please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Street corner pub in the old town, around 6 real ales on and courteous service from the bar staff. The renaming seems to have been done in an attempt to make it trendy and the interior, whilst comfortable seems to be particularly sterile and not very welcoming. 10/10 for beer selection but the interior leaves much to be desired.
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Third port of call on Saturday 18 after starting at the Odd One Out, New Inn, Foresters and ending at the Victoria.
This pub used to be the Clarence and I’m pretty sure I’ve not been in more than once in my lifetime, and can’t see myself returning. There was nothing wrong with the beer, mainly Adnams but also the ubiquitous and ghastly Doombar; we all plumped for the Woodforde’s Wherry which apart from being slightly cold was otherwise excellent. The building is clearly old yet the inside was curiously lacking in character and atmosphere, it was painted an off white (with a hint of purple?) and had a bare soulless feel to it. I suspect at night the clientele is a lot younger and livelier; hence not being my type of pub. Curious but interesting addition to the beer guide by CAMRA but not as odd as the stupid name. I’ll still give it 7/10 for the beer quality and choice.
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We were looking for a meal and a pint one Saturday evening, but practically everywhere we looked at was heaving with rugger buggers watching the Calcutta Cup.
We eventually stumbled over the Purple Dog and very nearly ignored it on account of the self-consciously quirky name. That would have been a mistake. As it happened a quick glance through the window revealed an empty table so we decided to give it a go.
Result. I think I counted five proper beers: Two Adnams, Doom Bar, Brewer's Gold and Woodforde's Wherry. The Gold and the Werry were well up to spec and the food, while being standard pub grub, was absolutely fine, arrived quickly and was relatively cheap. It's not often I get change out of £30 for two pints and two meals.
And despite the daft name it's not particularly horribly purpley inside. Mostly the decor is English Pub; I notice one radiator painted purple.
So, I said to Milady as we drained our beers. Just what on earth was wrong with "The Clarence" ?
Someone, she said, probably said something similar when they changed the name in 1881
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Formerly known as The Clarence, I normally presume catchy names such as 'Purple Dog' synonymous with bad can't be @rsed served ale (if you're lucky)...and I'm normally right! In this case however I am wrong - four ales on cask (two local) and one on gravity (also local). Had two Colchester Brewery ales and both in good condition - friendly staff and mixed crowd - believe it is open until 1.30am weekends.
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It;s hard not to be at least mildly approving of any pub that has wherry on tap but this did prove to be something of a disappointment. The atmsophere is a bit clinical and Britain's Brightest beaming down from the big screens was a superfluous addition. A cut above other modernly furnished pubs but only by a whisker.
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Haven't been here in the evening but during the day its a nice place to have a spot of lunch and a pint. Prices aren't that bad and the food was great. Heated smoking area and clean toilets. In my book that ticks all the boxes.
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Pleasantly surprised. Expected it to be tacky but was warmly welcomed. Broadside, Doom Bar, Brewers Gold and Wherry on tap. The Wherry went as we ordered so two pints of Gold ordered which was crystal clear and spot on with flavour. Nice atmosphere except for a god shite 18 year old in the garden (shame you can�t pick your customers, hey?) but other than that it was good. I can so potential for it getting packed with kids on a weekend which would put me off, but I would go back again on a weeknight or lunchtime on a weekend.
I don�t think the prices were �steep� � beer costs money and so do pubs.
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The purple dog is known for it's steep prices. But it has a warm enviroment and the staff are very friendly. It used to have a hostile enviroment and the people that went ther were rough and as mentioned before very scary.
However i wouldn't spend too much time in there, as like i said, it is exspensive. Overall not a bad place.
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Agreed with the 'yawn' comment below, the latest 'it' place to be, yet another old pub ruined by a chain company, yet another trend pub for people with more money than sense, the office people pretending they don't hate the people they're with, yah-yah cord wearing students trying to out talk each other on mummy or daddys job/car/house, skinny gel-haired boys wearing their grandad's jumpers not seeming to be bothered by the expensive prices just paying it so they can stand there and be seen in 'the dog', wow look at you, then at night time its full of the above plus pub crawlers on their way to the high street. All very boring.
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i agree with magic kitten. it is a great pub to socialise in, the prices are a little bit steep on some things but it is a punch tavern. who charge their tenants extortionate prices and rent. but for all my friends and new people that i meet in there its worth it. good times!
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I love this pub! It used to be tatty and full of scary pervy old men but it's now bright, with great decor and music, not-stupidly-pricey drinks, plenty of seating.
Excellent.
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I am not a big fan of pubs changing their name, and it is a bit of a stupid new name. I would have been happier if it had become the New Clarence. It is however more my type of pub than it was in the Clarence days. Three hand pumps are now available GK's IPA & Speckled Hen and a guest. The current guest is Daleside Blonde which was the Champion in Yorkshire in 2007. A light golden ale and very refreshing and welcome today. Unfortunately �3.00 a pint so probably the most expensive in town for a 3.9% beer. Judging by how many staff that seemed to be working today I guess they have to charge that much.
This is more of a food pub now and all the tables have menus. It is the sort of place where a coffee is as welcome as a beer. Today (Sunday), The Roast was available until 6:00 as well as the full menus. A variety of baguettes, burgers and pies were available. At 6:00 today we were informed that a barbecue would be held.
Outside the back there is a nice courtyard area. There is a covered area for smokers which also has lights and a heater. There are a number of tables and chairs in the raised area. A number of people were eating outside on a pleasant evening. The raised seated area is a distance from the main smoking area. The wall around the outside is nicely covered in ivy.
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what a disaster! changed what was a lively town pub into yet ANOTHER wine bar/restaurant.........yawn, no character, expensive microwaved food, thats why its always half empty............i mean 'the purple dog'?!?!, come on...........
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This has got to be the best pub in town. Anyone know any better?
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This is a great lunchtime pub for a beer or cup of tea !! Food pricey, but my Mum likes it !!!
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This is a vast improvement on what was once the Clarence. Previous review has got it right. Also, the patio area at the back is popular both with smokers and non smokers alike. A visit will be worthwhile.
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the staff are lovely, it has a great atmousphere and good music too! there's also a good range at the bar, I would definately recommend that you go.
anonymous - 1 Dec 2007 19:09 |
