The Woolpack Inn, Colchester

A very attractive timbered pub located just next to the church in this pleasant village, it’s one of those pubs that’s very difficult to walk past without calling in to see what it’s like internally, such is it’s kerbside appeal. Fortunately we weren’t disappointed, they clearly resisted the temptation to “refurbish” it or go down the gastro route (although food is offered) and it retains all the charm of an old country inn. It’s divided in to a few different rooms internally with a flagstone hallway from the entrance porch leading to a small snug on the left and three further rooms to the right. The largest room at the front had a wood strip floor, leaded windows and old timberwork inset in to the walls with rough pale lemon or salmon colour plasterwork elsewhere. There were plenty of beams on the ceiling, and a large brick fireplace to one side with an open hearth and a black chimney hood. Various pots, pans and horse brasses were dotted a round. The slightly smaller bar at the rear seemed a popular spot for the locals to gather and this had a flagstone floor and a low beamed c ceiling. The final room on the right looked a little more basic and although we did not inspect this, I did note another brick chimney breast and a TV that was showing the horse racing. The snug to the left had a black and white timbered wall and a set of antlers mounted up on the wall. Beers on tap were Red Fox, Hunter’s Gold, Seafarer’s Ale and Greene King IPA, whilst the ciders were a duo from Magners with their regular and Dark Fruit varieties. All in all, a fantastic old pub and well worth a visit.

Incredibly picturesque half-timbered building, with a suitable esoteric interior. Two smallish rooms extend round the bar, with another less used one to the left on the way in, and a nice beer garden behind. Ignore some of the modern trimmings and it would be easy to imagine the pub in Pickwickian times! Ales from Greene King and guests (Cask Marque accredited) and some excellent value pub food, which is deservedly popular.