Empire Theatre Bar in Great Yarmouth

We walked in and were amazed by the decoration and the decor! It is our first time in Great Yarmouth, we live in London and have just come down for the weekend. As we had just arrived in town we wanted to have a wander around and see what there was. When we saw that you have Beaverton beer on draught we knew that we had to come back as it’s our favourite and have visited the brewery. When we were on the way out to see what else there was around before coming back a comment was made about us by a group at the bar not sure it it was 3 guests and a staff member it doesn’t really matter. They said “we were leaving because they didn’t have strongbow” I’m not really sure what the insinuation was or why they felt they needed to comment on what we were doing. Up until that point we were coming back to get beers from the only place we could find selling our favourite beer. I left feeling uncomfortable and as if I had just been judged. I felt so uncomfortable that we didn’t return. There is no point in having someone flyering and giving leaflets out to get people in if that’s how people feel when they come inside. It’s a shame its amazing inside but we won’t come back.

What an amazing place! We were actually approached by a guy outside of the building who was distributing leaflets, and he confirmed that we could get a good cocktail inside. He was right! We selected our table on a balcony and sent a cocktail and pizza order via the app. The pizza was delicious and the cocktails were great. There is so much to see inside and the atmosphere was magical, so I can't even begin to imagine what a great evening venue this would be.

The Empire, a former theatre, these days is a multifunctional establishment, including a pub, restaurant, and music venue. But don't trust the billboard outside, promising a wide variety of craft ales. NONE of them is actually available on tap, nor kegged - just a few bottles from Brewdog and the like for which they charge outrageous prices. It's a tourist trap, essentially, much like a Venus flytrap, that lures you inside with its colourful appearance. And the inside of of this establishment is certainly colourful, somewhere between Disneyland and a Las Vegas casino. Certainly worth a brief look for the duration of drinking an overpriced pint of lager. I can imagine that when they're having an event it can be quite appealing. It's just not appealing as a pub. There is outside seating as well.

We walked into the Empire on our first evening in Great Yarmouth and were wowed by its interesting, colourful quirky interior with lively atmosphere and great music. There was a good range of drinks available and they were reasonably priced. We made a beeline for the Empire every day of our holiday and really enjoyed listening to the bands and singers. Our favourites were Darby (amazing voice) and Danny on the Sunday afternoon. I wish we lived nearer to Great Yarmouth so we could visit the Empire more often.

What a great place to spend a night out, entertainment every night and its of a very high standard especially James Heart you are a magic night out and very talented as a former musician I think I would know something about it, the manager is always on hand to sort anything out or a lovely chat well done sir we will be back again. We came for 4 nights and spent three with you only break was the circus, the drinks are priced very reasonable and food is of a very high standard.

Wow what a interesting place so much to look at . Absolutely great atmosphere, food is amazing and so many different drinks , we all had the best lunch ever . Highly recommend The empire for all ages .

My son and I happened upon this place on a day out to Yarmouth and my goodness were werent disappointed! The decor is really quirky and just so fun! The staff were so lovely and friendly. The food was absolutely delicious I was so impressed! We had the smashed burger fries and they were to die for. We will definitely be back!

Not a particularly welcoming atmosphere in here - staff all looked quite glum on a Saturday afternoon. Drink orders, after the app had been downloaded because we wanted cocktails came out incomplete, so had tp chase that up. Drinks themselves were nice and reasonably priced. We found a snug downstairs away from the crowds where the music was just a bit quieter - though the music itself was a good mix. All sorts of weird paraphernalia to be found down here - quite Egyptian themed, which I liked. Overall a mixed bag.

Great bar! Reminds me of ruin bars in budapest with the layout, couldn't stop looking at the lights, pictures and props. Lovely cocktails, 2 for 1 happy hour well worth it. Great atmosphere and lots of choices food and drink wise.

Great place for a night out. Lots of drink choices including cocktails. Served quickly at the bar. We didn’t try the food, but it looked good. Great setting for a venue. Decorated very well, with lots of branded signs and lights. Saw a live act and was very impressed with the talent. Thoroughly enjoyed our experience here and will definitely return.

Wow wow wow Came to Great Yarmouth to have a great but wanted safe night entertainment We found The Empire had a live band at 9pm so decided to give it a shot. Was the best night out so good we’re going back tonight Street food, drinks can be ordered from your seats if you prefer Music was amazing Atmosphere was awesome Absolutely loved it

We stumbled in here mainly to take refuge from a rain shower and what a great decision it turned out to be! An amazing old building it has a cosy Snug section to one side. It has table service and the staff were quick to bring orders over. We had huge burritos which were amazing and the choice of beers was good. We watched local band “The Jacks” who were great. The next evening we returned. It was busier but we still got our favourite seats! This time we had the mushroom pizza and watched “Dirty Havana” who were pretty good too. A great friendly crowd in with mixed age group ( we’re in the older category!)

