Essex is famous for being full of people who know how to have a good time, which makes it the perfect place to go for a night out. Whether you’re looking for a classy bar, a fancy restaurant or something a little more quirky, Essex has it all.
So if you’re planning a night out in Essex, here are some of your options.
Coco Southend
Coco Southend is one of Essex’s best venues for live events. From close up magic at your table to drinks poured from a trapeze hoop, you’ll have a night out like no other.
You’ll find cabaret shows every Friday night and its Magic of the Movies show every Saturday which contains hit songs from classic movies, illusions and magic, cabaret and more.
From June to August, Coco Southend will be showing The Greatest Show. The variety show returns after a sell-out run in 2019.
A night at Coco is all you need, with food served from 7 pm, the show from 8:30 pm until 10:30 pm, and its resident DJ playing the best tunes until 2 am.
Rendezvous Casino
Rendezvous Casino brings the magic of Las Vegas to Essex. Located on the seafront in Southend, between Adventure Island and Sealife Adventure, Rendezvous Casino offers a mix of table games, slots, and electronic roulette.
For high rollers, there is a selection of Diamond Spins and VIP slots, while beginners are catered for too with a team of staff who can show you the ropes and teach you the rules. If you prefer to learn at home first, then there’s plenty of online casinos you can use to learn on. Most offer bonuses to new customers, such as BoyleSports Casino which gives 50 free spins to new customers.
It’s not just gaming you’ll find in Rendezvous Casino though, it has a range of live entertainment including performances from many tribute acts. It’s Elements Restaurant serves up fine dining, which its bar also has a range of classic dishes like burgers and curry.
Puttshack Lakeside
Minigolf was once something you did while by the beach or at a theme park, but it’s been enjoying a revival in recent years. Much of this is thanks to Puttshack, which has revolutionised the mini-golf experience. The Lakeside venue is the company’s first outside of London, and it’s brought the same great night out with it.
Gone are the little fiddly pencils. Gone are the tiny scorecards. Gone are the boring designs. Instead, Puttshack Lakeside uses cutting-edge tech to automatically score players and offer trackable performance history so you can see whether your game is improving. You’ll also be able to earn more points by getting your ball into the super tubes.
Puttshack turns into an adults-only venue each evening, with a wide selection of food and drinks available to accompany your game.
The Pink Toothbrush
The Pink Toothbrush is an odd name for an alternative nightclub that’s welcomed the likes of Slade, Blur, Ice T, de La Soul, Mat Home and Radiohead, but it’s a favourite among the locals.
Located in Rayleigh, The Pink Toothbrush is famous for serving up cheap drinks and playing the best indie music.
It claims to be the longest-running alternative nightclub in the UK. It first opened its doors in 1979, although its name back then was Croc’s because it had two live crocodiles that sat in a cage on the stage. It was first called The Pink Toothbrush in 1983, although no one is really sure why.
The Greyhound
If you’re looking for something a little more sedate, then The Greyhound is a great option. This countryside pub contains all sorts of rustic aesthetics, including a roaring fireplace, unique furniture and the charming wooden pillars found in many old buildings.
Offering up classic gastropub dishes, including one of the best Sunday roasts in the county.
It’s also a great place to just chat with friends, enjoying some of the many options on The Greyhound’s extensive drinks menu.
The Hall Lakeside
Located at intu Lakeside, The Hall brings a mix of different independent food traders from across Essex and London. With a range of food options available, across 6 different cuisines, The Hall can cater to every taste.
From classic, handcrafted pizzas and burgers to carefully prepared Indian dishes, The Hall brings a mix of the best artisan flavours.
There’s also a range of locally made drinks on offer, which can be enjoyed both inside and out. The outdoor space is great for the warmer months, with space for additional food vendors.
The Hall also caters for sports fans with a giant screen that shows live sport all day, and plenty of tables for playing food and table football.
Reids Billericay
Reids is well known for being one of the most lively nights out in Essex, with some of the best DJs pumping out the best tunes. It has a unique dance floor, set inside a library.
Reids is open Tuesday to Sunday and has six separate bars, each serving up their own special mix of drinks.
The venue stays open throughout the day, offering event space in a range of sizes and serving an extensive menu of food all day.
Unit 7 Basildon
Unit 7 is Basildon’s biggest night club, with three separate themed rooms with their own music. It’s a venue that won’t break the bank, offering reasonable prices and plenty of two-for-one deals.
After a £3 million refurbishment in 2015, Unit 7 increased its capacity by 50%. It needed it, with queues to get in regularly stretching around the corner. If you want to make sure you get in, you can add your name to the guest list on Unit 7’s website. It’s stylish interior features VIP booths, modern surroundings, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet night with friends, a place to party until the early hours, or something a little different, Essex has everything you need. With plenty of clubs that cater to every taste, plenty of great places to dine, and great casinos, Essex is a great place for a night out.
