Sometimes you can’t beat a good cocktail – long with a garnish or short over ice, shaken not stirred. How ever you like them Essex has a plethora of fantastic places to get them and here are nine of our favourites
1. The Speak Easy Bar, Epping
The Speak Easy Bar opened in Epping back in 2007 after the owners decided they wanted a bar that was dedicated to playing live music and DJ sets. Located on the corner of Epping’s High Street, the bar is modern and elegant set in the style of a classic Chicago long bar with an option for intimate seating dotted away form the bar top. The cocktail menu features all of the classics using a vast variety of rum, vodka, gin, whisky and even Champagne.
2. Vertigo, Hornchurch
Tucked away in the centre of Hornchurch is Vertigo. This modern lounge bar is based over three floors, each one with its own unique identity. The ground floor is designed to be a casual space for relaxed drinks. Pop in for a tipple in the week after work or sample the vast cocktail menu until the early hours on the weekends whilst listening to the resident DJ. The middle floor acts as a function room, serving delicious afternoon teas for birthdays, weddings or any other celebration you can think of. And finally the top floor, offering stunning views of the Hornchurch skyline, is the perfect spot for a more intimate drink, complete with its own private outdoor terrace.
3. Baroosh, Chelmsford
Since first opening its doors in 2006, Baroosh in Chelmsford has quickly become the place to go when you’re after somewhere relaxed for a few drinks and nibbles with friends. Their kitchens use only the finest fresh ingredients to create a menu offering delicious bar snacks, gourmet burgers and main plates such as ramen, crayfish and avocado salad and 28 day-aged, grass fed 8oz sirloin steaks. The cocktail menu is vast; offering classic mojitos, old fashioneds, ameretto sours and many more.
4. Waikiki Bar and Club, Colchester
Waikiki is a bar and club found in the heart of Colchester offering a vibrant and unique atmosphere that’s a fantastic spot for evenings drinks or a night out on the town. As you may have inferred from the name the bar has a Hawaiian theme serving drinks from real coconut and pineapple husks and giving patrons the opportunity to rent out ‘tiki tables’ with host service. The cocktails are all similarly island themed from a mahalo mojito, blue lagoon, and the conch shell sharing cocktail.
5. Memoirs, Colchester
Memoirs Restaurant and Cocktail Bar in Colchester’s town centre is set in the Old Library building. The restaurant/bar oozes character with its ornate artwork and period architecture. In contrast to this the atmosphere is contemporary: a refined cocktail menu and modern dishes make for an enchanting environment for an evening of drinks with friends.
6. Chop Bloc, Chelmsford
If you ever find yourself hankering for a gourmet burger or a juicy steak then Chop Bloc in Chelmsford is the place for you. Set over three incredible floors in the old 18th century brewers’ building, guests can enjoy their meals downstairs before retreating upstairs to the Bloc Bar and sampling some the best cocktails in town. The Bloc Bar cocktail menu is extensive with a huge selection of handpicked drinks to suit all tastes from a rum old fashioned, sloe gin sour, mai tai, and largaritas!
7. The Brickyard, Romford
The Brickyard in Romford is not only a bar and club it’s also a restaurant with a modern, sophisticated atmosphere perfect for a night out or even for a few casual, relaxed drinks after work. The two bars serve a fantastic mix of classics cocktails and the music, live bongos, saxophones and dancers, make for a eclectic, vibrant environment.
8. The Wine Cellar, Chelmsford
Hidden away along the charming alleyways next to Chelmsford’s Cathedral you’ll find The Wine Cellar. Known for serving a staggering array of drinks from exotic bottled beers and a humungous wine list, as well as a range of luxurious cocktails, there is something here for every palate. The independent restaurant also serves delicious food from a varied menu featuring corn fed chicken supreme, rib eye steak and thyme roasted vegetable tarte tatin.
9. Back Inn Time, Chelmsford
Back Inn Time is all about bringing the great tastes of the United States to the people of Chelmsford. The American themed diner enjoys a relaxed, fun-filled atmosphere, the perfect place to kick back with family or friends. Tuck into a massive selection of burgers, steaks, ribs and even Mexican chilli. The cocktail list on offer is staggering with lots of different drinks to choose from. So many in fact that you’ll need to visit several times over before you’ve sampled them all!
