Nightlife in Chelmsford

If you’re a beer drinker, you won’t be disappointed with the selection at The Ale House in the city centre. In a quirky location within the red brick arches of the railway bridge, they serve a staggering selection of cask ales, real ciders, German lagers and a wide range of bottled beers. Within a cosy setting of panelled walls, wooden tables and a long bar, the knowledgeable staff will assist you in sampling the vast selection. Half and third-pints are also available if you’d like to try as many as possible and still be able to walk home! They don’t serve food, but encourage punters to bring in their takeaway and enjoy it in a comfortable setting – it’s a home away from home.

If you’re looking for a vast wine selection, head over to the Wine Cellar Bar & Bistro hidden amongst the winding alleyways in front of Chelmsford Cathedral. As an independent restaurant and bar, the intimate location offers a variety of food options on the menu, as well as weekly Thai and steak offer nights. They have a hand-picked array of quality wines, as well as bottled beers (some produced by monks!) and a great gin selection, so there’s a drink to suit every palate.

For a quirky location which offers a full selection of drinks as well as food, try The Bootmaker, which is close to the River Can. The industrial interior is styled as a traditional bootmaker shop, paying tribute to the Chelmsford family-run business from 1874. Or, if you’re looking for a more modern setting, opt for Faces Bar & Lounge just a little further down the river. Whether you’re in need of a casual meal, some live entertainment or are visiting for one of their famous ‘bottomless cocktail’ nights, head down to this stylish bar. Regular events include tribute acts and DJs; there’s also a summer BBQ menu to enjoy on the terrace if the English sun makes an appearance!

A visit to any English city (or town or village for that matter) wouldn’t be complete without sampling the local watering holes. Chelmsford has a great selection of traditional pubs within the city and the surrounding villages, complete with great roasts and pub grub, plenty of beer gardens, making them perfect for a casual night out in a cosy atmosphere. Check out our dedicated guide to the best pubs in Chelmsford.

For those looking to continue their night into the early hours, Chelmsford has multiple options for clubs, late-night bars and music nights. Evoke is the largest nightclub in the city, spread across multiple themed rooms and levels. A large dancefloor is fully equipped with neon lighting, DJ booth and bookable VIP tables if you’re looking to celebrate with a group.

Another option for partying within the historic centre is Bar & Beyond – a late night venue with multiple levels that serves bar food in the early evening and then turns into a popular club later on. CTZN is also a jack-of-all-trades venue, as a bar ‘n grill serving Turkish food, then a busy club venue on Friday and Saturday nights. For a Friday night out in Essex, you’ll find two floors of music with house sessions, RnB and some old school classics. Make sure you check out the terrace for 2-for-1 deals until midnight.