2-4 Crouch St, Colchester CO3 3ES

About This Pub

Ah, The Bull in Colchester – it's one of those pubs that really knows how to throw a good party, isn't it? From what I've gathered from the reviews, it's got this infectious energy with karaoke nights and live bands that bring out the best in everyone, making it a top choice for a spontaneous get-together. Folks rave about the fun atmosphere and how it feels like a proper community hub, which is lovely for a pint and a chat. But, let's be straight, it's not all roses; it can get proper packed, and that's when things might slip – like running out of your favourite lager or finding the loos in a state, which is a shame after a few drinks. One reviewer had a right nightmare with service one evening, though others swear by the warm welcomes they've had. Overall, with a solid 4.3 rating, it's worth a visit if you're up for some excitement, just maybe go on a quieter night to avoid the rush. It's all about balancing the highs and lows, really, to make the most of your time there.

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • The atmosphere is absolutely buzzing, perfect for a lively night out with friends – think karaoke and live bands that really get the crowd going.
  • It's got that welcoming vibe on good days, with friendly staff and impromptu fun that makes you want to stick around for more.
  • Plenty of positive vibes from the reviews, like the great music nights and a sense of community that keeps folks coming back.
Cons
  • It can get overwhelmingly busy, leading to things like running out of popular drinks or messy facilities that put a dampener on the evening.
  • Some experiences with service have been hit or miss, like unexpected entry charges or the odd unfriendly encounter when things are chaotic.
  • The place might not always live up to expectations, especially later at night when it gets a bit rowdy or disorganised.

Contact Information

2-4 Crouch St, Colchester CO3 3ES
+441206370856
Pub
Opens at 16:00

Opening Hours

MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday (Today)16:00 - 00:00
Thursday16:00 - 02:00
Friday16:00 - 02:00
Saturday12:00 - 02:00
Sunday16:00 - 00:00

Location

Recent Reviews

Very busy, bit bullish customers till 11pm.Run out of my lager lady's loos a mess apparently. They decided to charge entry on door. Day off event.
RT
Robert Townsend
Loved karaoke night, people of love, talent and many with good taste in music.
M
Maria
An amazing impromptu Thursday down the Bull with Uncle Andrew and his amazing crew of beauties. A special shout out to barfly Dave who is living his best 2 pints life. You are always welcome to sail with this Captain!
AH
Alan Heard
Such a lively, fun Pub. Great band playing. Will be returning very soon .
GM
Gary Morris
Mortified at my experience here this evening (31/10). Every other time been such a warm welcome team behind bar lovely. I am in the industry and of course appreciate what it’s like when busy / chaotic which it wasn’t . I went in with my friend approaching 1am where town still lively. Greeted by familiar door staff too which was nice. Went in to the garden after being served promptly. Again nice atmosphere. at about 1:30/1:45 had the door staff say last call need to move inside etc. totally understandable. As I went to move inside said young man made a comment ‘oh really you want to light that as soon as I said move inside?’ Please bear in mind I had not made any motion of lighting a cigarette up but I did have a pack with me, maybe misconstrued. As I tried to explain we were going and I understood the bar staff clearly wanted to go after a probable lively evening , maybe earlier on in the night . I came in pretty soon after this and said I’m just going to leave my drink, goodnight. I didn’t state why ( and may I emphasise, anything said was very calmly and politely ) but in my head it was pretty clear they wanted us to leave immediately and I genuinely felt uncomfortable staying in there, which again, never felt before in the bull, the atmosphere is so great in there . The barman who spoke who thought I was going to light a cigarette was the same one who I left my drink in front of him. Said barman flipped me away and said “yeah yeah , whatever” and physically waved me away. I was absolutely mortified. As said previous, I do know the lovely door staff. I communicated what was said to myself and they were shocked. Considering especially I have been at work this evening and was in no way inebriated when joining and leaving the venue. Thank you for any feedback that can be returned. Kind regards, Sarah
SF
Sarah Fox

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