EAT AND SHOP

Eat Around the Clock

Home to Colchester Native Oysters, the wider Colchester area is a mecca for food lovers!

A grand event celebrated since 1845 and based on a tradition dating back 600 years, Colchester’s annual Oyster Feast marks the beginning of the Native oyster season. This world-famous delicacy can be found served fresh from their beds at various restaurants on Mersea Island, where they were first farmed by the Romans, just one of the many culinary delights you will find on a visit.

Colchester’s city centre itself is full of fantastic places to eat and drink. From fabulous street food, local markets, vegetarian and vegan eateries and award-winning restaurants, there is plenty of choice in which to indulge! Alternatively head out into the beautiful surrounding countryside for traditional pubs, quaint tearooms and great restaurants all in gorgeous settings. How about a pint on the quay at Wivenhoe, or under the arches of Chappel Viaduct...

Foodies head over to visitcolchester.com /food-and-drink to discover more delights!

CULINARY HOTSPOTS

• Mersea Island – home to Colchester

Native Oysters and other great seafood.

• Colchester Farmers Market – find it in the shadow of Jumbo outside the

Mercury Theatre on the first Saturday of every month. • Wilkin & Sons of Tiptree – famous jam makers the world over, indulge in our favourite (also James Bond's!)

Little Scarlet Jam at Wilkin's teashops in Tiptree and Dedham, or pick up a jar at the Visitor Information Centre to take home.

• Afternoon tea at a swanky hotel or traditional tearoom – we have both!

• Beer Festivals – twice yearly events taking place at the Colchester Arts

Centre and the East Anglian Railway

Museum at Chappel and Wakes Colne. • Local vineyards – take a tour and have a tipple! • Colchester Food and Drink Festival – the region's largest annual foodie festival taking place annually in June in Castle Park.

Shop Til You Drop

With specialist independent shops sitting alongside national retailers you can effortlessly explore the historic lanes of the city whilst indulging in some serious retail therapy.

CITY CENTRE SHOPPING DESTINATIONS

These are highlights only, for more locations across Colchester please visit visitcolchester.com

• High Street

• Culver Square / Red Lion Walk – pedestrianised areas

• Crouch St / The Lanes – the best of independent shopping

• Red Lion Yard – independent boutiques and café culture

• Trinity Street – a treasure trove of unique businesses in a historic setting