Some of Maldon's popular hospitality businesses have spoken out about the devastation caused by the district's move into Tier 3 tomorrow (Wednesday, 16 December).

Here Maldon Nub News brings you the latest from a few of the town's pubs, restaurants, cafes and tearooms, as well as an overview from Allison Fox, chairman of Maldon Business Board and owner of Willow and Fox boutique.

Allison says: "The news of Tier 3 is tragic for hospitality businesses.

"Whilst I don't believe it's a shock that we have got to this stage, I do believe it has come earlier than expected. If only the food and drink establishments could have seen it through the festive period. Many of our local High Street businesses have spent a fortune on outside cover, from gondolas to igloos to huge marquees and heaters.

"As for the rest of the High Street, it's a waiting game to see if we attract the business we need to get us through. As the owner of a boutique myself, I am feeling positive. The public support has been amazing and we have had great footfall and it's not just about making an income, it's been so lovely to see friendly faces, put the Christmas music on and have chats with local people and feel festive.

"It's not all doom and gloom, we have seen Borough Carpets expand into new premises, Miss Rachel Holland open her shop and we have the new Aesthetics business opening. The Little Shop of Sweets and Treats has been a great addition to our town and there are a couple of other businesses due to open soon to include a locksmith and key cutting business who are taking over the old Borough Carpets shop."

Charlie Goss, Manager of Mrs Salisbury's Tearooms:

"As we head into Tier 3 we're left with mixed emotions. As a business, closing ahead of our busiest week of the year is financially disastrous. 2020 has been a rollercoaster journey and this last blow certainly feels like hospitality has been singled out.

"The restrictions our team have had to work with have been extremely difficult. We are endlessly grateful for how hard they've worked to allow our guests to enjoy Mrs Salisbury's this year and they are heroes in their own right. Hospitality is at the heart of our High Street, a coffee or lunch break is part of the shopping experience in a small town and we just hope our local shops and neighbours have a good and busy end to the year."

Gary and Jackie of The Maldon Swan:

Well firstly it's devastating news for us. We have had enormous costs setting up to make our property Covid safe and then the hire of the marquee on top of that. When we have to close we lose all of our fresh produce, fish, meat, etc. Beer going out of date in the cellar. This is the third time we have had to endure this and this time on very short notice. December is typically a very busy month for us and this gets us through the very quiet months of January and February -we have obviously lost this.

"The hospitality industry opened on 4 July, the Covid figures remained steady and only started to spike in mid-September, when the schools and universities opened. We struggle to see how we can be blamed for the rising figures.

"One of Maldon's attributes is it's quaint High Street and the pubs and restaurants are a part of this.

"We wonder how many will be able to continue to trade after this is all over."

Hayley Wright of Serendipity Tearoom:

"The team and I are absolutely devastated by the news yesterday. We have worked so hard to make sure that the tearoom and gift shop are Covid secure and safe for customers to visit. It has been such a hard year for the independent businesses as we don't have the security the bigger chains have. It is also extremely hard for some of our regulars as for some, we were the only source of interaction they have.

"This second shut down will be extremely difficult for us financially. We are a new business to the High Street and we still have our overheads to cover. We will carry on as long as we can and will continue to operate with takeaway and delivery services, but it will be a very difficult end to the year for us, like so many other businesses in the High Street."

James Burrell-Cook, landlord of The Queen Victoria pub in Spital Road:

"We are devastated. The hospitality business seems to be being blamed when we have all worked so hard to make our businesses safe. Here we spent £20,000 on Covid-secure measures, including the marquee, as well as a lot of money on beer and food that will now largely go to waste.

"On top of all that, we still have no insurance payout because of the burden of proof that Covid was on our premises when we had to shut.

"But we will do our best to carry on and go back to takeaways, deliveries and helping the local community in any way we can - and hopefully, we will see everyone again on the other side."