The Anchor in Colchester

Tasty roast dinner enjoyed by all of us. Just that right amount of fancy to make it good value for money and a cut above the rest.

My parents and I ate lunch at The Anchor. I had the smash burger and they had the fish & chips-couldn’t fault any of it. The food was delicious & the staff were friendly and efficient. I would recommend this place to others and will return.

What a difference in the pub since the new landlord and landlady have taken over. It’s gone from a pub we avoid to a pub we visit 2-3 times a week. Food is beautiful, staff are amazing and go above and beyond. They are friendly and so inviting. It’s now a pleasure to visit the pub. We just hope they stay for many years to come because the difference they have made is remarkable. We now have a wonderful hub for the village with great food and even better atmosphere. Well done, class act!

Food is incredibly limited, no vegetarian or vegan options, no sides of vegetables. Total of 5 mains. Again lacks imagination since the business has been taken over. Drinks are very expensive and the food is too for the portions you get. My father had the pork belly, doesn't come with any vegetables and is just under £20! Young girl that's been there years is incredibly helpful but you can sense she feels awkward in the setting now. The new mangers are incredibly rude, brash and have foul language. You will often find them on jet skis drinking whilst on the river and doing above the legal speed limit along the river. We have lived in the village for 16 years and shall not return and neither will our families.

The lovely woman behind the bar who welcomed us was not only friendly but efficient and professional. The menu was disappointing: no salad options, no vegetarian/vegan choices (as proffered on their website), no vegetable sides. The restaurant itself had the air of being somewhat neglected: the green plants in outdoor window boxes were dead or dying. The belly pork I ordered was actually quite tasty but I’m not sure I would return.

I went on Friday night with my mum and daughter. Two of us had the pork belly and one fish and chips. The food was very tasty and well presented. The staff are friendly and helpful. We had our meal in the restaurant and then sat outside for our coffees enjoying the river views. I will be going again and will recommend it to friends.

Such a beautiful pub with picturesque views, The roast dinner almost looked to good to eat, the presentation was amazing. All fresh home cooked food. Tasted amazing. Cheese fondue in the Yorkshire pudding, unreal 😍 We will definitely be back & recommending 2 our friends. Thank you 😊

Very disappointed. My beer was absolutely flat, informed the bar who really didn’t care. Offered a different beer to which I said I didn’t want as I don’t like any other beer, they took the one I didn’t drink and said they were going to check. Didn’t bother to come back to me or offer a refund. Very arrogant staff who looked like they’re doing you a favor. If you’re not happy to work there then find a job somewhere else.

Excellent meal as part of a boat cruise from Brightlingsea harbour. Fish and chips, were beautifully cooked and presented , homemade pea puree and tartar sauce. Lovely location and with tables by the river. Staff were friendly and helpful. Would definitely recommend

Good pork scratchings and right by river

Visited on a Saturday lunchtime, Web Site and Menu advertised kitchen open from 12pm, but we were advised by staff not open until 1pm, this caused long delays for food. When food was served it was delicious, lovely setting sitting outside on the riverside and good choice of beers. Will definitely return.

Amazing pub went on Saturday as heard new People has taken over. It was one of the best meals we’ve had in a long time, we had fish and chips the fish was so fresh everything was presented so well. Great atmosphere very friendly staff, I will definitely be retuning.

I took a chance & took my friends there 2 weeks ago for a meal as I heard the pub was under new management. Great choice lovely atmosphere & really friendly staff. The squid was the best I have ever tasted as was the belly of pork the food was superb. I returned for the opening night last Sat a fabulous evening. Best of luck to the lovely young couple Amy & Kyle.

Amazing pub went on Saturday as heard new People has taken over. It was one of the best meals we’ve had in a long time, we had fish and chips the fish was so fresh everything was presented so well. Great atmosphere very friendly staff, I will definitely be retuning.

Great food, lovely live music and great hosts would recommend

Fish & chips superb Fish was lfresh & light with a superb fine crispy batter (delicious) with deffo a homemade tartar sauce & pea puree

Having phoned on Thursday to book for lunch at midday on Saturday, we drove an hour to get to what was a fantastic pub to be told they only serve brunch until 2pm , this brunch consisted of three meals because of a recent change of management they weren’t serving main meals! No mention of this was made when we booked , what a wasted journey to a pub we used to love

We came for a roast and it was spectacular! Catered for a vegan in our party too. Very happy! Only down side was a slight delay in the service time but there was just one person serving so we understood!

