10 of Our Favourite Independent Shops, Restaurants and Galleries in Essex

If TOWIE is the first thing that springs to mind when you hear “Essex”, we suggest you read this: our guide to the county’s independent shops, contemporary art galleries and post-industrial restaurants serving locavore menus.

What does 'Essex' mean to you? Does it mean radical contemporary art galleries, post-industrial café spaces and one-of-a-kind countryside piles? Thought not. We've picked out our favourite shops, restaurants and galleries the county has to offer.

10 of the best indie shops, restaurants and galleries in Essex

restaurant

Acanteen

Chelmsford

This sprawling café-cum-restaurant-cum-bar is one of the most exciting spaces Chelmsford has to offer, dishing up not only locally sourced fare, freshly pressed juices and dastardly cocktails but a series of community-orientated events too. DJs and drag performers regularly host evenings here. Its less-is-more, post-industrial interiors are worlds away from the gauche backdrops popularised by TOWIE.

Address

35 New London Road, CM2 0ND

restaurant

Galvin Green Man

Chelmsford

Perhaps you’ve eaten at London’s Galvin La Chapelle or Galvin at Windows? The Chelmsford outpost from enterprising restaurateurs, Chris and Jeff Galvin, is no different. Expect hearty British fare done well – made with farm-fresh ingredients and complemented by pared-back but undeniably tasteful interiors.

Address

Howe Street, Great Waltham, CM3 1BG

restaurant

Alec’s Restaurant

Brentwood

Brentwood might be better known for its high street (Gemma Collins and Joey Essex, two notable TOWIE alumni, both have shops here) but Alec’s is set on the town’s outskirts, among Essex’s famously lush countryside. The menu is a star-spangled, who’s who of the sub-aquatic culinary scene. Expect jumbo prawns, lobster thermidor, king scallops and more. Seafood lovers rejoice.

Address

Navestock Side, CM14 5SD

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Focal Point Gallery

Southend-on-Sea

Yes it has noisy seaside casinos, shambolic-looking chippies and all the rest, but Southend also has an exciting art scene. For proof, look no further than Focal Point Gallery, a contemporary art space asking big questions about locality and community. Stop by for a zine-making workshop by Grrrl Zine Fair, sit in on a reading group and spot its commissions, such as Bridget Smith’s Electric Orange/ Automatic Blue around town.

Address

Elmer Ave, SS1 1NB

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Firstsite

Colchester

This gleaming cultural centre is a real boon for Colchester, a city best known for its impressive medieval ruins. It opened in 2011 and has since been serving up a packed schedule of films, exhibitions, events and more. Firstsite’s mission is to “empower people to be creative together and lead happier and healthier lives”. In practice, that means craft workshops, arthouse film viewings, thought-provoking exhibitions and a downright delicious on-site café.

Address

Lewis Gardens, CO1 1JH

shopping

South

Southend-on-Sea

This isn’t one of those record shops – the type that dishes out dusty old discs that have been loitering in the attic – but a cutting-edge emporium for modern music-lovers. Expect to find vinyl releases from some of the most of-the-moment DJs, as well as cult classics that have truly stood the test of time. Ask the staff to help you find something specific or spend an afternoon rifling through its extensive collection.

Address

22 Queens Road, SS1 1LU

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Metal

Southend-on-Sea

In its own words, Metal is an organisation that “works to provide the catalyst that can transform the potential of people and places through great art and inspiring ideas”. This doesn’t just mean hosting exhibitions but organising artist residencies, events and initiatives such as Southend’s Shorelines: Literature Festival of the Sea. The organisation has various offices across the UK. Its Southend office is set in a converted Grade II-listed Georgian mansion. Keep an eye on its website to see what’s on the agenda.

Address

Chalkwell Hall, SS0 8NB

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Warner Textile Archive

Braintree

Textile artists and fashion historians will be familiar with Warner & Sons. It rose to prominence In the 19th century as one of Britain’s foremost silk weavers and, in the subsequent centuries, forged collaborations with some of Europe’s most exciting contemporary artists. Usually, visitors can book ahead and tour the archive, however it’s currently closed to comply with social-distancing restrictions. Some of the firm’s work is on display at the Braintree Museum in the meantime.

Address

Silks Way, CM7 3GB

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A House for Essex

Manningtree

More than just a private gallery, A House for Essex is a live-in artwork. This ecclesiastical-looking building, designed by Grayson Perry and FAT Architecture to evoke the architecture of traditional pilgrimage churches, is intended to celebrate Essex’s unique qualities and is filled with zany artworks that do just that. It sleeps four. You’ll need to book ahead; this place is understandably very popular.

Address

Black Boy Lane, CO11 2TP

shopping

The Shopkeeper Store

Dunmow

This is one of those shops that you’ll wish you never entered, so irresistibly beautiful are the treasures within. Expect to find high-quality tees that retain their shape despite merciless rewashing, modestly decorated bottles of face oil made in France and earthy, kiln-fresh crockery from small-batch family potteries.

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