It's your turn in the hosting seat but you're not sure where to start? Ever your fairy godmother, we've scoured this county and picked out an eclectic mix of restaurants, bars, pubs and party spots to ensure there's something for everyone. So, whether you're looking to impress the boss, make your nan's day or celebrate with your mates, you'll find the venue for you in our selection of private hire in Essex.
Situated near Woodford underground station, The Travellers Friend is a stalwart in the drinking and dining scene. Featuring a beer garden for the summer months and a private dining room that'll happily fit 65 standing and 28 seated, the historic pub also knocks up hearty dishes for vegans, veggies and carnivores.
The Chequers Matching Green is a charming restaurant with private hire, located between Hertfordshire and Essex. Oozing rustic countryside vibes, their lounge is perfect for family celebrations. As for food, the kitchen whips up a range of sharing platters, steaks, fish dishes and vegetarian-friendly meals.
Strewn with fairy lights and decked out with swinging benches and huge trees, Mowgli is one of Chelmsford's most enchanting restaurants – and that's before you've even seen the food. Inspired by the bold flavours and experimental style of Indian street food, the menu is full of small plates, authentic curries and tiffin boxes, with every dish packing a punch.
Dive into gunpowder chicken, onion bhajis, crispy wings, treacle tamarind fries, Goan fish curries and so much more. The cocktails also fit the theme, from a chilli mango margarita to ginger-infused gin and tonic. It's also super affordable, especially if you're dining off one of the set menus.
One for all the adrenaline junkies, Teamsport Basildon is the place to go for the ultimate work social. Alongside a 40-seater conference room and bar with private hire, this action-packed venue boasts an epic 500-metre track for some light-hearted competition - that is, until the drinks start flowing and office grudges resurface...
When it comes to beautiful interiors, crowd-pleasing menus and tasty drinks, Slug And Lettuce never fails. As well as an upstairs bar and a function room with HD screens that are available for hire, there's outdoor seating and a late-night license. They've also got a restaurant in Chelmsford that's well worth checking out.
The semi-private upstairs space at Slug and Lettuce Chelmsford seats 85 and has room for 125 standing for cocktails and sharing platter parties for your birthdays, special occasions and more. There's also the top bar at Romford, the whole 360-capacity venue at Southend on Sea, and a private upstairs room in Colchester.
Make sure to check out Original Plough Chelmsford's party packages and buffet menus when in need of private hire in Essex. Your guests will be tucking into the likes of chorizo and halloumi skewers, BBQ cauli bites or steak and ale pies in no time.
After something a little different? Then look no further than Puttshack Lakeside. Nestled inside The Quay intu, this big kids' playground offers a number of food and drink packages, as well as bespoke options suitable for birthdays, hen parties and stag dos.
A pub, club and live music venue all in one, Chinnerys is one of the top event spaces in Essex. The 400-capacity venue also touts a stage and equipment - mics, amps, smoke machines - for those looking to ramp up proceedings with a band, whilst staff can be on hand to keep you boozed up till 2am.
