About This Pub
Ah, Yates in Colchester – it's one of those places that really knows how to get the party started, tucked right in the heart of town near the shops and castle park. I love how welcoming it feels during the day, with plenty of space for a bite to eat or a drink in the beer garden, and they've got loads on offer for families or anyone wanting to catch up over some decent pub food. The staff are often the highlight, full of energy and quick with a laugh, which makes the live music and karaoke nights even more enjoyable. But, let's be honest, it's not all smooth sailing; I've heard from mates that service can drag on when it's busy, leaving you waiting ages for your meal or a round at the bar, and that blasting air con can turn a cosy chat into a bit of a freezer session. Still, with all the sports screenings and special events, it's a solid choice for a good time, as long as you go in with realistic expectations and maybe plan for a quieter visit if you're after something more relaxed.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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The staff are absolutely brilliant – always full of life and helpful, making you feel right at home with their great sense of humour.
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It's a cracking spot for a night out with an incredible sound system, live music, karaoke, and all sorts of themed events that keep things buzzing.
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They've got a solid selection of food and drinks, including tasty pub grub, cocktails, and even options for families during the day, plus a welcoming beer garden.
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Plenty of accessibility features like Wi-Fi, wheelchair access, and a family-friendly policy until the evening, making it easy for everyone to enjoy.
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You can catch live sport on HD screens, which is perfect for watching the big games in a lively atmosphere.
Cons
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Service can get a bit stretched at times, with waits for food and drinks that feel longer than they should, especially when staff are rushed off their feet.
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The atmosphere isn't always spot on – there have been instances where things felt a tad off, like with overzealous air con leaving you a bit chilly.
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Food might take ages to arrive, even for simple meals, which can put a dampener on a casual catch-up.
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Some evenings might not hit the mark if it's busy, with potential for disruptions that could spoil the vibe.
Contact Information
1 1A, 3 Head St, Colchester CO1 1NX
+441206710471
Pub
Opens at 11:00
Opening Hours
| Monday (Today) | 11:00 - 21:00 |
| Tuesday | 11:00 - 21:00 |
| Wednesday | 11:00 - 02:00 |
| Thursday | 11:00 - 21:00 |
| Friday | 11:00 - 01:00 |
| Saturday | 11:00 - 02:00 |
| Sunday | 11:00 - 21:00 |
Recent Reviews
Both the two barmaids Zoe and Shelby were more than helpful and full of life and had a great sense of humour definitely will be back again very soon
Food was good but had to wait to be served at the bar as only two members of staff and a manager hiding away in his office. The poor lady behind the bar was rushed off her feet. Wasn’t a great atmosphere due to an ex employee looking like Doreen from birds of feather. Shouting and being sick due to too much alcohol.
It's a really fun place to go on a night out. They have an incredible sound system, I miss the pole though on weekends, as they got rid of it, hope it comes back again soon. Love the Karaoke 🎤
CH
Chris Hollick (chrystal)
Went in for a catch-up lunch, and there were a few groups in having lunch. Was easy enough to order on the app. Food took 50 mins from ordering it was only a deli lunch so shouldn't have taken that long. Air con was on full blast so froze whilst waiting. Service was OK. One lady seemed nice the other looked like she didn't want to be there. The food was worth the money we paid but food got cold really quickly due to the air-conditioning.
With two 'starving' children (despite eating numerous snacks throughout the morning), we decided to go in to Yates for some lunch. I hadn't personally been to Yates for a number of years. Plenty of food options (with meal deals if you go during the week) and they also had a kids menu.
Plenty of space and fairly tidy as well. We (well the kids) chose to sit in the booths nearer the back. Food didn't take too long to arrive - and I managed to relive my old days by having the ultimate curry option (although I am sure they used to come with bhaji's and the nann looked more like a traditional naan!) Food is simple but good and reasonably priced.
For the kids there was also some colouring sheets and crayons, and because you pay for everything at the beginning there is no awkward waiting for bill where kids start getting disruptive! I actually thought this was a good place to being the kids for food, which is surprising as I would usually think of it as a drinking location!
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