- 53 mins
- 11 mins
- 17 mins
Living at The Maltings has been an incredible experience. The friendly and responsive staff, clean facilities, and frequent social events make it a perfect choice for students. The value for money is exceptional, and the location is safe and convenient, just a short walk from the University of Essex and nearby shops. The property management team is outstanding, always quick to resolve any issues. The social spaces are well-designed and popular, offering great opportunities to relax and socialize. The internet connection is perfect for both studying and entertainment. Overall, I am extremely happy with my choice to live at The Maltings and would highly recommend it to any student.
Colchester Hall Rankings
*Minimum 10 reviews required to be ranked.
Living at The Maltings has been an incredible experience. The friendly and responsive staff, clean facilities, and frequent social events make it a perfect choice for students. The value for money is exceptional, and the location is safe and convenient, just a short walk from the University of Essex and nearby shops. The property management team is outstanding, always quick to resolve any issues. The social spaces are well-designed and popular, offering great opportunities to relax and socialize. The internet connection is perfect for both studying and entertainment. Overall, I am extremely happy with my choice to live at The Maltings and would highly recommend it to any student.
The Maltings Information
Postcode | CO2 8FU |
Amenities
Popular
- Common Room
- Gym
- Library or Study Area
Accessibility
- Elevators
Features
- Common Room
- Communal Kitchen
- Onsite Grocery Store
Internet Access
- WiFi
Laundry
- Coin-operated Communal Laundry
Recreational Facilities
- Entertainment Room
- Gym
- Outdoor Area
Security & Safety
- CCTV / Surveillance Cameras
- Secure Building Entry
Special Policies
- No Smoking
Study Support
- Library or Study Area
Transport
- Bike Storage
- Car Parking For Additional Fee
Travel Times
Colchester Institute
University of Essex
Edge Hotel School
Q&A
Ask a new question about The Maltings
Read The Maltings Reviews
The property is really good and the staff/ security at the reception are very cooperative and supportive. The rooms are very good and also have sufficient storage spaces.
Management really cares about the students here.
really good experience would highly recommend amazing people and made lots of friends and good staff
My experience till now has been incredible, i enjoy the events that are being organised by the team. I like the ambience specially the dock side.
The experience here was amazing
Nice accommodation with better environment and better staff
Shoutout to Rob and Chris for sorting out my bathroom. Resolved the issue in less than 24 hours. Really efficient and much appreciated. Thank you!
The Maltings is a great place to stay as a university of Essex student. They have a great team that always host events for their tenants and are happy to help at all times.
Living at The Maltings has been an incredible experience. The friendly and responsive staff, clean facilities, and frequent social events make it a perfect choice for students. The value for money is exceptional, and the location is safe and convenient, just a short walk from the University of Essex and nearby shops. The property management team is outstanding, always quick to resolve any issues. The social spaces are well-designed and popular, offering great opportunities to relax and socialize. The internet connection is perfect for both studying and entertainment. Overall, I am extremely happy with my choice to live at The Maltings and would highly recommend it to any student.
The accommodation itself is acceptable, however, the students can be very noisy late at night.
Lovely staff that make the accommodation a lovely place to live, lots of FREE fun events!
My experience at the Maltings has been amazing. I feel comfortable and safe in my accommodation. The staff are amazing and really helpful. My favourite rooms are the study lounge and on site gym which are really handy to have.
Friendly and responsive staffs. Various types of activities are held. Very clean facilities in my room.
It was a perfect experience, I am very happy to live here and the management is very friendly
Very nice location and comfy room
Great staff, been here for 2 years great location
I absolutely love living at the Maltings. Everything is well managed but my best part is how facilitating the accommodation is. So many events are arranged every other day that only keeps us entertained but also free food 😁
Great and affordable student halls. Lovely spacious rooms with a nice view of the estuary! Good size bathrooms and kitchen too. Very friendly staff available to help with anything
Kind, helpful, and friendly staff. Cheaper than most accommodation, very good value.
Great staff they are the absolute sweetest I have great chats with them
Great place for students, nice walk to campus. Rooms are nice, and bathrooms are sizeable in comparison to other places. Kitchens are good, sizeable also. Social events are done consistently through the year, creating a sense of community. Reception staff are great also. If you have a problem, they sort it very quickly
Great accommodation, lovely staff :) I am glad I chose to live here. I would definitely recommend it.
