BITE user comments - Yevad
Comments by Yevad
The Foresters Arms, Colchester
I visited this pub last week (23rd June 2011) and had a great time! It was an acoustic open mic night with some interesting musicians. The atmosphere was warm and friendly, I felt at home instantly. I was informed that it is under new management having recently been ruined by a weird bistro experiment that unsurprisingly failed. I didn't study the d�cor I am afraid, but it was all clean and new looking, I remember that much, even the gents toilets! Staff were fantastic, the other customers were open and friendly. I will definitely visit again!
30 Jun 2011 00:33
I was desperate yesterday (29th June 2011) and decided to visit The Cherry Tree for a quick few pints with my father. We arrived in the pub at 22:25 and were told "I'm sorry, we are closing right now", I asked why and was told "because it is quiet", to which I couldn't resist quipping "well, you will be even quieter now, goodbye" and walked out.
I am an ex-licencee and when I first began training many moons ago, I was told that the golden rule is 'always be open during opening hours'. The moment you start closing early, or having one day off a week, you are sounding the death knell. Customers do not remember quirky times, they just go to a pub that they are sure WILL be open. The idiot in charge yesterday not only lost the �20-30 we probably would have spent, but also future business.
Yesterdays experience taught me a lesson. I hadn't had a drink yet, so once I got home I jumped in my car, drove to a friendly off-licence and bought some cold imported beer and drank in the comfort of my fathers home. I learned that being lazy and being willing to settle for such a crap pub was a bad idea. In this current climate, I can only see repossession in the future for that pub. It used to be great 15 years ago, it has the potential to be again with the right management and encouragement...but I fear it will never happen.
30 Jun 2011 00:25
There is little doubt as to their ability to keep ales, but I found it very disappointing that the two times I have been there, 50% of the advertised drinks were unavailable! Of the 50% that were available, most were standard ordinary ales which are available anywhere. Rather pointless them promoting themselves on their ale selection when providing the advertised ales is obviously a problem.
26 Jul 2007 10:29
Friendly and welcoming, if rather small. A small carpark, which is superb considering its location. There was only one real ale available when I went (Flowers), but it was superb quality and well kept. I had only planned to stay for one, but enjoyed it so much that I had to have another!
26 Jul 2007 10:25
I found that the inside of the pub was a bit smelly, but I went and sat outside anyway! The ales were superb, and so nice to see proper ciders in a pub! No music unfortunately, but good friendly conversation in abundance!
26 Jul 2007 10:23
Suberb food and drinks. Used to have a more diverse spirit selection, but due to lack of demand, this has dwindled. No decent Cognac or Calvados anymore, which is a shame.
14 Jul 2007 15:18
Let down by its apparent status as the home of Colchesters narrow minded, ignorant sub-humans.
14 Jul 2007 15:15
A warm, friendly, fresh, stylish venue. Superb service and products. I only wish it was bigger. Table service only, food menu unlike anything else in town. We need more places like this!
14 Jul 2007 15:12
Last time I went there it appeared to be hosting a weight-watchers convention! Everything is as you would expect from a chain establishment, busy, too few staff and average everything. Ladies wear a nappy on weekend nights, because the toilet facilities are unable to cope with more than 5 people it seems!
14 Jul 2007 15:06
Kings Arms Hogshead, Colchester
Used to be a good pub for real ales, but when I last went there (about a month ago) there were none at all. Staff are not very attentative or efficient. Decor inside is OK, outside facilities are quirky but well done and user friendly.
14 Jul 2007 15:02
The Leather Bottle, Colchester
Abysmal beer quality, probably due to the location of their cellar as much as lack of care by the people running the place. I recommend you drink bottled beer only. The food is good though. Uninspiring decor inside and out.
14 Jul 2007 15:00
Very good real ales. Friendly if mocking regulars and staff. A home from home.
14 Jul 2007 14:49
Dragoon, Colchester
I have been in once since it re-opened. It has been thoroughly stripped of all character inside, the central bar replaced by a long bar on the north wall. My first thought was that the counter and back-bar came from Ikeas budget range, rather bland looking.
The pool table had gone, dart board too. No jukebox, though the lady behind the bar said they let people plug their iPod/MP3 player into the sound system. No more "you pays your money, you take your choice. If you don't like the music selection, put your hand in your pocket".
It was a quiet time, so I can't comment on atmosphere.
3 Dec 2012 20:27