Can anyone recommend a decent Sunday roast in Loughton that isn’t a let-down? I’m torn between trying The Victoria Tavern on High Road and heading up towards The Owl on Epping New Road after a walk round Epping Forest from the Stonards Hill entrance. If you’ve been recently (or know somewhere better nearby like around Debden or Theydon Bois), I’d love to hear what you’d pick and why.

If you’re in Loughton and fancy a proper local wander, we’d recommend starting with a stroll through Epping Forest from one of the town entrances, then rewarding yourself with a coffee or lunch along the High Road — there are some genuinely brilliant independents tucked in among the familiar names. We’re also hearing great things about the smaller fitness classes and evening workshops popping up locally, perfect if you want to meet people without trekking into London. What are your go-to Loughton spots right now, and which independent businesses deserve a bit more love?

If you’re in Braintree this weekend, we’d love your best recommendations for a proper local wander: favourite independent coffee spots, walks around Great Notley Country Park, or little shops in town that deserve more love. We’re also putting together a “Braintree Hidden Gems” list for Discover Essex, so tell us the places you always take visiting friends. Where should everyone go first, and what’s one tip you wish more people knew?