Old Siege House Civil War Site
A 17th-century building in Colchester offering fine French-style dining and a piano bar, blending history with exquisite cuisine.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Live piano & romantic vibes
Old Siege House Civil War Site
Best Time
Live piano & romantic vibes
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 17th-century building in Colchester offering fine French-style dining and a piano bar, blending history with exquisite cuisine.
"This restaurant in a historic 15th century building, is worth a visit. I had the white bait starter and stuffed pork belly as a main. Both were superb and the portions are generous."
🎯 Book Your Table Early
Popular spot, especially for weekend dinners. Reserve ahead to avoid disappointment! :calendar:
🍽️ Kids' Menu Delight
Even the chicken nuggets are praised for their quality. Great for families! :chicken:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
17th-Century Ambiance
Dine within a historic building featuring original beams and a cozy fireplace. A truly atmospheric experience.
Exquisite Fine Dining
Savor perfectly cooked scallops, tender lamb shank, and delicious chicken nuggets for the kids.
Live Piano Bar
Enjoy a delightful evening with live piano music accompanying your meal or drinks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Prime Time
Embrace the History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Your Table Early
Popular spot, especially for weekend dinners. Reserve ahead to avoid disappointment! :calendar:
🍽️ Kids' Menu Delight
Even the chicken nuggets are praised for their quality. Great for families! :chicken:
🎶 Enjoy the Music
The piano bar adds a special touch to the dining experience. Perfect for a date night. :musical_note:
💰 Check Service Charge
Be aware of the voluntary 10% service charge added to bills. :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Your Table Early
Popular spot, especially for weekend dinners. Reserve ahead to avoid disappointment! :calendar:
🍽️ Kids' Menu Delight
Even the chicken nuggets are praised for their quality. Great for families! :chicken:
🎶 Enjoy the Music
The piano bar adds a special touch to the dining experience. Perfect for a date night. :musical_note:
💰 Check Service Charge
Be aware of the voluntary 10% service charge added to bills. :moneywithwings:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners consistently praise the Old Siege House for its exceptional food quality, historic ambiance, and friendly service. The perfectly cooked dishes, including seafood, lamb, and Sunday roasts, are highlights, complemented by the charming setting with original beams and live piano music. While generally excellent, a minor point of contention for some is the unannounced voluntary service charge.
"Really excellent food.
Perfectly-cooked scallops with a lovely black pudding accompaniment, beautifully presented on a bed of salad, with just the right amount of dressing.
Halibut was good but slightly less excellent, as it was just very slightly over-cooked. But only fractionally, and that's being picky.
I had a delicious rump of lamb in a lovely sauce that was both fresh and minty, but also deeply unctuous and satisfying. I mean, really good.
My daughter had chicken nuggets, which were delicious - light and tender and fluffy, moist and just lovely. That level of attention to detail for even the kids' menu speaks volumes of the standard of the kitchen.
The restaurant is set in an interesting building with plenty of history. Service was friendly and good. One ale on tap - I forget the name, but it was well-kept and interesting with hints of apricots, and very tasty. Decent wine list.
Reasonably priced for the standard of the cooking and food - felt we'd had decent value for a lovely meal.
Will definitely return."
Alastair Maw
"Sunday lunch 2 courses. Opted for the chicken roast, which came with generous and excellently cooked vegetables and roast potatoes. Biscoff cheese cake for dessert. Food was high quality and service was exemplary. Lost a star for adding voluntary 10% service charged without mentioning it before the meal. Apart from that minor annoyance it was a most enjoyable lunch."
Stillwe Rise
"This restaurant in a historic 15th century building, is worth a visit. We went on a Sunday and had the roast. This is one of the best Sunday roasts I've had in the UK. I had the white bait starter and stuffed pork belly as a main. Both were superb and the portions are generous. Worth a visit."
Louis Pretorius
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Old Siege House is located in Colchester. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, it's a historic building, so parking might be limited. Consider checking local transport options or ride-sharing services upon arrival.
Information on dedicated parking is scarce. Given its historic nature and central location, it's advisable to research local public parking facilities or consider alternative transport methods.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, tickets are not required for entry as it functions as a restaurant and piano bar. However, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dining.
Opening hours can vary, particularly for the piano bar. It's best to check their official website or call ahead to confirm current dining and bar hours.
Yes, the Old Siege House can accommodate large groups, with one reviewer mentioning a party of 14 being well looked after. Booking well in advance is crucial for larger parties.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Old Siege House offers fine dining with a French-style influence. Expect dishes like perfectly cooked scallops, rump of lamb, halibut, and excellent Sunday roasts. They also cater well to children with high-quality nuggets.
While specific vegetarian and vegan options aren't detailed in reviews, the kitchen is noted for its attention to detail. It's recommended to inquire directly about dietary accommodations when booking.
The pricing is considered reasonable for the quality of food and cooking, offering good value for a lovely meal.
No strict dress code is mentioned, but given the fine-dining aspect and historic ambiance, smart casual attire is generally appropriate.
📸 📸 Photography
Photos are generally allowed, and many visitors capture the historic interior. However, be mindful of other diners and avoid intrusive photography, especially during live music performances.
The exposed beams, open fireplace, and the overall historic architecture make for great photo opportunities. The piano bar area also offers a charming backdrop.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🥂 Couples & Romantic Dinners
🍽️ Food Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Taste of History: The Old Siege House Experience
Reviews highlight the exceptional quality of the food, from perfectly cooked scallops and tender lamb shank to surprisingly delicious chicken nuggets for younger diners. The Sunday roast also receives high marks, making it a popular choice for a weekend treat. The live piano bar further enhances the ambiance, providing a sophisticated backdrop for an evening out.
While the building's historic nature means some elements might be rustic (like uneven floors), this is generally seen as part of its charm. The service is frequently described as friendly and excellent, contributing to an overall positive and highly recommended dining experience.
Culinary Delights at the Old Siege House
For those seeking a traditional British meal, the Sunday roast is a standout, often described as one of the best in the UK, featuring generously portioned and excellently cooked vegetables and roast potatoes. The stuffed pork belly has also been singled out for praise. The restaurant also boasts a decent wine list and a well-kept ale with interesting flavor notes.
While the food is consistently lauded, one minor point of feedback mentioned is the addition of a voluntary 10% service charge without prior notification, which some diners found to be a small annoyance. Despite this, the overall consensus is that the food offers great value for money given the high standard.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit