Molly Malones, Colchester

This pub has once again changed name, back to Molly Malones, and with new management has picked up trade considerably. Whilst this pub did once have a reputation for being unwelcoming and was generally populated by people who seemed more interested in fighting other customers then talking to them, things have now changed for the better.

There is a good selection of beers,wines and spirits. Real ales are provided by the bottle (think Bishops Finger/Newcastle brown etc) rather then real ales from micro breweries or casked ciders. There are plenty of Euro and US lagers including Coors on tap. If you want a wide selection of real ales and casked ciders, then the Fat Cat on Butt Road or the Ode One Out on Mersea road would suit better. If you want a more lively, yet independently run boozer close to town where you can let your hair down and be a bit wilder then this suits to a T.

They are doing a variety of music at the weekend now, both djs and bands can be accomodated.

Simple food (hotdogs/cheeseburgers) are on offer as well for the peckish punter.

Service was efficient, quick and friendly.

17 Jan 2010 22:18

The Odd One Out, Colchester

This is a quality pub, sporting a good selection of real ales and cask ciders as well as an impressive variety of whiskeys. Open fireplaces, beer garden, plenty of seating. Doesn't do food, but is close enough to town for this to not matter. They do a variety of snacks and the landlord will make you a cheese roll if you ask. If you like real ales and ciders or are a fan of the single malt, then this is a great venue for a quiet drink. The landlord does have rules .. no swearing, and no mobile phone use in the lounge bar, however this just keeps the atmosphere friendly and there are plenty of town alternatives if you can't control your language! The pub is dog friendly.
I have had a variety of ales in there over the past year and never found a problem with them, they have always been in tip top condition and the pub has recently won awards from CAMRA for its ale and ciders. The last visit saw 5 differant guest ales and 4 guest ciders.
Pub opening hours are opens at 4pm, closes at 11pm

There is a poor selection of soft drink alternatives to alcohol and the bottled drinks that are stocked are kept on shelves rather then in fridges.This undoubtedly keeps the cost of the pints and spirits themselves down and benefits the majority of the customer base but may not suit everyone, For this reason I have rated this pub 9 out of 10.

17 Jan 2010 22:07

The Castle Inn, Colchester

I recently visited The Castle and found it to be an exceptionally well run establishment. The landord and landlady were friendly and inviting and struck up conversation with patrons, The barstaff were really quick on service and full of friendly banter. Food is generous in portions and very good in quality and presentation, It is traditional 'pub food' and Sunday roast fare rather then the 'up market gastro pub food'. There was an excellent selection of drinks and I settled on one of the real ales they offer, which couldn't be falted. Toliets were clean, soap dispensers full and plenty of toilet roll. There was a seperate function room of a very good standard thou this wasnt in use at the time I visited. Plenty of comfortable seating inside and out, Sofas as well as the more typical wooden chairs. There was a TV showing sports channels but at a volume where it didnt disturb people not wanting to watch this, A couple of fruit machines. Smoking area/outdoor patio with ample seating.
No doorstaff, but when a few young lads did start a bit of bother in the beer garden towards closing time, the landlord and landlady were straight on it, taking drinks away from those that were beginning to kick off and escorting them from the premises, It was clear that whilst friendly banter and lively revellers are welcome, that any nonsense or agressive is swiftly dealt with.
Will definately go back and encourage others to visit.

9 Jan 2010 23:00