Foundry Arms, Colchester

Backstreet pub, hidden away but close by the better-known Artilleryman; opened out at some stage to leave a square room with the bar on one side and a pool table on the other, plus another small seating area at the back. Simply furnished and decorated, but with quite a homely feel. None of the three handpumps were on when I visited, unfortunately, but two local Colchester Brewery beers are available in bottled form: Number One (£3.50) and Metropolis.

This pub has had many managers over the past year or so but is now back in the hands of the owner and is being run by the ex landlord&landlady of the Cambridge Arms (see Cambridge Arms review). It is a friendly pub with a large grasses beer garden where families are welcome, a pool table (with team) . Karaoke 1st & 3rd Saturday of the month, regular live music and very reasonably priced beer. All in all a nice place to enjoy a drink.