As Christmas arrives, now more than ever our local retailers need your support as we all aim to #HelpEssexBuyLocal

Essex Life has teamed up with Fenwick Colchester to offer one lucky reader the chance to celebrate Christmas with a fabulous festive hamper

Ilford’s Fozia Nazir shares recipes from her self-published charity e cookbook called Mamma Makes

Starting to get that festive vibe? Whether you’re looking for the perfect present, or planning your top tipples, meet Essex’s most exciting gin and wine producers

Double joy for Saffron Grange’s English sparkling wines at WineGB Awards

Few things are more deliciously indulgent than an idyllic afternoon tea. Here Essex Life showcases 20 of the best places for tea and cake the county has to offer

Essex is home to a goldmine of excellent farm shops, as local farmers and producers diversify to bring the freshest, local fayre direct to customers

Filming for the latest series of The Great British Bake Off has moved from Berkshire to Essex

As an active campaigner on food and social issues, Jack Monroe was a leading light of lockdown. Holly Louise Eells caught up with the bootstrap cook about her brand-new book, mental health and why Essex will always be her home

Advances in agricultural technology have meant that the harvest scene across the county is much different today than decades ago. Hannah Salisbury from the Essex Record Office looks back at times gone past

Through woodlands, nature reserves and riverside beauty spots, we pick 9 perfect places for countryside walks plus some of the best pubs along the way

Vineyards from across East Anglia came together in May to host a #EastAnglianWineNight and thank wine drinkers for drinking local wines during the Covid-19 pandemic

Treat yourself to a pint of real ale surrounded by fresh sea air and coastal views at any one of these 12 glorious Essex pubs

We all love a good old pub. Full of character and history, there is no better place to sit back and enjoy a drink. Here are 10 of our favourite historical pubs in Essex

Nothing is more satisfying than eating a delicious piece of fruit that you’ve picked yourself. Here are 9 farms in Essex where you can PYO

A major campaign calling on the Essex public to cook more locally-caught fish and seafood, by buying it from local independent fishmongers and fishermen selling direct to the public during the COVID-19 crisis, has been launched

Stephanie Mackentyre visits Thai Up at the Quay, a lovely spot for relaxed Thai dining in one of Harwich’s many historic buildings

Stephanie Mackentyre visits The Leather Bottle, a classic village pub located just off The Green in Blackmore

If you’re looking to buy something really rather special as a foodie treat, then look no further than your local deli. Essex delis are a real jewel in the cookery crown and having one or two amazing ingredients in your cupboard store can really make the difference to your cooking. Here are a few to try | Words: Stephanie Mackentyre

It’s no secret that Essex’s pubs, cafes, shops and businesses are having a tough time right now. We want to help in any way we can so we put this list together showing how they’re adapting to today’s challenges