THE ribbon has been cut to mark the opening of Lambton & Jackson's new smokehouse on the edge of Maldon.

Maldon MP John Whittingdale attended the official launch of the new build premises at The Barns in Chigborough Road, Heybridge, on Friday, 16 July, with a host of local business leaders to enjoy beautiful canapes and a toast in the sunshine.

The attractive building, designed to be in keeping with the scenic surroundings of the Chigborough Fisheries, is where the company has been able to expand production of its high-quality Maldon Deep Smoked Salmon and Oak Smoked Eel.

Sean Jackson and Darcy Lambton started smoking salmon in early 2014 in a small premises at the Chigborough Fisheries site. However, the success of the business soon grew – and Lambton & Jackson were soon delivering across the UK, establishing a particularly strong wholesale trade in London.

In fact, customers in the capital include five-star hotels, such as The Goring Hotel, Holborn Dining Room at The Rosewood London, The Beaumont and The Dorchester.

Unsure where and how to expand their smokehouse operation as they loved the Chigborough Fisheries site where they had started, Sean and Darcy were delighted when a double stroke of good luck meant a plot of land close by became available at around the same time that they learned of potential grant funding from the EU Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Rural Community Council of Essex.

This meant that once planning permission had been granted, the new smokehouse became an affordable possibility – and Lambton & Jackson moved into their state-of-the-art new premises in March 2020.

Of course, the official opening was delayed by the pandemic and while the business was affected by the national lockdown, loyal customers who wanted the luxury smoked salmon helped pull the business through.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Darcy said: "We thought of many things that could interrupt our business plans – but we didn't imagine a global pandemic. We thank our magnificent customers who love the smoked salmon we are so passionate about and who continued to support us during the lockdowns."

Mr Whittingdale said: "I am delighted to officially open Lambton & Jackson's new premises – it is a wonderful addition to everything that Maldon district has to offer."

Canapes and catering for the event were provided by Adam Blackett at Farm Cafe by Black Pig Catering, also at Chigborough Road opposite the new smokehouse..

To find out more about Lambston & Jackson you can find the company's website at the link here.

-The Farm Café serves brunch using a variety of local produce - including Lambton & Jackson salmon – on Wednesdays and Sundays from 9am to 2pm (no booking) and has burger and lobster evenings on Fridays and Saturdays (book online). To find out more visit their Instagram page here.