The staff are really helpful!!
The event held by Gavin at maltings is so good, especially spin the wheel.
The best accommodation ever. Customer service, check check check.
My electricity was restored as soon as I made a complaint and a new fridge was installed in my room. Love the service. Thank you
I am a student who currently resides at the Maltings. Colchester. Maltings is the Crème de la crème of student accommodations. From the amazing facilities to the amazing people and amazing staff. The is about a 25 minute walk to campus which is perfect for us students as it saves spending money on transportation. It is also close to the centre of town where you’d find anything you need. The security is top notch, and they are always working on the block 24/7. The pricing of the rooms are quite affordable. There’s also an onsite grocery store, Gym, study room and restaurants. The staff are simply spectacular, they create the most entertaining events which gives an opportunity to socialise with other people. The social spaces are always clean and tidy, as well as the general environment. I would 100 percent recommend living here to any student, it’s perfect.
The Maltings offers everything you would want in a student accommodation. A wide variety of great quality rooms, good internet, extremely friendly staff, wonderful scenery and much more. The location is perfect as it’s only a 15-20 minute walk to campus and there are plenty of stores and restaurants within 10 minutes of the accommodation. The kitchens are very spacious and have good layout. One of the best parts about staying at the maltings is the frequent social events that are hosted every week, where we are able to meet new people and have a fun time. The staff are very helpful and friendly and often strike up a nice conversation. Would definitely recommend.
As a student residing in the Maltings accommodation, I have been thoroughly impressed with the overall experience. The facilities are modern and well-maintained, providing a comfortable and conducive environment for studying and living. The location is convenient, with easy access to transportation, shopping centers, and dining options. The staff members are friendly, professional, and always ready to assist with any queries or concerns. The security measures in place give me peace of mind, knowing that my safety is a priority. The communal areas are well-designed and offer a great space to socialize with fellow students, making it easy to build friendships and create a sense of community. Overall, I highly recommend Maltings for anyone looking for quality student accommodation.
The accommodation is a tad on the expensive side compared to other accommodation available to a student for university of Essex however for what you pay it’s definitely worth it; the kitchens and rooms are well refurbished and spacious, the gym and student space are well equipped and always bringing in new and improved equipment. Whenever anything is wrong or broken the team who operate around this accommodation are quick to fix it and help any other issues. The WiFi works everywhere and I’ve never had any issues with it. Overall I would recommend to anyone attending the university of Essex to stay here.
When I came to the united kingdom I was very upset because of my father's condition and I didn't knew anything about this country and after 4 days arriving here my father died and I was unable to be in my senses with all that pain inside of me I was traveling to my university of Essex on daily basis from London and after 3 months of struggle I found this accommodation and from that moment I decided to live here and now I m peacefully doing my studies such a nice place specially the receptionists and over all people are really amazing thank you..
Staying at Maltings, was an absolute delight! From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with warmth and professionalism. The accommodations were not only impeccably clean but also stylishly designed, providing a comfortable and inviting atmosphere throughout my entire stay. The convenience of its location was unbeatable, with easy access to public transportation and a shops and restaurants within walking distance. What truly set Maltings apart, however, was the exceptional service provided by the staff. Always attentive and accommodating, they went above and beyond to ensure that my needs were met and that I felt right at home. Maltings isn't just a place to stay; it's a community where we connect, celebrate, and indulge. And let's not forget about the free food! At Maltings, residents can enjoy a variety of complimentary snacks, refreshments, and even full meals. it's hard to capture all of Maltings' brilliance in just a few words – I could go on and on about its warmth & hospitality.
My experience staying here is not less than a heavenly feel. It's like my home away from home. I can feel the warmth, security, concern, empathy, love and have all the emotional support from the team and the management. This is the very first time for me staying away from my family and I'm glad that I'm with good people. My selection of accomodation didn't disappoint me.
Choosing the Maltings as my student accommodation has been so far the best decision I have made. The accomodation has exceeded my expectations in many ways, it is at a prime location which makes travel super convenient. The rooms are spacious, modern, fully furnished. All my friends love my kitchen area and the cinema room. It has a student lounge area and gym so you dont have to pay any extra gym membership. A part from the facilities, the staff is incredibly friendly, helpful and responsive to any issues or concerns. They always go above and beyond to help you and ensure that residents feel at home. Even organising events and get togethers that makes living at the maltings more fun and enjoyable. Overall I highly recommend it considering the top notch facilities and affordability.
