The Black Buoy has won the local CAMRA rural pub of the year award for the last five years and this year the pub of the year for Colchester and North-East Essex; we are known for the quality of our real ale. Six handpumps serve a regularly changing and broad style of casks.

Essex has some excellent microbreweries and we always try to include local beers alongside those of independents from further afield.

In the fridges you will find a range of continental beers and lagers and a selection of craft beers from around the world.

Real cider is also available alongside the usual collection of kegged offerings.

We offer an excellent range of wines with something for all tastes. Our wine list is put together in partnership with a local, family-run wine merchant whose philosophy is to search top quality small producers.

White wines include a good fruity-flavoured Pinot Grigio from the Nagyred Estate, Hungary and a crisp, Loire valley Chardonnay.

Our reds range from a super barrel aged Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile to a deep plummy Merlot from a vineyard near Nîmes.

We’ve three champagnes and port and dessert wines are on the list too, with the Buller Fine Old Muscat from Australia proving to be a favourite for its immense concentration and flavour.

We have an extensive range of spirits. The popular favourites are joined by some finely distilled products from smaller producers.

Single-malt whiskies, exciting new gins, flavoured vodkas and some interesting liquers all make an appearance. Premium mixers are available for accompaniment.

Oh, and not forgetting an enticing array of soft drinks too.