10 bars and restaurants in Colchester to visit after lockdown

We've faced three national lockdowns and spent more time indoors than ever before in the last year.

But with Boris Johnson announcing his road map out of lockdown hope for a brighter future appears to be on the horizon.

If all goes well, hospitality businesses should be able to reopen for outside trading from April 12.

But they won't be able to serve customers inside until May 17 at the earliest.

There's so much choice though, where should be the first places on your list to visit once you are able to?

We asked what restaurants, pubs and bars you guys had missed most during lockdown.

Lots of people sent us very long lists...

Darren Cookson wins for the longest list of places he is missing.

He said: "The Purple dog, Kings arms, Hospital arms, the Bull, Three Wise Monkeys, Rubix, Half Butt Inn, Mimosa, The Crown, Rovers Tye, The Friar, The Shepherd, The Anchor Inn, The Royal Albion, Ye Olde Albion, The Greyhound and the Rose and Crown to name but a few."

The most popular response was actually "all of them" and we completely agree with this sentiment.

Here are a few of your favourites, not in any order of course:

Three Wise Monkeys, Colchester

A relative newcomer to Colchester town centre, Three Wise Monkeys is now probably the most popular nightspot in the town.

Run by Pasini Leisure, which also owns Twisters and V Bar, it normally draws residents to the High Street at weekend.

Its smokehouse restaurant upstairs is extremely popular and it hosts regular gigs during normal times.

The Wooden Fender, Ardleigh

The Wooden Fender, in Colchester Road, Ardleigh was suggested by several of our readers.

The restaurant offers a wide variety of pub classics to eat and has a lovely beer garden for when the weather improves.

Hall Farm, Stratford

Technically slightly over the order in Suffolk, Hall Farm is nevertheless popular amongst Essex residents.

It was suggested by readers on our Facebook page.

The farm shop is well worth a visit too.

Mimosa, Colchester

Located in the unassuming surroundings of the Severalls Industrial Estate in Colchester, Mimosa is a "destination restaurant".

It offers a modern British menu specialising in local and seasonal dishes.

There is also a huge drinks selection from the bar too.

The Sun Inn, Dedham

The Sun is a fantastic country pub in the heart of Constable Country.

The food is special and the pub has been listed in Waitrose's Good Food Guide.

Several of our readers suggested it as a location they've been missing.

Miller and Carter, Stanway

A handful of residents named Miller and Carter, in Stanway, on their list of places they've missed.

Best known for their steaks the restaurant is part of a national chain.

Well worth a visit once lockdown restrictions are lifted.

The Old Siege House, Colchester

Probably the most historic eatery in Colchester, by the age of the building at least.

The premises are linked to Colchester's Civil War history.

The restaurant offers French-style fine dining and was suggested by our readers.

North Hill Noodle Bar, Colchester

The North Hill Noodle Bar is legendary in Colchester and one of the town's most celebrated restaurants.

They've been offering delivery through lockdown, but lots of readers wanted to pay a visit in person once it reopens.

Le Talbooth, Dedham

Dedham is stacked with choice if you're after fine dining.

Our readers piked out Le Talbooth, in Gun Hill, as the one to visit once lockdown is over.

The Cricketers, Eight Ash Green

Many of our readers said they'd be heading straight back to The Cricketers, in Eight Ash Green.

The pub is located in the quiet village of Eight Ash Green, just on the outskirts of Colchester.

Food is of course on the menu, along with a huge drinks selection.

Read more:

• The best pubs in north Essex (according to readers)
• Just Eat reviews show the 10 best takeaways in Colchester

Is your favourite on the list?

If not, let us known what your favourite is an why by email robbie.bryson@newsquest.co.uk.