The Essex Arms is a character pub and grassroots live music venue at 14 Warley Hill, Brentwood, Essex (CM14 5HA). Long known locally for its entertainment line-up, it hosts live bands, gigs and open-mic nights in its 'SX'/Seaxe bar, alongside blues jams, quiz nights, jive-swing dance classes, karaoke and tribute acts. Promoters such as JAR (Just Another Rebellion) run regular multi-band original-music nights here featuring high-voltage rock'n'roll and punk-leaning acts, with tickets typically £10-£20. There's a patio beer garden, Marlowe's burgers and a private function room. Contact 01277 201164. (Note: imported as 'Watford' with an Ember Inns Watford website - both incorrect; the source listing and JAR gigs are at the Brentwood Essex Arms.)
The Essex Arms Open Mic
Brentwood's Monday-night Phoenix FM Open Mic at 10 Warley Hill, CM14 5HA — weekly, community radio partnership.
Last updated: 3 June 2026
The Essex Arms Open Mic — Quick Facts
Brentwood's Monday-night Phoenix FM Open Mic at 10 Warley Hill, CM14 5HA — weekly, community radio partnership.
Everything you need before you turn up
Where
The Essex Arms10 Warley Hill
Warley
Brentwood CM14 5HA
Warley, Brentwood — check venue website for parking and nearest station.
Contact
Walk-in sign-up only
No advance booking
Host: in-house team
Highlights
What’s on in Brentwood this week — or see what’s on across the UK.
About The Essex Arms
About This Open Mic
The Night
The Essex Arms in Warley (Brentwood) runs the Phoenix FM Open Mic every Monday, 8pm until 10.15pm — a partnership with the local community radio station, where sets are recorded and some get aired on Phoenix 98FM's Sunday Sessions. It's geared to singers (pro, semi-pro and newcomers alike): two Shure SM58 mics, single instruments plug straight into the desk, and backing tracks from a laptop, tablet, phone or the house iPad are welcome. Note: full bands and long acoustic sets aren't suitable, though a singer with one accompanying instrument or a duet works fine. Free to play.
What's on stage — equipment and backline at this venue, verified regularly.
The Night at a Glance
How The Essex Arms’s Monday night runs.
Find The Essex Arms
10 Warley Hill, Warley, Brentwood CM14 5HA
Planning Your Monday Night
Arrive by 19:30 to sign up for a slot. Entry is free and the open mic typically runs until 22:15. A PA is provided — bring your own instrument and amp.
Part of the Brentwood live music scene.
Common Questions
Seven things people ask before turning up at Brentwood's The Essex Arms open mic.
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