Essex


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-festive-drinks">FESTIVE DRINKS</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-estuary-wine-bar-manningtree"><a href="https://www.estuarywinebar.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Estuary Wine Bar</a>, Manningtree&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="559" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Screenshot-2022-12-05-at-11.45.09.png" alt="" class="wp-image-9997" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Screenshot-2022-12-05-at-11.45.09.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Screenshot-2022-12-05-at-11.45.09-800x447.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Screenshot-2022-12-05-at-11.45.09-768x429.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Screenshot-2022-12-05-at-11.45.09-900x503.png 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Small yet perfectly formed, cosy Estuary is a lovely space to meet amigos for a drink rather than a formal sit down meal. The dark exterior and wood-clad interior are a nod to London’s Soho drinking holes and we love the cheese board to nibble at while sipping a glass of vino or cocktail.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ginny-s-cocktail-lounge-maldon"><a href="https://www.ginnysbar.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ginny’s Cocktail Lounge</a>, Maldon</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Unknown-4.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-10001" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Unknown-4.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Unknown-4-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Unknown-4-768x511.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Unknown-4-788x525.jpeg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Fun and fabulous, Ginny’s is a great place for a catch up with friends over a cocktail made with local tipples, like Essex Spirits Co&#8217;s vodka and gin. Things we love include the kitsch decor and Ferrero Forever cocktails inspired by everyone’s fave Xmas chocolate the Ferrero Rocher (Ginny&#8217;s, you&#8217;re really spoiling us).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harry-s-bar-thorpe-le-soken"><a href="https://harrysbarandrestaurant.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harry’s Bar</a>, Thorpe Le Soken</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="749" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Unknown-6.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-10002" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Unknown-6.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Unknown-6-800x599.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Unknown-6-768x575.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Unknown-6-701x525.jpeg 701w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Muddy loves to relax at Harry’s, tucked away on the High Street of Thorpe near Frinton. Not only are the cocktails great (espresso martinis are the fuel you need this Xmas), but the outside terrace with heaters, blankets and fairy lights is a very pleasant place to while away a few hours, catching up on gossip while picking your way through tasty tapas bites like king prawns in chilli and garlic butter.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-bakehouse-chelmsford"><a href="https://www.bakehousecoffeeshop.co.uk/shop-online/winter-chocolate-camper-night-deposit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Bakehouse</a>, Chelmsford&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Unknown-5.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-10003" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Unknown-5.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Unknown-5-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Unknown-5-768x511.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Unknown-5-788x525.jpeg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Arrange to meet pals at this ultra Christmassy coffeeshop, which has transformed its outside area into a winter wonderland with Xmas tree, fire pit with s’mores and a camper selling boozy hot chocolates and festive cocktails until 9pm &#8211; I’ll have a Tipsy Snowman, thanks.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-number-92-braintree"><a href="https://barnumber92.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Number 92</a>, Braintree</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Unknown-7.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-10004" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Unknown-7.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Unknown-7-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Unknown-7-768x511.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Unknown-7-788x525.jpeg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Gather your girls, order a bottle of Essex Fizz (it’s from the New Hall estate dontcha know) and shout ‘Cheers’! There’s also a looong cocktail menu, definitely try the #92 Old Fashioned before you leave, plus order the charcuterie board to share and check the website for fun events too, like Mixology &amp; Mistletoe and Boozy Christmas Wreath Making.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-festive-afternoon-tea">FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEA</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mad-dogs-englishmen-leigh-on-sea"><a href="https://www.maddogsandenglishmeninteriors.co.uk/the-chronicles-of-narnia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mad Dogs &amp; Englishmen</a>, Leigh-on-Sea</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="640" height="480" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Unknown.png" alt="" class="wp-image-10005" /></figure>



<p>If you like your afternoon tea served with a side of snow, sleighs, lanterns, fairy lights and faux fur, you’re going to appreciate The Chronicles of Narnia Christmas Spectacular Afternoon Tea at MD&amp;E’s decorated parlour tearooms, available through until NYE. There’s also a festive Secret Garden in the Botanical cocktail lounge, with hidden keys and snowy trees.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-down-hall-hatfield-heath"><a href="https://www.downhall.co.uk/christmas/festive-afternoon-tea" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Down Hall</a>, Hatfield Heath</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="558" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Screenshot-2022-12-05-at-12.00.12.png" alt="" class="wp-image-10006" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Screenshot-2022-12-05-at-12.00.12.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Screenshot-2022-12-05-at-12.00.12-800x446.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Screenshot-2022-12-05-at-12.00.12-768x429.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Screenshot-2022-12-05-at-12.00.12-900x502.png 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Pinky fingers raised for an afternoon tea with bells (or should that be baubles?) on at this stately home hotel, where sandwiches include turkey, stuffing and cranberry and sweet treats include Christmas fruit cake and winterberry macaroons. Add a glass of fizz £12pp (or why not make it a bottle?).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prested-hall-freering"><a href="https://prested.co.uk/festive-afternoon-tea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Prested Hall</a>, Freering</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Unknown-10.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-10007" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Unknown-10.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Unknown-10-800x450.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Unknown-10-768x432.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Unknown-10-900x507.jpeg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>A roaring open fire and grand, period features in the plush venue’s opulent Hall await Festive Afternoon Tea guests at prestigious Prested Hall. Sip on Novus loose leaf teas, including Beetroot &amp; Apple, White Pear &amp; Ginger, and White Mulled Wine, while tucking into freshly baked cranberry, orange and mixed fruit scones served with Tiptree preserves and a plethora of quintessentially English sandwiches with a Christmas twist (cheddar and real ale chutney finger slices, anyone?). Don’t forget to leave space for the mini mince pies!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-george-colchester"><a href="https://www.suryahotels.co.uk/george-christmas-hotel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The George</a>, Colchester</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="577" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/afternoon.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-9995" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/afternoon.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/afternoon-800x462.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/afternoon-768x443.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/afternoon-900x519.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>The George Hotel. Photo: Richard Blaxall / Photerior</figcaption></figure>



<p>A great spot to meet up with pals mid-shop or post-work, The George’s tea room is contemporary and cosy and the festive afternoon tea’s packed with delish bites like spiced orange and fennel macaro and roast turkey and stuffing sandwiches. This thoroughly modern Yuletide treat is also seriously Insta-worthy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wivenhoe-house-wivenhoe"><a href="https://www.wivenhoehouse.co.uk/festive-feasts/">Wivenhoe House</a>, Wivenhoe&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Unknown-11.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-10008" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Unknown-11.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Unknown-11-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Unknown-11-768x511.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/12/Unknown-11-788x525.jpeg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Surrounded by stately home grandeur and supersize Noel decorations, the Christmas Afternoon Tea experience at Wivenhoe House is a festive treat for all the senses. Think crackling country-pile fires, merry mocktails, artisan scones, sumptuous Christmas cakes and pastries, plus a stack of Yuletide savoury sandwiches to devour (hello, pork, sage and onion stuffing roll). </p>


10 best festive afternoon teas and cocktails in Essex

You may also like