As a reminder for those who haven't already taken advantage of it - there's free parking in Maldon town centre on Thursday afternoons in the run-up to Christmas.

There will be free parking in town centre car parks each Thursday from 2pm, provided by Maldon District Council to help support a safe return to the High Street following the lifting of the second national lockdown.

Despite the difficulties faced by the hospitality trade, Maldon's pubs, restaurants and cafes have continued to step up to the mark for the festive season and anyone looking for a pre-Christmas treat should take a look at the variety of seasonal afternoon teas on offer in the town.

As well as the newly-refurbished Mrs Salisbury's with the unique ski gondolas outside (featured in Maldon Nub News last week) there's the Continental Cafe which this year has come up with the ingenious idea of a festive heated igloo in the courtyard area by the King's Centre, directly off the High Street.

As the pictures here show, it's a romantic setting and the selection of cakes an treats looks absolutely delicious.

Continental Cafe owner Mike Strong has said the igloo is proving a big hit, but there are some spaces left for booking. Each booking costs £5 and lasts for 1 hour and 45 minutes.

He added: "This year has been a struggle for independent businesses and the High Street, but we have found that people are shopping more locally and closer to home instead of going to the bigger towns and cities.

"The support of the local community has been and is amazing."

To make a booking for the igloo or afternoon tea at the Continental call 01621 843372.

There are other festive afternoon teas and treats a-plenty, too, with picturesque Maldon High Street's huge range of pubs, restaurants, coffee houses and tea rooms. A number of these are staying open for late-evening Thursday shopping this week, too, including (there will be others, too):

Serendipity Tearoom

The Swan

Oakhouse

Sophie's Kitchen

Gelato Venice

Phoenix

The Emporium

The Bra Consultancy

Ruby & Rose

The Crystal Shack

SILO

M&S Simply Food

For more information on Maldon's independent businesses shoppers can also visit the Around Maldon website here.