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

Melissa Hemsley is known for celebrating sustainable and feel-good food with minimal waste. Here she talks to Holly Louise Eells about Essex produce, living a green lifestyle and her vibrant new cook book

Stephanie Mackentyre takes a trip out into the Essex countryside for an authentic Italian at Vita Bella

Nothing beats a good pint of ale. Whether you’ve got a favourite that you stick to or you like to try as many varieties as possible, we’ve picked 12 Essex pubs that you’ve got to visit

Stephanie Mackentyre visits Grain, a restaurant in Colchester’s town centre renowned for its contemporary global small plates

A cockle fishery in the Thames Estuary that was close to collapse in the 1980s has now been independently certified as sustainable

Lisa Horner, author or Lost Basildon, shares the story of Geraldine Evans’ 70-year association with The Barge Inn at Vange and its lasting influence on the local community

Finding the perfect pub that happens to be dog friendly is no easy feat. So with that in mind we’ve found 14 places you can enjoy lagers with your lab, Pims with the pug or beers with your Bichon Frise

The award comes in the latest edition of the Good Pub Guide with The Bell being described as a “first-class all-rounder”

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

Find shelter in colder weather in one of Essex’s wonderful cosy pubs. Warm up fireside with a pint of ale and a home-cooked meal and the dog curled up at your feet. Here are 10 places to do just that…

Deersbrook Farm butchery and farm shop is award-winning, renowned for provence, sustainability and knowledge. Their beef was recently shortlisted in the Great British Food awards for its flavour and succulence

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

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

The festive season at Pig & Whistle Restaurant is a treat of warm lights, ribbons and festive cheer

Including an English spirits advent calendar, cocktail fizz cans, a rum liqueur box and more, Tiptree have a fantastic range of gifts for you to consider this Christmas period

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Essex Life Food & Drink Awards, Down Hall Hotel hosted the 2019 awards as Essex Life revealed the winners that were named as the best in the food and drink industry within our county

Stephanie Mackentyre drops into one of the county’s newest restaurants for her latest monthly review

As an enduring British institution, it’s incredibly important to get your Sunday lunch right. Here are 12 pubs in Essex that know how to deliver precisely what you require.

Stretching over 1,200sq ft and featuring a state-of-the-art Enomatic Wine Tasting Experience along with a curated selection of over 450 products, The Wine Room has been meticulously designed and features hand-painted artwork by renowned artist Flora Roberts