A real discovery, 14th century building with friendly staff. Good, uncomplicated, pub fayre…read more Generous portions and for the area, good value.

What was I supposed to think when I was repeatedly given warning about what The Odd One Out was…read moregoing to be like? I was clearly instructed not to dress up for this place and not to expect much. So I didn't. When you walk in to TOOO it's as if you're stepping back in time and right away I recognised the wallpaper as being the exact same that my Grandfather has at home in NY from the 1960's, so I automatically felt comfortable. I laughed actually. Look around and it's as if not a single thing has been moved since it was put up there for the first time, whether it be pictures, the wood in the fireplace or the old man at the bar. You can nestle up next to one of the fireplaces, which you'll need to on a snowy winter night like when we were there. Get yourself your pints, or as I prefer, the spectacular cider from one of the barrels lined up on the bar. We're talking 7% alcho content people! On cider! Get some crisps for you and your mates and sit back talking about how old and great this pub is. In a town that is hailed as "the oldest recorded town in England" and hosts meeting for the Colchester Historical Enactment Society you surely can't go wrong. A place like this made me feel right at home like my own American dive bar, but in the States we don't have such grand cider served from wooden barrels or a lovely old fella giving out warm Christmas mince pies with joy. This place is top notch. Here are a few vital tips to help you survive a pub that could easily knock you on your arse whether it be by the cider, the step you drunkenly miss, the old man or the bar keep... 1. Don't you dare answer your cell phone here. This is a rule I LOVE like no other. Seriously, watch even pulling it out of your pocket if you know what's good for you. 2. Don't be surprised if you think someone's talking to you and they're not or if they're talking to you and you don't realise. There's no music to get in the way of a conversation, but all that quiet makes it sometimes confusing. 3. Good luck in the ladies room. You could really freeze your butt to the toilet if you're not careful. 4. And, if you're lucky enough to pull while in TOOO, feel confident in knowing that the condom machine is fully stocked. P.S. please don't start coming here and making it THE cool spot in Colchester. I want to find a seat when I return next Christmas, preferably by the fireplace.

The Odd One Out or Oddy as the regulars like to call it, is a cosy pub not far from Colchester…read moreTown-station. Its decoration and the crackling fire make you feel like coming home instead of entering just an ordinary place to have a drink or two. The Oddy is most famous for its delicious ciders from the region and got most recently awarded as the East Anglian Regional Cider Pub of the Year by the Campaign for Real Ale, but you also get a nice range of Scotch and of course ale here. The crowd is mixed from young to old and always friendly just like owner John Parrick, who has a few rules, though, like no swearing and no usage of mobile phones inside the pub. But once you tried one of the aforementioned ciders you want to enjoy it with no disturbance from the outside world anyway. And on top of all that the prices are low and to quote a good friend of mine This is one of the few places where you still get a pint when you order a pint.

Great ambiance and splendid views of the water. Staff are super nice and accommodated my auntie who…read moreis elderly in a perfect table by the window. Delicious food and very reasonable prices. Très bonne ambiance et une vue spectaculaire de l'eau comme arrière fond. Les employés sont très sympa et ils ont tout fait pour rendre ma vieille tante confortable avec une table à côté de la fenêtre. Délicieuse nourriture avec des prix très raisonnables. May buen ambiente y una vista espléndida del agua. Los empleados muy amables e hicieron todo lo posible para hacer sentir cómoda a mi tía que es viejecita y nos dieron una mesa cerca de la ventana. Comida deliciosa y precios muy razonables.

I first heard of the Butt and Oyster when I read Arthur Ransome's "We Didn't Mean To Go To Sea" as…read morea teenager. In recent years, various members of my family have moved to the Stour valley area and so I was very excited to finally have the opportunity to go here, having just re-read the book to my own sons. The Butt and Oyster certainly lived up to my expectations. Although, like many country pubs have become over the past ten years, it's really more like a restaurant with beer, the interior is still clearly old, with terrific character. Its situation in the village of Pinmill is everything you could wish for as a Ransome fan, with a host of boats new and old lining the 'Hard', a scattering of well-preserved cottages and sailboats drifting by on the Orwell. The food here was very tasty with some local themes - seafood in particular. I had a delicious Lowestoft skate with capers and roasted tomatoes. Plus, they sell Adnams ales which instantly gives it at least four stars on my scale. A couple of pints of Broadside washed the food down a treat. After lunch we also had a great walk through meadows upstream along the river. A real English country experience that feels like it hasn't changed much since Ransome's day. Except that it takes credit cards.

