The food is excellent and is served quickly (very important if you have children in tow). I've tried a number of dishes in this restaurant (it has become our restaurant of choice when in Colchester) and have never been disappointed. I can thoroughly recommend the barbecue roast pork, the spicy squid and the pork dumplings. The only complaint; they don't open on a Sunday.

This restaurant can compete with any in Colchester despite being out of town. The food is reasonably priced and very tasty (especially some of the more unusual dishes). They are as welcoming to large groups as to people with small children (I have been in both categories!). The service is also excellent.

This cattery is fantastic. If you want your cat to be well cared for in a friendly, quiet environment with great views, this is the one to choose. They even pipe in music to keep your cat happy! Only trouble is you need to book well in advance as it's popular.

I cannot recommend these builders enough. Their craftsmanship is faultless and they are polite and considerate. I had a large (complicated) extension completed by JW Thompson and sons, whilst living in the house with a 5 year old and a baby of six months. What could have been a complete nightmare was more than bearable (despite not having a toilet for awhile!). These guys were great with the kids and were extremely tidy. There aren't many people that I would trust my house keys with but I have to say that Ivan and his workmen fall into that category. Cost-wise, theirs wasn't the cheapest quote I received, but I think having children makes you more cautious. Also, my mother had some building work done by them so I knew they were reliable. In the case of JW Thompson and Sons Builders, you really do get what you pay for.