About Epping Roof Garden
Epping Roof Garden is a trendy cocktail bar and club located at 195 Cottis Lane in the heart of Epping, Essex. It has a two-level layout with an indoor bar and an open-air rooftop terrace. The venue seats roughly 40 people and can hold around 150 standing guests (www.zipcube.com ). It is decorated like a botanical garden – “flowers cascade from every corner” of the bar area, giving it a lush, Instagram-friendly vibe (www.zipcube.com ). Design guides even note a “stunning rooftop terrace with panoramic views” over Epping (www.designmynight.com ), making it feel like a hidden urban oasis. The long bar features expert mixologists crafting everything from classic mojitos to inventive botanical-inspired cocktails (www.zipcube.com ).
Historically, this address was home to the famous Club 195 (also known as “Club one9five”) from 2003 until 2019. Club 195 was a local celebrity hotspot – even footballers and reality TV stars were said to visit – with a Funktion-One sound system and an LED dance floor (www.visiteppingforest.org ) (publocation.uk ). One pub directory described it as “a hip nightspot with LED dancefloor, big sound system & cocktail bar for house music club nights” (publocation.uk ). When Club 195 faced police scrutiny and its licence was suspended in early 2019 (www.yourharlow.com ), the space was eventually refitted and rebranded. The new owners poured effort into a floral, high-end aesthetic and expanded lounge amenities. Today Epping Roof Garden is seen as a more upscale, lounge-style successor, combining late-night music with daytime cocktail bar service.
Events and Programming
The venue offers a mix of live DJs, cocktail nights and special events. Typical themes include hip-hop/R&B and contemporary house music – on a given night you might hear everything from current Top 40 and R&B hits to classic garage or dance anthems. A listing on an event site even boasted a “Back 2 Da Old Skool” house/garage night with legendary DJs (Grant “Bump N Flex” Nelson and Danny Clockwork) on the lineup (ra.co ). Another example event (June 2023) promoted a “Shisha, Cocktails & House Music” night on a Thursday, highlighting how the venue often does themed nights (in this case a free-entry Thursday party with shisha and six DJs) (www.fatsoma.com ). In practice, Friday and Saturday nights are the busiest, often with DJs spinning dance and R&B; Thursday evenings also now host party events. Occasionally Epping Roof Garden holds special one-off events for holidays or club nights – for instance, past calendars have included Halloween parties and retro-throwback R&B nights. The programme is quite active: events can run multiple nights per week, with a broad range of music. Since reopening post-2019, the bar resumed club nights in late 2022 and beyond (Ticket Fairy archives show events in late 2022), demonstrating a return to regular bookings.
Entry to events is generally free or very affordable. Most club nights have no fixed ticket price – you simply “pay as you drink” on arrival. For bigger themed nights or guest DJ nights, there may be a modest cover charge (typically around £5–£15). For example, a DJ promotor once listed tickets at £15 for a house music night here (ra.co ). In general, the strategy is casual: check the venue’s social media or local listings for any required tickets, but otherwise plan to arrive and pay at the door. Throwing your own event is also possible – many groups book the venue for parties. In summary, programming ranges from regular club nights (free entry or small cover) to special ticketed events, with a variety of music and cocktails on offer.
Tickets and Booking
There is no formal box office; most nights you can just buy a drink and go in. Tickets for special events are usually sold through online platforms (e.g. eventbrite-type sites or local promoters) or at the door on the night. Many club nights at Epping Roof Garden are free entry (you just pay for drinks), so buying tickets in advance is often unnecessary. When special DJs or theme nights are advertised, they may offer advanced tickets through a promoter, but even then door sales are common. If you have a large group or want to reserve a booth or table, it’s best to contact the venue in advance (they frequently take group reservations and private hires). For most visitors, simply showing up before peak hours will secure entry. Popular nights can get busy, so arriving early is recommended once you know in advance that a headline DJ or special event is planned.
Seating and Layout
Epping Roof Garden is laid out over a ground floor and a first-floor rooftop. The ground floor includes the main bar (with the long cocktail bar along one side) and an open dance floor area. The mezzanine or first-floor houses the “roof garden” terrace with additional seating. In total the space accommodates around 150 standing and 40 seated guests (www.zipcube.com ). Seating consists of cozy lounge chairs and benches along the walls and on the rooftop. There aren’t fixed rows or numbered seats – it’s mostly general admission. When you enter, you’ll see a cluster of tables off to the sides for small groups, but most people mingle or dance in the central spaces.
