If there's one thing we never tire of, it's unusual places to go out. Fortunately, this county is filled with all kinds of fun watering holes to keep us on our toes. Don't believe us? Take a look at our list of the best cool and quirky bars in Essex to explore the unique activity venues and retro cocktail dens that are ready to take your weekend antics up a notch.
Last edited by Scarlett Welch
Jungle interiors, dancing waiters and a sun-soaked roof terrace... Be At One is one of the most exciting cocktail bars in Essex. Renowned for its stylish decor and party vibes, this Chelmsford favourite has got you covered from day to night with happy hours and banging beats.
Brentwood has hit the jackpot with the premiere sushi and seafood restaurant, Zebrano. Not only is it gorgeous to look at, with low-hanging lights, botanical accents and plush seating, but it also boasts a menu to match. Think fried soft shell tacos, sashimi and snow crab California rolls.
On the hunt for somewhere unique in Essex to enjoy a tipple or two? The Chequers Matching Green is as cool as they come, boasting quirky interiors and a stunning alfresco terrace. Pop over for a range of delicious sips, from cocktails and aperitifs to beers and wines.
Slug and Lettuce is a no-brainer for cool and quirky places to drink in Essex, boasting neon signs and plush interiors. Meet your mates at the Colchester or Chelmsford bar for a raucous bottomless brunch or a couple of after-work cocktails.
Bottomless brunch? Games galore? Cocktail trees? It's all on the cards at Boom Battle Bar Lakeside. Get stuck into augmented reality darts, shuffleboard, axe throwing and more here, with DJs on the weekends too.
If you're looking for fun things to do in Essex for adults, make sure to check out Players Lounge. Not only does it boast a brilliant golf simulator so you can putt your skills to the test, but also top DJ nights, live music sets and a fabulous range of unusual cocktails.
Flying the flag for quirky Essex spots, The Merchant in Brentwood is giving us some real 70s vibes, thanks to its retro wallpaper and eccentric prints. The perfect place to spend game days due to its numerous screens, this bar also has a range of drinks and meal offers to sweeten the deal.
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Crazy golf and beer buckets? Having taken London by storm, Puttshack has brought its neon-lit drinking den to Essex. Swing by Lakeside and you'll get to take part in some seriously high-tech putting, complete with a fully stocked bar and tasty food to keep you fuelled up.
After some entertainment on your next night out? Then head to CJ's Bowling in Hockley, where they've got all kinds of fun goings-on. Check out their retro lanes, with space for up to 12 different groups at a time, alongside the augmented reality dartboards and snooker or pool tables. Even better? You can get your hands on everything from barbecue chicken sourdough pizzas to loaded nachos and juicy burgers.
If you're looking to shake your tailfeather somewhere cool, Faces is the Ilford club that you need to check out. Not only can you indulge in a bucketload of delicious signature cocktails, but also wile out to live entertainment and cracking DJ sets 'til the early hours.
One of the best cool and quirky cocktail bars in Essex, Revolution is your go-to for fruity tipples and midnight antics. Spend a fun evening with friends at this floral-filled hangout or hit it up later and dance 'til the early hours.
Boasting floral arrangements and panoramic scenes, Epping Roof Garden is a quirky Essex bar like no other. Make your way to the sky-high space, where you'll get to snap that perfect picture for the 'Gram, all while quaffing delicious cocktails in style.
A multi-level playground for drinking and dancing, Vertigo Lounge is keeping you entertained all year round. As one of the finest rooftop bars in Essex, it's ideal for some summertime tanning, not to mention regular weekend DJ sets.
