Drapers Hotel - Colchester

Happyhammer190784

Firstly the positives. Nice big room mostly clean though a lot of cobwebs on the beams and the wallpaper needs replacing very comfortable bed and lovely bathroom with large shower. Well equipped lots of tea and coffee it even had a fridge with wasn’t plugged in so unsure it it worked. I noticed an ironing board outside the room and presumed it was for use of the guests |Now a couple of negatives. As a solo traveller there was no discount for a single person. All the rooms were doubles or twins but price was based on two adults. Yes I was given a large room but the price at £97.50 with no breakfast for essentially a village pub I thought was quite steep. Secondly. You expect a bit of noise being a pub but the hotel was not busy in fact I didn’t see any other guest so I would think that choosing to put me on the side of the car park where people were outside drinking till 1.30am was not the best. I have stayed before and the rooms facing the other way are not as noisy. So my advice would be. If you want sleep I’d suggest getting it between 2 am and checkout. Having said all that I was still happy with my stay

steviedib

Food only. Explained there was a red and green pepper ( Capsicum ) allergy so really disappointed when the salad arrived with red green and yellow peppers on.|This was changed for a different one but then told one of the tortillas also had peppers in .|This was returned but no replacement sent until we had to remind the waitress.|Calamari's far too spicy (chilli in batter). Pork skewers far too spicy , aioli had chilli flakes sprinkled on top. Prawns far too spicy and not advertised as having chorizo in.|Even the salad was fiery.|We've eaten lots of Spanish food but can't ever recall this much spice being used.|After last years Sunday lunch review which was great this was so so disappointing .|Will not be returning or recommending.

Nicholas M.

This review is based on restaurant alone, I didn’t stay here.
A group of us treated my mother in law to Mother’s Day lunch here, and honestly I wonder why we bothered. First of all the service was awful, two waitresses were rude and we felt very unwelcome, despite booking a month in advance and pre ordering our food. Our booking was at 1:45 but we didn’t get sat till 2 and didn’t get our food till gone 2:30. The set up of our table was awful, with one of the tables being considerably taller than the other. If you can’t allow for a large group, don’t book them in, simple as that.
The food wasn’t particularly great either, roast potatoes burned on outside rock hard on inside, parsnips thin and burnt to a crisp, Yorkshire was just nasty. Beef was okay and albeit the stuffing was delicious.
The worst part and the main reason I will not be returning is the waitress placing very hot plates of vegetables right over in front of my 1 year old daughter, with just a comment saying it’s very hot, how about placing them somewhere else away from her? I get there were drinks on the table but you could’ve asked us to move them to allow you to put it away from her. If anything had dropped or landed on her I would have been fuming.

I cannot recommend this place, the staff and food were just awful and I feel conned out of £70.

John S.

Went in the bar for lunch because Halstead was heaving (yes, I know..!). Lovely cool airy haven from the heat outside. The bar is got up with a Mediterranean or maybe West Indian vibe: whatever, it works. Inspired, we went for the tapas menu and shared chilli prawns, pork belly and garlic chicken with spicy chips. Beer and cider. Had coffee too, which was excellent. Attentive polite service.

654ashleam

We booked for a large party, we felt we weren’t accommodated at all with two tables pushed together at completely different heights which made eating dinner together very awkward.|The table was not ready upon arriving despite knowing we would be coming, booked 3/4 weeks in advance||We had a Sunday roast, the food was lovely although cold considering we pre ordered and waited 45 minutes from sit down.||We were sitting on top of each other and felt they couldn’t accommodate such a large table.||Vegetables and cauliflower cheese were placed on the table directly over the 14 month old, placed a few inches from her. With the warning it’s Really Hot. ||The staff was not very welcoming, would not rush back especially for a large party. Was quite disappointed.

Rocket_19712003

Sunday lunch with friends. First visit.|Excellent value. I had the rib of beef and my Husband the Gammon.|Lemon Roulade for dessert - home made and delicious.|Great atmosphere. Vast selection of beers. Staff friendly and personable.|Establishment inviting.|Highly recommend.

Bruce R.

A family of six went for Sunday dinner....we all were very impressed with the service and quality and choice we will definitely go again thank you all....loverly round tables and ambience....great. give it five stars 🌟

Bawtryblue

Wes and the team put on a fantastic French themed night with wine matched to food by the very knowledgeable Steve. ||French food has not always floated my boat or it didn’t until last night. We started with the best French onion soup I have ever had, muscles to follow which I could not eat due to an allergy but the mushroom alternative was fantastic. |Main was beef bourguignon with the most amazing Dauphinoise potato’s, Wes these must become a staple on your menu. |The cheese board wrapped up an amazing night of food and a wine education. |Definitely the best food in Earls Colne I would definitely recommend a visit Wes and the team do this really well.