
Cod of the Castle
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Quick info
About Cod of the Castle
Cod of the Castle is a seafood restaurant on Museum St in Colchester, with a beer garden that looks out to Colchester Castle next door. The menu centres on line-caught fish and freshly-shucked oysters. The fish and chips come with hand-cut chips and tartare sauce, and crevettes in garlic butter with toast are served as a shared starter. A traditional fish and chip takeaway runs alongside the dining room for guests who would rather eat elsewhere, and a day special is offered as well. Dogs are welcome. The restaurant is independently owned.
Good to know
- ReservationsAccepts reservations
- ParkingPaid parking lot
- AccessibilityWheelchair: entrance
- Good for kidsGood for kids · Kids' menu · Family-friendly
- DietaryVegetarian options
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Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention fish and chips, oysters, octopus dishes and crevettes with garlic butter.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention fish and chips, oysters, octopus dishes and crevettes with garlic butter.
Customer Review Summary
Fish and chips draws the most praise, with reviewers describing a huge cod fillet in light, crisp batter, hand-cut seasoned chips and tartare sauce that is not from a jar, plus a takeaway haddock with rich creamy tartare. Close behind are the oysters, which several diners say they return for, and the shellfish and octopus dishes, including garlic butter octopus, octopus in romesco sauce, calamari and crevettes with garlic butter and toast. Halloumi, a seafood casserole, pan fried skate, cheesecake and crème brûlée turn up among the other favourites. Reviewers call the seafood fresh and the portions generous, and describe the staff as friendly, attentive and quick without feeling rushed. The one criticism comes from a reviewer who found the background music a bit too loud, though another enjoyed the Motown and soul mix. One couple who chose to sit outside were efficiently moved indoors when the rain started.
Customer Review Summary
Fish and chips draws the most praise, with reviewers describing a huge cod fillet in light, crisp batter, hand-cut seasoned chips and tartare sauce that is not from a jar, plus a takeaway haddock with rich creamy tartare. Close behind are the oysters, which several diners say they return for, and the shellfish and octopus dishes, including garlic butter octopus, octopus in romesco sauce, calamari and crevettes with garlic butter and toast. Halloumi, a seafood casserole, pan fried skate, cheesecake and crème brûlée turn up among the other favourites. Reviewers call the seafood fresh and the portions generous, and describe the staff as friendly, attentive and quick without feeling rushed. The one criticism comes from a reviewer who found the background music a bit too loud, though another enjoyed the Motown and soul mix. One couple who chose to sit outside were efficiently moved indoors when the rain started.
Featured reviews
- Irina Cooper
“Honestly, this has become our favourite restaurant in Colchester! My husband and I have already been four times this month, which probably says it all. The seafood is always super fresh and absolutely delicious. If you’re an oyster lover, this place is definitely worth a visit. Everything we’ve tried has been fresh, beautifully prepared and seriously tasty every single time. My only regret is that we didn’t discover this place sooner!”
- Edward Hyde
“Fantastic quality takeaway with haddock, chips and rich creamy tartare sauce. My wife had battered sausage, chips and delicious curry sauce. Thank you so much. We will be back for Oysters and white wine.”
- Teddy Chu
“Wonderful seafood while sitting next to the Colchester Castle. Kudos to the chef for the exquisite preparation. The seafood casserole was delicious. The crevettes for the court served with garlic butter and toast is great as a shared appetizer. I took one star off atmosphere because the background music was a bit too loud.”
- Thomas Stevenson
“Had a great meal here this evening as a couple - had walked past many times and intended to pay a visit and never got round to it. On the evidence of tonight, not eating here sooner was a big mistake. We started with the calamari and the garlic butter octopus - both excellent - and followed up with the pan fried skate and the octopus in romesco sauce - just as good as the starters. Service was also great - attentive but not over the top and, having chosen to sit outside, we were efficiently reseated inside when it started chucking it down! We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves - thanks for a great meal.”
- Gerrit Asch
“Great fish restaurant with very friendly stuff and a nice and cozy atmosphere. The oysters and the fish and chips were as tasty as the stuff was friendly. I can only recommend this restaurant when you are in Colchester!”
Hours
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Highlights
“Cod of the Castle is a locally inspired seafood restaurant and traditional fish & chip takeaway located in the heart of Colchester. Just steps from the historic castle, we serve up line-caught fish, freshly-shucked oysters, and hearty British classics in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Dine in and enjoy a full menu of seafood favourites, rotisserie chicken, and drinks in our castle-view beer garden, or grab a takeaway for the perfect bite on the go. Proudly independent and full of character — this is fish & chips, Colchester-style.”
- Live music
- Popular for lunch
- Popular for dinner
- Popular for solo dining
- Vegetarian options
Amenities
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Paid parking lot
- Accepts reservations
- Outdoor seating
- Dogs allowed outside
- Takeout
Show more amenities
- Dine-in
- Family-friendly
- Vegetarian options
- Bar onsite
- Casual
- Onsite services
- Offerings· 8
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Free water refills
- Hard liquor
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Dining options· 6
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
- Family-friendly· 2
- Good for kids
- Kids' menu
- Highlights· 1
- Live music
- Popular for· 1
- Solo dining
- Facilities· 2
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
- Crowd· 4
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safespace
Location
Seafood restaurants near Cod of the Castle
- The Company Shed4.41,0347.6 mi away
fresh oysters, stuffed garlic mussels, seafood platter
| Place | Rating | Distance | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cod of the Castle | 4.8248 | — | fish and chips, oysters, octopus dishes |
| The Company Shed | 4.41,034 | 7.6 mi away | fresh oysters, stuffed garlic mussels, seafood platter |
The 1 nearest seafood restaurants by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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