The Coast Inn, West Mersea, Colchester

We arrived at the Coast Inn at about 17:30 on a Monday in late July and the place was heaving. I thought the school holidays were due to start the following week, but I may have been wrong. It still has a good atmosphere and eccentric charm and is obviously proving attractive. We had a pint of Coors Light and a small diet Coke which was in excess of £5, so it appears the prices are not the attraction. There is a good selection of real ales and it is worth visiting, especially on a quieter session.

You enter this place through a small porch into the main bar area. It appears to be the original building with wood lined and painted interior and metal windows. Behind the bar area is the restaurant, which extends to the side, and appears to be a newer addition. Greene King IPA and Doom Bar were available at £3.00, and Mersea Brewery Yo Boy. The staff were friendly, and it had a nice atmosphere. One slight downside is the Gents consists of one WC in the bar area, and one WC in the restaurant. This is a bit restricted considering the size of the restaurant, and real ale being available. However, it has a certain charm, and is worth a visit.