Church Street Tavern, Essex
Church Street Tavern is a chic and contemporary bar and restaurant in the centre of Colchester that prides itself on being a local hub - a place to chat over an afterwork cocktail or a morning coffee to celebrate with friends over dinner or gather wit family for Sunday roast. Church Street Tavern is consistently rated one of the best places to eat in Colchester and is the only restaurant in town with a Michelin Plate, and two AA Rosettes.
“A handsome, big-boned townhouse just off the main shopping drag which combines the warmth and hospitality of the traditional tavern with serious cooking..” Tracey MacLeod, The Independent
Refreshingly when high streets are dominated by chains, Church Street Tavern is independently owned by Piers Baker, who also owns The Sun Inn, Dedham. Baker has lovingly restored in grand Victorian savings bank, bringing it up-to-date without losing any of its delightful character. Step inside and you'll discover an elegant interior, rustic oak wooden flooring and an assortment of comfortable upholstered seating as well as wonderful artwork from Essex artist, Philippa Dow.
Baker says: “Taverns are a rich part of our heritage - a place to meet and do business. We wanted to create a Tavern for the 21st century - a place to meet, have fun, enjoy good food and drink and be well looked after.”
The downstairs bar is a casual affair with sofas and stools, café tables and counters. The bar menu, served downstairs and upstairs on weekday lunchtimes, stars rare-breed burgers, a seasonal salad and a regular pasta dish.
Upstairs the light-filled dining room is a perfect place for a business lunch or gathering with family and friends. The lunch and dinner menu features an unusual selection of lighter including steamed mussels, Caeser salad and more substantial dishes like Highfield’s Farm Duck Breast and steak aged for a minimum of 45 days and from rare breed animals. Vegetarians will enjoy dishes like Roast Crown Squash, Mushroom Orzo, Kale andChestnut Pesto - a vegan menu is available. Jannsson’s Temptation, a classic Swedish potato dish, is a popular alternative to fries. Sunday roasts are flavourful and generous.
Menus change monthly with the seasons and where possible meat, fish and vegetables are all sourced locally, including Sutton Hoo Chicken, rare-breed beef and fish from Mersea day boats.
To wash it down, there is a cracking selection of beers and ciders (both bottled and draft) and premium spirits. There is an exceptional and extensive wine list chosen for their distinct flavour, and made with respect for the vine as well as the environment. The eclectic cocktails list features classics, created and mixed with care.
