Talbooth Restaurant - Colchester

Aleena A

A delightful experience, in an absolutely stunning location with picturesque views of the River Stour that perfectly complement the ambiance of the restaurant. The setting made for a relaxed and elegant atmosphere (we had lunch but ideal for a special occasion as well!).

The food was beautifully presented and of high quality. Each dish was well-crafted, with fresh ingredients but the reason we gave it a 4* as our main course meat dishes were overcooked, but the starters were great. The food was solid but not outstanding. The menu offers a good variety of options, with a separate Veggie/Vegan menu.

The service was attentive and professional.

Overall, Talbooth is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enjoy fine dining in a serene and scenic location. Recommend it to anyone visiting Dedham or celebrating a special occasion.

Tomos William

My friend had his 60th birthday lunch at the Talbooth yesterday,
Fabulous meal as always
Wonderful service and a lovely ambience, in a charming setting and
Beautiful spot for a special event.

But for everyday Milsoms and special events as well is a wonderful location beautifully situated, and has professional and helpful staff the food is always very nice, there very considerate and knowledgeable about gluten etc.
lots of parking,
Great place for the children as the gardens are a go-to for playing.
Good children's menu.
Easy accessible with an electric wheelchair.

Jacqueline Harman Slack

In the main it was a lovely dinner in a beautiful restaurant. The food was on the whole exceptional, with great service. For starters I had the Soy Glazed Breast of Quail and Crispy Leg, and my husband had the Seared Yellow Fin Tuna and Pink Grapefruit. For main, my husbands main was the Stuffed Loin of Rabbit and Red Wine Glazed Leg, and for desserts I had the Pistachio Mille-Feuille and my husband had the Cheese Board. All of these were delicious.

However, my main was inedible. I had the Thyme Roasted Breast of Norfolk Chicken, with Parma Ham. There was a very off taste and when I smelt it, it smelt putrid. I spoke to the waitress who took it to the chef, who said the smell was the Parma ham and it was because it was aged. Apparently he had only just opened the packet and it was fine. I disagree. It was off and I have eaten aged Parma ham in Spain, Portugal and Italy and it had never tasted or smelt off.

No alternative was offered, no discount or that item to be removed from the bill. It was - we are right, you are wrong. I certainly couldn’t eat it, and it spoilt what was otherwise a delicious meal.

For the price though, my favourite restaurant in this area remains the House by Hilly Gant in Braintree, which is definitely a match for the good food at the Talbooth and is half the price.

Daniel Hutchison

Incredible food and service we both received

It was my birthday and the team went above and beyond to make it special

Just amazing experience. Would recommend and certainly be coming back soon.

Philip Howarth

I attended a friends wedding here.
All I can say is, wow!
The staff were very attentive and polite.
If you wish to see more, take a look at my photos.
Well done to everyone involved.

Quy Anderson

Beautiful restaurant. Staff were lovely. Reservations required £25 deposit per person - this gets taken off the final bill. Food was enjoyable, beautifully presented.

Ieva Andraityte

The place is amazing in summer, with the terrace overlooking the river. Inside is full of character too, but of not too busy, can be a little quiet, music barely audible so lacks atmosphere. I am vegan so tried all options many times over the years, and they are a bit bland, especially starters. Not much flavour or imagination, rhetorical only thing that’s on point is presentation but personally I’d rather have impressive tasting food, than pretty looking. Service is ok, attentive and timely, could be a bit more personable, warmer.

Hilary Lawrence

An absolutely beautiful wedding. The boat trips were a lovely touch. Food, service and venue were excellent.