Mark Wright, Tom Kerridge and TV’s finest

Essex boy Mark Wright The Dog House Epping

Everyone’s favourite Essex boy Mark Wright popped into Epping’s The Dog House recently for a cracking roast (we presume; it was a Sunday when the TV personality stopped by). Their menu’s the stuff dreams are made of when it comes to comfort food done right – sausage and mash, fish and chips and pork belly are just some of the dishes on offer.

Speaking of TV, Come Dine With Me: The Professionals is back for another series. The perfect tune-in while salivating over its dishes; on 6 June watch Braintree restaurant Caesar at Dolphin get involved, with chefs Daniel and Fabio in action. We’re adding it to our planner as we speak (well, type).

Another celeb sighting – and again it’s food related (aren’t we clever?). Chef Tom Kerridge was spotted at Brightlingsea Harbour filming for his series Tom Kerridge Cooks Britain. While Tom’s gone it’s still worth the trip, especially if the sun’s shining. You’ve Brightlingsea Lido with its beach huts, pools and park next door. Then there’s 2023 Best Lifestyle Award Winner Little Boat Gifts for soaps, candles, cards and more. Finish with a bite to eat at No.1 Harbour Square while taking in the marina views. See you there.

Scoff, quaff then feel the burn

Essex The Cricketers Clavering Burger Night

The Cricketers Clavering have just declared Mondays their weekly Burger Night – and boy, is it good. You’ve a choice of specials from a classic Smashed Shorthorn Beef to a Fried Halloumi creation, and you can even build your own with add-ons like crispy onions and blue cheese sauce. Oh, yes.

To books now, saying hello to Leigh on Sea’s latest bookshop, Read On Sea. The café/bookshop describes itself as ‘the newest haven for book lovers’, where you get to immerse yourself in books while sipping a glass (or two, or three) of fine wine. We’ve got our keys already.

Enough sitting, eating and drinking, now. Saffron Walden has welcomed reformer Pilates studio Latona Method to its London Road location. Suiting all fitness levels, it improves core strength, leans your physique and works on posture and spine health. With an added twist of choreography, the Essex classes are taught by qualified instructors for the ultimate workout.

Animal action

It seems as if we’re swaying towards Braintree in this newsflash (more about the town to come), but we have to include its new Whiskas & Paws Cat Café. Rescuing unwanted cats when they’ve nowhere to go, it gives them a safe space to stay until their find their forever home. Thirty cats to play with plus drinks and snacks? We’re reaching for our coats.

Not enough time to take your dog out? New Braintree business Tollelite K9 Services offers bespoke dog walking including solo and pack walks. They all kick off with a free face-to-face consultation, so you can meet business owner Laura while she in turn meets you and your pet. Prices start from £15 for 30 minutes, plus there’s also drop in and day care available.

Speaking of fur babies, Dunmow’s dog friendly pub and restaurant The Angel & Harp have announced a dedicated menu for pooches to enjoy. There’s pub classics like Bark Burgers and Bangers as well as Frozzy’s dog ice cream and even Bark Bew Beer. We say sink a drink and bite to eat together before heading to one of the Essex walking spots nearby.

Newsflash! Essex celeb spots, indie unveilings and foodie finds

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