Halle Groves

Bird & Bean, an independent café on Connaught Avenue in Frinton-on-Sea, is celebrating eight years in business. The café has built a loyal customer base with brunch dishes, coffee, cakes and a welcoming atmosphere for families, younger customers and older residents. Manager Lucy Anson credits owners Denni and Dan King and the local community for its success, including continued support during the Covid-19 pandemic. The café has received local recognition, including a nomination for a Tendring Blue Ribbon award and a community-voted award for best coffee in Frinton, and hopes to expand while preserving its independent, community-focused character.

Clacton-on-Sea business owner Victoria Wright has opened Lavish Diva Ritual & Training Studio on Telford Road after more than a decade as a mobile therapist. The studio offers wellness treatments including massage and facial lymphatic therapies, as well as training in beauty and holistic treatments. Wright emphasizes accessible, judgment-free support for people with disabilities and those seeking help with mental wellbeing. She says the venture has received strong local support and hopes eventually to mentor other business owners and build a supportive community.

Bird & Bean, an all-women-run café on Connaught Avenue in Frinton, is praised for its relaxed seaside atmosphere, family- and dog-friendly setting, extensive menu and friendly service. The reviewer particularly enjoyed the Eggs Royal, avocado and vanilla iced latte, and recommends the café for breakfast, brunch or lunch, noting fair prices, convenient parking and the business’s eight years on the High Street.

Victoria Hart's It's Girls Powder women's safety pop-up in Soho attracted more than 300 visitors during Pride in London weekend. The venue offered phone charging, lockers, emergency “SOS kits,” spare clothing and a safe place for women to rest or socialise while out in the city. Hart said the strong visitor response, investor interest and positive feedback confirmed demand for the service, which was inspired by her own experiences of feeling unsafe. She plans further London events, expansion to Manchester and Newcastle, and a second pop-up in Weeley, while partnering with the Herline safety app and supporting Clacton DJs.

Mangiare Ristorante Italiano on Connaught Avenue in Frinton-on-Sea is praised for its cosy indoor setting, spacious outdoor area, welcoming staff and relaxed atmosphere. The review highlights the frozen strawberry daiquiri, pollo con funghi with tagliatelle and a customisable pizza featuring pancetta, goat’s cheese, pesto and spinach. Despite the restaurant being busy, service remained accommodating, leading to an overall positive recommendation for diners seeking Italian food near the seafront.