Updated September 2026: The Only Way Is Essex is back on ITV2 and ITVX with its latest series, bringing a refreshed cast, new relationships and plenty of drama back to Essex. The current series began airing on 2 August 2026, with familiar faces including Amy Childs, Lauren Goodger, Dan Edgar, James ‘Diags’ Bennewith, Harry Derbidge, Amber Turner and Ella Rae Wise joined by several newer cast members. TOWIE continues to film at real pubs, restaurants, bars and other locations across Essex — and Chelmsford has featured in the programme too. Below, we’ve updated our guide to the Essex locations associated with TOWIE, including confirmed Chelmsford filming spots.

See the full TOWIE 2026 cast, who has left and what’s happened in the new series


The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE) is one of the UK’s most recognisable reality TV shows, known for its glamorous cast, dramatic storylines, and iconic Essex backdrops.

Filming takes place across several towns in Essex, with a strong focus on nightlife, restaurants, and lifestyle hotspots where cast members socialise.

Main TOWIE Filming Locations

Brentwood – The Heart of TOWIE

Brentwood is widely considered the spiritual home of TOWIE. Many of the original cast members were based here, and it remains a key filming location.

Popular spots include:

  • The Sugar Hut – the show’s most iconic nightclub
  • Faces Nightclub – another long-time cast favourite
  • Brentwood High Street – often featured for casual scenes and meet-ups 

Chigwell – Luxury Dining & Drama

Chigwell is known for its upscale vibe and regularly appears in TOWIE episodes.

Key venue:

  • Sheesh Restaurant – a celebrity hotspot famous for extravagant meals and cast arguments

Loughton & Buckhurst Hill

These neighbouring areas are frequently used for filming due to their mix of stylish cafes and suburban lifestyle settings.

You’ll often see:

  • Coffee shops and brunch spots
  • Boutique shopping scenes
  • Cast “catch-ups” filmed outdoors

Chelmsford – A Growing TOWIE Hotspot

While not the original home of the show, Chelmsford has increasingly featured in TOWIE episodes in recent years — especially as the cast has evolved.

Chelmsford offers a more modern, city-style backdrop compared to Brentwood, making it ideal for filming stylish social scenes.

Chelmsford venues linked to TOWIE-style filming:

  • The Botanist Chelmsford – popular for cocktails and group scenes
  • Bill's Chelmsford Restaurant – casual dining and daytime meet-ups
  • Middletons Steakhouse & Grill Chelmsford – ideal for dinner scenes
  • Bond Street – a key filming area with multiple restaurants and bars

These locations match the show’s signature mix of glamour, food, and social drama.