The Magnet Pub
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Quick info
About The Magnet Pub
The Magnet Pub is Colchester's first micropub, built in a corner of the former Norfolk Public House, which closed in 2018. It stands at 134 N Station Rd, a short walk from the mainline station. The pub is independent and not tied to any brewer, pub company or distributor. Cask ale is served from a dedicated cold room with three handles, and the lines carry local breweries including Colchester Brewery and St Botolph's, with the selection changing regularly. Keg taps pour craft beer, Krombacher is on as the lager, and cans, bottles and ciders sit alongside. A printed beer list is on every table, and the room has white walls and wooden benches. Dogs are welcome. Bar snacks and whiskeys are available, and while no food is cooked on site, the chip shop next door lets customers bring fish and chips in to eat.
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Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention rotating cask ales, craft beers on keg, St Botolph's brewery beers and bring-in chip shop food.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention rotating cask ales, craft beers on keg, St Botolph's brewery beers and bring-in chip shop food.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers most often single out the rotating cask ales, with one noting a Sabro hop beer and others pointing to local Colchester Brewery and St Botolph's pours alongside two ciders and keg taps. Krombacher is named as the lager, and canned and bottled craft beers are also mentioned. Staff are repeatedly described as friendly and welcoming, and the white walls and wooden benches are called bright and simple. Several mention seating both indoors and out, including a beer garden, and one says a group of six fitted in fine. A physical beer list on each table gets a nod. The recurring trade-off is food and location: there is no table service, and reviewers say little beyond bar snacks is offered, though the chip shop next door is happy for customers to bring fish and chips in. A couple note the walk from the town centre, while others call it a short walk from the train station. One reviewer says it looks better inside than the old Norfolk pub did from outside.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers most often single out the rotating cask ales, with one noting a Sabro hop beer and others pointing to local Colchester Brewery and St Botolph's pours alongside two ciders and keg taps. Krombacher is named as the lager, and canned and bottled craft beers are also mentioned. Staff are repeatedly described as friendly and welcoming, and the white walls and wooden benches are called bright and simple. Several mention seating both indoors and out, including a beer garden, and one says a group of six fitted in fine. A physical beer list on each table gets a nod. The recurring trade-off is food and location: there is no table service, and reviewers say little beyond bar snacks is offered, though the chip shop next door is happy for customers to bring fish and chips in. A couple note the walk from the town centre, while others call it a short walk from the train station. One reviewer says it looks better inside than the old Norfolk pub did from outside.
Featured reviews
- Toron Searle
“Very welcoming staff , fantastic selection of beer and great atmosphere.”
- Lucy Tweed
“Micropub with good selection of beers for those that drink. No food or table service. Dog friendly.”
- A J
“Often walked past this little place. Never been in since it was the old Norfolk pub .but thought we would give it a try definitely looks better from the inside good range of beers and spirits. Nice seating areas inside from tables to sitting at the bar or some nice cosy side tables .don't walk past like we did for so long go in give them a try its a little gem.”
- Peter Metcalfe
“Small independent bar, very friendly staff, two casks, on both in good condition, two ciders as well and keg taps. There was six of us but we fitted in ok, nice little spot near the train station to kill an hour or two.”
- Paul Boorman
“To my shame this is my first visit to The Magnet. Lovely place! Friendly, cosy, clean, and excellent beverages! Highly recommend”
Hours
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Highlights
“Colchester's first micropub has been constructed in a delightful corner of the former Norfolk Public House, which closed its doors in 2018. You can read more about the history of The Norfolk and the area around the station under the "History" section. We are totally independent, not tied to any brewers, pub co or distributer. The Magnet aims to offer a congenial and relaxed environment to enjoy a range of: Cask Ale - a dedicated cold room has been built, with the aim of serving this wonderful product at its best. Three handles have been installed. Initially the focus will be on locally produced ales. Keg Ale & Cider - a mixture of the "off beat" and "old favourites," whether a crisp pilsner or fruity IPA, there should always be somethin”
- Great beer selection
Amenities
- Outdoor seating
- Dogs allowed
- Dine-in
- Alcohol
- Cozy
- Onsite services
Show more amenities
- Beer
- Food
- Free water refills
- Restroom
- Quiet
- Offerings· 3
- Cocktails
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Dining options· 1
- Seating
- Atmosphere· 1
- Casual
- Highlights· 1
- Great beer selection
- Crowd· 1
- Groups
Location
Bars near The Magnet Pub
- The Bricklayers4.35820.2 miWheelchair accessible
pub car park fines, football matchday pub, near Colchester station
- Victoria Inn4.66160.3 mi£10–20Wheelchair accessibleOutdoor seatingWi-Fi
craft and cask beers, beer garden, award-winning cider
- The Centurion4.37130.6 mi£10–40ReservationsWheelchair accessibleOutdoor seating
bottomless brunch, table service QR ordering, football on big screens
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Magnet PubOutdoor seating | 4.6159 | — | £10–20 | rotating cask ales, craft beers on keg, St Botolph's brewery beers |
| The BricklayersWheelchair accessible | 4.3582 | 0.2 mi | — | pub car park fines, football matchday pub, near Colchester station |
| Victoria InnWheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating · Wi-Fi | 4.6616 | 0.3 mi | £10–20 | craft and cask beers, beer garden, award-winning cider |
| The CenturionReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.3713 | 0.6 mi | £10–40 | bottomless brunch, table service QR ordering, football on big screens |
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