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.

After a boring shopping trip around Stanway a visit to The Princess Charlotte is always called for…read more One of the nicest pubs in the area, not forgetting its 'sister' pub The Prince Louis. They always find you a table, a short wait may be needed but they have never let us down. Great selection of ales and the menu is brilliant. We always go for, what we call, an English Meze. Three or four starter dishes in the middle of the table. Delicious. Service is brilliant, quick, professional and very friendly. Always a smile and cheerful banter. Makes a big difference. A quick Thank You to Ana (I think), our server, a wonderful young lady. Will we be back? Silly question, of course. I always need a sit down after wandering around Stanway.

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

It has now changed hands again about a year or so ago now a lot better than before cheaper nicer…read morefood good price on beer good bar staff when the right one is on (Kelly) there is a bit of competition now the berechurch has opened but I know which side my bread is buttered and its the leather bottle for me every time

I have visited this pub since I was a kid, and I always enjoy my visit here. This is a spectacular…read morefamily friendly venue, with amazing, professional staff. A nice, spacious venue with occasional live music and friendly locals. I highly recommend this pub. Top marks.

Very good sunday lunch: portions, taste, variety, quality. Service was pleasant if a touch slow…read more Would recommend the food every time.

Suzette Mizen. Excellent lunch last Friday. Portions…read moreplentiful and well cooked. Staff very friendly, service a touch to slow but well worth the wait. Hubby and myself will definitely return, and will recommend the food to family and friends.

The plough is the epitome of a local village pub, small, open fire and Sunday lunches worth…read moretravelling for. Just don't expect it to be open late on weekdays (except Friday).

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.

This pub has been around for generations at whilst it's changed into a girka focus food…read moreestablishment, and very nice it is two; it's main selling point is it's on the way to the Mersea scooter really every year. It's now the 193 Mersea scooter really this year with John Betts and the committee setting this really up in the late days of the British Raj with events like the Beer & Banana race originally done on Pigmies and then later transferred to Vespa's & Lambretta's as part of modernisation program of the British Expeditionary Force. This was a trend that seem to gone down well with locals and northerners alike, and continues to modern times. Queen Victoria is said to have seen an early form of this activity and remarked on the sights of some of the participants. Later the rules were marginally changed to do away with the queens shilling as it was felt that to trick a law abiding Scooterist in military service was not only unjust,but the Pigmies were needed at home in Paper New Ginues harvest season :) Mersea island has now firmly established itself as a crowd pleaser and has upwards of 2,500 attendees on a yearly basis; making the Britannia pub a tourist hotspot! But remember, the Brit is open all year around not just on Mersea weekend (1~3 September) so, we would encourage you to try one of their delicous set menu meals and sup on one of the fine Colchester Brewery beers on offer to boot:) The Risk :) Stay classy Colchester!

The Britannia is a large pub with two separate bars, one of which is available for private…read morefunctions and holds 120 people comfortably. A good, friendly atmosphere and anybody is made welcome. The Brit has numerous darts and pool teams but the more the merrier. Large car park to the rear and beer garden. Cheers! From Colchester town centre, St. Botolphs roundabout, take Mersea Road exit, then take second right into Berechurch Road, pub is 100 yards on left.