Balkerne Hill, Colchester CO3 3AA

About This Pub

You know, when I think about Hole in the Wall in Colchester, it brings a smile – it's one of those pubs that feels like a proper local hideaway. The staff are just brilliant, always ready with a warm welcome that makes you feel at ease right from the off, and it's perfect for nipping in after a theatre trip or just for a laid-back pint. I love the historical touches, like the exposed Roman wall, which give it that extra bit of character and make it stand out from the crowd. It's ideal if you're after a spot to chat without the hustle and bustle, but on the downside, it can be a tad empty sometimes, which takes away from the buzz you'd expect. Plus, the wine's a bit pricey, and those stairs to the toilets might not suit everyone, especially after a few drinks. All in all, it's a solid choice for a genuine pub experience – worth popping in for, as long as you go in with realistic expectations.

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • The staff are incredibly warm and friendly, making every visit feel like catching up with old mates.
  • It's got a charming historical vibe with quirky features like the Roman wall, which really adds to the atmosphere.
  • A great spot for a quiet drink or a relaxed catch-up, especially after a show or on a lazy afternoon.
  • The layout with its small rooms and different levels gives it a unique, traditional pub feel that's hard to beat.
Cons
  • It can be quite empty at times, which might make the place feel a bit lifeless on quieter days.
  • Wine prices are on the steep side, so it's worth keeping an eye on your budget if you're opting for that.
  • Navigating the multiple floor levels, including toilets upstairs, can be a bit of a hassle for some.

Contact Information

Balkerne Hill, Colchester CO3 3AA
+441206562094
Bar
Opens at 14:00

Opening Hours

Monday (Today)14:00 - 00:00
Tuesday14:00 - 00:00
Wednesday14:00 - 00:00
Thursday14:00 - 00:00
Friday12:00 - 01:00
Saturday12:00 - 01:00
Sunday12:00 - 00:00

Location

Recent Reviews

Was almost empty when l visited, lots of small open rooms with lots of different floor levels with one servery bar, plus toilets on upper floor. Wine expensive.
AN
ALAN NASH
Delighted to see that this Colchester classic pub is still going- marvellous welcome from kind landlord- relaxed and friendly - a lovely place to have a quiet drink with a loved one.
RK
Rachel King
Discovered this absolute gem of a pub over the weekend popped in after a show at the theatre on Saturday and went back for the football on Sunday afternoon, the staff are warm and friendly and the punters were the same, felt like pubs used to 15 years ago will definitely be going back.
CW
chris wingfield
Haven't eaten here for a long while, but no complaints from memory. Been visiting here for over 20yrs now! Great little place for a drink, but personally I prefer it when it's a bit quieter. Cool pub that gets quirkier the more you look!
AH
Amy H
Really liked this place although it was empty. Lovely feel to the building you can almost sense the history. Some exposed parts of the Roman wall have been made into a feature. The balcony area has some nice views too much to my surprise. I'll be popping back in here.
TT
The Taster

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