Eating out reviews and Oyster Prizes.

Quintessential is bringing together reviews of places to eat in and around Colchester. We are looking for reviews on everything from a restaurant to a café or even a freshly made roll from a shop.

We want to read wit even fun as well as prose and style. Don’t be afraid just write down how you feel about the restaurant, it’s style, service, taste, freshness, local sourcing, cooking skill, menu, presentation, cost, wine and all those things that make up a truly great experience. Or just tell us what you thought was unique and good or horrible and bad.

Of course we really want to know about places and food which is excellent so we can pass that on to others. We also want budding Michael Winners, not afraid to speak out and criticise when you have had rotten service, bad food or been overcharged. Get stuck in and let others know why they should avoid the place.

Our team will try and visit places you review so that we can add to some of the reviews. If we like your style you may be invited onto the team.

We want reviews on restaurants, cafes, pubs, food shops, butchers, bakers and wherever good food can be bought. Which is the best restaurant? Where is the best all day breakfast? Who sells the best sausage? Where is the best pie and pint? I am sure you get the picture. We will be publishing the best of them on our web site so that people can read them and be more informed about what is available in and around our area.

Each year at the Food and Drink Festivals we will be awarding prizes for the best reviews. These include a gold ‘Oyster Award’ awarded at the Festival’s Gala Dinner, dinner for two, tickets to Party in the Park and other Colchester events.

Email your entries to: with the subject title 'Reviews' or post to 61 King Stephen Road, Colchester, CO1 2DS

The decision to publish or not to publish rests solely with the Quinntessentials. The views expressed in reviews remain solely that of the authors. All articles are published in good faith and accepted as the work of the individual author.

Gold and Silver Oyster Awards

Every year at the Colchester Food and Drink Festival we award prizes to people who make, cook, promote or sell local good food.

In 2007 The Chef of the year award went to:
Paul Borman of Clarice House

The Restaurateur of the Year went to
Patrik Minder of the Lemon Tree

The Producer of the Year went to:
Richard Howard for his oysters

The Pub of the Year to:
The Anchor at Nayland

This year we have added the Directors Award which is open to any nominee who has promoted food of excellence in the area.

Categories for 2009

• The Directors Award for excellence in local food production or promotion.
• The Chef of the year award
• The Restaurant of the Year (we are looking at quality, price and use of local produce)
• Pub of the Year (for pub food)
• Producer of the Year (2 awards)

You are invited to nominate who you feel should win the above awards. You can nominate for as many categories as you like. We don't even mind if people or companies nominate themselves.

Email your entries to: with the subject title 'Awards' or write to 61 King Stephen Road, Colchester, CO1 2DS