The Leather Bottle, Colchester

I visited the Leather bottle 3 years ago with my Family for a Sunday lunch and I was disgusted at the mentality of the so called regular lot who stood in the bar swearing and being abusive to not only other customers but the children in there as well. However that was 3 years ago!!! I heard that the pub was under new management and a new chef was in place etc so I decided to take my wife and kids there (last sunday) and try again. I could not believe the change in the place. The new owners were very friendly and polite. Made a change from the old lot who had it who were really rude and ignorant. The food I might add was absoloutly excellent the new chef has totally got the right idea. None of this cheap and cheerfull microwave crap you can get anywhere in any pub in the area it was traditional and homecooked which makes all the difference. And to add to that the chef came out and personally made sure every table was happy and satisfied. The kids had a great time and we felt thouroughly satisfied after we had finished. The beer was excellent the pub was clean and tidy and the atmosphere in there was warm and friendly. It is nice to see that they want to go back to being a good old fashioned pub where you can take your family etc have a good meal and be made to feel welcome. We spoke with a few of the regulars after our meal who drink in there most days and they commented on how the new couple have slowly got rid of all the idiots and foul mouthed people who used to drag the pub down. I notice from a couple of recent posts about this pub that certain people are not happy with the couple running the bar. I have ran bars myself and it is no easy task its a 24 hour job. The couple in there now are doing a great job the pub has the right sort of atmosphere and I shall be visiting again this week at some point with my good lady for a drink. I can only hope my visit is half as good as my last one. To run a pub you need to be a strong person. Not be bullied by people who call themselves regulars and that they have more right to be in there than anyone else. Its nice to see that the new couple want to change the image and make it a more friendly place. If you want to be a lout sear and be abusive go and do it down the road somewhere else. I would definately recomend this pub again !!!!

7 Apr 2009 01:30