Eastlife Spring 2021
This is our fourth issue during the pandemic. Fourth! I can’t quite believe it. Like many other businesses we have learned to adapt. I am no longer flustered when events are cancelled at the last moment before print, it has become the norm.
This is our fourth issue during the pandemic. Fourth! I can’t quite believe it. Like many other businesses we have learned to adapt. I am no longer flustered when events are cancelled at the last moment before print, it has become the norm.
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Essex<br />
If you’re not quite ready for lunch wait until your next stop, Great<br />
Dunmow. The town has seen significant growth in recent years<br />
with an increase in housing developments. Crooked pastelcoloured<br />
buildings line the High Street and house independent<br />
retailers and businesses. The town is one of few in the country<br />
that is made up almost entirely of independent businesses.<br />
At the centre you’ll find the war memorial and clock tower, a<br />
reference to its history. Trendy eateries, timeless inns with a<br />
gastro vibe and quaint tearooms are dotted around the town for<br />
those looking for a bite to eat. The Flitch House, Angel & Harp<br />
and Square1 Restaurant are favourites amongst locals. Work off<br />
your lunch with a walk around the Doctor’s Pond. The next stop<br />
is Thaxted. Though it’s worth making a small detour to explore<br />
the pretty villages of Stebbing or Felsted. On route to Thaxted,<br />
make time for a walk around The Gardens of Easton Lodge; an<br />
idyllic grade II listed garden that looks beautiful all year.<br />
Thaxted is instantly recognisable by its timber-framed Guildhall,<br />
windmill and colourful medieval cottages. Its history dates<br />
back to before the Domesday Book, and much of its character<br />
still remains. It’s easy to spend time simply walking along and<br />
admiring the architecture. There’s a sense of community spirit<br />
with welcoming businesses and restaurants. Each year it hosts<br />
the Thaxted Morris Men and the Thaxted Festival.<br />
The road out of Thaxted will lead you back to Saffron Walden,<br />
however during the journey you can make pitstops at a number<br />
of country villages including the Sampfords, followed by<br />
Wimbish which is home to a small garden centre. It is located<br />
opposite a cool café called Bonnefirebox, known for its wood<br />
fired pizza. Next stop is Debden. Visit the Debden Barns; a<br />
quirky rural business that features an antiques and home<br />
decor store, florist and barn café with a courtyard terrace and<br />
extensive seating on the lawn.<br />
Stomachs full and horizons broadened, you’ll be planning your<br />
move to this corner of Essex in no time.<br />
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