Essex


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-summer-feasting">Summer feasting</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/6.jpg" alt="Summer menu The Three Horseshoes Fordham" class="wp-image-12601" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/6.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/6-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/6-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/6-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>First on our what&#8217;s new in Essex right now is <a href="https://threehorseshoesfordham.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Three Horseshoes in Fordham</a>&#8216;s new garden menu. For this menu it&#8217;s walk-ins only, but their outside area&#8217;s huge, so you’ll have no trouble nabbing a table. Enjoy burrata, charcuterie and cheese, or dips and flatbreads sharers, plus lunches like hot smoked salmon pâté and sirloin of Essex beef on sourdough. Want even more posh to your nosh? Their&nbsp;à&nbsp;la carte can be booked inside or outside in advance, with dishes like asparagus velouté, slow cooked cod and Yorkshire rhubarb fool.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-and-relax">And… relax</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/8.jpg" alt="Summer Solstice Special Spa Day at Glass House Retreat" class="wp-image-12590" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/8.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/8-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/8-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/8-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Book your pretty selves up for <a href="https://www.glasshouseretreat.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Glass House Retreat’</a>s Summer Solstice Special Spa Day, running until the end of July. Included in your day is the new and exclusive Pomegranate Body Wrap. What&#8217;s that you say? A powder exfoliation with extracts of pomegranate to alleviate dry skin, as well as an anti-oxidising body wrap. Arrive at 9am to a Pomegranate &amp; Pineapple Smoothie, and enjoy lunch and a full day to use the spa’s facilities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hit-the-hut">Hit the hut</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/5.jpg" alt="Maldon Books Book Hut open" class="wp-image-12593" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/5.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/5-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/5-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/5-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://maldonbooks.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maldon Books</a>, Muddy Awards 2023 finalist, has opened its Book Hut again over in Maldon’s Promenade Park. Beady eyes should spot its fab spruce up&nbsp;from local artists, Cally and Emma. The store wanted the makeover to reflect their love of stories and the magic books bring into everyone’s lives. You might also find a dragon looking for the perfect read! Head their Mon to Sat from 10-4 and Sun 11-4 for planned activities and events. There&#8217;s also Song, Rhyme and Storytime sessions every Tues at 10.30am.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cats-a-plenty">Cats a-plenty</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/10.jpg" alt="Essex Halsted MEOW Cat Café" class="wp-image-12594" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/10.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/10-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/10-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/10-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Cats, snacks and drinks all under one roof? I’m there!&nbsp;Also on our what&#8217;s new in Essex right now guide is Halstead business, <a href="https://www.meowcatcafeessex.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MEOW Cat Café</a>, which opened its doors this month. On the menu are hot drinks for grown-ups and juices and shakes for the kids (I’ll take a Galaxy shake, please). Light bites are also waiting to be devoured, with muffins, flapjacks, cookies and more. As for the cats – how gorgeous is this beauty? What we really love at <a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Muddy Essex</a> is that all the cats are rescues. Also, every&nbsp;single feline friend is up for adoption, with not one cat left at the café permanently.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-little-mermaid">The little mermaid</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/7-1.jpg" alt="Leigh on sea Florenceandbunny Mermaid collection " class="wp-image-12598" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/7-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/7-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/7-1-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/7-1-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>If you’re as #inlovewithlocal as we are you’ll want to support Essex indies all the way. Kids and mama clothing brand, Leigh on Sea’s <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Florenceandbunny" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florenceandbunny</a>, is most definitely that. Created and handmade to order by mum of three Holly, her latest collection of stylish and luxe dress-up wear is launching <strong>Thurs 22 June</strong> on her <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Florenceandbunny" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Etsy page</a>. The theme? Mermaid vibes all the way – think shimmering colours and fabrics with plenty of sequins and sparkle. This limited edition cape is one to snap up sharpish.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-award-winning-b-b">Award-winning B&amp;B</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/Mark-Wesley.jpg" alt="Piglets Boutique Country Stay VisitEngland Award for Excellence" class="wp-image-12607" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/Mark-Wesley.