Mercury Theatre relaunches with Premiere Partner, Church Street Tavern

The Mercury Theatre, Colchester opens its first show of 2021, Baskerville, on Friday 30 July following a two year closure for a major redevelopment project.

Church Street Tavern, which sits around the corner from the Mercury Theatre is pleased to announce that it will continue its Partnership with the theatre as part of their Corporate Partnerships scheme.  Church Street Tavern is consistently rated one of the best places to eat in Colchester and is the only restaurant in town with a Michelin Plate and two AA Rosettes.

The partnership is a positive example of Colchester’s independent businesses supporting each other after what has been the most challenging 18 months in memory. Both businesses are thrilled to be open without restrictions and keen to encourage local residents and visitors to the town, to come out and enjoy good food and drink, great performances and support the local economy.

Piers Baker, owner of Church Street Tavern says: ’We can’t wait for the Mercury Theatre to reopen and have people back regularly in this little quarter of Colchester. The Mercury is so important to our town – for employment, culture and diversity. We want to be able to play a supporting role in providing a great experience for people when they make a return to the new Mercury and the improvements around Balkerne Gate and Church Street. It can’t happen soon enough.’

Opened in 2014, Church Street Tavern sits around the corner from the Mercury Theatre. A 19th century building and former Savings Bank, the bar, lounge and restaurant serves a mixture of drinks as well as freshly prepared, seasonal food. The Mercury has been located in Balkerne Gate since 1972 and shares critically acclaimed, award winning theatre to Colchester and the surrounding area, as well as engaging the community with a number of participation programmes for all ages and ability.

Steve Mannix, Executive Director for the Mercury Theatre, said:

“We are delighted to be working together with Church Street Tavern again and cannot wait to see our audiences enjoying what both venues have to offer. While we now have a new all day café bar, the culinary experience provided by Church Street Tavern offers our audiences a different pre show dining experience.

“The past 18 months have hit hospitality and venues hardest and we are so pleased to be partnering with Piers and his team again as we move forward with positivity and purpose. To have the support of an independent restaurant after the year they have had to endure just shows you how important and valued the Mercury is for the local economy, and we love working alongside our lovely neighbours!”

Piers Baker, Church Street Tavern Owner, continues:

“The Mercury Theatre was one of the reasons why we chose the location for Church Street Tavern in 2014. The food offering often plays second fiddle to the theatre experience, rightly so in some respects, but we wanted to contribute to an all-round great night out that includes excellent food.”

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