If you’re looking for the best spot: those who want to dance should stay on the ground level near the DJ booth and speakers; that’s where the music is loudest and the party is most active. If you prefer a more relaxed vibe, head upstairs to the terrace. The first-floor area is a great people-watching perch – you still hear the music below but can also step outside to enjoy fresh air and views. Views from the rooftop let you take in the skyline of Epping while sipping a drink. There is no separate VIP room, but larger groups often secure a dedicated table for bottle service or celebratory events. Acoustically, the system pumps music through both levels (mixing current hits with occasional acoustic sessions (www.zipcube.com )), so wherever you stand you’ll be immersed in sound – just closer to the speakers for maximum bass, and further away if you want a quieter corner. On evenings with full capacity, all areas can be busy.
Getting There and Parking
Location: Epping Roof Garden is at 195 Cottis Lane, Epping, CM16 4BL (www.designmynight.com ). It sits just off the High Street in central Epping. A helpful way to find it is via Epping Station on the London Underground’s Central Line. From Epping tube station, it’s roughly a 5-minute walk south down the High Street and into Cottis Lane (www.visiteppingforest.org ). Local bus routes also serve stops on High Street (Stop A and B) adjacent to the station; routes such as the 167, 20 and 257 connect Epping with surrounding towns. For taxi or rideshare, instruct your driver to drop you on Cottis Lane or Station Road, very near the venue.
Parking: There is substantial public parking nearby. The closest is the Cottis Lane multi-storey car park (often called “Cottis Yard”), which has about 300+ spaces and charges around £1 per hour – roughly £2 for 2 hours and up to £10 for a full day (en.parkopedia.co.uk ). (Note: height restriction 2.4m, disabled spaces and EV charging are available (en.parkopedia.co.uk ).) This lot is only a 2-minute walk north of the club. In addition, there is on-street metered parking along the High Street (short-term bays of 1–2 hours) and other town centre car parks (e.g. Bell Common and other council lots within 5-10 minutes’ walk). During busy weekend nights, you may need to allow extra time to park. As an example, one local guide notes there is “plenty of car parking” in Epping near this address (www.visiteppingforest.org ). If you do drive, expect to pay by coin or pay-and-display as shown on site – roughly £5 for a few hours is typical. For late-night departure, plan ahead: the car park closes around midnight, so either retrieve your car earlier or book a taxi/ride for home.
Inside the Venue
Expect a lively club atmosphere with a boutique-cocktail lounge twist. At the entrance you’ll be greeted by the host and asked for ID (the club uses ID scanners linked to a shared database (eppingforest.moderngov.co.uk )). The dress code is enforced, so come smart (no hoodies or sportswear (www.designmynight.com )). Once inside, you’ll find the long polished bar to one side, backed by bartenders who mix up colourful drinks. The decor is lavish: faux greenery, hanging plants, and soft lighting create a relaxed garden feel (www.zipcube.com ) (www.designmynight.com ). Comfortable lounge seating lines the edges. Staff are attentive – guides promise “nothing short of exceptional” service (www.designmynight.com ). The music comes from a central DJ booth; on most nights the crowd is energetic and dancing, and on quieter evenings you might hear a live acoustic set. Free Wi-Fi and air conditioning are available throughout (www.zipcube.com ). Restrooms are located on the main floor near the bar area.
There is no kitchen menu for walk-up dining when the club is operating normally. However, the venue does cater in-house for private parties and events (they even offer cocktail-making classes) (www.zipcube.com ). So if you need food, it’s best to eat nearby first or arrange catering with the venue. Coat checks are usually available (though space is limited – bring only essentials). You’ll see no smoking inside (that’s illegal) but smokers often step out onto the terrace, which is treated as a designated smoking area. For photography, smartphone snaps are fine; professional cameras or tripods might need manager permission. Last – expect loud music and a party vibe once the night is in full swing.
Nearby Amenities
Epping’s town centre has plenty to offer for pre- or post-club plans. The High Street (Station Road) is right beside the venue. Here you’ll find a variety of restaurants and pubs: from modern bars like The Barrel Beer Hall (craft beers) and Bell Bar & Grill (gastropub), to ethnic eateries (Indian, Thai, and seafood). A few steps away is “The Bell” hotel/pub, a classic pub-restaurant (and oddly, the pricing listing shows rooms £59 up for lodging here (www.britevents.com )). If you beat traffic, the nearby Mills & Co Marketplace offers casual fast food and coffee shops. For shows, the Epping Edison cinema and pubs on the corner sometimes have live music or quiz nights.
If you’re staying overnight, accommodation is limited in Epping itself but not too far. The Best Western “The Bell” mentioned above is under a mile from the club (about a 15-minute walk or 5-minute drive) (www.britevents.com ). Other local bed-and-breakfasts and guesthouses sit within 1–2 miles of the station. Alternatively, budget chain hotels like Travelodge Loughton or those near M25/J31 on the M11 (a 10–15 minute drive) can be options. Epping Station’s proximity to London means some visitors book a London hotel and commute (by tube or by offering late-night trains). On busy nights, rideshare services and local black cabs (e.g. Ubers are usually available around the station) are the safest bet for late rides home, since after midnight trains are infrequent.
