Donkey & Buskins in Colchester

Only giving it two stars because the staff were very polite. Had a steak here medium rare it wasn't it was very hard to cut very chewy also had spicy fries there was no spice to them very very bland I asked for ketchup and they forgot to bring it out just very average service really nice very friendly staff though and inside was very clean and welcoming

We had lunch here as a group of friends, the weather was nice so we all sat in the garden area, the food was excellent and the selection of drinks equally good.It was busy which is always a good sign and good for local business, long may that continue!

Emma, a new member of staff, such a wonderful welcome today, a huge smile and superb service. I loved her! Food amazing as usual. I cannot recommend a pub restaurant more. 5 stars plus!

The service from taking our impromptu booking, initial greeting and ambience was very on point. Our choices from the specials board of fish and chips and liver and bacon 🥓 seemed both fresh and quality ingredients, and for me detected some smokiness in the way the liver had been chargrilled(?). Thank you and look forward to popping by again 😊

Had a fabulous Sunday lunch today and it was fantastic, I had the mushroom and chestnut Wellington for the first time and will definitely be having it again. The atmosphere was rustic and cosy and the premises were lovely and clean. The only slight criticism if you could call it that was that our main waitress had a very unfortunate demeanour about her, didn't smile and gave an aura of rather being anywhere else but there. Having said that all of the othrr staff werefriendly, attentive and very professional.

Had lunch here with friends today. I don't often write reviews but felt I had to! They have a varied menu, with the option of smaller portion sizes on the mains (which is a great idea for people that would like a starter and a main at lunch time). I ordered the satay chicken to start followed by the goat's cheese salad. Both were very well flavoured and presented, and the portion sizes were very generous. I am glad we booked as I don't think they could have accommodated us if we had just pitched up as all the tables were occupied. I would wholeheartedly recommend the Donkey and Buskins for lunch and plan to visit again in Feb.

Visited today for the first time after recommendation from a family member. Food was absolutely amazing! And the staff were so polite, friendly and helpful. Will definitely be coming back. Thank you!

Really cosy local feel.Very clean all round. Food was really excellent, we had roast beef and lamb lunch, sadly the turkey had run out by 1500 so book early on Sunday.Nice plateful with small but varied portions of vegetables, lashings of gravy and more if required.All said an enjoyable experience.

Have been a few times, food was always very nice but a Sunday dinner a few weeks back, the beef was very raw and chewy and food a bit cold.The garden is lovely to eat out in, but that same day, there were about 15 kids and most running around next to you whilst you are trying to eat. Have no problem with the kids because there is no play area there, but the parents should be more thoughtful to others whilst people are eating or take the kids to a pub with a play area.For these 2 reasons, I won't be going back or recommending.

My favourite pub! Where everybody knows my name. Cheers! 😉 Very welcoming place, with lovely staff and owners! Very comfortable here, lovely food and beautiful gardens with lovely nature. ♥️