If you’re looking for somewhere with the county’s best chefs and finest local produce then you’ll want to book a table at one of these top eateries. Here are 7 great fine dining venues in Essex

What makes a local, independent restaurant preferable to a generic chain restaurant? We spoke to Rob Ely of The Chophouse, Braintree to find out what makes his eating house different and why local food is better…

Stephanie Mackentyre continues her tour of Essex’s finest eateries and this time drops into the Back-Inn Time American diner in Chelmsford

Stephanie Mackentyre continues her tour of Essex’s best eateries by stopping to eat at Dedham’s Sun Inn with her pooch

CyclesUK are a leading independent bike retail chain based in Essex and they have held a public vote to find the cafes that local cyclists love. The results are in and these are 10 of the best cycling cafes in Essex

A hearty portion of pie and mash has been an Essex dining staple enjoyed for generations. We pick 15 places to go for a tasty portion of this local favourite

Fish and Chips has for a long time been a British staple, the go to meal for Friday nights after work complete with all of your favourite extras from mushy peas to curry sauce. Here are our favourite places to get some scrumptious battered cod and chips

Black rabbit in Maldon is one of the new ‘off the wall trendy bars’ to open in Essex.

A Chophouse is more than just a restaurant or pub; it’s a British Institution dating back to the late 17th century.

A house party at Maison Talbooth in the beautiful Dedham Vale on the north Essex and Suffolk border lets you take over this fabulous hotel with 12 individual bedrooms (for up to 24 guests), the pool house, gardens and grounds

Stephanie Mackentyre continues her tour of Essex’s best eateries and this time stops at Lifehouse Spa & Hotel in Thorpe le Soken for a swim and a three-course supper

Pig & Whistle Restaurant offers an a la carte relaxed lunch, sun terrace dining, candlelit evening & relaxing Sunday lunch.

From picturesque pub gardens to ocean view restaurants, Essex is full of wonderful places for al fresco dining. With that in mind we’ve picked nine of our favourite places to enjoy a meal in the sun

Stephanie Mackentyre continues her tour of Essex’s finest dining spots at Café Bellissimo in Colchester