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Hours
Sun
10:00 - 16:00
Mon
9:00 - 16:00
Tue
9:00 - 16:00
Wed
9:00 - 16:00
Thu
9:00 - 16:00
Fri
9:00 - 16:00
Sat
8:30 - 17:00
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, Cafe, British, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Does this restaurant serve Romagna food?
Details
About
Simon, Ali and the team would like to welcome you to "timbers" our family run restaurant set in a gorgeous 400 year old timber framed building in the historic centre of Colchester. We offer well cooked quality food from our famous breakfasts using locally sourced ingredients, such as Proctors award winning sausages, local farm free range eggs, to our home made versions of world renowned classics. Great Coffees and teas or maybe something a little stronger are all available to wash it all down with! We believe that if we can serve you the best meals, by the friendliest staff, then you will be more than happy to come back and recommend us to all your friends.
PRICE RANGE
£4.00 – £9.00
CUISINES
Cafe, British
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
FEATURES
Reservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Digital Payments, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Non-smoking restaurants
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4.5
847 reviews
Excellent
700
Very good
94
Average
29
Poor
15
Terrible
9
Darren S
5 contributions
Dec 2024 • family
A quaint cosy and rustic café with friendly service (thanks to Maria, Lauren and Kaitlin), We were served a delicious, generous, well cooked traditional breakfast (compliments to chefs Pete and John) at a very reasonable price. I will certainly be coming back when I'm back in the area. 👍👍👍👍👍 from me!
Written 9 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MELANIE B
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • friends
After realising a well known big grand, independent hotel in Colchester could not accommodate our pre booked afternoon tea (no cakes available!) we needed somewhere that could accommodate a group of three for afternoon tea with...about 4 hours notice- Timbers did! Not only were they small enough to think on their feet that yes they could do this (normally you book in advance) but their service was friendly, great and small and welcoming. We had two mini gammon ham sandwiches, cream cheese and cucumber, very delicious coronation chicken (possibly one more but can't recall!) 4 little petite cakes (but just enough!) and a fruit scone with Rhodas clotted cream and Tiptree Jam- and a pot of tea with enough for two cups each. Service was friendly with a smile- and lots of regular check in's. I will say that two cups of tea isnt quite enough and we did need another pot- which did add a little bit to the final bill (although staff had kindly let us know that would be the case!) I did initially think perhaps it might be better to just ask for more hot water- but credit where due- this is not the price point of the bigger hotels- a pretty huge price difference of around £10-£15 less- so little extras this for small, family run business are understandable. Lastly, not everyone knows they do afternoon tea- so if you're not sure- you know now! Thank you for squeezing us in at such hugely short notice- and we loved the fact we had individual cake stands each. Overall a good price, with nice food and friendly staff- they only thing to improve- didn't know they were owned by the equally love Number 21 next door ( I think that is the name) - we found out at the end that we could have sat in their lovely little garden terrace for have it- on such a lovely day we properly would have chosen to do this had we known at the start. Thank you for a lovely afternoon.
Written 27 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lolly27princess
2 contributions
May 2024 • business
I organised a thank you event for a group of volunteers and Timbers did us a buffet style afternoon tea and it was absolutely fabulous. All 20 of us loved it, the food was delicious, the service was 10/10 and the price was great value. Professional, polite and friendly.
A big thank you to the team that worked on 11/05/24 - Jaime, Lou, Pete, Lucy, Chris, Olly, Gemma and Grace.
I thoroughly recommend Timbers.
Written 11 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
simon moore
Thank you so much for your custom and fabulous review
Best wishes From
the team at timbers
Written 9 July 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mrs S
Essex2 contributions
Jan 2025 • family
Best vegan breakfast we’ve had in a long time, great portion sizes and not dripping in oil, really really tasty and not at all expensive!
Staff were lovely, thank you Lou and Kelly for making us feel very welcome and for providing such amazing food. If we are in this neck of the woods again for a visit we wouldn’t even think of going anywhere else for food!
Written 7 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jodie S
5 contributions
Apr 2024 • family
My nanna, sister and I came to Colchester for a day trip from Southend to look around the shops. After looking online for somewhere to eat we found Timbers: it was the only place to find good traditional home cooked food such as dumplings, cottage pie etc. first feeling when walking in was very homely. A special touch was the board welcoming all visitors to their team, with all their names who are cooking, and those serving the ‘smiles and giggles’. This automatically gave such a warm welcome. All of the ladies up front were more than happy to help, smile and serve. Ella our waitress especially gave her all to us. Along with Gemma in drinks, grace, Millie and Lucy. In the kitchen were Lou, who was wonderful to speak to and made us feel part of the team, along with Pete and Chris.
Due to it being Sunday, we had a Sunday roast, we each went for chicken, and we can easily say it is one of the best we have had. All was so fresh and cooked to perfection; made and served with love.