Yesterday i popped in to be nosey as kitchen been shut & change of owner so i looked at their menu i was not there to eat but i was tempted with their Crushed Avocado, on Brunch menu, i was extremley suprised, it was well presented and tasted so lovely. Service with a smile and superb for the price. I was so impressed i decided to book in today with relatives. I chose Scotch egg for starter and it was amazing i will never eat a shop bought one ever again it was excelent. My mains i chose Belly of Pork and it was not fatty it was tender juicy and the Crackling absolutley spot on, i can not believe their meals reach top restraunt results but at pub prices. Well recommended a visit i will definatley go again.Homemade lemon tart was perfect, all our meals were super delicious and Staff are lovely & helpfull & the chef is amazing. Well done at the Anchor & good luck guys i be back xx P.s super surroundings to relax

Not even sure where to start really, this place USE to be fantastic for food. Now it has a small boring menu, not many things appear to be homemade. The quality of the food does not match the price, harvester meals at a hefty price. How you can call your dauphinoise "dauphinoise" is a joke they are dry, no sauce and under cooked. Dessert look like there brought from a supermarket. When we asked to speak to the manager we were told she's not available... 3rd visit and we have never seen the manager. Staff are still friendly, although the lady with red hair really should think about not working with the public. We have always found her frosty and rude. Sadly this was our local for food and shall no longer return.

Lovely pub/restaurant. Good menu, food cooked and presented well. Lovely view of the river. Friendly staff.

Disappointed by the food. Everything else is fine

Had a great lunch at the Anchor today. Lovely vista and great company. We shared a starter of mussels with white wine sauce and bread. They were delicious. We both opted for the Caesar salad main and while it was nice it was disappointing. Firstly, Caesar salad with anchovies was just over £12. I don’t like anchovies so I opted for halloumi at £4 extra. The other choices for £4 were chicken or bacon. When our salads arrived I got four sticks of halloumi so exactly £1 per stick. They were about the size of an oven chip. The lettuce was fresh, tiny croutons and some Caesar sauce but no Parmesan shavings. I really feel that this dish did not represent value for money. Lettuce and crouton’s don’t cost much. It would be better to have the optional extras as part of the salad and included in the price. A Caesar salad at The Chequers in Great Tey was under £12 and includes home cooked croutons and a full chicken breast. The Anchor is under new management and it was very friendly but if the Caesar salad is representative of a main course I don’t think I could recommend.

Sunday lunch after a short trip to Colchester with family -a real find .Parking could be a challenge in the high season I think

Very pricey i.e fish&chips £18! Friends rice was cold on her dish.

Wonderful fish and chips so good I had to compliment the chef!She was wonderful so approachable and lovely, What a great asset

The Anchor has been lovingly transformed. I love the new decor! It's so bright and cheerful and great pictures. There's some new furniture too! Everyone of the team are buzzing with enthusiasm and very welcoming. It's great to see some Real Ales back on and some great snacks! There's a new menu being launched on Thursday, already for the Easter weekend .

Walked in without booking and received a cold-ish welcome. Didn’t get shown to the table only pointed us and told to sit there, right next to people that were already there in an otherwise empty room. The lighting was cold which got exemplified by the bright wooden tables and the white walls. For a pub the drinks menu was surprisingly limited with the first choice of wine not being available and only 1 choice of cider and 2 choices of beer. The waitress was friendly and tried her best despite the mid circumstances. The menu is what you’d expect from a pub but ultimately the food was bland and lacked seasoning. The chips were fatty and soggy without salt. The fish was fresh but tasteless and it came with a selection of 5 peas. The cauliflower cheese bake was barely seasoned and it doesn’t state on the menu that it comes with pasta. The burger was good though. We didn’t even bother with the dessert as the table next to us returned theirs. Overall pretty underwhelming and expensive for what it was. Wouldn’t come again. A lot of potential of nice staff and a nice location is being lost by a bad atmosphere and bad food.

