The Lock, A Tiptree Tea Room in Heybridge Basin

Bright and airy, The Lock is THE place to eat on the waterfront at Heybridge Basin. Indoors or out, it offers outstanding Blackwater estuary views. This former ship’s chandlers and café serves traditional café-style breakfasts, home-made lunches and Tiptree cream teas. Enthusiastic staff take full advantage of fresh local produce: hand-made local cakes, fresh salads, jacket potatoes and Tiptree preserves with home-made scones. A list of daily specials and the traditional menu provides a range of refreshments throughout the day.

There’s something at Heybridge Basin to suit most tastes. The Basin is where the Chelmer & Blackwater canal meets the tidal Blackwater estuary, and the fresh water merges with salt water. This Essex riverside village retains much of the character of a bygone age and it’s a wonderful place to unwind. In the winter enjoy the solitude, in spring watch as hardy walkers, avid birdwatchers and the first of the boat owners venture forth. During the summer the Basin is alive with action and from daybreak to dusk it’s a great place to sit and watch riverside life. Others say autumn is the best time to enjoy the views across the river to Northey and Osea Islands.

Walkers exploring the Essex coastline from here are spoilt for choice: east along the sea wall passing Osea Island en route for Goldhanger and Tollesbury: or follow the coastal path west towards the old port of Maldon with a return route to the Basin via Wave Bridge and the canal tow path, in time for a cream tea at “the lock”. Heybridge Basin developed with the construction of the Chelmer and Blackwater canal. As Chelmsford expanded, the need for an effective system of transportation from the estuary to the centre of Essex became essential. In 1793 an Act of Parliament was passed granting the making and maintenance of the canal. Small shops and public houses were established to support the canal workforce, boatyards and importers of eels and timber. In 916, the Saxons established a settlement just across the river at Maldon and for many years it was the second most important town in Essex, after Colchester. Several Thames sailing barges are berthed at Hythe Quay and the promenade park has been a favourite since Victorian times.

VISIT THE LOCK

From Maldon, take the B1026, Goldhanger Road and shortly before the 40mph limit ends, turn right into Basin Road. After one mile, park in Daisy Meadow car park and follow the canal towpath to the sea wall. The Lock is the low white building with a red roof, right on the river front ahead of you. Wheelchair access via sea wall ramp. Wheelchair-accessible toilet available.