Live like a local...
1 THE FOODIE PUB
Owned by farmer Malcolm and chef Penny, The Crown Inn (oldcrown messing.co.uk) in nearby Messing serves bistroinspired dishes made with local, seasonal ingredients in a relaxed yet intimate atmosphere.
2 THE MUSIC SCENE
For more than 20 years, the Kelvedon Community Festival (kelvedonfest.org.uk) has been a summer fixture, supported through the work of volunteers and funded by local businesses.
3 THE FÊTE
At St Mary’s Church in early July, you’ll find a slice of traditional village life, with plenty of games and fun for children, including a vast wooden marble run, as well as a beer tent and, of course, cream teas. Another great timeless community event is the Feering and Kelvedon Garden Club show.
4 THE REFILL SHOP
Packaging-free store Reco (recostore.co.uk), on the way to Tiptree, sells a wide range of foods, from pulses and cereals to dried fruits, as well as toiletries. Just take your containers and they’ll do the rest.
5 THE VINTAGE EMPORIUM
Based on a farm just outside Kelvedon is Trinovante Trading (facebook.com/ trinovantetrading), a warehouse of antiques and decorative items beloved of collectors and stylists (by appointment only).
6 ESSEX PRODUCE COMPANY
With a core range of tasty cheeses, meats, wine and beer, this wonderful deli prides itself on offering the best artisan produce around. Founder Fraser Ward has a particular passion for wine from the area (essex produceco.co.uk).
7 THE WATERING HOLE
On a spring or summer evening, there’s nothing better than sipping a local ale at one of The Tavern’s (thetavern kelvedon.co.uk) alfresco tables that line a stretch of the River Blackwater.