I am afraid I am not finding much time to be on Ciao these days but with a new puppy in the house I ...
I am afraid I am not finding much time to be on Ciao these days but with a new puppy in the house I have some doggy related products to review from time to time.
Member since:11.10.2006
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The Wooden Fender is a rural pub situated in the village of Ardleigh just a few miles outside Colchester. It is located on the Colchester Road, Ardleigh and was built in the 14th century. It is said that the Witchfinder General, Matthew Hopkins held his meetings here during the height of the witch trials in the mid-1600s.
The pub was first mentioned as a coaching stage in 1625 and it is now something of a focal point in the village and a popular place for lunchtime and evening dining. It attracts both passing trade and people from the nearby town of Colchester. The pub offers traditional ales and home-cooked food at very reasonable prices.
The Wooden Fender has a restaurant and also serves meals in the bar allowing it to cater for over 70 diners. In addition they are fortunate in having a private dining room 'The Forest Suite' at the rear of the pub which is available for groups of up to 20 people. They offer an excellent and varied menu which changes on a frequent basis and which offers food to suit all tastes. During the week, Monday to Friday they offer a 'set menu' with choice from six starters, six main courses and a wider range of desserts for just £9.95 per person for three courses. This is excellent value and, because they ring the changes on a regular basis, you can be sure of an excellent selection each time you visit. On a Saturday evening they offer a different set menu at £14.95 for three courses. Sunday Lunch is available at £12.95 for three courses or just £6.95 for the Roast on its own. In addition they arrange special events to suit the season which are advertised in a leaflet available as you enter the pub.
If you don't wish to partake of the special set menus you can select individual courses from the wide range of offerings advertised on menu boards in the bar. Some of the choices available on my last visit included Homemade Chicken Satay with Peanut Dip, Breaded Fisherman's Platter served with garlic mayo and Onion Bhaji & Samosa with curry dip as well as the more traditional offering of Homemade soup as starters. Mains included Char grilled Pork Ribeye, Homemade Salmon and sun dried tomatopasta bake, Vegetable Kiev and Char grilled breast of chicken with garlic butter. Desserts were many and varied including Spotted Dick, Apple Crumble, Peach Melba and Banana Split (assuming you have sufficient space left to accommodate these!)
The pub is traditionally decorated with lots of wooden beams and plenty of atmosphere. The staff are pleasant and welcoming and the service is friendly and efficient. I regularly visit the Wooden Fender as we book the Forest Suite for the meetings of our speaking/dining club evening each month. The staff are helpful and accomodating and their excellent timing enables the events to run smoothly in a relaxed atmosphere. The food is tasty and well presented and the selection is always appealing.
I can recommend this pub as a good place to eat if you are visiting the area. It is located twixt Manningtree and Colchester not far from Dedham and Constable Country.
Opening hours: 11.00-15.00 & 17.30-23.00
The Wooden Fender Colchester Road Ardleigh Essex CO7 7PA
Tel: 01206 230466 Fax: 01206 231053
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The mention of Banana Split and Apple Crumble have me salivating!!!
pmdunn 23.01.2007 21:25
Yet another great review. I lived in Colchester in the early 1970s and it is a shame I didn't know about this place.
perfectlypolished 22.01.2007 18:41
I have visited on several occasions for lunch but they have obviously extended the eating area since I was there last (which was several years ago). Must give it another try soon. Lin
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Jan 17th, 2007
(Jan 28th, 2007)
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