VISITORS to Maldon Prom's new Grape and Grain Experience were grateful for a nice cold drink on the hottest weekend of the year.

The pop-up outlet, selling quality locally-produced wines, beers and other drinks went down a storm as it launched in the midst of the heatwave.

Maldon MP John Whittingdale popped along to support the event yesterday (Sunday 10 August), which runs every Thursday to Sunday from 12 noon until dusk - and is aimed at supporting local businesses as they recover from the economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Covid-secure event is being organised by local events co-ordinator Eleanor Taylor, who is working in partnership with Events Factor, a Maldon-based company. It is aimed at those who wish to drink responsibly.

As well as supporting local wine and beer producers, snacks made locally will be available and Maldon Salt are supplying a key ingredient for a Maldon Salt Bloody Mary. The pop-up is staffed by local workers.

Event organiser Eleanor Taylor said: "The local producers are 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 don't have exact figures for how many people came along, but we were nicely busy all weekend."