5 things to do in Essex this weekend - Beer gardens & al fresco dining

Now that we’re able to travel a little further afield, each week we will be featuring a selection of walks, things to do or places to visit in Essex - all of which will adhere to social distancing guidelines of course!

This week we are featuring… A selection of Essex’s best outdoor eating and drinking spots - please check all local information before heading out through the links below

The Anchor, Hullbridge

Watch boats float serenely down the River Crouch as you and the family enjoy a few drinks while perched on one of the many picnic tables dotted throughout the garden.

Here’s more about nearby Burnham-on-Crouch.

Milsoms, Dedham

This charming countryside hotel and restaurant is the perfect place for dining outdoors. When the sun is shining there’s no where better to enjoy your meal than the restaurant’s tranquil terrace overlooking the gardens.

Click here to read more about the Dedham Vale AONB’s 50th birthday.

The Victory at Mersea

Mersea Island is undoubtedly one of the county’s most attractive locations and this beer garden benefits from the coastal vistas the area provides in abundance.

Read more about what makes Mersea so special.

Billy Hundreds Fish n Tapas Restaurant

Billy Hundreds Fish n Tapas in Southend-on-Sea has a real passion for serving delicious fish. The menu has a delicious range of fresh seafood served as tapas dishes that are perfect for mixing and matching. Treat yourself to chilli prawns, crab tacos, whitebait and sumptuous crayfish tails. All of this can be enjoyed with the backdrop of stunning estuary views.

Click here for more on why we need to love Essex’s coast.

Donkey & Buskins, Layer de la Haye

With flowers blooming all around - even running up the front of the property - the Donkey & Buskins could almost be a well-manicured garden in its own right. It’s not often you see a pub taken care of to this extent and that attention to detail carries on into their menu which wouldn’t look out of place at a top class restaurant.

Here are some of Essex’s best pub walks.

Click here for our full list of Essex’s best beer gardens

And here are some other al fresco dining options

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For more information about any of the events listed above; how to get there, how to book tickets and prices, please follow the links in the event name.

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We update 5 things to do in Essex at the weekend every Monday. If you are in need of inspiration, bookmark this page for events from Friday through to Sunday.