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Hours
Sun
12:00 - 21:00
Mon
11:00 - 15:0017:30 - 22:00
Tue
11:00 - 15:0017:30 - 22:00
Wed
11:00 - 15:0017:30 - 22:00
Thu
11:00 - 15:0017:30 - 22:00
Fri
11:00 - 22:00
Sat
11:00 - 22:00
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
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, British, Pub, Gastropub, Gluten free options, Vegetarian friendly
Special Occasion Dining, Groups, Bar Scene, Business meetings
Details
About
Parking: Car park Price range ££ Specialties Serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks and coffee Services Takes bookings Walk-ins welcome Good for groups or parties Good for children Catering Table service Outdoor seating
PRICE RANGE
£6.00 – £15.00
CUISINES
British, Pub, Gastropub
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Free off-street parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Mastercard, Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
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4.5
1,189 reviews
Excellent
890
Very good
179
Average
68
Poor
35
Terrible
17
charsmudge
Colchester26 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
Visited The Wooden Fender a day after re-opening which was in result of a very good refurb.
My wife and I both ordered from the lunch menu and were not disappointed with our crispy pork loin £6.95pp. Desert was cheese cake and cherry bakewell, washed down with a bottle of Pinot.
Excellent service from Dale (6'.3") Scott (glasses) and Lee (bald). Behind the bar was Jimmy and Richard was the Manager.
I cannot tell you how good the food and service was and very surprised that the bill was very good on the wallet.
The meals were very well presented, hot, tasty and just about the right portions.
Fully recommend as the best pub/restaurant in the area. Well done Richard and great team.
Written 5 February 2020
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.
Yvonne L
Colchester53 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
Visited the Wooden Fender with a friend for lunch. We were served quickly and I requested the Country Pie from the lunch favourites menu but this was sold out so I had the fish and chips from the other menu. This was an ample portion with plenty of chips. My friend was very satisfied with the pork loin from the lunch favourites. We didn't have a sweet, though the menu looked very apertising. We were served promptly and friendly and were asked if our meal was satisfactory.
The Fender was closed for a couple of weeks for refurbishment and it has been tastefully done. .
Written 10 February 2020
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.
Garry
7 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
I went with a friend to lunch here on a wednesday, arrived 12.30 the car park was filling up, walked in and asked if there was a table free, they were really busy and nothing was to much trouble for them to find a table after a short wait...
I can now see why this place is very popular to eat , The Staff are all very attentive and make you very welcome .. we ordered our food and it was superb, all fresh local produce, congratulations to Richard and all the Staff for making every one welcome..
Look forward to returning for another enjoyable lunch ...
Written 20 February 2020
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.
DebbieGibbo1
Great Yarmouth288 contributions
Sept 2021 • couples
We booked a table to ensure we could get in as we were staying in Dedham for a few days. When we arrived at the Wooden Fender we were greeted by a very warm friendly man who checked our booking and took us straight to our table Number 1.
They have plastic screens between tables so very organised for COVID.
The man explained the main menu and the specials and gave us time to study snd decide what to order. The drinks were delivered very promptly and then our food order was taken. Our starter arrived very quickly and I had belly pork bites and my husband had Garlic Prawns and both were presented so well, hot and delicious. There was not much time waiting for our mains of for me Scampi and chips and my husband Whole Dover sole, potatoes and veg and again presentation was 2nd to none and both hot and scrummy. We both decided to have desserts of Ferrero Brownie and Raspberry and White chocolate Bakewell with custard....well what can I say....presentation excellent again, hot and tasted amazing.
The staff were very attentive and the man who took care of us (the only person in a white shirt as the others were in black) was so polite and made sure we were happy and satisfied throughout.
I would strongly recommend eating here because of the service, presentation and quality of the food and value for money.
If we return to the area again we will most definitely return.
Written 10 September 2021
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.
JoshuaConor
Benfleet59 contributions
Sept 2020 • solo
Visited early on Wednesday and was impressed with the safety precautions and at the same time the relaxed environment in these difficult times. Food was excellent served by the best waiting staff in the area. Food was reasonably priced and the new menu has been reduced slightly there is still a wide range of specials to choose from. Look forward to returning next month for the Sunday roast
Written 30 September 2020
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.
Tony Moore
Colchester6 contributions
Feb 2020 • couples
My wife and I moved to the area just under a year ago and have been doing the 'rounds' of as many local oubs and restaurants as we can.
Hands down the "FENDER" is one of, if not the best, locally that we have been too in the last year!
Fantastic wholesome portions, great variety in the menu, fab location (recent refurb), awesome staff and just such a nice atmosphere.
Fast became one of our "go to" places when friends or family have visited and as an added bonus, sells Peroni on draft too...
Cannot recommend enough and we will ALWAYS visit
Written 15 February 2020
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.
Syris redhat
Colchester94 contributions
Feb 2020 • friends
Want a restaurant in Colchester that's got not only constantly amazing food but the best staff I've ever had the opportunity to meet. The restaurant has just had a re-furb so my friend and I went to take a look and we wasn't disappointed the place looks amazing. You have plenty of food choices from lunchtime specials to a la cart. All dietary requirements are catered for and all food (even the vegetables) are locally sourced. Sp not only is everything fresh but they are totally supporting the local traders. You will need to book as this place is very popular but I can assure you that who ever you have the pleasure of speaking to will do their best to accommodate you.