Perfect hut the Internet and phone connections are bad. Thanks
I've been living here for nearly a year now and rebooked my room for next year withing a couple months of living here. The staff are exceptionally friendly and always happy to help with anything. The facilities are great, the cinema room and gym being my personal favourites but I also get good use out of the student lounge and study room. The room is really nice and spacious with a modern feel and was very clean when I arrived. The 24 hour security makes me feel safe especially at night. I really enjoy the free events that they run each week including meals and snacks, cocktail making, and the occasional arts and crafts activity. Also, the 2 ducks which wander around the courtyard are lovely to see :)
Staff here are the absolute best. Very attentive and lovely to chat to.
Quite the best student accommodation I’ve stayed in so far. Many social events that are actually catered to what we as occupants would enjoy and the staff here are friendly. Would definitely recommend the Maltings to others.
Love the Maltings Colchester, they have absolutely amazing staff that treat you really nice and organise the most amazing social experiences.❤️❤️
Overall, the maltings offers a comfortable living space with modern amenities. The location is convenient, close to campus and essential shops. What sets it apart are the engaging events regularly organized for residents, fostering a sense of community and providing opportunities for socializing and networking.
I have enjoyed my stay here at the maltings so far. The place is safe and comfortable for a new student. The all inclusive billing is a huge help so money management is easier. The accommodation hosts lots of events that make spending time in a social environment fun too!
Great place would recommend! Definitely worth its money. I am very happy that I stayed here for this academic year.
Love it here, staff really friendly and helpful.
Maltings is perfect accommodation for UOE students. It’s walking distance to campus also has a bus stop just 2mins from the parking area! Also has 2 restaurants on its area and a coop store.which makes life easier! The best part is their student area it has quite a lot of indoor games and a movie room!!!
Great accommodation overall, friendly staff, nice sized rooms, social area and gym to a good standard. Highly recommend!
Amazeball ❤️❤️❤️ i love my stat here
It's been nice staying here great experience.
very quick to fix / sort any issues and no complaints
Overall nice and coordinated and staff is nice.
amazing staff and lovely people
Really impressed with the maltings. Glad I pick this as my home. I’ve had tremendous help from the maintenance team especially from Robert. Robert reliability is worth noting he’s always prompt responsive and ready to assist. Furthermore Roberts friendly demeanor and approachable is infectious and joy to be around.
This property is comfy. Staff is very helpful and I love it.
Really good place to live, very convenient to travel to uni. Just wanted to leave a review for my housekeeper really helpful and friendly, many thanks to her.
Rob and Matt have done an exceptional job with refurbishing the gym area. Both are very kind and helpful and have made the gym area an enjoyable space to work out !!
Great place to live everything works seamlessly and the reception staff are extremely helpful
I would not recommend the maltings because of the frequency of the problems that have been occurring as of late. One of the worst things I experienced while I was living there were the outdated washing machines; they desperately needed to buy brand new ones as soon as possible. There were several recent improvements to the site, for example, making sure the car park was safe from pigeons. I think the whole orange colour scheme is ugly and tacky. Something plain, like just plain white and grey, would look so much better. The pipes in the kitchen only leaked when there was water running through them. The shower is excellent, and you can make the water as hot as you want it to be. The mattress was uncomfortable, but I've had worse experiences. The value you get is good, but I think paying more to live somewhere else is a better option. It is great to have the CO-OP, Pizza Hut and Knight Pavillion restaurant so close.
The staff are so lovely and incredibly accommodating to complains or issues. There are often events and free gifts or food. The location is good as there is a long scenic walk path close, as well as being close to Tesco and the university.
Have been staying here since 1st would say it has been a good experience just need update on speed of wifi
Best place for students. Safe, especially for international students (females)
Internet nowadays is really unstable and slow. Everything else is great except the internet.
It’s great. I would recommend to all university students.
