Wivenhoe residents speak on Sunday Times 'best place' title

The Sunday Times named the quaint north Essex town in their Best Places to Live Guide - so we decided to take a trip to Wivenhoe to find our what makes it so great. 

During our visit, locals shared their thoughts on whether or not the town truly deserves the title.

Sue Fin, 66, is the owner of the Wivenhoe Bookshop, a charming establishment based in the High Street.

The business was opened in 1976 by Jean Harding and was passed to Sue in 2014 after a 30-year career at the shop.

She believes the town is worthy of the praise.

Popular - Sue Fin next to The Wivenhoe Bookshop (Image: Newsquest)

Cosy - a section of The Wivenhoe Bookshop (Image: Newsquest)

She said: “Wivenhoe is a beautiful location.

"It's got a fascinating history of ship building and trade.

"I've been here 45 years and seen a lot of change, but its history is delightful in so many ways.

"It’s got a very lively cultural community and has the most sociable people."

One of the town's most popular fish and chip shops is Henley’s of Wivenhoe, in Vine Drive.

Proud - Left to right: Henleys worker Soctt Jackson and manager David Patterson (Image: Newsquest)

Hearty portion - A cod and chips meal at Henley's (Image: Newsquest)

The multi-award winning eatery attracts customers at all hours of the day, all eager to grab a portion of its hearty offerings of fresh fish.

David Patterson has been the manager of the shop for 18 years, and he decided to move to the village seven years ago, he also agrees with the sentiment.

"Wivenhoe is a friendly village, people forget we are a village.

"All the residents are friendly and there is enough to do, we are spoilt with the public houses we have.

"Why shouldn't this little village get the recognition it deserves?!"

Jessika Hagerup, 47, the owner of the popular Norwegian Bakers, which sells freshly prepared goods to the people of Wivenhoe and at markets across the county, adores living in the town.

Bakers - Wivenhoe resident Jessika Hagerup and baker Anna of Norwegian Bakers (Image: Jessika Hagerup)

Tasty - some of the bakery's Belgian Buns (Image: Norwegian Bakers)

The master baker said: “Wivenhoe is a beautiful place and the people who live here really care about each other.

“They look after the amenities, public spaces and places which make Wivenhoe such a lovely place to visit or live.

“We have many regular and local customers who appreciate buying good quality, local products.

“We wouldn't want our little bakery to be anywhere else.”

The Sentinel Gallery, a stylish art gallery in Chapel Road, is run by Lorraine and Phillip George, the trustees of The Rob George Foundation.

Wivenhoe residents - Lorraine and Phillip George of The Sentinel Gallery and The Rob George Foundation (Image: Newsquest)

Art - an exhibition at the gallery with work from Ukrainian artist Michael Velychko (Image: Newsquest)

The charity is dedicated to providing practical and financial support to young people with life threatening or terminal illnesses.

The couple launched the non-profit after their son Rob George died on December 9, 2013, following a long battle with leukaemia.

The gallery allows local artists to hire the gallery for a fee, which goes to the charity.

Lorraine said: "It’s great Wivenhoe would embrace a gallery like this, people are very compassionate.

"It's quite an unusual village for historical connections to the university and the art world.

"You've got a very eclectic and stimulated population here, lots of people you meet here do interesting things.”

One of the crowning jewels of the village is the Rose and Crown Pub, in The Quay, a hotspot for drinks, social gatherings, and food.

Pub - the stylish pub area at the Rose and Crown pub (Image: Newsquest)

Resident - Jerry Davis and his dog Turbo at the pub (Image: Newsquest)

Divya, who has lived in Wivenhoe and worked in the pub for the last year, is currently studying her masters at Essex University.

She said: “It’s a quiet and happy place, the people are very friendly.

"Through this pub I’ve met many people here."

A testament to the kindness of the community, resident Jerry Davis, who has lived in Wivenhoe for 45 years, offered to buy me a drink and chat about his love of the area.

He said: "We lived in Colchester, my brother moved here, we liked it so much, we moved here.

"It's very friendly here, you can walk up the High Street and chat with anyone.

"I had a heart attack last year and everyone asked me how I was. I wouldn't live anywhere else.”

Rsvp, meanwhile, is a family-owned shop with a colourful range of trinkets and gifts for purchase.

Shop - rsvp (Image: Newsquest)

rsvp - some of the goods on sale (Image: Newsquest)

It’s run by Rhian and Steve Bullen and the name stands for their family members' initials: Rhian, Steve, and their two daughters, Violet, and Poppy.

Gill, a Wivenhoe resident and one of the shop assistants said: “I love working here.

“It is also a lovely place to come and visit, you've got the Wivenhoe trail, the park for kids, and so much more.”