The best restaurants serving British food in Colchester East of England

Went for a family meal at the Alma over the weekend and it has really gone downhill… the roast board was disappointing in comparison to how it used to be - you used to get 4 meats instead of 3, and the pork used to be a nice lump of pork belly but was now a dry slice of loin. By far the worst part was the flies. The whole restaurant area was absolutely full of them and we spent the entire meal having to try and eat whilst simultaneously waft them away from ours and our children’s meals, which was very stressful. It’s a shame because it’s always been such a nice pub but we really didn’t enjoy our meal this weekend.

Was cold in the restaurant as the heating wasn't on. Menu was pretty basic and things you could easily make at home. The plates weren't heated, mening the food cooled down a lot once served. Garlic bread had barely any garlic butter and was so hard it was like a giant crouton. Food was slow to come out. The cokes tasted strange and were half flat. Wouldn't recommend it, I would rather go to a whetherspoons as its cheaper, more menu choice and better quality.

We had a very nice lunch here. The Ploughmans was fabulous and the beers are very good too with a good choice. We have eaten here before as it’s local to us and every meal has been excellent. This is a lovely pub/restaurant but unfortunately the outside space isn’t as nice. It was a hot, sunny day but none of the sun umbrellas were up. I’m sure the staff would have done this if we had asked but we managed to get a bit of the only shade by the fence. It would have been nice if this was already done though. The garden furniture is in dire need of a refurbishment or renewal. Some chairs are broken so be careful where you sit. The view was also spoilt by what looked like a dumped car parked outside the outside seating area. It’s a shame because the view would be amazing. Sitting inside however is great. Tables etc laid out perfectly and toilets are the cleanest I’ve ever seen in a pub. I just wish the outside seating area reflected this.

We walked to this pub whilst stopping at the local campsite. It’s a great little place, nice and warm with a good selection of beers and lagers on tap. We had a lovely warm welcome and felt right at home from the moment we stepped in. The menu was quite basic but don’t be put off. I enjoyed one of the best lasagna’s I’ve ever had with a fresh salad to boot. We’ll definitely be back.

This place was disappointing. I came here with my step daughter and my fiancé, and the food was cold, disgusting and just bland. I tried to enjoy this place but i definitely do not recommend if you’re coming for a breakfast meal with family. It was empty, the menu had limited options, and every meal was the same.

absolutely topmarks great value and service

Overall a very nice place to visit. Good food, with lots of fish options, good selection of beer and wine and very good value.

I took my friend here for a birthday afternoon tea, having been before and delighted with both the food and service. However, I was disappointed that this wasn't to be a 2nd time. At the price I was expecting high quality and service. The waitress was not professional and we were ignored a lot of the time by other waitresses. The sandwiches were mediocre and a little stale and the scones were so hard, they crumbled when trying to cut them. Service was automatically added to the bill and when I gave feedback, was only told, oh okay, will tell the chef!!

Great place highly recommend lovely food disabled access location is great nice views in and around typically British.

Attended a wedding, the staff were extremely friendly & professional nothing was too much trouble. Food was lovely. Beautiful surroundings.

We decided to meet for Coffee at the Minories as we often met there in our 45 year history with the Minories our intention was to go else where for Lunch but as it smelt really good we decided to stay in hind sight may be we should have changed our table ( as my Mum & Dad were sat it the wing chairs) our table was not really conducive for lunch .we pulled another chair up to the table so that we could put our coats on as there was no coat rack , our Coffee arrived in a timely manner , we ordered our lunch , by this time the Restaurant was quite full we were half way through our lunch when I presume the Restaurant Manager asked if we were using the chair which we clearly were albeit for coats I replied yes when she said she needed the chair I asked what we should do with our coats she said put them on the back of your chair or on the floor , we were shocked by her reply as she at no stage offered any apologies . Although our food was good we left leaving no tip as all of us felt her rude interruption was completely unnecessary. What a shame as all the years we have been going there we now feel we don’t want to use this restaurant again.

Fantastic cheese counter, helpful staff and super deli and wine selection. Stocked up for an evening in when staying in very quaint Wivenhoe. Will certainly be back.

Great value for money, lovely food and lovely staff, always love coming here for a treat.

Absolutely wonderful place. Cosy in the Winter, huge outdoor space in the Summer, and a lovely feel to it. The food is amazing, with plenty of choice, and the service is impeccable. I cannot recommend the Whalebone enough.

Didn't eat so can't speak for food, but nice pub, very friendly atmosphere