To wash it down, we had a great sundae, one lemon meringue, and one Road, was delicious!
We would easily travel back to Colchester just to eat here.
Wonderful team, wonderful food. Keep it up.
From nan, Gemma and Jodie 🤗
Written 10 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark Ames
2 contributions
Nov 2024 • family
What a great find. We Googled breakfast places in Colchester whilst travelling and saw Timbers got some very good reviews so gave it a go and have to say the reviews were correct. Lovely choice of breakfast options not just your typical full English and catered for and accommodated our fussy 7 year olds order of plain toast (yes no butter) and also not toasted too much!! Chorizo hash and avocado on toast were both lovely and our other son enjoyed his sausage and bacon sandwich. Lovely little place with great staff and a big shout out to Louise the chef not only for the great food but for her great service and attention. Highly recommend.
Written 1 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TimColchester
Hadleigh34 contributions
Dec 2024 • friends
I had a superb lunch at Colchester's finest restaurant today. The soup made with carrot, parsnip and swede and dessert of lemon meringue with ice cream was perfect. The service as always was very quick in spite of the restaurant being full and the staff found time to chat as always. Thanks Gemma, Maria, Lou, Lucy and Ali for a great experience, looking forward to the Christmas meal next week!
Written 12 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andy C
5 contributions
May 2024 • family
Popped in for a quick lunch with family. What a treat. We were made aware of the specials by Lou who wasn't wrong when stating it was a great toastie, the waitress Lucy was great and I would highly recommend anyone to pop in for something eat or drink.
Written 25 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
simon moore
Thank you so much for your custom and fabulous review
Best wishes From
the team at timbers
Written 9 July 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Karen C
2 contributions
May 2024 • family
All staff Lou,Pete, Ella and Jaime provided great food and service. Lou made a fab vegetable curry and was really helpful in terms of accommodating my daughters allergy. The brownie for desert was wonderful too. Lunch at 3pm meant the restaurant was not too busy.
Written 18 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DDayPaul
Bayeux208 contributions
Jan 2025 • friends
Over three consecutive mornings, I had English breakfasts at three different places in Colchester and this was the best of the bunch. The only thing preventing a 5-star rating was the sausage. At an independent place like this, I would have preferred a more obvious "butchers" banger rather than the rather generic one served. BUT very friendly staff and great value!
Written 18 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lana S
2 contributions
May 2023 • none
A beautiful place to catch up and enjoy a fabulous meal. The staff are wonderful very friendly and polite, Always have a chat with Maria a very helpful and friendly member of staff, Loo one of the chefs cooks wonderful comforting food. A must visit for anyone who likes a nice meal that’s very filling and a reasonable price, once you’ve been you will certainly go back as I think I’ve eaten most things a few times from the menu.
Written 2 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Natasha P
10 contributions
Jan 2025 • family
My 3 year old and I come here on a regular basis. Reliable and tasty vegan options as well as really attentive service.
This week chef Lou popped out to say hi and to double check an ingredient with me, which was so thoughtful.
Shout out to all of the team, FOH and chefs!
Written 1 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MonkeyEscapade
United Kingdom118 contributions
Feb 2024 • friends
So pleased we found this lovely historic family run restaurant. My friend and I were out for retail therapy and 'ladies who lunch', we found the ideal place. Great choice on the menu and food was real tasty, served hot & plentiful. Very friendly service from Gem & Charlotte, attentive but not over attentive, and chefs Lou & Nic served up the freshly cooked food. Wine nicely chilled and price really good value. Centrally located in the town centre, easy access to the High Street and the lovely lanes of Colchester. Highly recommended
Written 8 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
simon moore
Hi Monkey escapade,
Thank you so much for your kind review and custom. We're chuffed you enjoyed your meal and service and we look forward to seeing you again soon hopefully Kind regards
Simon, Ali and the timbers team
Written 6 May 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
malbrads
Colchester23 contributions
Apr 2024 • friends
The food is homemade & delicious, whether you go in for breakfast, brunch or lunch.
The staff are friendly & helpful in a traditional setting
Lou cooks the most delicious full English & an awesome cottage pie. As well as the usual teas & coffees you can also get wine, beers & smoothies.
Written 23 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scuderia_5
Colchester31 contributions
Jan 2024 • friends
Visited for lunch with a few friends. I had the Hunter’s chicken - the special herby potatoes are absolutely amazing! My friend suffers from celiac disease and there was plenty of choice, she went for the cottage pie and really enjoyed it. I also had their special mint matchmakers hot chocolate which was a great treat. The service was lovely, the waitress even came over to apologise about the noise from the dehumidifier but we hadn’t even noticed it!
The food and service is top class but you’ll need to pre book - the whole time we were there, people kept coming in and were turned away because of how busy they were - but that just serves to prove how popular this place is.
Written 28 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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