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/Mark-Wesley-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/Mark-Wesley-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/Mark-Wesley-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.piglets.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Piglets Boutique Country Stay</a>, a luxury B&amp;B – and Muddy Awards 2023 finalist, no less – nabbed a VisitEngland Award for Excellence&nbsp;at a ceremony on <strong>7 June</strong>. Starting just before the pandemic, Max and Chrissie Parker work to provide the best experience for their guests throughout their stay. Take a dip in their natural swimming pond, or play games like snooker, table tennis and croquet. There’s a dedicated guest lounge, licensed bar, gym and sauna – and look at this outside space! Then there’s the food, with cookies and homemade cake on arrival, a delicious breakfast, and evening meals available.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-meats-on-the-block">New meats on the block</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/2.jpg" alt="Steeles' Butchers latest sausages " class="wp-image-12599" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/2-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/2-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Check out those bangers! Summer means one thing for us Essex folk (apart from sunburn after a pub garden sesh supping too many gin and slimlines). We’re talking BBQs! Great Dunmow’s <a href="https://www.instagram.com/steelesbutchersdunmow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Steeles’ Butchers</a> are busy prepping tasty new treats to cook/crucify (depending on those pesky G&amp;Ts again). As well as the usual meats available, we&#8217;ll personally vouch for the latest pork and hoisin and fiery chilli and pork sausages. You’ll need a beverage after the heat of the chilli hits your tongue. Is that a G&amp;T calling? Eek, I think I have a problem.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sing-before-supper">Sing before supper</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/9.jpg" alt="Tenpin Colchester refurbishment " class="wp-image-12600" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/9.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/9-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/9-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/9-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Be&nbsp;<em>bowled</em>&nbsp;over (not sorry) when you head down (or up; depends where you live) to <a href="https://www.tenpin.co.uk/our-locations/colchester/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colchester’s&nbsp;Tenpin</a>, who’ve just unveiled a brand-new look following a complete refurb.&nbsp;Another must-do on our what&#8217;s new in Essex right now to-do list, it&#8217;s got 20 LED lit bowling lanes, as well as two karaoke rooms to channel your inner pop star and sing your heart out to the latest tunes. You can also battle it out in Tenpin’s Sector 7 laser tag arena, with fog and strobe lighting. All that plus food and cocktails? We can see laser tag being taken pretty seriously after a pitcher or two.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-us-brits-do-it-best">Us Brits do it best</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/1.jpg" alt="Toppesfield Vineyard English Wine Week" class="wp-image-12604" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/1-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/1-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Did you know <strong>19-25 June</strong> is English Wine Week? You do now. To celebrate we’ve teamed up with Halstead’s <a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/toppesfield-vineyard-halstead-accommodation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Toppesfield Vineyard</a> to give away six bottles of their own creations on our <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CtrYe9uAx1j/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instagram</a>. They also offer luxury accommodation, with a recent winner of one of our competitions having just spent the night there. Sharon Leverett says; “What a place! Luxurious accommodation, breath-taking views, and just the place to relax. My husband and I loved the little touches, like the welcome hamper, toiletries and wine. If you can go, go!”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-it-s-prom-season">It&#8217;s prom season</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/prok.jpg" alt="Hylands Chelmsford Proms Spectacular " class="wp-image-12605" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/prok.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/prok-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/prok-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/prok-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Need more info on what&#8217;s new in Essex right now? <a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/hylands-estate-chelmsford/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hylands Estate in Chelmsford</a> has released its <a href="https://belevents.ticketsrv.co.uk/tickets/207" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proms Spectacular</a> tickets for <strong>5 August</strong>. Its grounds provide the ideal setting to enjoy a picnic concert, and kicks off with Sam Griffiths, one of the best swing singers in the UK. You&#8217;ll then see a Spitfire display accompanied by well-known British war themes, performed by London’s Orion Orchestra. All your favourite prom pieces are line up, including <em>Land of Hope &amp; Glory</em> and <em>Rule Britannia</em>, plus more. It ends with an impressive firework display fully synchronised to the orchestra.</p>


Superflashy newsflash! What’s new in Essex right now

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