What Makes This Venue Special
Epping Roof Garden stands out in the local scene for its unique combination of a club and a garden. Unlike most Essex towns, Epping can now offer a rooftop club experience with open-air dancing under the stars. The venue’s emphasis on botanical decor is unusual too – guests often remark on the lush floral arrangements and greenery that make it feel more like a boutique garden lounge than a typical nightclub (www.zipcube.com ) (www.designmynight.com ). Patrons love it for this novel atmosphere (so much so that it’s often deemed an ‘Instagrammable’ spot). The panoramic view from the roof over the High Street and nearby forest adds to its charm – it’s one of the few places in the district with a true rooftop outlook (www.designmynight.com ).
Another special aspect is the venue’s legacy. It carries on the party tradition of the old Club 195. Long-time locals recall the fancy dress code and big-name visitors of that era (www.visiteppingforest.org ) (www.yourharlow.com ). Today’s bar taps into that legacy by booking notable DJs and themed nights, yet it does so with a new, lounge-style twist. Culturally, Epping Roof Garden has become a central nightlife hub for the community – Epping once had few late-night venues, and this place gives locals a city-club vibe without leaving town. Its presence even attracts people from further afield who otherwise would have gone into London. In short: the combination of greenery, skyline terrace, quality cocktails, and lively music underlies why artists and audiences alike enjoy it. It’s a small club by size (fitting only a few hundred), which means many say it has a friendly, intimate vibe despite being a trendy nightspot.
Visitor Tips and Information
Plan ahead for an 18+ night out. You must bring valid photo ID (driving licence or passport) as part of a strict ID check policy (eppingforest.moderngov.co.uk ). The club scans IDs against a national club-safe database, so don’t forget it. Dress sharply – smart-casual only. No hoodies or sportswear are allowed (www.designmynight.com ); men are expected to wear smart shoes, especially on busy nights. Wear comfortable footwear on the rooftop because the floor can get slippery from spilled drinks, and bring a light jacket or wrap – even in summer the terrace can get chilly once the sun sets. If it’s raining, note that the rooftop has no cover, though the bar floor remains open-air on the sides; the venue may operate mainly indoors if weather is bad.
Expect strict but fair door security. If arriving late on a sold-out night, there may be an entry queue. The best strategy is to arrive a little early for popular events (for example, by 10pm on Friday). Once inside, keep your personal items secure; the venue doesn’t guarantee coat check space. Drinks are reasonably priced for a club (cocktails might run £8–£12, beers and wines lower). Remember, the focus is on cocktails and dancing – outside food and large bags aren’t permitted. Photocameras aren’t needed (smartphones are fine for snapshots). Finally, remember last train times from Epping: the Central Line service usually ends around midnight on weekdays (a bit later on Fridays/Saturdays) – plan a taxi back if you stay very late. One local tip: if parking long-term, the Cottis Lane car park closes at midnight, so either move your car by then or better still, use a taxi or Uber for the return journey if the party runs late.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do tickets cost for Epping Roof Garden events?
Most nights are free entry with a pay-for-drinks model. If special events or guest DJs are booked, there may be a small cover charge (often £5–£15). For example, one advertised event listed £15 tickets (ra.co ). In practice, unless explicitly ticketed, you can generally show up and pay only for your drinks at the door.
Where and how can I buy tickets for upcoming nights?
Epping Roof Garden usually sells entry at the door. Follow the venue’s social media or local event pages for announcements. Some special nights may appear on event sites; if so, you can buy online early. Otherwise just arrive and pay membership/cover on entry. For private events or larger bookings, contact the venue in advance to reserve space or tables.
What is the address of Epping Roof Garden and how do I get there?
The address is 195 Cottis Lane, Epping, CM16 4BL (www.designmynight.com ). It’s right in Epping town centre. The easiest transit way is the Tube: take the Central Line to Epping Station and walk (~5 minutes) along the High Street to Cottis Lane (www.visiteppingforest.org ). Local buses also stop on High Street in front of the station. Taxis or rideshares can drop you at Cottis Lane or Station Road near the club.
Is there parking available, and how much does it cost?
Yes. The nearest is the Cottis Lane multi-storey car park (330 spaces) a couple of minutes’ walk away. Rates are about £1 per hour (so ~£2 for 2h) and up to £10 for a full day (en.parkopedia.co.uk ). The lot closes at midnight. Street parking on High Street is short-term metered. Other town lots (e.g. Bell Common) exist within walking distance. Always allow extra time on weekends; Epping is a small town so spots can fill up evening.
