New Inn, Colchester

Two room, back-street pub a short walk from the centre of Colchester. This place recently reopened, having closed its doors when the previous long-serving landlady decided to call it a day. It has now been taken over by an enthusiastic young man who is trying to build up his customer base with various initiatives, such as a small but focussed range of ales, the imminent introduction of a simple menu and the pub’s own sports teams. He even tried to get me to sign up for a golf day with the other regulars. The pub itself is a standard two-room set up, with a smart enough saloon bar with fake beams, carpets and banquette seating. Numerous whisky tasting notes lined the walls, but I didn't notice an especially large whiskey collection behind the bar. The public bar has a stripped out feel, with bare floorboards, a pool table, dartboard, games machines and a TV showing snooker and golf. There was also, apropos of nothing, the outline of a body painted on the floor near the darts oche. Only Wells Eagle IPA was on when I visited, although a blackboard mentioned Nethergate Sweeney Todd and Mersea Island Oyster Stout, which the landlord confirmed were both waiting to come on. All ales are priced at a very competitive £2.00 for the time being, which should draw a few punters in. The Eagle IPA, which is their regular beer, was in good condition, although I can't say it's a drink I enjoy. I actually expected to find this place shut as the local CAMRA magazine mentioned its recent closure, so to find it back up and running again and in the hands of an enthusiastic landlord was very encouraging. There's still work to be done before this is the finished article, but I'd be willing to give this place another try in the future.