Written 13 February 2020
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.
Phil M
Bury St. Edmunds11 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
We have an annual outing and take the Harwich night ferry, we always eat out in Harwich, but as it was an eat out day, all the Harwich pubs were full. But we were recommended the Wooden Fender, who really made us welcome and were very efficient with Covid rules, a very organised outfit with professional staff,
It would not be the same travelling without a plate of fish and chips.
Again, my wife is GF, but no problem, great food, good menu and despite Covid, a great atmosphere.
Many thanks
Phil and Lyn
Written 31 August 2020
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.
Chelsea
Manningtree11 contributions
Mar 2020 • family
We very much enjoyed a family meal for my father in laws birthday. We were a large table of 8 and the pub was full and very busy. However service was excellent, friendly and quick. All of our meals were cooked to perfection and we all enjoyed them so much. Scotch egg starter, slow cooked pork belly main course and chocolate salted caramel mousse were just some of the tasty highlights!! We will return soon as it was excellent value too.
Written 1 March 2020
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.
stevebillericay
1017 contributions
Jan 2022 • none
Bit out of our way from Billericay but was well worth the trip, the wonderful steak and kidney pudding (pic attached)was possibly the best I’ve had in taste, size and value and my spiced apple crumble with a BiG jug of custard at £6.50 although pricey was excellent value(see pic),
Our party of 4 also enjoyed the duck main meal and tasty risotto.
4 main, 2 desserts, 2 medium red wines, 4 tonic waters, 4 coffees and a nice cheese board £111.00 service charge at your discretion 👍
Excellent service
Wide ranging menus include vegan, glutton free
Large car park
Outside seating for summer evenings
Advance booking is strongly advised.
We will return
Written 30 January 2022
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.
patricia b
London162 contributions
Mar 2022 • none
Husband and i visited for the first time after hearing our son praise it up after his visit last week so thought we would try it. Good job never ordered a starter was tempted as love a prawn cocktail but we both ordered the steak/kidney pudding in suet crust really lovely and tasty as well. Very generous portion sizes and beautifully cooked vegetables not raw and not overcooked, Husband ordered desert of ice cream and i ordered the crumble very nice but i personally did not like the crumble topping it was like chewing on fillings from ones teeth that had come loose so would not order that again but all in all excellent value for the money. Must say the staff were very welcoming and pleasant.
Written 17 March 2022
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.
Lisamarie37uk
Suffolk1 contribution
Aug 2020 • family
I popped in here with my family on way back to our hotel for a last minute tea! Wow just wow the food was so amazing and value for money that from that Friday meal we booked again for the Sunday. Not disappointed at all the roasts were amazing,hot,fresh and the staff were brilliant I cannot find a single fault at this difficult time with this amazing find. Well done all of you
Written 8 September 2020
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.
Gary1969
18 contributions
Sept 2020 • none
We went to the Wooden Fender from checking the reviews on Trip Advisor. We booked a table early on in the week and was greeted and shown to our table.
The Covid regulations were very good with screens in between each table. So made us very secure.
We were shown 2 menus, and both chose from the specials menu, which looked amazing!!
I ordered the duck and my husband ordered the fish pie. Both were amazing!! We ordered desserts and once again were excellent.
The staff were very friendly and attentive and we thoroughly enjoyed our visit.
We wasn’t going to go to the same place twice in our week but because it was so good we decided to go back on our last night.
We were sat more or less where we sat the previous time and this time I ordered a medium rare steak and my husband ordered burger.
Unfortunately our second visit wasn’t as good.
My steak was so heavily seasoned, my lips were burning all the night and next day through the salt and pepper that was on the steak. It was also cooked medium to well .
Yes I could have sent it back, however sending food back spoils the experience so we always say we will never go back to a place if we feel we could have sent our food back.
My husbands burger was absolutely fine though.
I would have given excellent but unfortunately my steak spoilt that score,
If I could give any advise to the chefs, seasoning is fine but this was covered in salt and pepper and very unpleasant to eat.
We won’t come again because of the distance from us. We only went to Clacton as our holiday to Tenerife was cancelled.
I would recommend the restaurant though as Im sure if the chefs can take on board the seasoning, and of course the cooking of the steaks, then I’m sure all will be fine.
Written 15 September 2020
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.
Wesue
Colchester64 contributions
Sept 2020 • friends
Welcoming staff , varied menu catering for all diets including a separate gluten free menu. Covid secure with tables & chairs sanitised , hand sanitiser on entry and portable screens between tables. The food was plentiful, and nicely presented . It was great to see a table next door taking a doggie bag for their leftovers to save on food waste. Thanks to Dan, Chris & Scott & the rest of the staff for a fabulous meal & dining experience 😋 . Highly recommended
Written 22 September 2020
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.
KirstyHealey
Harwich102 contributions
Aug 2022 • family
Turned up on the off chance without a booking and was told we were more than welcome to sit outside. Weather was lovely so it didn’t bother us at all and we was very happy we were able to order some food.
Restaurant busy as usual but it didn’t affect the service we received. Drinks ordered and came within minutes. We was a party of 8 (4 adults 4 children). Kids meals are very generous sizes even for my 11 year old who we managed to persuade away from the adult menu! All our food was faultless and we all left with a full stomach.
Thank you all 🥰
Written 31 August 2022
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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