Pretty good rooms and kitchens are spacious
Great accommodation for university students, amazing student friendly environment and excellent service!! Highly recommended!!👍😁
Good service from the maltings Arrangement was good
The room is very comfortable, the sun shines in the sunny weather, but the kitchen is not well ventilated, the smell of cooking is always left in the kitchen, the window is always not open very big.
it is so great!The supervisor is so nice!What is more,they will help us clean the kitchen once a month!Everytime we have some problems,the staff can help us as soon as possilble!Maltings is the best choice!
The staff is very kind, the room is also very clean, need to repair the fault also dealt with relatively timely
It’s provided a good place with amenities. And it’s also a safe environment here. Can’t complain.
Great place to live and lots of fun events.
The staffs are really friendly. Facilities are good and they’re very supportive couldn’t ask for more . The environment is good during festival time .
Good and clean accommodation. Totally satisfied
I chose to stay here for 2 years of my MA, the staffs are very friendly and many different kinds of activities are provided.
I would say that The Maltings did not exceed my expectations. It is definitely good for students in terms of location, property itself and facilities that it offers, but the lack of communication between the staff and students that live here is pretty bad. One thing that definitely makes me not want to choose to live here next year is cleanliness: there is no staff to clean every week or at least once a month, every flat has to do it and as you know students weren't really taught by parents to clean so that's definitely an issue to others who live in the flat.
All the staff are very friendly and warm-hearted and help me solve my problems in time every time. I had a great stay and it was a wonderful environment to live in.
Of all the accommodations in Essex this is by far the nicest to live. Haven’t had an single issue with staff, always responding promptly and ready to help A real sense of community here!
Staff are kind and helpful at all times when students need help and support.
Beautiful flats, well furnished and modern. The location is conveniently placed near to the University of Essex, Colchester Town, Hythe Train Station, Tesco, and other student accommodations. It has a bustling student environment and the most amazing reception, security and maintenance staff. The staff have particularly gone above and beyond to provide a comforting environment during the Covid-19 pandemic, with free food, social events and smiles! Any issues such as faults with the rooms or kitchens are dealt with expeditiously. I have felt extremely safe and secure staying here (2 years) thanks to the multiple locked doors and brilliant security guards. The nearby Co-op is a wonderful convenience with lovely staff whom are very welcoming to students. Overall, it has been a pleasure to stay at The Maltings and I would 100% recommend this to any student at the University of Essex.
I couldn't be more pleased and satisfied with the service here at The Maltings Accomadation. The room is nice and spacious, the gym space is great and the location is chill. I have also received a lot of help from the receptionists in particular Debby, Rebecca and Michelle who have made my experiance here very smooth and easy. Would definitely recommend above other private student accomadtion in Colchester.
Good location nearer to town and local shops
Nice rooms, very friendly staff with a lot of free activities and items (free food, that’s delicious! and drinks, clothes etc)
Due to covid there has been limited access to social areas however they are really good once open. Security is amazing and parcel collection by staff is amazing.
An exceptional place to stay with high standards amenities, top class hygeine, an extremely courteous and helpful staff packaged at an affordable price for students!
My time at The Maltings has been enjoyable. I stayed here during my third and final year at the university, and have met new friends I'm sure I'll keep in touch with even after I graduate.
Staffs are lovely. They are very helpful, friendly and professional.
I have lived at the Maltings for 3 years now. The location is great but the staff are better, especially Debbie, Rebecca, Dave. They are always happy to help and provide great support to all the students. If you are considering studying in Colchester, look no further.
Friendly receptionists but all amenities are closed so I couldn’t fully enjoy it, despite paying full price.
Brilliant student accommodation with well maintained facilities and lovely modern rooms. The Maltings is in a convenient location in close proximity to several amenities. The staff are absolutely amazing, extremely organised and helpful! The reception team always have fun games, competitions and freebies which help to create a vibrant and welcoming environment. I am enjoying my time here and will be sad to leave once I conclude my studies in Essex.
Very good, lovely receptionist
Lovely student accommodation, very big and great location. Pizza hut and co-op built into the accommodation is a huge plus! Amazing staff, always helpful, huge thanks to Lorraine!
I love it here! The staff are so lovely, especially Lorraine! Very very welcoming! Feels like home! Highly recommend!
Great front desk services. Accommodating, professional, friendly. Lovely ladies.
Debby is really sweet and Lorraine is the best property manager ever! They make the maltings worth living! I love it here !
