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My #MMEssexXmas – Maldon

Natalie Moore | 10th December 2021 | Blog
Blog - Maldon

I live in the coastal town of Maldon, Essex, where we are spoiled for choice with independent shops and cafes on our picturesque High Street. There is a close community of small businesses, often working together and supporting the community in a way that you don’t get from large chains. Here are my favourites:

Maldon Books

Blog - Maldon Books

A beautiful, independent book shop situated on Maldon High Street – but also featuring a cute ‘pop-up’ Book Hut in the park throughout the Summer – Maldon Books is a real asset to the town. The service from owner Olivia and her staff is super friendly and knowledgeable and anything that isn’t in stock can be ordered in, usually next day. Buying books from here gives you the kind of warm, fuzzy glow that you just don’t get from Amazon!

The Waffle Bar

Blog - The Waffle Bar

One of the few highlights of lockdown was getting a weekly takeaway from The Waffle Bar! Their waffles (and crepes) are amazing with so many options, sweet and savoury, and include vegan and gluten free variations. Always good to wash down with a loaded milkshake or freakshake too. The service is really friendly and the shop itself is pretty, cosy and quaint. If you’re in Maldon this is a must visit for lunch or a delicious treat.

Silo Refillery

Blog - Silo Refillery

Maldon’s first zero waste refill shop, Silo, stocks a great selection of groceries, toiletries and eco gifts but they also provide really helpful advice and tips on how to make small changes. Family run, they have quickly become central to the local community, taking an active role in local initiatives, fundraising – including organising ‘hero hampers’ for frontline workers during the pandemic – and championing other local businesses. They also regularly stock tasty, tempting goodies from a vegan bakery!

Anvil & Ivy

Blog - Anvil & Ivy

We are very lucky in Maldon to have such a highly skilled jewellers on the high street! Sophie, at Anvil and Ivy, creates handcrafted contemporary jewellery on a made to order basis with an emphasis on using recycled metals and responsible gem sourcing. As well as making beautiful jewellery she and her team also run silversmith workshops so you can find out for yourself how to do it.

Maldon Coffee Company

Blog - Maldon Coffee Company

Another family run business is the very popular Maldon Coffee Company, often seen with a queue stretching out of the door. The best coffee in town (ask anyone!). They stock a huge selection of beans and have an extended menu including teas, hot chocolates, pastries and food. They combine this with a warm welcome, a friendly, relaxing atmosphere and an invaluable knack of recommending just the right roast. You can even buy bags of beans/ground coffee to take home.

More of the MM Team will be sharing their favourite local shops where they live in Essex. Watch this space… and follow #MMEssexXmas across LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.