The Odd One Out
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Quick info
About The Odd One Out
The Odd One Out is a free house real ale pub in Colchester, set back from the road at 28 Mersea Rd, so it is easy to walk past. Because it is a free house, the bar carries a wide choice of beers, ciders and wines alongside the real ales. No food is served, so the focus stays on the drinks. Inside, candles are lit and fires burn on winter evenings. A garden at the back has a few benches. Dogs are welcome, and the crowd includes locals and regulars of all ages.
Good to know
- ParkingPaid parking lot
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Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention back garden, real ale selection, cosy fires and candles and free house pub.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention back garden, real ale selection, cosy fires and candles and free house pub.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers most often praise the beer, with real ale, cider and wine described as an interesting selection and great drinks at reasonable prices. The back garden comes close behind, called lovely, cool and fantastic after recent work, with benches that hide some of the road noise. Several describe a friendly, welcoming atmosphere shaped by regulars and locals of all ages, and one reviewer credits a server with great service. A few note the pub has been updated while keeping its old charm, and one points out that it serves no food. The main complaint comes from one reviewer who found the atmosphere unfriendly after being asked to take a FaceTime call outside, saying no signs mention phone use, and who left as a result. Another says the pub barely looks open from the road and is easy to miss. Inside, reviewers mention candles lit in the evening and fires for winter nights.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers most often praise the beer, with real ale, cider and wine described as an interesting selection and great drinks at reasonable prices. The back garden comes close behind, called lovely, cool and fantastic after recent work, with benches that hide some of the road noise. Several describe a friendly, welcoming atmosphere shaped by regulars and locals of all ages, and one reviewer credits a server with great service. A few note the pub has been updated while keeping its old charm, and one points out that it serves no food. The main complaint comes from one reviewer who found the atmosphere unfriendly after being asked to take a FaceTime call outside, saying no signs mention phone use, and who left as a result. Another says the pub barely looks open from the road and is easy to miss. Inside, reviewers mention candles lit in the evening and fires for winter nights.
Featured reviews
- Ric Burling
“Excellent real. Ale pub no food great service”
- Nicky Whilde
“Just a great local pub with great beer! Friendly atmosphere and cool garden.”
- Justin
“Colchesters best kept secret. Is having one of the best pubs in the country a few minutes walk from the town centre. Beautiful garden area. With some of the finest beer cider and wine to be found anywhere. On offer for very reasonable prices. With kind warm and friendly service every time. A truly diverse place, where people from all walks of life. Mix together peacefully.”
- E B
“It's just the best pub. There aren't many left like this beauty. Updated recently but retains all the old charm. Great drinks reasonably priced, great staff, friendly locals of all ages. A happy place to be.”
- Steve Moffatt
“Unfriendly attitude and atmosphere. Was asked to take a call out side because maybe I was laughing with GF in 🇺🇸on FaceTime but there is NO signs about using phones…. I left. One place I will not be taking her, although inside the pub is lovely, but don’t stray from the path on this one guys, they have secret meetings around the back😬 I feel lucky to get out alive……”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Highlights
- Bar games
- Great beer selection
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Paid parking lot
- Outdoor seating
- Dogs allowed
- Bar games
- Cozy
Show more amenities
- Beer
- Seating
- Restroom
- Offerings· 3
- Alcohol
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Highlights· 1
- Great beer selection
- Crowd· 1
- Groups
- Atmosphere· 1
- Casual
Location
Bars near The Odd One Out
- Brewers Arms3.71290.3 miOutdoor seating
affordable drinks, outside smoking area, good drink selection
- New Inn4.53350.3 mi£1–10ReservationsWheelchair accessibleOutdoor seating
function room party hire, beef madras pie, local cask beers
- No Name: Bar & Games4.75660.3 mi
all play pass, axe throwing, crazy golf
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Odd One OutOutdoor seating · Wi-Fi | 4.7324 | — | £10–20 | back garden, real ale selection, cosy fires and candles |
| Brewers ArmsOutdoor seating | 3.7129 | 0.3 mi | — | affordable drinks, outside smoking area, good drink selection |
| New InnReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.5335 | 0.3 mi | £1–10 | function room party hire, beef madras pie, local cask beers |
| No Name: Bar & Games | 4.7566 | 0.3 mi | — | all play pass, axe throwing, crazy golf |
The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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