How do I reach Epping Roof Garden using public transport?
Take the London Underground Central Line to Epping Station , then exit toward the High Street. It’s an easy 4–5 minute walk down Station Road and junction of Cottis Lane (www.visiteppingforest.org ). Several local buses (such as routes 20, 167, 257) also serve Epping High Street, which is right by the venue. The station area has taxi ranks and Uber drivers commonly wait there; you can tell a driver to drop you on Cottis Lane or near the station entrance.
What is the seating layout inside and are there any VIP areas?
The club is mostly open floor. There are about 40 fixed seats (along walls and on the upper terrace) and room for ~150 standing (www.zipcube.com ). There is no separate VIP lounge, but larger groups can book a table area or the whole space. Guests usually mingle freely – couples and friends perch on couches by the bar, while others stand or dance on the floor. The best view of the DJ is from ground level in front, while the upstairs terrace has benches and side tables if you want to sit or chat with a view of the whole room.
What are the best spots for viewing or dancing?
For dancing, stand near the middle of the ground floor; the speakers are oriented toward the centre, so you’ll catch the full audio and feel the beat. The bar area along the side makes a good vantage for mix-tables. For a more relaxed vibe, head upstairs – the first-floor garden terrace has seating and a vantage over the dance floor below. Observers often take a seat at the rail on the balcony for photos or to chat. In short: dance on the main floor, retreat upstairs to watch or cool off.
What is the dress code?
Smart-casual attire is required. The venue explicitly enforces no sportswear – so no tracksuits, hoodies, or athletic shorts (www.designmynight.com ). Men are encouraged to wear shoes or smart trainers and avoid baggy clothes. Trainers are usually OK if they look neat; flip-flops or running shoes are discouraged. In a nightclub sense, think “going out” clothes – tidy tops, jeans or trousers, dresses, etc. You’ll be turned away if you appear too casual or in sports team gear.
Is Epping Roof Garden 18+ only?
Yes. All nightclub events inside Epping Roof Garden are restricted to ages 18 and over. You must show valid photo ID to prove age at the door – typically a passport, driver’s licence, or UK military ID (eppingforest.moderngov.co.uk ). Under-18s are not admitted even with an adult. The strict scanning system means fake IDs won’t work, so bring real ID.
What time do doors open and close?
Hours vary by event. The venue is typically open for public sessions Thursday (evening), Friday late (usually 9pm–3am) and Saturday afternoon-evening (around noon–3am). Mondays–Wednesdays and Sunday daytime are often reserved for private hires. The license permits closing by 3 am, so weekend nights generally wrap up around then. It’s best to check the schedule for a specific night. Note that last entry is normally not much past 11pm on weekends.
Does the venue serve food?
Not in the usual sense. There’s no kitchen menu for walk-in customers on club nights. The bar focuses on drinks and light snacks (e.g. nuts or bar snacks might be available). For eating, you should dine at a nearby restaurant before coming. However, for private events the venue has in-house catering – for example, if you hire the place for a party they can provide appetizers or even use outside caterers (as their site notes) (www.zipcube.com ).
Are restrooms and Wi-Fi available?
Yes. There are restrooms (toilets) on-site (usually on the main floor near the bar). The venue provides free Wi-Fi access throughout (www.zipcube.com ). Air conditioning is installed on the indoor level, and the first-floor fees charged so that the system is AC. Keep your smartphone charged though – even with Wi-Fi, nightlife tends to drain batteries quickly!
Is Epping Roof Garden wheelchair accessible?
The ground floor (main bar and dance area) is at street level and wheelchair-friendly. However, the rooftop terrace is up a staircase only – there’s no lift. If you require step-free access the ground floor can often still provide the full experience, though you’d miss the rooftop view. It’s best to call ahead if you have any access needs; staff can advise or reserve ground-level seating.
Is smoking allowed?
Smoking is not permitted indoors (UK law). However, the rooftop counts as outdoor space, so you will see guests smoking outside. Ashtrays are usually provided on the terrace. Vaping is treated the same as smoking. If you do smoke, be courteous: many people sit nearby.
Are there any nearby hotels or accommodations?
There is limited lodging immediately adjacent. The closest noted hotel is the Best Western “The Bell” (about 0.8 miles away) (www.britevents.com ), a pub-hotel on the outskirts of town. Next nearest are small B&Bs or hotels in Loughton or along the M11 (about a 10–15 minute drive). Many visitors stay in London and take the late tube home, though remember the last tube from Epping each night is just before midnight on weekdays (earlier on weekends). In summary: if you need a stayover, book ahead. Some nearby chain hotels and guesthouses are within 10–20 minutes’ drive if Epping itself has none free.
