Colchester's best venues for lunch on Mother's Day

It’s the day when they are allowed to let everyone else do the dishes and cook the dinner – when really, many of us know deep down we should share out the responsibility a little more than we do.

But if you truly fear you would singe the Sunday roast and curdle the homemade custard when trying to make a meal that’s up to mum’s usual high standards, then eating out is often the Plan B.

Most of us don’t hold back when we go on TripAdvisor – whether we’re singing the praises of one restaurant or going hammer and tongs on another – so reviews can often be an accurate gauge of how good an afternoon out really is.

We’ve put together a short list of some of the best-reviewed restaurants in and around Colchester for Mother’s Day – ideal if making a three-course meal for mum really is the stuff of nightmares.

1.) Le Talbooth

This restaurant may not strictly be in Colchester – it’s actually a short drive away in the village of Dedham – but according to the reviews it is certainly worth the 20-minute journey.

Its most recent review, submitted this month, praised the service, the surroundings, and the staff in a glowing summary.

It may be a slight drive outside Colchester, but for many it is worth the journey

“Fabulous surroundings and friendly and knowledgeable staff whose service was first class. The food is excellent and although the prices are high the visit was well worth it.”

If mum is into fine dining, this is the place for you.

2.) GreyFriars Colchester

With a CO1 postcode, this place is a little closer to home – and is right on the High Street.

What’s more, much of the cuisine is the sort of locally produced food that doesn’t leave you feeling guilty about the carbon footprint.

One gentleman, who has submitted no less than 63 reviews, entitled his review “As a Hotel Should Be.”

"As a hotel should be!" raved one reviewer

He wrote: “City centre location with its own grounds and plenty of parking, it’s a lovely hotel, extremely friendly staff and excellent service and food.”

He added: “It could easily be our favourite hotel.”

Praise indeed.

3.) Timbers

Based on another central location in Trinity Street, Timbers is a good shout for your Mother’s Day out.

A score of 4.5 stars out of 602 reviews is pretty good going, as one TripAdvisor attested herself.

She wrote: “I had a very nice time at timbers – I am gluten free and they had several things to choose from.

“As I was not too hungry I opted for the omelette which was very nice and my husband had the brunch which he said was lovely – when in Colchester will definitely visit again.”

4.) The Old Siege House Bar and Brasserie

Another accessible venue for those who don’t want to travel too far on Mother’s Day, The Old Siege House Bar and Brasserie is certainly a viable option.

Found on East Hill, the restaurant has enjoyed a string of strong reviews from customers over the previous few months.

One wrote: “It was a joy to return after a while – the atmosphere and greeting in the restaurant and from the staff was as we remembered, great.

“I had the fish cakes then the chicken and my wife had the scallops and the sea trout.

“For dessert I had the cheeseboard and my wife had the baklava parcels – timing of service and quality of food was excellent.”

5.) Sip and Tuck

The Sip and Tuck certainly seems more than a safe pair of hands if you’re heading out for a treat.

With vegan and gluten free options available, it is a popular bistro well worth trying, according to reviews.

One serial reviewer, who has written more than 200 appraisals, had a positive experience.

She wrote: “Great service. Wonderful food fairly priced.

“Highly recommend this place and look forward to returning for another breakfast or to try the lunch menu.”