What a shame, decided to try the anchor as it was under new ownership, went in and rather than being shown to your table its just pointed out from a distance, the food was a real shame, an ordinary pub menu with the expected classics, nothing to get to excited over, incredibly high prices for something you would probably buy cheaper out of the supermarket. Was also shocked there was no side orders! Desserts where a real shock as they lacked any form of finesse or even love. Overall the lack of garnish across all the meals was a suprise especially given the high prices. It seems a real shame for what is a stunning pub in such an idealic setting. I would however say i would not rush back as its not really improved since the previous owners. I do hope that the new owners are planning a huge overhaul and that things will improve as our wonderful village is desperate for a great resteraunt.

Very good food in a waterside setting

We decided last minute to have dinner at the pub tonight. Under new management - staff were lovely and the food was delicious.

Popped down for a quick drink last week, great atmosphere and friendly staff. Ended up having some food off their bar snacks menu including the crispy prawns and halloumi, very tasty! Looking forward to sitting outside in the summer and enjoying the view with a glass of wine!

Sad to compare it to our last visit as it was so good last time - food today was nowhere near as good and the only veggie option which was actually vegan wasn’t great at all. Raw parsnips and undercooked potatoes. We didn’t make a fuss but it was disappointing.

Newly decorated in a lovely riverside location. Good quality, simple pub grub. Will be back.

Early days, good start. Good beer friendly atmosphere. Promising 👍🍺

Lovely quiet pint down by the river.

Great traditional pub/restaurant with great food and atmosphere. Would recommend. 👍

Food was good pub food but the landlord was absolutely adamant that we, as a family of 7, had to sit on separate tables of 5 and 2, as they couldn't possibly cater for more than 6 people at once. This was despite the fact that there was literally not a single other person in there. They made two of us order our food separately and in advance of the other five "or the kitchen will explode" in the words of the landlord. We had to pay separate bills for the two tables. It was also freezing cold and we had to keep our coats on (bear in mind it was a garden room, at night, in November). When we asked for the radiators to be switched on they refused, saying they were on a thermostat- presumably set to come in at minus 2*! I might come back in summer and sit outside on the deck by the river but I'm not coming back in winter.

Really pleasent place, good service and tasty food 😋

This is a lovely village pub, where you will get a warm welcome. The food is good and reasonably priced with great veggie options. Good selection of drinks. Ideal for a sunday roast

Wonderful waterside location , friendly staff and service, great food and for us excellent vegan options including a great vegan sunday roast.great value. Street parking can take some doing but well worth the effort.

Stopped off for a quick drink and such a nice setting to relax

Came here twice a couple of weeks ago. Great Ham, eggs & chips ("proper" ham with Colman's mustard) but i could have done without the added salad. Second time we both had the Fish and Chips, a decent size portion on offer at £8.95 - as good as it gets. Regret they lost a star because of the lack of real ale

Great location on the waterfront. The mussels were great, definitely recommend those. Mackerel pate was okay but I wouldn't choose it again. Pork belly was good and I found the beef bourginion very salty, so much so I couldn't eat it all. My glass was dirty but my husband's was clean so maybe I was just unlucky. I would go back but would choose more carefully next time. Very lovely staff.

Used to come to this pub for the great views,good food and a great selection of Shephard and Neame real ales…..Two of those things have gone.I’ll let you guess what stayed the same!I did have a lovely fish and chips,my partner had Chicken wrapped in Parma ham,but unfortunately the carrots were only partly cooked(couldn’t stick your fork in it)!the cabbage wasn’t seasoned,the mash was only thing that tasted ok,The kids sausage and chips meal was ok but sausages were dry and not succulent,and to top it’s all no real ale!!The boss sits at the bar with his Guinness,not everyone likes stout.Gone down a slippery slope,shame.

Tasty food, friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere. I'll happily go again.

