Quayside Bar And Gurkha Restaurant

Old pub right on the end of Colchester docks by the river, next to what is still the industrial part. Small bar that serves the local community with a resteraunt at the back. First thing to say is don't be put off by the dated furnishings, I would rather have nice and clean old stuff than new dirty stuff. We went about 1.30 on a Friday afternoon and the resteraunt part was quiet but there were several in the bar. Lovely greeting from our Nepalese host and we were shown to our table in the nice and warm resteraunt (it was November) and given the lunch menu, there is a separate one for evenings. The drinks order was taken swiftly, one big bottle of Gurka beer and a wine and lemonade. We shared a starter of dumplings which looked and tasted hand made, served with two spicy sauces and when I say spicy they pack a punch. Main courses were one lamb and one goat curry with the fluffyist plain rice I have ever had. Both curries were exceptional, full of flavour and a nice amount of meat. The lunchtime portions are not massive but deffinetly enough to satisfy your hunger. We shared the Banana fritter dessert, they gave us four portions as they new we were sharing which was a nice touch and the ice cream was to die for. Total bill thirty one pounds including drinks. overall very nice, quick and polite service. lovely and clean if a little dated, Great flavour to the food served at a decent temperature, decent value for money. Good parking, clean toilets easy access. My tips, try the Gurka beer, nice and crisp with good hoppy bite. You must have dessert it would be rude not to.

what can I say. apparently when this was a pub with previous owners it had a bit of a poor reputation. the road leading to it does not make you think good thoughts and when you arrive you may be forgiven to have a second look..... DON'T! Don't give up! take a few more steps and enter this brand new start up Nepalese restaurant. inside the place is immaculate. it's been scrubbed to perfection. the new owners may well have been Gurkha soldiers as the place is ready for the Commanding Officers inspection. it is gleaming. we were met by a very pleasant lad and sat down, drinks were served quickly, the person in was ice cold, fresh and sparkling. delicious. the menu doesn't have hundreds of complex sounding dishes. it has plenty to offer so you won't be upset by the choice. but you can stipulate the heat you want. this is authentic Nepalese food so skip the super chili heat and enjoy the complex flavours. STARTERS!! OMG! we had Chicken Momo, chili chicken and potatoes. I have to say we were blown away. all were 10/10. off the scale delicious. good portions. taste and flavour that had depth and complexity. seriously the chefs have smashed these courses. main course were chicken and goat. different heat strengths were asked for and chef again gave us what we needed. flavours that went on and on after the last mouthful. the owner came to ask us how we were and what we thought of the food. again this extra step was lovely. the bill was very competitive. the food superb. the premises immaculate. I beg you to look this place up and have a wonderful dinner. all four of us will be back. thank you!