WHAT makes a good pub? Is it the atmosphere, the level of service, the drinks they serve or a combination of all of the above?

Finding out which pubs are the best in your area can be hassle, with lots of trial and error.

Thankfully, the folks at Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) have collected some of the best pubs in the country in The Good Beer Guide 2022.

Here are the pubs in Colchester which made this hallowed list.

Eight Bells, Colchester Road, Bures Hamlet

Run by Willie, Barbara and Sarah for more than 40 years, the Eight Bells is a favourite pub for many Bures residents as well as those from a little further afar.

The pub is known for always featuring a range of local ales from breweries.

Ale House, Butt Road, Colchester

Gazette:

A stone’s throw from the town centre, this pub, previously named The Dragoon, was massively refurbished, renamed The Ale House and reopened on November 10, 2011.

Bricklayers Arms, Bergholt Road, Colchester

The Bricklayers Arms offers fine ales, great food served daily and live sport.

British Grenadier, Military Road, Colchester

Gazette:

This pub features an ever-changing range of real ales and cider. Pool, darts and card games are also on offer plus a real fire in the winter months.

Fat Cat, Butt Road, Colchester

The Fat Cat says it offers “real ale, fine wine and a warm welcome”.

New Inn, Chapel Street South, Colchester

This boozer won Colchester CAMRA pub of the year three years running in 2017, 2018 and 2019.

Odd One Out, Mersea Road, Colchester

This traditional local pub boasts open fires, wood burners, a superb secret garden and great beer.

Purple Dog, Eld Lane, Colchester

Gazette:

Found at the heart of the town centre, the Purple Dog offers a wide range of food, coffee and drinks in the day and then turns into a rock and indie venue at night.

Victoria Inn, North Station Road, Colchester

This pub won East Anglia regional CAMRA pub of the year in 2014.

Hare & Hounds, Crayes Green, Layer Breton

Here you can sample the many delights on the menu or treat yourself to an overnight stay.

Donkey & Buskins, Layer Road, Layer de la Haye

This fresh food, gastro-pub restaurant is a favourite in the village.

Olde Albion, High Street, Rowhedge

Gazette:

This pub offers a scenic view across the river which splits Rowhedge and Wivenhoe.

Live & Let Live, Millers Lane, Stanway

The Live and Let Live boasts all sorts of entertainment including the football, a pool table, free darts and a jukebox.

Black Buoy, Black Buoy Hill, Wivenhoe

This pub at the heart of Wivenhoe prides itself on championing real ale.

Horse & Groom, The Cross, Wivenhoe

The Horse and Groom provides two bars - a comfortable lounge bar and a friendly public bar.