The Company Shed, West Mersea

I do have to mention this place although I haven't been there recently. The Company Shed has developed a reputation for fantastic fresh seafood dishes at good prices. For so many it's the place to go because you can take your own wine (well, you can't buy it there) and also your own bread. I believe they do salads.

This place has a very basic interior and it gets packed. It's a bit too basic for me - I'd call it scruffy, and a bit too packed, but this doesn't seem to bother those who line up to eat there (it doesn't take bookings). It's very well-known in Essex. Less so around here I think, but worth a visit if you want a different experience in eating and a late lunch.

West Mersea

All I can say about this place from what I ate today is wow, what value!

This was a big seafood platter to share for two and although it sounds a lot at £19-ish, you would be lucky to buy these items separately in a supermarket locally for less. In fact I swear you couldn't unless they were sold past their sell-by-date.

Served with bread and more than we could eat (although I did have to try their oysters too), were three types of prawns, half a crab, cockles, mussels, smoked salmon, smoked mackeral and rollmops. All seemed really fresh and delicious. The cockles - now a luxury food, were not vinegared like so many sold on fish stalls. This place is a must-to-visit for seafood lovers. A fairly basic restaurant but with good quick service despite being packed (orders at counter). We sat outside which was great, with a view across the estuary.

A plate for one would be a big starter for two and even that plate for two makes a big mains - enough for three really. We left almost a portion. Loads of cooked and fresh seafood dishes were available, Someone close by was eating the biggest dish of prawns in garlic that I have ever seen in these parts.

The Essex Way

Today the Essex girl returned to an old haunt from her childhood days.

I was transported back to the 50s and 60s on a visit to Mersea Island where my parents took me as a child. Not a lot appears to have changed since. Now much of East Mersea seems to be a wildlife haven where peace and tranquility co-exist with easy coastal walks and delightful views. The beach in the village does not seem so great but if it was I guess the place would be teeming with day-trippers. I quite liked things the way they were - especially with the pretty beach huts lining the sea front. They even matched my tee-shirt.

Coffee at Carluccios.

I spotted some friends sitting outside Carluccios today so it seemed a good idea to join them and enjoy the sunshine. I had one cappucino. However nice they are there, they're very small and at £2.25 it's not always a good idea to have two (I'm not talking about my friends). Fortunately I talked a lot so I didn't get to the second cup.

I gave the waiter exactly the right money and without thinking he said 'Bargain!' - to which I replied that it wasn't a bargain at all - for around the same amount of coffee I would get in other coffee bars it would cost me £4.50 there.