Phone: +441206712452
Address: Colchester Institute, CO3 3, United Kingdom
City: Colchester
Menu Dishes: 9
Reviews: 1784
Website: http://www.colchester.ac.uk/open-to-the-public/restaurants
"We arrived for our meal and advised we were waiting for the third person in our party to join us, so they offered us a drink while we were waiting. We were then asked about 3 more times if we wanted to go to the table, which we declined as we were early anyway. When our other guest arrived, we advised the host that we were now ready, and he said to come to the table, only to then turn around and tell us that they weren't ready for us and to wait. We were taken to the table about 3 minutes later. The table was clean and laid for 3 as booked. It's a very contemporary decor. I ordered the smoked haddock on a broadbean and pea risotto, followed by the Monkfish and Cod scampi and chips. Our guest ordered the Goats cheese Crostini and Chicken Parmesan with a truffle Mac and Cheese. The smoked Haddock was nicely cooked, if a little bland and the risotto well made. The Goats Cheese Crostini went down well too! The Scampi was nicely cooked and flavourful, and the chips were perfection. The only things that brought it down was the mushy peas were cold and the dipping sauce for the scampi had a skin on it presumably it had been sitting under a heat lamp. The Chicken Parmesan was well cooked; the fried egg was nicely cooked and the Mac Cheese very tasty. I had the Kiwi and Lime Posset, my partner had the Chocolate Delice and our guest had the autumn berry gateau. The only issue with the dessert was the gateau was that our guest couldn't finish it! Not a problem. Tea and coffee were served, my only observation here is to let the tea brew a bit before pouring! Service: Very attentive waitresses, they checked back with us at nicely spaced intervals and cleared empty glasses etc. promptly. Very friendly and professional, the only thing that I could see was that there's too many people serving each table so the trainee isn't getting the true feel for serving. I also observed the tutors serving customers too while trainees stood chatting. To sum up, it's a good meal, good value for money and we will return!"
Full menu - 9 options
All prices are estimates on menu.
Sides
Sweet Potato
Roasted sweet potato seasoned with herbs and spices, served with a tangy yogurt dip.
Dipping Sauce
Creamy and tangy blend, perfect for enhancing flavors; ideal for dipping fries, veggies, or chicken nuggets.
Indian
Roti
Soft and flaky flatbread, perfect for dipping into curries or enjoying with a side of vegetables and sauces.
Appetizer
Side Dishes
Mac Cheese menu
Creamy mac and cheese with a rich, cheesy sauce, baked to golden perfection, delivering comfort in every bite.
Pork
American Food
Mac And Cheese
Creamy macaroni pasta baked with rich cheese sauce, topped with crispy breadcrumbs for extra texture and flavor.
Chicken
Chicken Parmesan
A classic Italian dish with breaded chicken breast, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese, served over pasta.
Sandwiches
Fried Egg Sandwich
Crispy fried egg layered with melted cheese, fresh lettuce, and tomato on toasted bread.
Jamie
Unbeatable value rising stars in front and back of house absolutely fabulous faultless performance well done guys I can’t imagine how hard you guys work
Address
Reviews
Daniela
Food was incredibly tasty and beautifully presented. Portions were on the larger side, so would advise turning up hungry. Service was brilliant too. Would highly recommend visiting!
B1100PQstevep
Just come back from the Balkerne gate restaurant for my birthday lunch, I’m full of praise for the excellent meal and smashing service received from the students. Definitely worth a visit parking is a problem so be warned plan where your going to park before you go. Looking for to book the Christmas lunch very soon.
Graham
Another lovely meal today. It’s turning out to be a firm favourite in our annual calendar. We will be back in the spring for another meal. What we ate today you cannot truely comprehend that the food was produced by catering students these young people will go on to be fantastic members of restaurants and businesses in the future. View menu
Ashley
Our party of 4 visited on a Thursday for the tasting menu, having not visited for quite some time. The students work hard throughout the evening and despite the obvious nerves/knowledge gaps, the service is good throughout. Tasty food for each course, with the pork belly and sweet potato soup being favourites, this is really worthwhile visiting due to the quality and value that you receive.
Kim
It's been a long wait for this wonderful restaurant, run by the fabulous students at the Colchester Institute College. The service is 5 star, polite and attentive. The setting and ambience very professional. The menu sublime and the quality of fine dining as good as any if not better than most in Colchester. Rising gastro stars!!!! Thank you for my first taste of an oyster The amazing pork cheek And desserts and petit fores I look forward to an opportunity to return.
Graham
If I was blindfolded and brought here, sat down ate my three courses still blind folded then there was the reveal at the end. I would be shocked to be told I had just eaten at a food college. Fantastic meal today, glad I didn't have the blind fold as I had to see the care that was in my dishes. High end restaurant food without the price tag. So great to see the 1st year students working along side their 2nd and 3rd year peers and the tutors guiding everyone. There will be some fantastic restaurant hosts in a couple of years time. Four of us dined and we all had different dishes purposely to experience as much as we could, not a single fault with the meal. View menu
paulmU7583KA
Excellent Thursday night taster menu, enjoyed every course, with a very nice bottle of Primitivo £20)! A tasting menu may cook up something that is not to your taste, but this time every thing was good, especially liked the Amuse, Beef Tartare with toast, which was a small taster, and was as good as any main I have tasted in France. I even liked the second course, Wild mushroom, butternut squash, spinach ricotta Rotolo veggie) The main course of chicken breast with barley, I enjoyed, but left some of the barley. So just one ingredient that was not to my taste, out of many! All this for £35! Well done guys. This really is a treasure in Colchester and deserves support as these guys are our fut...
G5514ZFcarolb
What a disappointment. Over the years I have eaten some marvellous meals at the Balkerne Restaurant but not so today. The choice was limited with just 3 items for each course and I was filled with dismay to read that the main course options were Moussaka, Mussels or Goat’s Cheese Risotto. I am allergic to cheese (it won’t kill me, but I’ve always been extremely nauseated by all types) and the thought of eating a mussel turns my stomach. One of my friends had a similar problem, but there was no alternative for us and no member of staff to advise the very young inexperienced waitress. I had no choice but to opt for two starters which was to some extent equally disappointing. The thick mushroom...
jobQ5251QM
We arrived for our meal and advised we were waiting for the third person in our party to join us, so they offered us a drink while we were waiting. We were then asked about 3 more times if we wanted to go to the table, which we declined as we were early anyway. When our other guest arrived, we advised the host that we were now ready, and he said to come to the table, only to then turn around and tell us that they weren't ready for us and to wait. We were taken to the table about 3 minutes later. The table was clean and laid for 3 as booked. It's a very contemporary decor. I ordered the smoked haddock on a broadbean and pea risotto, followed by the Monkfish and Cod scampi and chips. Our guest... View menu
Categories
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Kebab Savor our delicious kebabs, expertly grilled and bursting with flavor. Choose from a variety of meats and vibrant spices, served with fresh sides. Perfect for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
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British Traditional and hearty, the British menu offers comfort classics like fish and chips, succulent roasts, and savory pies. Rediscover familiar favorites, lovingly crafted with timeless recipes and fresh, local ingredients. View menu
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European Delight in a culinary journey across Europe with our exquisitely crafted menu, featuring authentic dishes from France, Italy, Spain, and beyond, using the freshest ingredients to bring traditional flavors to life.
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Restaurants Discover our curated selection of exceptional dining experiences, showcasing a variety of cuisines and atmospheres. Each restaurant promises exquisite flavors, attentive service, and a unique ambiance to enhance your culinary journey.
Amenities
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Seating
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