Essex Community Hub

Has anyone else noticed how busy the market’s been by The Liberty lately, especially around South Street? I’m after a decent Sunday roast in town that isn’t too pricey — was thinking The Golden Lion on North Street but I’ve not been in ages. Any recommendations (or places to avoid) if you’re walking off lunch with a lap round Raphael Park after?

Anyone heading to the free live music on the seafront this weekend by Jubilee Beach (near the Kursaal end)? I’m thinking of grabbing a fish and chips from one of the spots on Marine Parade, then cutting through Priory Park for a quieter sit-down before it gets busy. If you’ve been before, what time does it start getting packed and is it better to watch from the pier side or closer to the bandstand?

If you’re in Tiptree this week, make time for a proper local food stop: a stroll through the Wilkin & Sons tearoom for a cream tea and a browse of the jam shop is hard to beat, and it’s even better when paired with a wander around the village. We’d also love to hear your hidden gems nearby, whether it’s a café with great coffee, a pub doing a cracking Sunday roast, or a farm shop worth the detour. Where are you taking visiting friends for a taste of Tiptree?

Has anyone else noticed a couple of lads trying car doors along Station Road near the Co-op late evening this week? I’m on River Crouch Walk most mornings and it’s usually peaceful, but a neighbour on Chapel Road said a shed was turned over overnight. Might be worth making sure side gates are locked and leaving a light on if you’re near The Royal Corinthian or the park by St Mary’s. If you’ve seen anything similar (or got CCTV that might help), can you comment where and what time?

Brentwood’s looking lovely at the moment, and we’re curious: where’s your go-to spot for a proper weekend wander — Thorndon Country Park, Weald Country Park, or somewhere more under the radar? If you’re after an easy local win, try pairing a short walk with a visit to an independent café in town and make a morning of it. Have you discovered any new favourites recently, or is there a hidden gem you think the rest of Brentwood should know about?

This week’s Loughton business shoutout goes to the independents along the High Road and around the station who keep the town feeling friendly, local and properly Essex. If you’ve not popped into your nearest café, salon, deli or bookshop lately, try swapping one big-shop errand for a local one and tell them Discover Essex sent you. Which Loughton business do you always recommend to friends, and what’s the one thing they do better than anywhere else?

Popped into Wilkin & Sons tea room by the Jam Museum on Factory Hill earlier and grabbed a scone with strawberry conserve, then wandered down Church Road thinking where to go next for something savoury. Has anyone tried the Sunday roast at The Anchors on Brook Road lately, or is there a better spot nearby for a decent pie and pint? Always up for new recommendations, especially anywhere with a nice bit of outdoor seating.

Popped into the market on the Common this morning and grabbed a coffee and pastry from one of the stalls, then wandered up King Street towards Castle Street and realised I still don’t have a go-to spot for a proper Sunday roast in town. I’ve tried The Eight Bells a couple of times and liked it, but I’m wondering if I’m missing a quieter pub that does great gravy and decent veg. Any recommendations near Bridge End Gardens or around High Street, and do you need to book ahead?

Does anyone know a decent independent garage in Chelmsford that’s good with MOTs and doesn’t try to upsell you? I’m based near Moulsham Street and can get to the places around Springfield Road or out towards Galleywood, but I’d rather go somewhere locals actually rate. Any names to avoid as well?

Can anyone recommend a decent Sunday roast in Colchester that isn’t rammed by 1pm? I’m torn between trying the Rose & Crown up by Castle Park or somewhere around North Hill/Head Street after a walk along the river from Lower Castle Park. Would love to hear where you rate for roasties and gravy, and if you need to book ahead.

Colchester’s calendar is looking lively over the next few weeks, from Castle Park favourites to smaller pop-up markets and live music nights tucked away on the High Street. If you’re planning a day out, try pairing an event with a wander around the Dutch Quarter or a quick stop at the Natural History Museum for something a bit different. What’s the one Colchester event you never miss, and are there any local organisers or venues we should be shouting about more?

Can anyone recommend a good spot in Brentwood for a proper Sunday roast that isn’t too fussy? We’re near Warley Hill and don’t mind a short walk towards the High Street or around King George’s Playing Fields, but I’d love somewhere with decent veg and gravy (and ideally a kid-friendly vibe). Where do you usually go, and is it worth booking ahead?

If you’re in Rayleigh this week, make it a mission to try somewhere new for a proper bite and a good chat — the High Street has more independent spots than you might think once you step off the usual routine. Our tip: pop out a little earlier than peak time and you’ll actually get to talk to the people behind the counter and hear what’s best that day. Where are you taking visitors for coffee and cake, and which local place deserves a bit more love?

Has anyone else noticed a few dodgy characters hanging around the Co-op on Church Road and the path by Tiptree Recreation Ground in the evenings lately? My neighbour had a shed door tried on off Maypole Road last week, so I’m thinking of adding a motion light and a better padlock. If you’ve seen anything or know if the pub on The Avenue has caught anything on CCTV, can you comment with times/areas so we can keep an eye out?

Quick shoutout to the little coffee spot by Wickford High Street near the Co-op on London Road — popped in after a walk through Wickford Memorial Park and the flat white was spot on, plus the staff were properly friendly. Also, if anyone’s got a recommendation for a decent local butcher or greengrocer (I’m trying to avoid doing it all in the big supermarkets), where do you rate around the Broadway or up towards Shotgate? Would love to hear what everyone’s using.

Has anyone seen a set of keys with a blue Tesco Clubcard fob on them? I think I dropped them somewhere between Witham station and Newland Street this morning, possibly near the entrance to the Grove Centre or by the George & Dragon. If anyone’s handed them in to a shop or found them on the pavement, please comment or message me — happy to describe the other keyrings to confirm.

Shout out to the little greengrocers by Rayleigh High Street (near the entrance up to Rayleigh Mount) — their fruit’s been spot on lately and the prices feel fair compared with the supermarket. Also had a cracking coffee from the café tucked just off Websters Way after a wander round King George V playing fields. Any other Rayleigh independents you’d recommend, especially for a decent haircut that doesn’t cost the earth?

Saffron Walden always feels at its best when you take it slowly: a wander through the market square, a peek into the ruins of the castle, and a quiet loop around Bridge End Gardens if you’ve got ten minutes to spare. If you’re introducing someone to the town for the first time, where do you take them for a proper coffee and a little browse afterwards? We’re also keen to pull together a community-made list of “small joys” in Saffron Walden, so tell us your favourite overlooked corner or simple ritual here.

Quick shoutout to the little greengrocers on the High Street near The Chequers – their strawberries and salad bits have been miles better than the supermarket lately. I usually pop in after a loop round Lake Meadows Park and they always have something decent in season. Any other good independent spots in Billericay you’d recommend for proper bread or coffee?

Anyone heading down to the free bandstand music at Priory Park this Sunday afternoon? I’m thinking of walking over via Victoria Avenue, grabbing a coffee from one of the little places on Southchurch Road, then maybe a quick pint in The Peterboat afterwards if the weather holds. If you’ve been before, what time’s best to get a decent spot on the grass, and is it still alright to bring a picnic?