If using any of the pubs near the Colchester Main Line station, or returning from the old town, buses to the stadium are from Bruff Close which is to the north of the station; see map below the Norfolk.
Alcohol is available within the stadium, best bet for those going by coach.
Going into Town
You could stay on the train from Colchester (North) mainline station to Colchester Town, a 7 minute journey and tickets are still valid, where there are plenty of pubs to be found but you are going even further away from the ground.
Nice enough CAMRA listed pubpub with 6 ales on hand pump. The home cooked food is particularly good.
The Playhouse; 4 St Johns Street.
Almost next door is the Playhouse, which is a Wetherspoons outlet. This former theatre is a spectacular setting for a bar, as the original dress circle and stage of the theatre have been preserved and is well worth a visit.
Make sure you give yourself enough time to jump back on a train to the main line station and the bus at Bruff Close.
The Fox & Fiddle is left hand box top of Butt Road by the Parking, the Weatherspoon Playhouse is next door at No.4.
Colchester Town station, the blue blob.
By the mainline station
The Bricklayers; 27, Bergholt Road.
Nearest pub to the station and, more importantly, right next to buses to the stadium in Bruff Close. No away supporters in with colours, and last time had two bouncers to make sure were you were from. If they are there for an evening game say 'Wix', a village half an hour away, but you've got no proof, it will get you in, we all talk with the same accent!
Serves Adnams beers, including a guest or two and a traditional cider. Food is home cooked and good value. There's a pool table in the public bar.
The Norfolk; 132-134 North Station Road.
Recently refurbished but not as good as the Bricklayers. About 300 yards from Colchester North station, going towards the town centre and away from the stadium. Usually accepts away fans, but not in Essex derbies it seems. Can get in without colours.
Does Green King IPA, Abbot and Old Speckled Hen as its real ales. There's a pool table and Sky Sports on a big screen if you can't be bothered to find to the stadium!
Bottom square south of station; North Station Road and the Norfolk.
Top square north of station; Bergholt Road and the Bricklayers.
Nearest the ground
The Dog and Pheasant; 24 Nayland Road, Mile End.
Nayland Road and the pub to the left, the ground to the top of Nayland Rd. and to the right.