The Best Pubs in Colchester

Three Wise Monkeys is a spacious, four floor modern tap house and BBQ smokehouse offering an extensive selection of real ales, craft beers, and beloved pub classics. The venue features a dedicated basement bar and a vibrant top floor venue for live music, club nights, and comedy. It is known for its beer, barbecue, and authentic food, with mouthwatering burgers, wings, slow smoked BBQ, and vegan delights. Outdoor seating is available, and recent visitors praise the superb food, good service, and great coffee.

Queen St Brewhouse is a true gem for anyone who loves exploring bold and distinctive brews. Their dedication to unusual beers and ciders makes every visit a delightful discovery, whether you're a fan of Belgian classics or local craft creations. The consistently pleasant staff and prime location only add to the magic, making it easy to see why regulars still call it the best bar in town.

The Victoria Inn is a real ale and live music venue with a welcoming, casual feel. It offers a wide selection of ales, local real cider, and great gins and whiskeys. The pub also serves delicious food like chilli dogs and fries, and hosts amazing live gigs, all with outdoor seating available.

Church Street Tavern offers a sun filled upstairs restaurant with a groovy collection of artwork, perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle. Downstairs, the bar is a casual affair with sofas, stools, and café tables, serving craft beer and cocktails by night. The venue boasts an amazing array of beers and wines, and you can settle down amongst the books on the lounges for a wonderfully cosy evening. It is also an amazing place to eat, with options like Mersea Island Oysters.

Step into The New Inn and you are immediately welcomed by a brilliantly kept selection of beers and a team that treats you like an old friend. The food matches the quality of the drinks, creating a place where locals and visitors alike feel completely at home. When the weather is fine, the lovely garden offers a perfect spot to relax and enjoy your pint. This is a pub built on genuine warmth and excellent hospitality, making every visit feel special.

Welcome to the Hospital Arms, a historic pub that was once a secret spot for doctors and hospital staff known as Ward 9. Today, it carries on the tradition of great drinks, good company, and a warm welcome, serving hearty meals alongside a superb selection of beers. Be sure to bring cash, as cards are not accepted, and don’t miss the homemade scotch eggs or the famous Sunday lunches, which require a booking. This is the original home of the Hospital Arms book group, founded in 2005, making it a true local gem for friendly staff and lively chats.

The Purple Dog is a unique pub that serves delicious pub food during the day and transforms into the best Indie rock venue at night. It is known for its great chicken, beer, and tunes, with a casual vibe and a good selection of real ales, including one straight from the barrel. Customers praise the always good beer and food, friendly staff, and the fantastic Sunday roast. The pub also features outdoor seating for guests to enjoy.

This historic pub offers a really good range of beers, including lots of 0% options for drivers. You can sit on the terrace and enjoy a great view, making it perfect for a drink or some food before a show at the arts centre. Friendly staff and a great location add to its appeal, with visitors praising the friendly service.

The Bricklayers is a brilliant local spot that truly excels with its giant Sunday roasts, especially the roast lamb drenched in gravy. You can expect a warm welcome, great service, and a fantastic selection of drinks including local ales and alcohol free beer, a rare find that has delighted many guests. The newly refurbished space fills with great music and the buzz of happy diners, while the legendary sticky toffee pudding provides a memorable finish to any meal. With excellent value and a lively, friendly character, this pub is a genuine treat.

Welcome to The Fat Cat, a well established free house that proudly serves a great selection of ales, wines, spirits, and food. You will be warmly greeted at the oak bar, where a row of hand pumps and a blackboard above showcase a wide range of beers sourced locally, nationally, and from abroad. A partially glazed wall reveals a row of firkins delivering ale by gravity from an air conditioned tap room. The locals play an important role here, so you can get involved in quiz nights or games evenings, or simply enjoy a pint.