Cafe Maldon

If you're after a bakery in Maldon with a proper sit-down lunch behind it, Cafe Maldon on Main Street is the kind of place locals point visitors towards. It runs as a cafe and bakery in one, so the pies come fresh from the oven and sit alongside a menu of focaccias, burgers, baked potatoes and a daily spread of cakes and scones.

The pies are what people tend to talk about first. One couple who came through town called them the best they'd ever had, and took home savoury muffins that went down just as well. Fair warning on the baked potatoes too: the spuds are a favourite here, and the Hawaiian gets plenty of mentions. We've heard the portions are generous, and the prices are seen as reasonable for what lands on the plate.

Dietary needs are well looked after. There are gluten-free choices, and the vegan options impress for a town this size, with the vegan spud described as a hearty, flavourful meal. Vegetarian dishes like the focaccia and a beetroot and haloumi salad also turn up in good words. Coffee gets a thumbs up, with decent-sized cups, and breakfast and brunch are on offer as well.

It's a casual, relaxed room with outdoor seating, and it suits families and groups. Takeaway, dine-in, delivery and catering are all offered. Staff come across as friendly and quick, and one visitor singled out Karen and Peter for their warmth. It does get busy, particularly on weekends, so one group suggests booking if there are several of you. Opinion isn't unanimous, and one diner was unhappy with a salad-heavy dish and how the concern was handled, but the overall word around town is warmly positive.

Hours are generally seven days from morning through to mid-afternoon, so it's best suited to breakfast and lunch. Check the hours before you head in.