The new openings all added something different to the towns they are found in, and all helped boost the region’s economy.
We’ve rounded up five of the new businesses to arrive in south Essex last year:
Daniel said he has been overwhelmed by the reaction from customers. (Image: George Pizani) Wine Meats Cheese, Southend
Wine Meats Cheese opened on Southend’s Market Place in late November, and residents have been enjoying its thoughtfully curated range of produce.
Daniel Carter, who runs the deli-style shop with his fiancée Sally Duvall, said he has been overwhelmed by the reaction from customers.
“Since opening our doors only six weeks ago, we’ve been blown away by the warmth and support of the Southend community. We’re thrilled to be a growing part of this vibrant area,” he said.
The pair hope to build on a very successful first Christmas period by opening both indoor and outdoor dining spaces this year.
Maggio Lounge, Billericay
September saw cafe and bar chain, Loungers, open its new Maggio Lounge in Billericay – in the former M and Co.
The new lounge pays “particular” attention to families and those with dogs, featuring a selection of games, books and even a doggy station offering treats.
Thomas Keauffling, general manager at Maggio Lounge, said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming the good folk of Billericay through the doors of Maggio Lounge.
“It’s a wonderful community and we’ve been made to feel very at home already with some lovely feedback.”
Holly Woodford noticed a lack of educational, parent-friendly, indoor activities when she had her own child two years ago. (Image: Holly Woodford) Little Play Village, Hadleigh
Little Play Village, on Hadleigh’s London Road, opened in mid-November and now offers an educational, safe and social option for parents bored of traditional soft play.
The miniature indoor village features a café, post office, hair salon, nursery, construction site, supermarket and vets for tots, as well as a normal sized café for parents and carers.
The new venue is the brainchild of Hadleigh mum, Holly Woodford, who noticed a lack of educational parent-friendly indoor activities when she had her own child two years ago.
Holly said: “After becoming a mum, I quickly realised there were limited local venues that catered to both children and their guardians, and their buggies.
“There was a gap in the market for a space that was not only safe and fun for little ones, but also inviting and welcoming for adults, and offering great food and coffee.”
Be my Guest, Westcliff
Aleksandra Szkurłat and her husband Krzysztof Szkurłat, opened Be My Guest on Hamlet Court Roa in late November.
The new restaurant replaced the former Green Oasis Jerk Chicken takeaway and offers a range of English breakfast foods, salads and steaks alongside traditional Polish dishes.
“Our prices are the best on the street and I try to use good quality products. We don’t do anything cheap and I think that customers appreciate that and the high standards.
“People are coming in here. Many people have tried our dumplings and they like them. It is often the first time for them and we have had meat and vegetarian options. There is something for everyone,” said Aleksandra.
Content creator Charlie Davis, hopes his new business can help boost the town centre’s “overlooked” nightlife. (Image: Charlie Davis) Glow Sports Zone, Basildon
Glow Sports Zone was launched in Basildon’s Eastgate Shopping Centre at the start of December by Youtube content creator Charlie Davis, with the hope of boosting the town centre’s “overlooked” nightlife.
Previously the Neon Nines crazy golf course, the venue was bought by Charlie’s company, Jet House, and now features nine brightly decorated mini-golf holes, a “crazy pool”, a darts room and a bar.
The 23-year-old influencer has almost one million subscribers on Youtube and hopes his new business can help Basildon grow into a regional nightlife destination.
He said: “I know that Basildon Council is trying to build out their nighttime economy, and we’re allowed to stay open until 11 o’clock in the evening.
“We’re hoping to be a major cog in that nighttime economy in Basildon.”