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Reviews of new Colchester restaurants, pubs and cafes
However, making a decision about where to go can be a challenge, with so many options up for grabs.
Our reporters have been out and about visiting a range of new establishments to try.
We have had our say on patisseries, pubs, cafes and more.
Here’s what we thought of them.
1. Trattoria Cavalli
Gazette reporter Daniel Rees visited this new seafood restaurant in Osbourne Street.
The inside of the restaurant had been completely refreshed with new furniture and décor.
The restaurant has a large menu which includes burgers, pasta, pizza and a range of meats.
Daniel tried their scampi for starter, seabass risotto for main and cheesecake for dessert.
He described all the portion sizes as “large” and “good value for money”.
He said: “The restaurant is good value and hopefully it will start to draw more people in as the weeks go by.”
2. Hare and Hound
Daniel Rees also reviewed The Hare and Hound pub in Colchester when it reopened in May.
It unexpectedly closed in January and has since been refurbished and is under new ownership.
He enjoyed a tomato and basil soup for starter, roast beef for main and a lemon tart for dessert.
He said: “The Hare and Hound is still getting back on its feet, but the roast dinner shows it has lots of potential.”
3. Brick Lane Bagel Co.
I visited the new bagel shop in Colchester High Street when the franchise opened its latest chain in May.
The staff were friendly and the menu had a large range to choose from.
I felt spoilt for choice so went for the most popular menu item, Salt Beef.
The quality was amazing and I couldn’t fault the food at all.
It is definitely a place I will be returning to as there is plenty more on the menu I want to try.
4. Food Sooo Good
Reporter Lina Niewinska visited Food Sooo Good in Hythe Hill a few weeks after it opened.
She tried chicken strips, a spicy chicken burger and a spicy chicken burger and sweet potato fries.
She said: “In my opinion, the restaurant is good value and provides a spot in Colchester where residents can have delicious comfort dishes.”
5. Bella’s Patisserie
Reporter Daniel Rees went to Sir Isaacs Walk in Colchester to try the new patisserie which opened in April.
The independent business offers a large range of fresh cakes and bakes.
Daniel tried an entremet made up of layers of brownie, walnut, caramel, and chocolate mousse and an entremet with a white chocolate mousse encasing a passionfruit filling.
He was left wanting more after trying the two desserts and described them as being a “seriously high standard”.
He said: “Business has been steady so far, Ms Maria says, but having tried some of the cakes she has made, one hopes it is not too long before it really gets off the ground.”
