The bougie Essex restaurant once owned by a Love Island star where you’ll often dine next to celebrities

The bougie Essex restaurant once owned by a Love Island star where you’ll often dine next to celebrities

Outside view of Essex Array bar lounge at night

With plenty of fine dining options in Essex, there are many that celebs flock to for special occasions and pics for the ‘gram. One of which is Array Essex, a gorgeously classy Turkish spot located just over the Essex border.

Since closing temporarily in 2023, the new management team were hard at work rebranding and undergoing a big transformation. Since this, the restaurant and bar has only become more popular, bringing in regular diners and celebrities alike.

Array’s website reads: “At Array, we offer an ARRAY of experiences with authentic Turkish cuisine in Romford. From sunrise breakfast and brunch to sunset dinners, enjoy delicious kebabs, flavorful mezes, and more, all made with fresh ingredients.”

The spot has an extensive cocktail menu and instagrammable decorations, perfect for an evening out. It also hosts live entertainment, sometimes themed – and with Halloween around the corner, there is a spooky evening planned.

The plush restaurant bar and lounge in Romford was opened in 2021, and celebs have said they love the spot. Celebs like reality star and podcaster Vicky Pattison, Love Island season five winner Amber Gill, and 2016 Great British Bake Off winner Candice Brown have all headed to the spot for some yummy food and drink.

Array, which was previously co-owned by Love Island star Kem Cetinay, was embroiled in a long-running dispute with local residents, coming to a head in December 2022. The restaurant had its opening hours cut following a string of complaints claiming there was noise into the early hours of the morning and fighting on the premises.

The restaurant has since reopened, and is bigger and better than ever! It is definitely worth looking into for a special treat or to celebrate any occasion.