The Old Siege House Bar and Brasserie

A beautiful building with a fascinating history. Now a restaurant, The Old Siege House is so-​called due to being the very same building in which the Siege of Colchester took place, the siege which brought an end to the English Civil War in the 17^th century. Bullet holes and other partial damage is still visible outside and inside of this restaurant from that siege. But the building is even older than that event, it was constructed late on in the 15^th century and still retains nearly all of it’s original features including stained glass windows and fireplaces.
And as if being inside a building of historical significance wasn’t enough, the food is bloomin’ marvellous, too. The menu is generally made up of modern European style options but what gives The Old Siege House some bonus points is the imagination and creativity put in to the meals created here. The presentation is great and the taste is even better.
After some generously sized starters I was struggling to decide which one of the five or so meal choices, which I had narrowed down to, to choose from. This was a problem I’d be only to happy to take on again. In the end, I went for the Tournedo of Pheasant (pan fried pheasant stacked with red onion marmalade, smoked apple wood cheddar and prosciutto with butternut squash mash and veal jus) — oh yeah, that’s how I roll. This wasn’t a choice I regret. Lovely. My lady-friend’s veg-​tastic meal was also terrific — the Asparagus Florentine (grilled asparagus, spinach, toasted brioche and poached duck egg smothered with smoked apple wood cheddar sauce). We both loved this. My dessert of profiteroles smothered in white chocolate with vanilla ice-​cream and the lady’s créme brulee of strawberry and basil with shortbread, both hit the spot.
Although no one was playing while we were there on a Sunday evening, there is a beautiful Grand piano by the entrance in the bar area.
The layout of The Old Siege House makes it possible to accommodate some larger tables for groups but, also, a lot of smaller, secluded tables while keeping much of the floor open. No one need sit practically adjoining the next table, there is enough room in between for your own privacy.
It was a reasonably quiet evening in the restaurant so service was expected to be quick and it was. It was also friendly, courteous, efficient and knowledgable (on the wine list, soup of the day, specials, history of the building etc).
All in all, a thoroughly lovely dining experience and should I be in Colchester again I would hope I’ll be coming back here.
TTFN,
Ian