Maldon is a fascinating mixture of old and new, with a large range of individual shops, and an impressive array of places to eat and drink, varying from simple pubs, bars and tea shops through bistros to high quality restaurants. A farmers' market is held regularly (see events calendar for full details). In addition the world famous Maldon Sea Salt, necessary for every gourmet's kitchen, and locally harvested oysters may be bought. Small local breweries are frequent winners at real ale festivals.

Burnham-on-Crouch has a variety of excellent restaurants offering food styles ranging from local fish to exotic dishes. The 17th century Anchor Inn is reputed to have been the meeting place for smugglers during the 19th century...and even boasts the ghost of a smuggler.