Amazing seats by the beautiful river and fantastic grub, top notch

Nice pub . Good food very pleasant service.👍👏👏❤️

What a fantastic find! We had dinner with friends on Saturday evening, looking out to the River Colne.The 4 of us were blown away by the amazing quality of our starters and mains.Proper home made food, exceeding any expectations of pub grub.My fish cakes were to die for! Pork Belly main, the best I've ever had, with crackling that a Michelin chef would be proud of, whilst the pork just melted in a fantastic rich gravy.We all enjoyed every mouthfull of our selections, and were gobsmacked with the quality and the amazing flavours.To cap it all, the staff were excellent, friendly and helpfull, and the draught Guiness was up there with the blackstuff in Dublin! Thankyou To the Anchor! We'll be back!

PERFECTION - everything about the Anchor is truly amazing. Our friends were over from Suffolk so we decided to come here after eating once before. The menu changes regularly and this time I really struggled to chose from the lovely choices. Every dish each of us had was stunning. I personally had the Coley fishcakes, and the chicken wrapped in Parma ham with mushroom and goats cheese 🤤 the fish cakes were packed with coley and the coriander really complimented the flavours. My main meal, well… off the scale…..We were all so blown away with each mouthful that we couldn’t help but share the pleasure of each dish between one another. The pork belly was Devine….I HAD to squeeze a dessert in of the Nutella and hazelnut cheese which did not disappoint. I had to share with my husband as it was huge ! The chef here is top class 👌🏻 My husband had a Guinness from the bar and said that was the best Guinness he had ever tasted The setting is so lovely, over looking the water, it just had such a lovely relaxing feel. The staff are lovely and very attentive and both visits we have had a lovely chat with the owner at the end of the night This place really is a hidden gem. I’ve eaten in many pubs and restaurant and this is one of the best place to eat in Colchester! We will most certainly be making this our regular place to eat and will be recommending to others.

I went here with some friends for a bite to eat. I have to say, the fish and chips was excellent. Thin, crispy batter, and very tasty chips. Would recommend.

Staff were not very helpful and quite off hand. They were young so maybe need training. Food ok but expensive for lunch as evening menu is the only one available.

We had a very enjoyable meal at The Anchor in Rowhedge yesterday evening. We received a warm welcome when we entered the pub and the lady behind the bar was really polite, friendly and helpful. The menu was large and varied with good sized portions and a great choice of real ales. We had a lovely view of the river and there was a warm buzz with a full restaurant. The waitress was attentive and polite and the staff friendly as we said goodbye. We can’t wait to go back.

We moved to Rowhedge recently and have visited the The Anchor a lot in recent months. Jeff and the team are lovely and are always very welcoming. We had a brilliant roast dinner today and the white chocolate, ginger and raspberry cheesecake was amazing!

Food good value. Service good atmosphere outside tables shabby looking like all needs a bit of TLC

We walk through Rowhedge a lot and made the great decision to pop in for lunch. The staff were welcoming, helpful and friendly and the food was superb. We sat outside and the view was amazing. We would thoroughly recommend it.

This is one of the most underated pubs I know yet produces great pub food at fantastic prices. Sit by the river on a sunny day and eat fish and chips for under a tenna! To top this off the chef KNOWS how to cook and prep good food. Its the little touches that make the difference like fresh Dill in the Tartar Sauce. Fish batter SPOT ON! Staff are very good and attentive.

We had a really lovely enjoyable meal overlooking the water. The food was well presented by friendly and attentive waitress we would highly recommend this place and great value for money.

Nice and cozy sat outside tide was out weather a bit cold. But would return in summer when hot weather it will be even better. Visited today had sunday lunch tasted great only let down Yorkshire puddings were thick and stodgy. Not well made its the key to a great Sunday lunch. I'll give the chef tips and recipe if needed.

Fantastic food, lovely location, great staff, no real ale.

Excellent meal in The Anchor last night with friends ...We all had the Fish & Chips special(£9-99...cheaper than a takeaway)...I think it's a weds night special...What an absolute joy! Beautifully fresh hake, in the best homemade crispy beer batter...Good, decent amount of chips...I think we all left some. Really lovely river view...& excellent service as always. 10/10 👏👏

Booked in advance for Easter Sunday lunch. So restaurant busy but we were one of the first tables (sitting barside) . We ordered the traditional Beef Sunday Lunch. Not a long wait and all good 😋except for the one yorkshire pudding included -very burnt and uneatable☹. I hate complaining so I waited for the standard check 'is everything ok?' but nothing came . So told the waitress and asked for another one, she looked cross , left and said that she had 'passed my comments to the kitchen'. Nothing came .Nothing mentioned. That was it. Paid and left ...rather disappointed. Re owners reply...you've confused us with a group. We prebooked for two and chose to sit in bar on sofas rather than at table 7 next to service area. So you've got that wrong. Of course I didn't 'clear my plate'. Nothing 'trivial' in my review because of inedible burnt food being served(photo now posted)and expecting a customer to ignore it .A pity you can't accept complaints of any kind. Customers highlighting problems politely shd not be a problem .It should improve service and customer experience.