Great place, highly recommended for students. There are no annoying noises either during the day, so you can study well, or at night, so you can sleep well. The rooms are complete and have all the essential services and are also comfortable and nice, ideal for spending even long periods. The staff is excellent, I was 14 days in self-isolation and they made me feel welcomed and they always brought me the shopping or food delivered, because I could not leave the house. If I could I would return here every year.
The staff at The Maltings is awesome. The reception employs two very nice ladies who help in case of difficulties and answer any questions.
The Maltings is an exceptional accommodation, very well managed by Lorraine and her team providing student with a safe and friendly environment which helped me focus my attention on my Studies with no worries about my surroundings. I recommend this accommodation to everyone as it is also less than 15 mins from the University of Essex Colchester Campus. I really enjoyed my stay the Maltings Lorraine and her Management team were always offering a helping hand when need. Warm and Lovely Environment they have created.
The maltings is a great place to live, it’s on the pricey side however the place itself and location is great and definitely worth the accommodation. The management, and staff are great. Lorraine and Debbie are my favourite, new addition to the team Michelle is amazing too :), always greeting me with a huge smile. They make me feel like family. Definitely disappointed towards how much the mangement has been bashed. Smh fix up
Amazing place, amazing staff. Lorraine will look after you and make you feel at home. Amazing 3 years here , very happy.
Property management is horrible. Would not recommend living here.
Appalling staff which left students homeless after denying them access to their flat. Have experienced a lot of rudeness from staff as well as denial to help me when I had an enquiry. DO NOT LIVE HERE.
My stay at the maltings has been fantastic from the speedy assistance of the site manager and her assistants and the friendly security guards. Very friendly and welcoming and always on hand to help with any Issues
STAY VERY CLEAR OF THIS PLACE AT ALL COSTS!!!
I have been living at the Maltings for over two years now and I have just extended for another year. The accommodation is everything a student needs. Spacious rooms, communal areas, and walking distance from a train station, Colchester town and most importantly University of Essex. The staff are efficient and quickly sort out any problems that arise. Although, the accommodation is quite expensive within the local area, you get what you pay for and won't be disappointed.
The maltings is great. There's a lot right here on site like a gym, pizza hut, Co op. They often have freebies. Staff here are nice and happy to come back next year.
Great location, not far from the university. Really helpful that all bills are included and that there are reception staff are available to take in post. It’s easy to submit maintenance issues and they usually get completed really quickly.
The Maltings is a chilled spot for university students. It’s quite modern compared to other accommodations but I believe the prices could be slightly lower or at least more can be included in the rent, such as regular cleaners in the flats. The staff are very friendly are they are always willing to help solve your problems. I would give the Maltings 100% ratings but I just feel the price of rent could offer just a little bit more. Nonetheless, I would still have the Maltings as my first choice over the Hythe mills or anywhere else in Colchester.
We stayed in a Double studio and loved that it was all self contained as we were a couple, it also came with a car park which was great as we had a car. Its close enough to the uni and the walk is nice, and the co-op and pizza hut are downstairs, which was really handy. Tescos is also not to far away if you wanted a bigger shop. The staff were all lovely and were helpful whenever we had a problem. They also get to know you and remember your names which makes a difference as you feel more valued.
Close to the university with a coop and a Pizza Hut next to it , not too far from Tesco , amazing service and properties
Super friendly, clean and perfect place to study and communicate
This is a comfortable and pristine accommodation - the place is well looked after and the management team are very approachable and caring. Very pleased with my choice. They have also been very on point with handling this pandemic - ensuring that surfaces are cleaned daily. Great job & thank you !
This is great accommodation, there is always something to do, the sense of community is just what I needed when being away from home. The rooms are well equipped and very clean, all communal spaces are kept really clean. Staff are always available to help with any problems whether that be with the accommodation or with university.
Nice sense of community the staff go out of their way to look after you
Great accommodation, decor good, shops and takeaways close, 20 min walk to uni. Staff great, especially Lorraine who is super helpful and friendly. Wi-fi connection is great. I’m happy with the place.
The maltings is a well positioned sit with really good amenities close to hand . The staff are friendly and helpful . And the site is always clean and well kept .
Great management and location, highly recommended!! Near to everything
Very friendly staff, pricing is quite high but worthwhile. Only problem would be that you pay for the room for the whole summer if you cannot get the shorter period room.
