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.

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.

The foundry arms became my local in september 2012 and has onlybeen the most fantastic place to go…read moreany time. The landlord and landlady have been busting their backs to get this place up to scratch and it is really becoming a wonderful place to be. I love this pub and will not be visiting any others so long as the doors remain open! Best Features: Lovely bar staff, excellent range of drinks, wonderful beer garden, child-friendly, low prices.

Fun neighborhood pub on a quiet side street. Indoor and outdoor tables were available on a late…read moreSaturday afternoon. Order from the chalkboard menu. Cocktails available free wifi. 5 beers on tap. Service was friendly and helpful.

Popped along for a quick ale on friday evening after work to be greeted by a new warm & friendly…read morelandlord and a freshly painted pub. This pub used to be our local. The old landlord served traditional ales to clicky locals, playing a free juke box in dark interior. Things couldn't be more different now. Slightly lower selection of ales but what they do serve is good. A pint of Adnams and a glass of Pinot cost about £7.50 With a lighter interior and a more inviting atmosphere this will make a great place for a summer tipple. There was a tasty looking menu that we intend to go back and try out, so watch this space.... Finally for you canine lovers, we took our dog Fella along who was made to feel very welcome, as we sat outside. Although I don't think he's allowed inside when they are serving food.

Nice atmosphere that you can enjoy a relaxing afternoon with friends or alone. Great choices of…read morebeer too.

Ate here yesterday with husband and mini me after walking around Colchester for a little while…read more It's been a few years since we had been to Colchester, and many of the places I remember when I was in college have disappeared or changed (just realized that was 12 years ago, woah!!!). We liked the look of this place from the outside, very nice, new, and clean looking. We also noticed that it advertised itself as having lots of local products used in its dishes. Really awesome beer selection as well, many on tap! Husband had the pulled pork sandwich, and I had some delicious bacon, onion, fig sandwich that I scarfed down in three seconds - it was that good! I would 100% recommend this place over any other establishment in Colchester. Go- you'll love it!

Great pub.. food us outstanding. Go on a Sunday and get the Traditional Roast. Staff is great!…read more Great stocked bar. FYI I come over from the States often. So I've had my share of average pub food.. this is an exception.

Welcome to The Castle in Colchester. A lovely late 16th to 18th century former coaching inn on the…read moredoorsteps of the world famous Colchester Castle. About to undergo exterior refurbishment to return it to more of its glory, this is a pub worth visiting. This hostelry has no pretentious. It is what it is. On first sight it is a traditional darkwood pub all be it with a new but sympathetic extention and a large outdoor seating / smoking area. With closer observation you will notice a decidedly Gothic theme which the reviewer will leave you to discover. Although popular on football nights because of its screens, this is by no means a 'sports bar'. All ages and tastes are catered for and the licensees are especially children tolerant during the day. Food is served throughout opening hours. The food is certainly not haute cuisine, instead tending towards basic pub fare. But having eaten here for a number of years this reviewer can state that the value for money is exceptional. The mixed grill alone will have you putting on weight just by looking at it! Beer wise it has a reasonable, if not exceptional, range of real ales to accompany the selection of larger and spirits on offer, including a pretty good range of whiskies. All in all, this pub is always worth a visit. Nothing more than it is and all the better for it. Oh, and the staff are very welcoming too! Cetainly recommend.

Good for a Sunday Roast! We had the Pork Roast, really nice, comes with lots of sides and gravy…read more Really a good portion! They also have many beers and ales on tap to choose from and the service is very attentive. Very good experience!

Absolutely my favorite pub in Colchester!! They have an awesome selection of Belgian brews and I…read morehave spent many evenings chasing the golden dragon (gulden draak). I make it a point to come here every time I am in town.

A lovely little pub serving half a dozen real ales and a selection of craft ales . It's obviously…read morebeing run on a bit of limited funds so no fancy decor but it's comfortable welcoming and genuine . They do live music . But I like the genuine lp stereo system .

Location location location and its a little wasted . Don't get me wrong but this pub is built into…read morethe roman wall and the largest surfing roman gateway in Britain . Its a largish pub nice decor but limited real ales obviously a brewery pub . It would be so good as a free house with loads of good beer . Still its got a great location and a balcony patio .

This is a pub that offers good ale and wine…read more They are looking to improve their food offering. As far as Colchester goes, it's one of the better proper pubs, although it could so easily be 4/5 stars with minimal effort. If you are in town and looking for somewhere to drink, its a safe bet, but you wont be left feeling wowed.