The ground floor restaurant has two floors of flats above, which were evacuated before fire crews arrived.

Essex is steeped in history, and one tiny village is said to be home to the oldest wooden church in the world.

The production, Our Little Hour, arrives at Colchester’s Mercury Theatre on February 10, 2026.

The former site of a Wivenhoe tapas restaurant in the heart of the town has been listed on the market.

The Times has shared its picks for the 19 best UK Christmas light trails for 2025, with one of the top spots not too far from Essex.

A teenager from Colchester has won the best young content creator award at this years Football Content Awards.

RESIDENTS have shared why they love the village of Aldham.

A list of Colchester Christmas tree growers and providers that have received a number of high rated reviews on Google.

Royal Gurkha Lounge may not have the benefit of a prime city-centre location, but what it offers inside far outweighs its modest exterior.

A GLASS walkway set to be built to show-off an underground Roman mosaic in Colchester will be able take the equivalent weight of a rare breed of rhinoceros, plans have shown.

The Essex Toy Cave in Colchester is continuing to grow its customer base with constant interest from toy enthusiasts.

AS the year comes to end we are shining a spotlight on some of the most picturesque images of Essex wildlife, captured by our Gazette Camera Club photographers.

A POPULAR rock band has praised a Colchester charity and popular venue in the city after headlining a massive event in the city

Long-serving staff member Gemma Barclay, 40, has stepped into the role of landlady at The Fox and Fiddler Inn.

A man in his 20s was attacked with a glass object which resulted in a significant facial injury.

He will serve an additional year on licence, and he will also be subject to notification requirements for 10 years.

AS part of our spotlight on Aldham, the Gazette has compiled a fact file about the area.

Families and Lego enthusiasts visited Charter Hall, in Cowdray Avenue, for the National Bricks Colchester event.

The Mercury Theatre is preparing for a packed line-up of Christmas productions and events.

Four Jaywick lots are due to go under the hammer at the upcoming Dedman Gray auction including a block of seven flats.

On Saturday, Soul Print and Two Left Feet Promotions present The Rhythm Loft on the top floor of Three Wise Monkeys

Colchester councillor, Dave Harris has handed over more than £150 which he raised for this year's poppy appeal.

Parents and carers can enjoy the visitor centre’s café and shop during the event with a special ‘sweat treats offer’ on for participants in the tearoom.

In a county full of historic houses, charming barns and luxurious hotels, here are the wedding venues that came out on top.

From centuries-old coaching inns to polished gastropubs where children are genuinely welcomed.

Lakeside Shopping Centre is popular all year round and even more so over the festive period. Here is when it is open during the 2025 festive season.

ALB Festival will return to Lower Castle Park on September 12 and September 13 in 2026 with Scouting For Girls.

Robert Brown was taking part in the World Naked Bike Ride in Colchester when motorcyclist Lee Turnage punched him off his bicycle in Hythe Hill.

Tiptree councillors are launching a community advent calendar with cash up for grabs.

The Coda Bar transformed into an unexpected haven of Scottish revelry as part of the Colchester Fringe.

Two of the best rated Essex pubs for Christmas dinner are in the Colchester district according to Google.

The exercise, held at the Minami-Eniwa training area, saw British and Japanese soldiers train side by side.

Located at 66 High Street, on the corner of Queens Road, the shop represents a long-held dream finally taking shape.

The M25 clockwise are facing delays this evening following a series of incidents affecting multiple junctions.

The library is set to reopen after a major transformation, including a new children’s imagination and literacy centre.

A Big Brother couple has been spotted on a casual afternoon stroll through Colchester.

Taylor Oliver, 18 placed Sergeant Scott Lewis in a choke hold while the officer tried to arrest his stepfather last February.

George Kerr, 25, was taken to Colchester Hospital after he was discovered at home on Sunday, November 9.

Campaigners in Colchester have criticised the council for not flying the Palestinian flag as the council said it is focusing on unity.

Thirteen women stripped down for a calendar girls themed photoshoot to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.

MP for Harwich and north Essex, Sir Bernard Jenkin has reflected on the announcement of the 2025 budget.

An ex-soldier has been fined after punching a man outside a supermarket.

A special appearance was made from Clacton MP and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage earlier this afternoon to celebrate the relaunch.

A man from Burnham has lost his battle with cancer, as his family shared a heartfelt tribute.

There were thousands of items up for grabs at the St Helena Hospice charity shop and donation centre in Peartree Road.

A Colchester based toy shop is leaving gifts at a variety of shops across the city for every day leading up to Christmas.

The first ever women's charity football team are kicking off and making history this weekend - all the details you need.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves removes high end cars from Motability Scheme in a move which makes people with disabilities feel like they are unworthy.

Sergeant Scott Lewis and Special Inspector Mark Barham were attacked last year when they were trying to arrest Taylor Oliver and Samuel Minter.

The Mercury Theatre is offering up to five days of work experience for those in Year 12 to 13 and interested in working front-of-house.