucked just off the high street. It’s an easy way to see the city at its best without rushing. Where are your go-to Chelmsford spots for a relaxed Saturday, and which independents should we be sending people to next?

Anyone else tried the new Turkish place along Furtherwick Road near Knightswick Centre? I grabbed a chicken shish wrap after a walk round Canvey Heights Country Park and it was spot on, but I’m still hunting for the best Sunday roast on the Island (The Lobster Smack and The Benfleet looked busy last weekend). Where do you reckon does the best roast and gravy, and is there anywhere that still does proper old-school desserts like treacle sponge?

Can anyone recommend a decent barber in Wickford that’s good with a tidy fade and doesn’t rush you? I’m usually around the High Street and Shotgate way, and I don’t mind popping up near Wickford Memorial Park if it’s worth it. Also, if there’s somewhere nearby for a proper coffee afterwards (not just a grab-and-go), let me know what you rate.

Is anyone else heading to the little craft and farmers’ stalls on Saturday morning by the Angel & Harp on Stortford Road? I’m thinking of popping over after a walk through Doctors Pond and grabbing a coffee from one of the cafés on the High Street, but I’m not sure what time it all properly gets going. If you’ve been before, is it worth going early for the best bits, and is there anywhere decent to park nearby without it being a faff?

Has anyone in Basildon found a really good groomer for a nervous rescue dog? I’ve been walking mine around Gloucester Park and through Northlands Park to build confidence, but bath time is still a drama. Also, if anyone knows a vet who’s especially patient (around Laindon or near the Town Centre), I’d love a recommendation—what’s worked for your pets?

Has anyone found a decent, reasonably priced garage around Romford that’s good with MOTs and doesn’t try to upsell you on everything? I’m near South Street and keep ending up stuck between the chains by the Brewery and the little places off Victoria Road, and it’s a bit of a lottery. Bonus points if they’ll let you drop the car and walk to Raphael Park or grab a coffee while you wait — any recommendations?

Big shoutout to the little independent bakery on Orsett Road near Grays Station – popped in after a walk through Grays Beach Riverside Park and their sausage rolls were spot on. Also, if anyone’s got a recommendation for a decent barber around Argent Street or by the Thameside Complex (not a chain), I’m all ears. Where are you lot going locally?

If you’re in Saffron Walden this week, we’d really recommend a slow wander around the Market Square, then popping down to Bridge End Garden for a quiet breather among the hedges and blooms. For something a bit different, the Saffron Walden Museum is a proper local gem and always worth an hour, whatever the weather. Where’s your go-to spot in town for a coffee and a good people-watch, and are there any underrated corners we should be sending visitors to?

Anyone know what’s on this weekend around Harlow? I saw a poster in The Water Gardens about a little craft/food market near Town Park by the bandstand, but it didn’t say times—if you’ve been before, is it worth a wander after a pint at The Crown on Market Street? Also open to recommendations for anything family-friendly near Parndon Wood or along the Stort towpath.

Ingatestone neighbours, we’d love to give a proper shoutout to the independent businesses that keep the village buzzing, from the cafés and salons on the High Street to the specialists tucked just off it. If you’ve had a great service recently, tell us who deserves a mention and why, and if you run a local business yourself, what’s one thing you wish more people knew about you? We’re also putting together a little “Ingatestone favourites” round-up for Discover Essex, so send over your recommendations.

Can anyone recommend a good Sunday roast in Epping? I’m torn between trying The George & Dragon on High Street again or heading over to The Theydon Oak, but I’d love to hear where people rate best (especially for proper roast potatoes). Also, if there’s a decent dog-friendly spot near Stonards Hill Recreation Ground for a quick pint after a walk, shout up.

Anyone know what time the live folk music starts at The Crown House on Church Street this Friday, and whether you need to book a table? I’m thinking of making an evening of it with a quick pint first at The Eight Bells and a stroll through Bridge End Garden if the weather holds. If you’ve been to one of their nights before, is it more sit-and-listen or a bit of a singalong?