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The Lemon Tree is a delightful independently run bistro situated in a converted warehouse, which interestingly is part of Colchester's historical Roman town wall. An intimate private room runs underneath the wall, accommodating up to thirty guests while a large terrace is open for al fresco dining throughout the summer.

Many customers see the fact that they serve reasonably priced, good quality food as one of their strong points. A frequently changing menu presents dishes all created from local and seasonal ingredients.

Pop in on a Saturday afternoon and take advantage of the popular brunch that could include a smoked mackerel and herring salad or bangers and mash. Starters on other days take in leek and apple wood tarts or Dedham vale salt beef with caper berries. Among main courses, fresh lambs' liver and bacon jostles with fishcakes in lemon butter sauce.

Desserts encompass summer pudding and a white chocolate and raspberry truffle. The wine list is both varied and well-priced.

The Lemon Tree hosts events such as themed evenings, music shows and gourmet sittings.

Slug and Lettuce has a chain of almost a hundred bars spread across the country sharing a common love of serving down to earth, undemanding food and drink.

The group prides itself on offering dishes prepared using quality ingredients, and you should be attended on by attentive staff in a safe, welcoming and cheerful environment. The Slugs have something for anyone - breakfast for a lively start to the day, lunch for busy people, family meals or even a relaxing glass of wine to bring a tiring day to an end - all in a variety of modern and stylish settings.

The menu features old time English favourites such as Gloucestershire Old Spot sausages in buttered mash or fish pie made with Dartmouth smokehouse haddock, in a Devon cream and leek sauce, although dishes look to Europe and further afield to Asia for inspiration. A good way to start the enjoyment is by sharing platters of Southern fried chicken breast pieces, crispy potato wedges, garlic ciabatta strips, half a rack of BBQ pork ribs, wasabi vegetables with onion rings or some Greek mezze

Hearty steak pies, Thai curry with sticky jasmine rice or butternut squash with goats' cheese lasagne are amongst the more popular main dishes. Sandwiches or wraps - warm tortilla with chicken and Parmesan or aromatic duck in plum sauce - provide for those who prefer something lighter. They also serve burgers as well as tempting salads like salmon, asparagus or tomato and mozzarella. For children they have good old British standby sausage and mash, or pepper pasta and ketchup among other choices, all of which never fail to delight, particularly as some of them seem to have come out of a certain celebrity chef's Book of Forbidden Dishes.

Desserts appear in the form of raspberry biscotti, hot chocolate pudding or a creamy strawberry cheesesake. The wine list is well compiled and substantial. There are not less than seven French, three from Italy and some from Spain, Chile, Australia as well as New Zealand. Slug and Lettuce can cater for events including birthday parties, fashion shows, hen nights, wedding parties or just an enjoyable night out with a few friends.

Clarice House is a small chain of exclusive health clubs, and residential and day spas, all situated in classic country houses in parkland settings. The Colchester branch offers all these and more in the form of Juniper, its prestigious AA Rosette restaurant.

The stylish interior offers lovely views of the well-kept grounds and with its soft lighting, calming colour scheme and soothing background music, Juniper is a promising place for romance or that special evening meal.

The British restaurant ensures diners are spoilt with a new and fun food experience under the leadership of Chef Paul Boorman. Starters include warm pigeon and chilli-poached pear salad, roast beetroot risotto, and the more unusual, molecular prawn cocktail.

The mains rest on the able shoulders of poached duck, venison, sea bass, and hare, which are served with an array of colourful sauces and vegetables. The dessert menu is equally celestial, with an impressive white chocolate and pistachio creme brulée,flambéed theatrically by Juniper's enthusiastic staff.

A selection of aperitifs, fine wines and champagne, all priced well, complement your meal.

Located in the lovely village of Polstead, The Cock Inn overlooks the village green and inside the décor is brimming with a rustic appeal with brick walls and wooden furniture. For all those special occasions head to the restaurant's well-furnished extension or the marquee in the garden.

The menu could open with starters of pâté of the day, Portobello mushrooms with goats' cheese gratin, and crayfish and prawn cocktail. This could be followed by a main course of deep filled steak and ale pie or chicken and bacon served with a choice of new potatoes or fries and vegetables. British favourites like fish and chips, Ploughman's lunch and rib eye steak griddled to your liking, with salad and beer battered onion rings feature prominently on the bill of fare.

Keep an eye open for their delicious organic baguettes served with salad garnish and the classic Aberdeen Angus burger.

Located in a historic building full of character and charm, the Red Lion Hotel can be found on the High Street, in the heart of the historic town of Colchester. One of the town's oldest inns, it is described as a perfect example of Tudor architecture and is within easy access of Stansted airport and the city of Cambridge. Housed within it is the Parliament Restaurant which still retains much of its old-world charm and décor, from high beamed ceilings to rare paintings adorning the walls.
 
The relaxed atmosphere provides an ideal setting to indulge in traditional British cuisine with a contemporary twist, all made from fresh and quality ingredients sourced from local markets wherever possible. The restaurant offers an all-day breakfast menu as well as a special lunch and dinner menu that changes seasonally.
 
Hotel guests are ideally situated to explore the surrounding town as well as numerous local attractions including Colchester Zoo, the Mercury Theatre and the 11th century Norman Castle.