I had a fish and chip supper. Lovely crisp batter, peas, really good tartare sauce and a huge pile of chips. Well worth the money. Really good service too.

We use the Anchor regularly since recently moving to the village last year and hats off to Jeff, Bev and the Team for always providing such a warm, and friendly welcome. Fresh, homemade, and varied fare is offered from the menu board including fresh fish delivered daily and needless to say all cooked to perfection complimented by an extensive reasonably priced wine list to suit most discerning palettes or indeed a good range of traditional Ales. Lagers & Spirits available from the bar as one would expect. Special mention to Jeff, Clare, Helen, and Abby front of house, and not forgetting Bev, Graham & Chelsea back of house plus local clientele who collectively have welcomed both my wife Sadie, and I to the area. See you All Sunday as usual ..... https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g790314-d12435092-r884489406-The_Anchor_Pub-Rowhedge_Essex_England.html#

Absolutely love this place!!! Every time we go the food is just delicious.. highly recommend the lasagne and the burger!!!! Will be back again very soon

Beautiful little restaurant. 4 of us and a child. Great menu (something for everyone) we had mussels, pork belly, lamb shank Sheppards pie and lasagne. We all loved the food. I couldn't help but laugh at the previous review about Lasagne. It is absolutely delicious and packed with flavour! Anyway... We also shared a cheesecake best I've had. Landlord/Owners are very accommodating and friendly, Good sense of humour! Lovely staff. Highly recommend. We will most definitely return! Thank you all for a lovely evening

Myself and partner decided to go for dinner (date night) at our local restaurant. We hadn’t booked a table and it was the off the cuff to go here. All the tables in the restaurant had reserved signs on, but we did ask if they had a table for 2. Firstly why have reserved signs on all the tables when not fully booked, as no other customers there ordering food.!!! We were the only ones….. There were only a few people in the pub. The publican sits at the bar giving the bar staff orders. Anyway I ordered the Lasagna…. Well what can I say but it was absolutely awful. It was extremely bland and the lasagna sheets were completely rubbery… I had to season the dish, but still tasted bland, I could not eat it. I did advise the friendly waitress of this when the plates were cleared. The owner came to the table to advise he had cut up my leftovers and sampled it and there was nothing wrong with it and tasted good and would take off £5 off the bill. I queried £5 off when the dish would cost £15, he arrogantly, abruptly stated well what would you want…. No even an apology. My response was, Really no owner should ask a customer this who has complained about the poor quality of food. I have never experienced an extremely disappointing experience. The landlord/owner needs to learn some manners and take customer feedback on board. We decided to leave after this. We went to the bar to pay the bill, to be confronted by the owner clearly displaying (whilst sitting at a bar stool) advertising his frustrations of my complaint to other people at the bar, it all went silent…..!! It was clearly obvious he was speaking about my complaint about the food… Myself and my partner felt completely uncomfortable with this so paid the bill and exited out the side door. We will not be visiting our local again for food….. No wonder why the tables are empty…. Complete let down Just hope the owner takes note of this… His immaturity, and an extremely rude person

I only stop for a drink, but a nice place

Lovely setting, excellent food and friendly staff

Pleasant Sunday Lunch, 2 Roast Lamb, 1 Pork Belly and 1 Fish Pie, all tasty and substantial. I requested that my veg was done a little softer, they were but I could have done with them a little softer but that's personal taste. Can't fault...