Although it's a massive place, it really felt like home.They have lots of different events and always try get people involved. Rooms a nice, sometimes a bit noisy in the evening but has to be expected. Would recommend living here.
The Maltings is close to the university and Tesco. Access to the town center and train stations is easy. Having a gym, a shop and launderette on site means you have quick access to all the essentials to keep you healthy. The staff is friendly, helpful and attends quickly to any maintenance issue. The rooms are well designed and comfortable. I would highly recommend it if you are looking for an accommodation as a UoE student.
The staff are so welcoming, friendly and helpful! They host events which sometimes include free food and music, and this is a lovely touch. The facilities are good, the Co-op and gym is right outside my door!
My time at the Maltings was great, from the moment I arrived to check in to the moment I left the staff were great. I would recommend this residence to anyone looking for a room.
I had an amazing stay at the Maltings. Great management, great staff and the gym was also very nice to have on site, i used it alot and needed to as Pizza Hut is so close. Its very close to uni and Colchester is a decent night out so all in all a good experience.
It’s close to the campus of Uni of Essex and Tesco, easy access to the town centre, train and coach station. Staffs are very friendly and helpful. The rooms are spacious and well designed. Would definitely recommend this place if you’re looking for a place to stay as an UoE student.
I lived in the malting for a year back in 2016/17 and it was such a clean and comfortable home. Lorraine and the management team became friends and always made the experience warm and supportive.
Had the greatest year at the Maltings would recommend it to anyone.
I really loved living at the Maltings, although its a big site it is really well run and you always feel someone is available and there for you if you need them. The gym and social spaces are nice and there is a shop on site so you dont have to go far for hangover food. Its also close to uni. I would recommend
Lovely people, feels like home ♥️
The cleaners are amazing so friendly and the maintenance is amazing! Never fails to surprise me
Good location based near town with connections to and from with local bus stops and train station. The rooms and areas are always kept clean. Staff are friendly and always happy to help. Good WiFi throughout and don’t have to worry about bills as it’s included in the rent.
Very handy having shops, restaurants and a laundrette on your door step. Good connections as well with bus stops and train station nearby, close to town. The rooms are modern and clean, definitely good value.
The Maltings is a lovely place to live. The property staff are always really friendly and nice and very approachable people if you ever have an issue. They also host events and get-togethers pretty often in shared social spaces, letting us all socialise. The walls of the flat are pretty thick, so I can never hear what my flatmates are up to - even if they’re blasting music. The location is also really amazing - right downstairs is a Pizza Hut and a Co-Op, a short ten minute walk away is a Subway, Domino’s, another restaurant, barbershop, and convenience store. The local pharmacy, cleaner’s, and another convenience store are even closer. There’s also an amazon locker on the premises which comes in handy a lot! It’s right across the road from a bus stop to campus, although the walk isn’t too long. There’s also another bus stop that takes you into town so it’s perfect really. All in all a wonderful place to live.
Really good location, close to the University and close to town. Also located very close to Tesco so perfect for weekly shops. The staff are very helpful, they go out of their way for you. Definitely a recommendation.
I have lived here for 3 years and wouldn’t contemplate living anywhere else, have had a wonderful experience. Spacious room and kitchen and the staff go out of their way to help. Couldn’t recommend it enough.
Clair Watson is such a lovely woman. Whenever I go to the reception she always has a smile on her face and she’s very welcoming. She lights up the room and is also very pleasant to be around.
Pros Beautiful interior design Can’t hear flatmates at all. Surrounding area is safe and pretty Showers are always hot Small double beds Ethernet is good, wifi fine Reception is genuinely really nice Tesco, Coop and Amazon locker very useful Cons Very isolated, uni is 30 mins away. 15 mins of it is crossing a wheelchair bridge Very antisocial, full of 3rd years and postgrad. I know like 3 other people from here. Groupchat for entire accom is silent. Common room also empty Town is 45 min walk away, cab is £7-10 Lifts never work Parcels always delayed Can't open windows more than 10cm Kitchen lights on a 1h timer Maintenance never fixes serious problems The pipes are loud asf Washing machines double charge (incredibly expensive too) People barge the doors and break them No recycling Town is rough at night No cleaners Rooms use keys, not fobs like the rest of the building Parking is £300 Cig and weed smell constantly Underbed storage is a pain River occasionally stinks of rotting flesh