The Marquis, Colchester

During a recent Friday afternoon visit to the Marquis the television in the main bar area to the left of the entrance was showing daytime television. BT Sports is advertised so I was surprised some sort of sport wasn’t preferred if the TV had to be on. At least it was muted which allowed the jukebox to contribute some background music. One of the three hand pumps on the bar was unused leaving Sharps Doom Bar and Adnams Ghost Ship as the cask ale options. There is also a standard keg range. In the right-hand side of the pub is a raised seating area that is located up some steps accessed from underneath some old stocks. This is a nice seating area that affords some olde worldie character. At the rear of this seating area is a thin enclosed patio area with a few picnic tables. In the rear of the pub is a back bar that also retains some character. Here an inglenook overlooks a pool table that was being used by the two other customers. Out the back is a raised decked beer garden with picnic tables. I would visit here again if passing.

Formerly the Marquis of Granby (and a pub long before that if the 1520 date is to be believed), with a black-and-white half-timbered look both without and within. The recent refurbishment(s) might not be that sympathetic, but the bar, side lounge (up three steps) and rear pool room all retain a fair amount of character. Just Greene King IPA (£3.90) available from a pair of handpumps, but at least this was in good shape.