This place is incredible!!!! Where do I even start??? The location is just stunning! You're…read moresurrounded by the most amazing views. All of the food is absolutely incredible.. Especially the yummy homemade cakes and the white hot chocolate!!! (The cakes are made fresh daily)! The breakfasts are just amazing too! The afternoon teas are delicious as well, I've had quite a few now.. Usually our children come with us as well and it's never an issue at all!! The staff are so so lovely here! They're so attentive, patient and beyond friendly! I just can't fault this place. If you're ever near here or live local you definitely should stop by! You won't regret it. If I could give 10* then best believe I would! I go here all the time and absolutely love it xxxx

We just moved to the area and whilst on a drive to Cambridge saw this place and thought we'd give…read moreit a go. It has traditional opening hours and even though is part of a brewery chain, still feels locally run and independent. The draw for us with the Sunday Carvery which didn't disappoint. We booked as we were not sure how busy they got and was glad we did. They weren't packed but were busy enough. I think larger groups should book in advance. The standard menu has a good variety and those who ordered from it enjoyed what they had. The roast was a selection of Beef or Turkey and both were cooked very well. There was the usual selection of vegetables on offer which meant you could fill your plate and fill up quite quickly! We managed to wolf down our roast dinner very quickly and managed room for traditional desserts such as Lemon Meringue and Spotted Dick. The service was very friendly and the cost was very good too for the standard of food available. My only criticism is that the food was not pipping hot. I know that's difficult with carvery as everything sits around under heat lamps but maybe they could make the food just a shade hotter. It's a minor criticism though as we had a lovely lunch. A nice pub with a friendly atmosphere. Nice to visit if you're in the area.

Browsing the web we came across a beer festival in this pub. Not having visited before we decided…read moreto take a trip out and check it out. What a find! Lovely 'quaint' old pub, a traditional ale house with friendly service and, more to the point, a fantastic selection of real ales. My heaven. Marquees set up in the garden with barrels ready to be imbibed. Quiet during the day but, I am sure, extremely busy in the evening. Going to keep an eye out to visit next year with friends.

Went back to the Kings Head for a Meal with my Wife Thurs, was surprised at the new lay- out and…read morenew decor of the dining room, made all the difference, the food was amazing,cooked to perfection, and a good variety, Home Cooked Food what better, Even met the Chef (TIM) and thanked him for a wonderful meal, will defiantly be going back,

Just ate an amazing meal at the Brook Inn! Great menu - lots of meat and fish options, but…read moreincredibly accommodating to vegetarian/vegan/gluten free diets. Pleasant atmosphere and friendly staff. Nice beer garden too. Highly recommended!

Eight old 'uns looking for somewhere to get together for lunch during the week. Checking around we…read moredecided to give The Green Man a try. They did a fantastic lunchtime deal for the over 55s, and as most of us just about remember that era this pub got our vote. We had a room to ourselves which gave us the thought that, maybe, our reputation had preceded us. Joking apart, a great welcome with really friendly service. The food, for its price was brilliant. Starters of crayfish in Marie Rose dressing was in enormous portions with nice chunky, warm, bread. My pate was delicious. The main courses were varied in choice but in every case the empty plates answered the question 'was that OK?' As I have said, lovely pub, great service, good food and, mainly, an extremely reasonable price. Hey, oldies.......check it out.

My favorite pub in the area. Great food, good beer and friendly staff. Good place to start off a…read morenice long walk, circle back and have a fine lunch. Well worth a visit.

We came across The Angel by accident originally but were so impressed that we have been back many…read moretimes since. As it is not possible to book in advance i have often found it a good idea to try and arrive early or with time to spare before you wish to eat. As soon as you arrive you cant help but notice the welcoming atmophere of the place, which is i guess what brought us back after the first visit. The choice of food is enough to give you a headache narrowing down what you are going to order now and what you will leave and have next time! I have not anything but totally satisfied with the food to date and hope this continues for some time....

Beautiful interior with multiple rooms to choose from. Food is very good and the service friendly…read more Had a very good time.

A super country pub and restaurant. It has a separate restaurant area that can seat up to about 50…read moreas a private party. They do of course take individual boookings and if the restaurant is full you can still eat the same food in the more informal bar area. The bar area has a lovely open fire in colder weather so it may be worth eating in there anyway! The food is jolly good English fare in the main, though there are some more exotic dishes. The fod is cooked to order and the waiters and waitresses are very helpful and friendly and the chef will alter things if the place is not over busy. There is a small garden with a play area for children and also pleanty of outside seating and car parking too. The prices are very good and the place is well worth trying.