Drinking Havering & Essex; Supporting Local Business

Ae you all know, I pride myself on supporting local all of the time, but even more so now we are spending a hell of a lot less time in London. In fact, in just over six months, I’ve been into London for work once and to the Museum of London for a local based exhibition which makes a huge change from us being there 5 days a week at least.

So to make your life a little easier, I am working on collaborating a lovely long list of places around Essex that will be added to the more we visit/find.

*If there isn’t a write-up, we’ve not visited yet… we’re working on getting round to them all!

Hornchurch

Hop Inn

The Hop Inn is 100% our local drinking spot! We are there once a week, and no we don’t have a drinking problem, we are simply supporting local! With local craft beers on cask, cans from all over the UK and bottles from all over the world; there’s a beer there for every taste. If beers not your thing, then there’s a wine or spirit worth trying too. Owners, Alison and Phil, are so well educated that they’re bound to find you something you’ll want to drink time and time again.

122 North St, Hornchurch RM11 1SU

Frankies Wine Bar

Frankies Wine Bar is known for freshly made signature cocktails, glittery interior and party atmosphere with DJ. Frankies, has been labelled a great destination to sample fine wine, your favourite cocktails, and enjoy the very best music from the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s. The Happy Hour cocktail list is vast a really worth the money too.

29 Station Ln, Hornchurch RM12 6JL

VBar

Hidden behind the Mandarin Palace and Umberto’s in the High Street, VBar is a highly spaciou bar with a mixed clientele of all ages enjoying the drinks and music. The staff were really friendly and drinks decent value too.

197-201 High St, Hornchurch RM11 3XT

Upminster

Fete Lounge

Fete Lounge is a cutesy cocktail bar in Upminster High Street that is inspired by the Caribbean ‘Rum Shop’ culture. After a trip to the Caribbean, the owners wanted to provide a friendly and comfortable place to meet, relax and socialise, with a selection of carefully considered food and drinks that deliver on flavour and fun at any time of day.

6 Station Rd, Upminster, RM14 2UB

Gidea Park

Gidea Park Micropub

Despite having announced Gidea Park Micropub was closing during the lockdown, we are super pleased that they’re back open and going from strength to strength. They have banging beers on cask and keg with plenty of advice available if you’re not sure what tickles your fancy.

236 Main Rd, Romford RM2 5HA

Brentwood

Brentwood Brewery Taproom

Brentwood Brewery is a small taproom attached to the brewery itself. With four draught beers on the bar along side a range of bottled Brentwood and Elephant School beers there’s plenty to taste and drink! They also offer brewery tour which is so worthwhile doing whilst you’re there!

Calcott Hall Farm, Ongar Rd, Brentwood CM15 9HS

Leigh On Sea

Leigh On Sea Brewery Taproom

35 Progress Rd, Leigh-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 5PR

Chelmsford

The Ale House

24-26 Viaduct Road, Chelmsford CM1 1TS

Epping

Speakeasy Bar

175 High St, Epping CM16 4BL