Live music paired with quirky cocktails? Pop-up cinemas in gorgeous outdoor locations? Whatever your idea of a great celebration, we've got it covered. From bustling restaurants with private dining rooms all the way to alternative craft beer bars, here's our guide to fun birthday ideas in Essex.
Last edited by Scarlett Welch
Last updated on 11th June 2025
Fancy doing something a little different for your birthday this year? Over at Electric Gamebox Lakeside, you get thrown into immersive games, such as an alien aptitude test in 1984, as well as a Shaun the Sheep championships event.
Get stuck into scrumptious all-day brunching delights that The Breakfast Club in Chelmsford rustles up for your big day. We're talking blueberry pancakes with bacon, Nashville fried chicken benedict and chocolicious pancake balls all around. If that doesn't scream party food, we don't know what does.
If you're searching for a relaxed, welcoming restaurant to celebrate your birthday in, then head to TGI Fridays in either Basildon or Braintree. This US-inspired spot is filled with colourful decor and always has a great atmosphere, and they even offer two-for-one cocktails on a daily basis.
There's all sorts to choose from on their menu, and at a pretty affordable price too. Think cheese and bacon-loaded potato skins, glazed beef burgers, sesame chicken strips and much more, with a birthday cake-themed sundae for afterwards.
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After fun birthday ideas in Southend or Chelmsford? Then check out Popworld if you love yourself a night out complete with cheesy tunes. Expect the very best nostalgic hits on the dancefloor, alongside affordable drinks behind the bar here.
From bottomless brunches to augmented reality darts, shuffleboard and axe throwing, Boom Battle Bar Lakeside is the ideal destination for gathering the gang on your birthday. Plus, you can expect cocktail trees to guzzle, alongside DJs spinning tunes on Fridays and Saturdays.
From bottomless brunches and afternoon teas to 2 for 1 cocktails all day, every day, Slug and Lettuce Chelmsford is a fun location for your birthday antics. To raise a few glasses and have fuss-free grub without breaking the bank for your celebrations, this is the place to head.
What's more, Slug and Lettuce Chelmsford invites you to brunch alfresco in effortless style. Think burrata-topped Detroit toast, crisp prosecco, and a sunny table with your besties - because two hours of indulgence is the only way to start the weekend. Find further locations in Colchester, Southend on Sea and Romford.
Puttshack has made its merry way out of the capital and into Lakeside, bringing crazy courses and some seriously high-tech golfing for your birthday bash. Assemble a squad and head on down to drink, play and have one heck of a special day out.
If you're looking to celebrate your birthday in a restaurant that's as good-looking as you (you're welcome), then book dinner at Zebrano in Brentwood. Hire the lounge for a private affair seating up to 35 guests, or dine in a small group casually. Tuck into sushi rolls and soft shell tacos, then wash it down with creative cocktails.
On the hunt for a buzzing venue for your birthday in Colchester? Walkabout has got you sorted. Not only does it whip up a mouthwatering menu of hearty grub and heady libations, but it also regularly hosts late-night parties with live DJs and great vibes.
If you're searching for ways to celebrate a birthday in Essex this summer, check out what The Spritz Social has in store. Nestled in the heart of Chelmsford, the pop-up bar will have you playing ping pong, snapping pictures and sipping on thirst-quenching cocktails.
Get ready to groove and shake your special day away as Garage Brunch comes to Essex for the first time. Taking over a secret location, tickets to this all-day party include a two-course meal as well as an hour of free-flowing cocktails and a whole lotta' live entertainment.
The ultimate late-night venue for all your birthday clubbing needs, MooMoo Southend is the perfect place to let loose on your big day. Choose between two rooms of music - the 70s to 90s Fever Room, playing all the retro classics and featuring a colour-changing dance floor and glitter balls, or the RnB haven of the Boutique Room.
Looking for something a little different to do on your birthday? Then head to CJ's Bowling in Hockley, where they've got retro lanes lit up in funky neon colours, as well as snooker, pool and augmented reality dartboards - which start from just £18.95 for 30 minutes and includes up to six people. Topping it all off? A mouthwatering menu of hotdogs topped with grilled onions, beef or spicy bean burgers, red Thai curry and much more.
If you're on the hunt for a fun birthday bar in Essex, look no further than Faces. Perfectly perched on Gants Hill, the bar, restaurant and club is a brilliant spot for boozy brunching and late-night dancing, with live DJs and stunning dishes to help you celebrate your special day.
When it comes to wining and dining in Colchester, you can't go wrong with Church Street Tavern. An ideal pick for a fun yet chilled birthday in Essex, this laid-back restaurant serves up seasonal dishes and Sunday roasts in charming surroundings.
In need of some fun-packed plans for that special birthday celebration? Be sure to head to BCK YRD Golf on Springfield Road. This top-notch party bar is home to two 10-hole courses, alongside a plethora of alcoholic slushies and games. Think escape rooms or BB gun ranges.