We’ve always loved the food and service at the Anchor until I ordered the Fish Pie. The menu board promised chunks of fish and king prawns topped with a creamy mashed potato. What I got was a few tiny slivers of seafood and medium size prawns mixed into the potato. I’d say the potato constituted approximately 95 percent of the pie. The manager has chosen not to even acknowledge my e mail about this. We won’t be going back.

the only shepherd neame pub in England with no real ale - why not ? supposed to be a fish restaurant but rarely has much fresh fish

I’ve visited this pub for over 5 years and every single time, I was made to feel welcome and comfortable. The staff are always so friendly and helpful, the landlord and lady make you feel at ease when you walk through the door and have...

Our family arrived at 13-45 and got told the kitchen was closed ! The food times are meant to be until 2! So they turned down a family of 8. So try a use a local pub and they turn you away before time! Also...

Excellent food and friendly, helpful staff

Not what it used to be, lighting too bright and doesn't feel like a pub. Bit trashy

Great place, great location, great food and great service.

Popped into this pub during a weekend away, and it was an absolute gem. So good, we went twice in one weekend. The atmosphere was friendly, and it felt as though you were a local when you walked in. Couldn’t have asked for a warmer...

Popped in here for lunch one day on a walk from Colchester along the riverside walk. Good menu with all the usuals you would expect from a popular riverside pub (chalk board) plus a few interesting alternatives. We ordered a main each and the size...

Lovely waterside pub and restaurant, great lunch with excellent vegetarian options. Very friendly staff.

Great location. Friendly staff.

Friendly welcome here when we popped in for a spot of lunch after a walk along the river. Good choices, good food, decent quantity and a nice spot by the river. Shame we didn't have room for dessert!

Stayed in Rowhedge for a couple of nights for a girls weekend. Visited the Anchor on our first night and went back on our second. The pub had a lovely atmosphere; really friendly, relaxed and attentive staff. The landlord is lovely legend. The food on...

Four of us ate here on Monday evening and all agreed the food was excellent. I had pork belly, a big portion that was cooked perfectly with crispy crackling and succulent tender meat. The marmalade bread and butter pudding was truly superb! Packed full of...

Went last Sunday 30/10/22 table for four. Great food plenty to choose from not too pricy, great service. I would have given it 5 stars but for the parking and the weirdly walk to the toilets ( which were very nice by the way ). I would go back again but by taxi.

Great little pub, had a great meal. Food and service was great 👍

Great food and excellent service would recomended

Had fish and chips and was very nice. Lovely view.

Great menu. Lovely food. Nice beer. We will be back. 👍🏼

Beautiful location, good service but food was just ok/ edible and average. I'd not come here for the food again but I would to enjoy a drink by the river.

Stayed in Rowhedge and went for dinner at the Anchor. First attempt was not so good as they were very limited in terms of taking meal orders. They have loads of tables but could not accept an order for over 30 minutes (then the wait to get food). BUT I appreciate the notice rather than just leaving us waiting. On the second occasion, we went early, got an outside table and ordered. The menu has a great selection with a good number of vegetarian options. The mains were not run-of-the-mill pub food - and what we ordered was delicious. I had the Smoked Salmon cakes - great. Would definitely go back.

Fab little friendly foodie pub in a lovely setting! Be prepared for a stroll to get there though.

A really friendly welcome. Much more a restaurant than a pub. An extensive menu and of good quality. Very friendly and always well looked after. A great spot on the river. Parking nearby isn’t easy!

Friendly staff, delicious food and perfect view.

Was OK for lunch but not great food .service was OK. Wouldn't go for food again .

The Anchor, when we get out as a family to eat, is one of our favourite places to go. You have it all. The scenery, the food and the staff. I always say to friends I have never had a bad meal and the food...

Great location and drinks fine. Not sure it serves as a great impression to customers when the bar staff are surly and then bicker with one another.

Great food and an awesome spot to drink along the river. Especially at high tide. Beautiful

I was phoning to make a booking for 6 people, hthe landlord took the details and then told me it couldn't be for more than 6 people, I asked why as it could be that the numbers would increase. He said they didn't microwave s**t...

Nice place , but food wasn't all that, had calamari at 7.30 in evening, so wasn't late , but it was so anaemic looking, hardley any batter on it, very chewy, and the chips were still hard, it was as if it had been cooked so fast,. Under cooked.