The British Grenadier, Colchester

An exceptional pub, this. I learned reecently that Adnams are tragically planning to sell this absolute gem. Why, I do not know. A proper drinkers' pub, with effort towards exciting beers always in mint condition. Not many old-fashioned pubs exist that do not prioritise eaters over drinkers, but this place is a perfect example. I did see that the local CamRA website for Colchester had a petition which I was told quite a few people are signing to support the Grennie against sale. It would be an incredible loss and callous greed on Adnams part if it is gotten rid of.

Small, basic back-street boozer a five minute walk from Colchester Town train station. The pub has one main room with half pine panelled walls and a tile effect floor. Seating is limited and comprises mainly of backless banquettes and tables complimented with a few low stools. The side bar makes for a narrow room, with wider areas at either end. The left side is the larger end and there was a TV down there, which was switched off, a jukebox playing metal and obscure 80's stuff, a dartboard flanked by numerous trophies (dart flights were for sale behind the bar as well) and a fireplace that looked like it had seen a fair bit of action recently. There was also a games machine opposite the bar. This is an Adnams pub, so three of their beers were on offer - Bitter, Broadside and Tally Ho at £3.40 a pint, but this is a 7% beer and the barman indicated that it is priced accordingly. My half of Tally Ho was in great condition and went down a treat on a cold, cloudy winter's day. A fourth pump had a clip turned and I think it was a guest from Purity. There was a fair collection of pump clips around the bar area which suggests that a guest ale could be expected on most visits. I thought this was a good pub and it's encouraging to read that they have managed to keep the place going in spite of Adnams’ decision to close them down. Worth making the short trip out of town for and certainly worth supporting in their efforts to stay open.

In town several months ago for the Sheffield Wednesday match, a longish walk from the main railway station took me to The British Grenadier, a smallish street corner Adnams tied house to the south of the town centre. It's a rather basic affair with one smallish room on the angle of the street corner and a separate pool room behind. It's very much a regulars pub and I don't imagine they get too much in the way of passing trade, but I received a very warm welcome from Simon and Linda, mine host and her ladyship. Despite being an Adnams tied house, the pub has clearly been able to sell a good range of guest beers, as evidenced by the pump clips on the walls in the main bar. The pub is evidently CAMRA friendly and displays a number of local branch award certificates. A good selection of CAMRA branch magazines - including the latest issue of London Drinker - was available. Beers on were Adnams Bitter, Extra, Broadside and, as the guest, Gales Seafarers. Both the Bitter and Extra ( £ 2.80p and £ 3.10p respectively ) were in reasonable form, but tasted slightly too chilled. The pub is listed in the 2010 CAMRA Good Beer Guide, where we learn that the pub was recently saved from closure by the persistence of the landlord and landlady. I do hope this pub can keep going.