The Empire Theatre Bar sits at the beginning near enough of the so- called ‘Golden Mile’. Leaving aside the merits or otherwise of that title, was on the way down to the Gold Rush arcade when a portly gentleman offered us a flyer which outlined the offering - Street Food, Craft Beer and Live Music. My son (seven) was persuaded and we went in on Saturday lunchtime. Ordered Pizza, Burger and Wings and I have to say was suitably impressed - all three meals got the thumbs up and indeed we returned there every day over the bank holiday weekend. The staff were super friendly, and the service was (mostly) fairly efficient, either between 15 and 20 minutes the time to turn round. The venue is sizeable and would certainly be good for music although we went at lunchtime so there was none on. All in all very good. Fairly pricey in comparison with some other venues in the vicinity, and the moniker ‘Street Food’ is arguably stretching to elastic levels the definition but amidst some rather less than spectacular competitors, The Empire has done a creditable job. We’d definitely recommend

We're local to the area and finally got the opportunity to having a meal here for the first time. Firstly, we had difficulty ordering from the online app which wouldn't load on my partners mobile. After finally getting the confirmation of our food and drink order we sat excited for it to arrive. 30 minutes had past and no drinks had arrived. We managed to flag someone down who said that the ordering system had errored and we had to go collect our drinks from the bar. Once we had collected our drinks we waited a further 10 mins for 1 meal to arrive, then followed 5 minutes after by the second out of our 3 meals to arrive. We sat then expecting our last meal to quickly arrive but it didn't. Again we flagged someone down who then went and got a manager. The manager explained that one of the gas cookers had broken and it would be a further 25 minutes for our meal to arrive. The manager offered us a refund or for us to wait for the meal to arrive. We opted to wait because we didn't want to trek our child and baby to anouther venue after they had already eaten. Overall it was a bit of a shambles, poor comminuication and nobody seeming to be actively waiting on tables, just chucking the food down and scarpering off. In all honesty it was a huge disappointment, we wasted so much of our family day out at this venue. We won't be going again, and won't be recommending to our family and friends.

Love this building and we’ve been before but this time service was poor. We waited an hour for three burgers and the rest of the group had eaten all of their food. When I said something to the waiter I was just told that there was only one person in the kitchen, no apology. Disappointed, and frustratingly so because it could be really good. The venue is fab and unique

This is a venue meant for a younger crowd - it's an interesting building, but when we walked in, we felt very old (we're in our 60s) - the music was exceptionally loud, so we just had a quick walk round and came back out.

We were met by a guy handing out flyers and this should have put me off because the last time this happened in Yarmouth I was ill on the food and didn't even get a refund. We walked in to what was supposed to be...

went here on saturday had a few drinks and listened to the music that was ongood vibe and nice inside

The general atmosphere was good. We went early evening to have a friendly catch up to avoid the music later but soundchecks were very loud we were shouting to be heard. Food was alright but expensive for what you get so I'd say low value...

We hadn’t been here since we were celebrating the millennium when it was Bourbon St! We had an excellent choice of beers and food. The service was excellent. We enjoyed fantastic burgers and pizzas. The venue is so unique - it’s great that this has...

On holiday and came across this when walking past, we decided to go in and have a look and wow! So much to look at, We went 3 times and each time noticed something different. We were drawn in by the live music which on...

We come to Great Yarmouth occasionally and have often wandered past the Empire without really noticing it. This time my 4 year old had just decided she needed a wee and as I was standing outside it, after a quick chat with the employee outside...

A Unique setting. You feel like you’re outside when you’re inside. Enjoyed playing tic tac toe at our bench table. We did get a discount when we ordered as we went to see a show at the Hippodrome circus on the same day as they...

Today we visited the Empire. What a fantastic building. We ordered the burgers 🍔 and chips 🍟 together, yet the chips came 15 minutes early. Once again, out of many of the cocktail on their menu. Friendly staff but lots of improvements still need to...

Lovely live music at the bar, lots of places to eat street food inside , only problem we had was viewing the excellent singer as we were around the corner a bit

Loved the quirky interior, you could spot something different each time....didn't eat so can't comment. Music the eve we went.

This establishment is on the face of it a good concept different kitchens doing different food ie chicken ,tacos, burgers and pizzas also a kids menu. However we as a family went at 1830 only to find one of the ‘kitchens’ closed so no burgers...

