We arrived for our meal and advised we were waiting for the third person in our party to join us, so they offered us a drink while we were waiting. We were then asked about 3 more times if we wanted to go to the table, which we declined as we were early anyway. When our other guest arrived, we advised the host that we were now ready, and he said to come to the table, only to then turn around and tell us that they weren't ready for us and to wait. We were taken to the table about 3 minutes later. The table was clean and laid for 3 as booked. It's a very contemporary decor. I ordered the smoked haddock on a broadbean and pea risotto, followed by the Monkfish and Cod scampi and chips. Our guest...
What a disappointment. Over the years I have eaten some marvellous meals at the Balkerne Restaurant but not so today. The choice was limited with just 3 items for each course and I was filled with dismay to read that the main course options were Moussaka, Mussels or Goat’s Cheese Risotto. I am allergic to cheese (it won’t kill me, but I’ve always been extremely nauseated by all types) and the thought of eating a mussel turns my stomach. One of my friends had a similar problem, but there was no alternative for us and no member of staff to advise the very young inexperienced waitress. I had no choice but to opt for two starters which was to some extent equally disappointing. The thick mushroom...
Excellent Thursday night taster menu, enjoyed every course, with a very nice bottle of Primitivo £20)! A tasting menu may cook up something that is not to your taste, but this time every thing was good, especially liked the Amuse, Beef Tartare with toast, which was a small taster, and was as good as any main I have tasted in France. I even liked the second course, Wild mushroom, butternut squash, spinach ricotta Rotolo veggie) The main course of chicken breast with barley, I enjoyed, but left some of the barley. So just one ingredient that was not to my taste, out of many! All this for £35! Well done guys. This really is a treasure in Colchester and deserves support as these guys are our fut...
If I was blindfolded and brought here, sat down ate my three courses still blind folded then there was the reveal at the end. I would be shocked to be told I had just eaten at a food college. Fantastic meal today, glad I didn't have the blind fold as I had to see the care that was in my dishes. High end restaurant food without the price tag. So great to see the 1st year students working along side their 2nd and 3rd year peers and the tutors guiding everyone. There will be some fantastic restaurant hosts in a couple of years time. Four of us dined and we all had different dishes purposely to experience as much as we could, not a single fault with the meal.
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It's been a long wait for this wonderful restaurant, run by the fabulous students at the Colchester Institute College. The service is 5 star, polite and attentive. The setting and ambience very professional. The menu sublime and the quality of fine dining as good as any if not better than most in Colchester. Rising gastro stars!!!! Thank you for my first taste of an oyster The amazing pork cheek And desserts and petit fores I look forward to an opportunity to return.
Our party of 4 visited on a Thursday for the tasting menu, having not visited for quite some time. The students work hard throughout the evening and despite the obvious nerves/knowledge gaps, the service is good throughout. Tasty food for each course, with the pork belly and sweet potato soup being favourites, this is really worthwhile visiting due to the quality and value that you receive.
Another lovely meal today. It’s turning out to be a firm favourite in our annual calendar. We will be back in the spring for another meal. What we ate today you cannot truely comprehend that the food was produced by catering students these young people will go on to be fantastic members of restaurants and businesses in the future.
Just come back from the Balkerne gate restaurant for my birthday lunch, I’m full of praise for the excellent meal and smashing service received from the students. Definitely worth a visit parking is a problem so be warned plan where your going to park before you go. Looking for to book the Christmas lunch very soon.
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Food was incredibly tasty and beautifully presented. Portions were on the larger side, so would advise turning up hungry. Service was brilliant too. Would highly recommend visiting!
Unbeatable value rising stars in front and back of house absolutely fabulous faultless performance well done guys I can’t imagine how hard you guys work
