Maldon Nub News aims to be supportive to EVERY element of the community from business and shops to people and charities and clubs and sports organisations.

Everyone is finding it tough at the moment and wants life to get back to normal.

We will be profiling some of these local businesses and groups regularly over coming weeks in a new series of our feature called UP CLOSE IN MALDON in the hope that we can be a supportive springboard for your full return to business as usual.

Today we feature an interview with Charlie Ellingham, founder of new online delivery service Saltmarsh Deli. Charlie tells Nub News how he hopes this new venture will support local producers and the community as it emerges from the pandemic and looks towards a brighter future.

Entrepreneur Charlie Fillingham is a long-standing advocate of all things Maldon district and the Saltmarsh Coast.

So it is hardly surprising that he is the driving force behind a new business that aims to help local food and drink producers get their high-quality produce straight into the doors of Essex homes – and, in the current climate, to help these independent and often small-scale suppliers survive.

Saltmarsh Deli, based just outside Maldon, is a new online delivery service that hopes to become a one-stop shop for local produce and has already sourced 300 food and drink products from around 40 suppliers around the Saltmarsh Coast. Many of these products are not seen in supermarkets.

Charlie said: "I plan for Saltmarsh Deli to become a one-stop shop, supporting the local economy by protecting jobs, introducing different foods and treats and keeping food miles down.

"Through Saltmarsh Deli you should improve cooking at home with quality ingredients, handmade sauces and reproduce the eating out while staying in experience.

Produce includes flour, jam, fresh meat and game, sausages, prepared meals and pies, fresh bread, sauces, eggs, edible oils, coffee and tea, crisps, milk shakes, chocolate, beer, wine and spirits and a growing supply of gluten free, vegetarian and vegan foods. Absolutely all of these are made locally.

Cheese and butter are about to be added to the list as the Saltmarsh team actively source new local produce daily.

Charlie and his team have been amazed at how many different products there are and his enthusiasm for the new business is obvious.

"I want the focus to be on the local producers who supply us and the great range of food and drink available. It's so important that people get to know and try the wonderful produce from the local area," Charlie said.

"The feedback we are getting so far has been great and people are really impressed with the goods we have delivered.

"We're also offering some complete meal options, such as a quality two course meal with either a delicious bottle of local wine or beer or apple juice.

Anyone wanting to find out more about Saltmarsh Deli and the food and drink that can be delivered to their door every day – and more information about the producers - can browse the website and order via the link here.

Saltmarsh Deli can also be followed on Facebook and Instagram, where new products will be introduced to the range.

Saltmarsh delivers daily across Essex with two-hour slots and no delivery charges for an order over £20.