Food and drink: The Company Shed, West Meresea

Below Colchester and above Southend, justing out into the sea just at the entry of the Blackwater, lies Meresea Island. It’s a funny place: not especially beautiful, but on a bright July day after checking out some Essex vineyards, it has a mellow marine vibe.

The big attraction here is The Company Shed, where you can get stunning seafood platters, take them onto the beach, and eat and drink well (if you bring your own wine, like we did).

Oysters with Les Plumes Aligoté – the ropy one. A delicious combination.

It’s not fancy. It’s all about the quality of the seafood, which is excellent. And the vibe.

And the fab Les Fontennelles from François Saint Lô. A great seafood wine.