~ RESTAURANTS AND CAFÉS
West Mersea Oyster Bar
Warm and welcoming, this hospitable seafood restaurant opened in 2005 and has deservedly carved a reputation for unpretentious five-star seafood – perhaps the finest oysters on Mersea, peerless fish & chips and delectable seasonal chef’s specials. Grab a table inside or out, or pull up a window-side stool for dreamy views across the boatyard to Cobmarsh Island and the old Packing Shed / www.westmerseaoysterbar.com

The Company Shed
This former 1950s oyster cleaning plant turned fishmongers/restaurant is a veritable Mersea institution beloved of food critics and in-the-know foodies far and wide – The Company Shed was declared the 15th ‘Sexiest Place in the World to be fed’ by The Observer. Get there early for superb shellfish and fish dishes or be prepared to queue for your plateful of North Sea delicacies

Art Café
Find wholesome respite here, surrounded by the seaside-influenced arts and crafts creations of local and East Anglian artists. The food is scrumptious, e.g. homemade ice-cream lovingly prepared by the perky, ever-friendly staff. Start the day with a signature “Depth Charge cappuccino” to fuel a brisk 12-mile walk around Mersea’s fascinating shoreline / www.islandartcafe.co.uk


~ LOCAL PRODUCE
Food For Thought Village Delicatessen
Delicious farmhouse kitchen-style fare is prepared in the back while the abundant deli counter reveals a delicious array of cheeses, cold meats, olives, fish, local wines and beers, plus a host of organic treats

Arthur Cock & Sons butchers
Mersea’s long-standing purveyor of masterfully baked pies offers locally reared meat, sumptuous sausages, fresh-caught game and fowl – not to mention their very own stylish cloth shopping bag to carry it home in

Galley Sea Foods
Friendly traditional fishmongers selling a rich variety of fresh produce and local catches ranging from whelks to whiting and hake to haddock, plus plump Mersea oysters and Essex winkles

East Mersea Nursery
Plump, sweet, pick-your-own strawberries and raspberries; fresh veg straight from the field; rows of vigorous perennials; greenhouses packed with flower pots... there’s enough here to make your pantry creak

Bonner’s Barn
Across The Strood, this fruit and veg emporium sells seasonal local goodies including Tiptree rasps and strawberries, as well as bountiful produce from nearby growers

Ben’s Fish
A former inshore fisherman selling his catch to top London restaurants, Ben Woodcraft now runs a thriving fresh seafood business from a restored Essex barn in East Mersea / www.bensfishmersea.co.uk

Hastens Halt Smokery
Located in rural East Mersea and selling delicious home-cured fish, meat and cheese. Dine in comfort at the adjoining 70s-style restaurant, a charmingly chintzy gem

Colchester Oyster Fishery
This quality live shellfish merchant supplies a host of gourmet establishments including The Fat Duck, Le Gavroche, Gordon Ramsay, The Ritz and The Waterside Inn / www.colchesteroysterfishery.com


~ THE MERSEA ISLAND VINEYARD
It may come as a surprise to discover row upon row of ripe, bursting vines in this part of England, but Mersea's own vineyard crafts a very respectable range of white and sparkling wines. Along with a café (run by the esteemed Arthur Cock & Sons butchers) there's a brewery which bottles and sells a stunning selection of CAMRA-approved ales. Don't miss the delightfully monikered ‘Mersea Monkeys’ and ‘Island Oysters’, the latter brewed using real native oysters / www.merseawine.com


~ LOCAL PUBS
The Coast Inn
Tucked back from Coast Road and overlooking the seafront, this harbour-style hostelry boasts big leather sofas, a bar full of beers and wines, plus a bijoux dining room / www.thecoastinn.co.uk

The Dog & Pheasant
East Mersea’s only pub serves solid pub grub in its restored 18th century cottage dining area

The Victory
Renovated riverfront inn serving good quality food and a fine selection of ales. Features a large beer garden with great views and children’s play area / www.victoryatmersea.co.uk

The White Hart
Long-standing Mersea hostelry with popular dining room / www.whitehartmersea.com

The Fox Inn
Cosy old local knocking up hearty meals