This outlying Essex island has been a popular holiday destination since Roman times. Now it’s a perfect spot if you want a quick seaside jaunt out of London, but want to avoid the crowded beaches of nearby Southend. It’s easiest by car, although you can take a train to Colchester where it’s a half-hour bus journey out to the island. Make sure you’re aware of tide times, as the island’s cut off twice a day.
The Company Shed
Where: 129 Coast Road, West Mersea, Colchester CO5 8PA
Certainly Mersea’s best well known foodie destination - this no frills space is an old oyster shed which serves up local seafood. It’s currently closed for eating in, due to Covid restrictions, but they're doing an extensive takeaway menu including seafood platters complete with Mersea Island wine.
Follow them on Instagram: @the_company_shed.
Mersea Barns
Where: East Rd, East Mersea, Colchester CO5 8TQ
This shop and cafe opened in 2019 and, luckily for them, they have inside dining, marquee dining and alfresco dining - whatever you fancy. It’s a good place to pick up local food to take back home with you. Coffee comes via local roasters in Chelmsford and the homemade cakes are great.
Follow them on Instagram: @merseabarns.
Mersea Island Fish Bar
Where: 37 High St, West Mersea, Colchester CO5 8QA
This fish and chip arm of the West Mersea Oyster Bar is still open and doing business. We loved our scampi and chips on a visit last summer, and they also do seafood platters to take down to the beach too.
Follow them on Facebook: @Merseaislandfishbar
More about Mersea Island Fish Bar
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