FAQ's

Good to Know

Getting Here

Is there parking nearby?
We don't have on-site parking, but the Q-Park car park is close by. The train station is also a short walk away, so you can leave the car at home and enjoy a drink or two.

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Is ACANTEEN wheelchair accessible?
Yes, we're wheelchair friendly. If you have any specific access needs, drop us a line at bookings@acanteen.co.uk and we'll make sure everything's ready for you.

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Where can I stay nearby?
There are several hotels within a short walk or drive, from the Premier Inn by the station to characterful pub rooms and quieter country stays. See our hotel suggestions below.

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Booking

Do I need to book?
Walk-ins are always welcome. We do recommend booking for evenings, weekends, busy periods and events, so you don't miss out on a table.

Can I book a table?
Yes, and we'd recommend it for evenings and weekends.

Do you offer private hire?
Yes. ACANTEEN is available for birthdays, celebrations, corporate events and launches. Email bookings@acanteen.co.uk and tell us your date, numbers and what you have in mind.

 

Practical Stuff

What payment methods do you accept?
We accept card and contactless payments only. We're a cashless venue.

Are dogs allowed?
Yes, well-behaved dogs are welcome in the lounge area.

Is ACANTEEN family-friendly?
Yes, during the day. Some evening events are 18+, and we always say so on the event listing.

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Stay in Touch

How do I get in touch?
Use the Contact page, email us, or send us a DM on social media.

Do you have a mailing list?
Yes. Sign up to hear about events, tickets and special offers before anyone else.

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Where to Stay

Coming from out of town, or planning a night that might run late? These hotels are all close to ACANTEEN, so you can end up dancing and still get home easily.

Premier Inn Chelmsford City Centre
Right by the train station, so it's the easiest option for a night out. No on-site parking.
premierinn.com

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The County Hotel
A short trip from the centre, with free parking for hotel guests. A good choice if you're driving in.
countyhotelchelmsford.co.uk

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Riverside Inn
Characterful rooms above a riverside pub with a beer garden. Lively downstairs, so best for a night out rather than an early night.
riversideinnchelmsford.co.uk

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The Ship
A friendly pub with rooms near the station. Rooms are up steep stairs, so it may not suit guests with mobility needs.
theshipchelmsford.co.uk

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Channels Hotel
A quieter, more relaxed stay a short drive from town. Dog friendly.
channelshotel.co.uk

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HARASSMENT & RESPECT STATEMENT – Acanteen

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We want everyone to feel safe, welcome, and at ease in our space.

Acanteen operates a strict zero-tolerance policy toward harassment of any kind. We ask everyone to look out for one another. Friendships, connections, and shared moments often begin on our dancefloor — we love that — but please remember: most people are here to dance and enjoy themselves.

Respect that.
If you can’t, you’ll be asked to leave.

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DOOR POLICY

Acanteen proudly welcomes people who come with good energy and good intentions.

In line with our harassment policy, we operate a considered door policy. Our door team is there to help maintain a space where people feel safe, comfortable, and free to dance.

Please treat our door staff with respect at all times — on entry and exit.

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TOILET POLICY

Our toilets are not gender-assigned.

They are clearly marked as urinals or cubicles, and guests are welcome to use whichever space they feel most comfortable in.

That said, we are extremely clear:
Any behaviour that makes others feel uncomfortable, unsafe, or distressed will not be tolerated. Please use common sense, awareness, and respect when choosing which door to walk through.

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DRUGS POLICY

We have a zero tolerance policy on drugs. Anyone found with drugs on them will be refused entry without a refund.

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STAFF POLICY

Our staff are the heart of Acanteen. Without them, this space simply wouldn’t exist.

We expect all guests to treat our team with respect, patience, and kindness at all times.

Abuse — verbal or physical — toward staff will not be tolerated.

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VENUE & ACCESSIBILITY

Acanteen is a fully accessible venue, and our team works hard to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment.

If you have specific accessibility needs, please contact us in advance — we’re always happy to help.

Please respect the venue and one another, especially when the dancefloor is busy. Sensible behaviour keeps everyone safe and the vibe intact.

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WELFARE

Your safety comes first — always.

If at any point you feel unsafe, anxious, or concerned about someone’s behaviour, please let a member of our team know immediately. Issues will be handled discreetly, calmly, and efficiently.

This applies to customers, staff, promoters, and artists alike.

We’re all here to dance, connect, and enjoy the space — let’s keep it that way 💛