Located in Hockley town centre, CJ's Bowling is the perfect place to get a little competitive with your partner. Enjoy a game on their neon-lit lanes, or try your hand at snooker, pool and augmented reality darts - with prices starting from as little as £18.95 for a 30-minute session. And if all the excitement has got you feeling peckish? Then head t their restaurant for sourdough pizzas, loaded nachos, spicy bean burgers and so much more.

What better way to start a weekend with your beau than with bottomless booze and tasty food? Garage Brunch is offering all that - and by that we mean an hour of free-flowing cocktails and two courses - along with a soundtrack of bangers.

Whether you head to the Romford or Loughton outpost, Zizzi is the perfect place to go for romantic Italian dinners. Both venues boast vibrant and quirky interiors, not to mention mouthwatering menus. Chow down on all kinds of tasty eats, from piccante pizza and lentil ragu pasta to six layer lasagne and chicken Milanese.

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Entertaining and quirky, Teamsport is a brilliant go-karting emporium in Basildon. Starting at just £15 per person, the indoor gaming spot will see you and your boo driving around the two-levelled, 500-metre track, before taking to the bar for a post-race drink. Loser buys... 

When it comes to cheap things to do for couples in Essex, Puttshack is a fun option. Not only is it a great reason to flex your crazy golf skills but the venue itself is gorgeous, decked out in neon lights and colourful signs. Plus, it has a tonne of tasty drinks and nibbles for those of you in need of a mid-game refuel.

Looking to do something fun on your Saturday daytime date? Check out the Party Bottomless Brunch at Onyx Bar and Restaurant. Not only will you get two courses of delish Italian-inspired grub featuring goodies like asparagus risotto and chicken Milanese, but also unlimited beer, wine and fizz or a cocktail upgrade - all while music plays.

For a romantic day out in Essex, take your significant other to this charming pub. As well as serving up rural views on their large outdoor terrace, The Chequers Matching Green also whips up a host of locally sourced dishes including pan-seared tuna steaks and gourmet veggie burgers.

A failsafe for weekday happy hour cocktails and delicious nosh, Slug and Lettuce has also got your weekend antics sorted. Hit them up for a leisurely brunch of American-style pancakes, smashed avo on toast and eggs galore or take things up a notch and enjoy free-flowing drinks for two hours. 

With a prime location on the waterfront of the River Crouch, Anchor is a gorgeous rural pub giving you everything you need for a romantic couple's day out. Enjoy pretty views of the boozer's farmland and  nature reserve while checking out its menu filled with breakfast, brunch and Sunday roast delights such as slow-cooked Lebanese lamb, pollo piccante and eggs funghi.

Electric Gamebox Lakeside offers a fantastic selection of immersive experiences where you and your date will get thrown into all kinds of quirky adventures. Whether you fancy testing your suitability to join the CIA or are keen to become a deadly participant on Netflix's Squid Game, they've got you covered.

Are you a couple of competitive bar-goers? Then you'll want to check out top activity destination Boom Battle Bar Lakeside. This venue not only has fun bottomless brunches as well as tasty bites and tipples such as tex-mex tater tots and spice mango margaritas, but also axe throwing, shuffleboard, augmented reality darts and much more.

Kickstart your day by munching on a scrumptious spread in an '80s-inspired diner environment with your boo. Yes, we're talking about a classic date at the one and only, The Breakfast Club. Serving up world-famous breakfasts, brunches and lunches, this vibrant hotspot dishes out traditional British dishes and flavoursome comfort foods.

Whether you're meeting up for an after-work drink, a bite to eat or a weekend blowout, Revolution's got just the thing. The vodka party pros also have a stunning rooftop for some summertime cocktails like A Proper Melt and French Kiss Martini along with floral-filled interiors that are sure impress.

Whether it's an anniversary dinner or a regular date night, check out BCK YRD Golf in the heart of Chelmsford city centre with your other half. Not only does this party bar have two 10-hole courses to play together, but it also whips up delicious bevvies, such as cocktails and alcoholic slushies.

Fancy a night out on the tiles with your number one? Chinnerys in Southend-on-Sea is a top choice for the music lovers among you. Not only does the venue play host to a number of talented bands and performers, but it's also an epic party spot for those of you looking to dance 'til the early hours.

Cooking up mouthwatering Sunday roasts, The Greyhound in Brentwood is a no-brainer when it comes to hearty food in a knockout location. Settle into one of the cosy nooks or head out to the beer garden and fill your boots with meaty and veggie-friendly chomps with all the trimmings.