Our Top 20 Local Producers of Cracking Food and Drink

If most people come across a reliable tradesperson who does good work, they tell their friends. The JustFix platform aims to do the same thing - albeit eventually on a national scale. 

But we’re not just out to support skilled local electricians, plumbers and locksmiths. We want to let as many people as possible know about the brilliant small businesses plying their trades in and around where they live. 

So, we’re kicking off with our top 20 local producers of cracking food and drink in the Essex area. If you know of any you think should be added to the list, give them a shout out on social media. 

Ready? Let’s go. 

Fish

S & J Shellfish https://sjshellfish.com

This family-owned firm has 40 years experience under its belt. With buyers at Billingsgate, as well as Newlyn, Brixham and Scotland, they secure the freshest fish every day for restaurants and home delivery.

SoleShare https://www.soleshare.net/ 

This organisation, which has 10 pickup hubs all over London, offers a wide range of freshly caught fish, from bass to whiting. The customer decides how much they want to buy, how often and whether to pick it up or have it delivered to their home. 

Marrfish https://marrfishhome.co.uk/

With a fishing heritage stretching back 150 years, this firm delivers restaurant-quality fish and seafood direct to your door. Make sure to browse their delicatessen section, which features some exotic smoked salmon. 

Meat

Berts Butchers https://www.facebook.com/groups/1619703591613252

It’s easy to see why this Brentwood-based butcher is so popular - he responds quickly to customer enquiries on Facebook. Delicious cuts of meat are expertly prepared and there are some cracking meat deals to boot. 

Giggly Pig Company http://www.gigglypig.co.uk/contact.html 

You’ll find this delightful company in Romford. It makes the most delicious sausages from rare breed British Saddleback pigs raised on its Essex farm. Best fry-up ever? Probably.   

Coxtie Green Farm https://www.bigbarn.co.uk/producer/brentwood/coxtie-green-farm-26950/

Another farm, this time nestled in Brentwood, where you can buy 100% grass-fed, free-range beef, lamb, pork, all reared to organic standards. Don’t forget to order a free range turkey for Christmas!

Breads and bakers

Brick Lane Bagel Co https://www.bricklanebagel.co/

You can find this company in Theydon Bois, Ongar, Loughton Station and Epping - great news if you’re hungry while you’re out and about! Their family-friendly menu features mouthwatering ingredients including Irish salt beef brisket and oak-smoked salmon. 

Le Delice Italian Bakery https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067072181533 

If you thought Italy was only good for pasta (and it is very good at pasta), hot-foot it to this Walthamstow-based bakery and you’ll get a delicious surprise. Everything’s fresh and hand-made on the premises - just breathe in that heavenly smell. 

Sweet treats

The English Cream Tea Company https://www.englishcreamtea.com/contactus

This innovative, Essex-based company has packed the entire afternoon tea experience into a hamper and sends them all over the country. Corporate gifts and zoom meeting food are among their product list, but we recommend checking out the delightful Secret Sconery...   

Tiptree Cakes https://www.tiptreecakes.com/contact-us

Yes, this artisanal bakery does have links to the Wilkin & Sons family, famous for its Tiptree jam, so quality is definitely baked in! They can create everything from cakes for all occasions, cookies and biscuits to quiches and pies. 

Honey, honey

Pebadale Apiaries http://www.pebadaleapiariescheshunt.co.uk/

This company has more than 35 years of beekeeping experience and are keen to share it with anyone who wants to learn their passion. They also create lots of delicious honey, supplied either in jars or on the comb. 

Hoyles Honey https://www.hoyleshoney.com/

This family owned company sells honey from its own bees, made from flowers grown on their farm in Navestock Side, Essex. It specialises in collecting raw honey, so it retains all its natural vitamins, enzymes and antioxidants.    

Epping Forest Honey Company https://eppingforesthoney.com/

Another local provider of 100% raw honey is this firm, whose sites include Chigwell, Chingford, Chipping Ongar, Epping, Loughton, Theydon Bois and Woodford Bridge. Their product range is broad and includes infused and Manuka honey.

Drinks

Wild Card Brewery Walthamstow https://www.wildcardbrewery.co.uk/blog

If you’re in the mood for some award-winning seasonal IPA, lager and pale ales, hot-foot it to this indie brewer’s taprooms in Ravenswood and Lockwood. They use a wide range of ingredients from around the world to create their beers, so expect the deliciously unexpected.  

Brentwood Brewing https://www.brentwoodbrewing.co.uk/

Alternatively, if you’re in the Brentwood neck of the woods, check out this award-winning, family run micro brewery. As well as offering gluten-free products, there are five different draught beers available at the firm’s bar, The Tap Room. 

Froth & Rind https://www.frothandrind.com/

If you fancy a nibble with your tipple, this Walthamstow company will be right up your street. It pairs fine cheeses, craft beers, wine and small batch gins, rums and port that are perfect for gift hampers or a bit of self-indulgence. 

English Spirit Distillers https://www.englishspirit.uk/great-yeldham

Great Yeldham Hall in the Essex countryside is home to this company, which distills a wide range of spirits and liqueurs, including rum, vodka and gin. Bottoms up!

Something spicy

Stuffed by SS (Ilford) https://www.bigbarn.co.uk/producer/ilford/stuffed-by-ss-28381/

How’s this for a hidden secret? This family company makes Tarka, a Punjabi base sauce, that is packed with robust flavours, freshly ground spices and locally sourced ingredients. It’s the perfect foundation for an authentic Punjabi curry. 

Local growers

Forty Hall Farm http://www.fortyhallfarm.org.uk/what-we-do/vineyard.html

Run by Capel Manor College, this certified organic farm is based in Enfield. The farm shop stocks vegetables, salad, eggs, flowers and free-range meat - all grown or reared on-site. It’s also home to the community-run Forty Hall Community Vineyard, whose tasty wines can be bought in the shop. 

OrganicLea Chingford https://www.organiclea.org.uk/contact-us/

If you like your veggies with a side-order of community good, then this food project based in the Lea Valley in north-east London will be just the ticket. It sells fresh produce grown at its Hawkwood Nursery market garden in Chingford, and also runs a box scheme. If you fancy having a ‘grow’ yourself, they welcome volunteers. 

So there you have it: 20 local producers of great food and drink at your fingertips. Sign up to the JustFix platform and we can put you in touch with great tradespeople in your area too.