The popular Grape and Grain alfresco experience will return to Maldon Prom on Thursday, 22 April.

Having been a hit in the summer of 2020, the Covid secure Grape and Grain will run from Thursday to Sunday each week, from 12 noon until 10pm.

As last year, it will be aimed at those who wish to drink responsibly while enjoying some of the very best locally produced beer and wine, with some available from slightly further afield.

Local events organiser Eleanor Taylor is working in partnership with celebrity mixologist, Dustin MacMillan, to supply drinks from local brands such as Mighty Oak Brewing company, Wilkin & Sons fruit juices and spirits and wines from New Hall vineyards. Local Essex food traders will also be providing food.

This initiative hopes to support businesses and producers who have suffered during the Covid-19 pandemic. It will provide them with an additional opportunity to showcase their produce.

As well as supporting local producers, the experience will offer locally made snacks as well as employing local staff - and Maldon Salt will be supplying some of their salt for a Maldon Salt Bloody Mary.

Eleanor Taylor said: "The local producers are very pleased to have been given an additional opportunity in which to sell their locally produced 'Grape and Grain' and they have been extremely supportive. We are also pleased that local producer Tiptree, is on board and will be selling their gins.

"In addition, we will be selling a Maldon Pimms, using fruit from the local greengrocers at the Emporium to further support the High Street."