I confess, I don’t get out much. Since Sonny Jim’s arrival you can usually find me in my PJs by 8pm.

So when I *do* go out, I need that night to be a good ‘un. Happily, the newest bar in Southend more than delivered.

I was invited to Revolution Southend’s preview night – ahead of its launch night tonight.

My BFF and I got a peek around the bar and (heated) roof terrace, I tried my hand at making my own cocktail (thanks Barney!) and got to grips with a scrumptious burger.

With the town’s nightclub scene rather dying out, following the closures in recent years of some big name venues (yes Churchills and Element I’m looking at you) cocktail bars/restaurants are starting to fill the void.

Offering 54 different cocktails (I have no idea how the staff manage to memorize them all) an upper level with a roof that retracts in 30 seconds(!) and a relaxed vibe, Revolution is the kind of venue that appeals to many.

Open till late, with tables moved on Friday and Saturday nights to create a decent dancefloor, it’s also family friendly – with kids welcome until 8pm and high chairs for bubbas like Sonny Jim.

Having enjoyed a, ahem, few cocktails (FYI the Boston Hurricane is lovely, as is the Blank Canvas and there’s a reason they sell 20,000 Porn Star Martinis a year at Revolutions across the UK) it’s pretty safe to say I’ll be back before too long.

I just hope it doesn’t become *so* popular that a boring mama like me struggles to get a booth on a rare night out…

Fancy a Revolution night out yourself? Find out more at www.revolution-bars.co.uk