Food is terrible and overpriced. Maybe music in the evenings and bar is ok but better to go local pub.

Ignore the sticky tables & menus. This place is a gem in an otherwise floundering Great Yarmouth seaside promenade. This was our first time visiting Great Yarmouth & we were pleasantly surprised. The venue is fantastic & the decoration peculiar. Your eyes are drawn across...

Great place for afternoon drinks or evening out. The music is a mixture of all genre's and tastes. Live music is a bit hit and miss but generally good. The food is good for evening snacks. The decor is a combination of theatre, music and...

Darby and Danny. Fantastic afternoon. Went in for a half and stayed all afternoon because really good music.

Great venue, took the family in for a special occasion celebrating a birthday but was totally ruined by absolutely shocking service and rude staff. We ordered 5 drinks including a cocktail Pina Colada for which we had to wait for.then when it got delivered by...

Great decor, atmosphere, music and staff! Drinks are ok, but depending what you drink can be a bit limited. Love the little food places around the outside and the whole atmosphere. Will definitely be going back again.

Called in for a drink and something to eat. Great Aspall cider and other craft beers, plus cocktails. Good street food selection, burgers, wings, burritos, tachos and pizzas. Friendly service. Need a greeter at the door telling customers how and where to order - saw...

Great venue, good entertainment ruined by absolutely shocking service. 45mins for the worst long island iced tea I have ever had the misfortune to drink. Only got drinks in 45 mins after complaining to the management. Y advertise 2 for 1 cocktails if you can't...

Such friendly staff, excellent chicken wings, amazing ales located just off the seafront near the britania peer, looks like a bourbon Street New Orleans themed live music venues with street food. Very clean and tidy, the decor will have you looking and talking for hours....

Great venue, Great Live Acts, Great Food and Drink selection and stunning building, just what Yarmouth needed, They have a really good drink selection, expect to pay a little more than some of the other venues in Yarmouth but for that you’re getting loads of...

Been wanting to go here for years since it was a night club . Today was my first visit .the building is amazing, the staff were lovely friendly and helpful, the band was fantastic too ..food was nice burgers were sadly sold out . The...

Came here on 19/12/2021 after attending The Hippodrome for the Christmas spectacular show which was truly AMAZING! Only one food outlet was serving food, very small menu, very expensive, no chicken available at all which for us was no good as the 3 children didn't...

Booked to attend the Halloween drag night, and what an awful night it was! So disorganised, reception desk was full of old drinks bottles and paperwork, went in and was allocated a seat - picnic bench seating isn’t the best! Ordered drinks on the app,...

A group of 20 of us attended this venue midweek. We were pleasantly surprised- a great building showing off the heritage detail of its high ceiling. Good drinks choices and a live band on stage, entertaining and eclectic decor. We didn't eat so can't review...

What can I say...I won a voucher for this venue on Instagram..so happy I did. Everything was great. A big venue but the vibe and atmosphere was spot on. Food tasty ...generous portions. Very good value for money. Music great and have a lot of...

On arrival there was no one at reception desk only a glass half empty and a face mask. We went in and a staff member said download the app for menu and order at the bar. Went to bar with order and were told to...

Visited Great Yarmouth with my family, called in on passing retuned numerous times. WOW the place is outstanding from the building itself to the memorabilia scattered all around. Our first visit was spent looking around in ore at this spectacular venue. The staff were all...

Visited last night and we were so impressed. As we are local we waited for the busy summer season to finish before trying this new venue. The building is incredible. I took my daughter’s phone in case she got bored waiting for dinner but there...

The place looks amazing and the food does not disappoint. Apparently there is always a vegan option. When we went it was a jerk tofu wrap, with rice and salad. It was amazeballs! Can't wait to go back this weekend for Outthere Festival. Jack Jay...

Firstly what an incredible building! The decor inside is amazing and had the wow factor the minute you walk in. There is so much to see and so much retro nostalgia. It’s incredibly well designed and offers a really cool, relaxed vibe. I remember the...

went on the first opening day with a friend- lovely food - didn't stay later but heard it was great. Went on a Thursday a coupla weeks later as daughters friends band playing. Lovely. Great food, audience from 1 -80 (age !!) Lovely atmosphere A...

where do i even start? what a fantastic place to open up on the yarmouth seafront! i’ve been a big fan of great yarmouth forever, but this is really something! everyone we spoke to was so friendly and kind, willing to chat, knowledgeable about the...

Absolutely brilliant addition for Yarmouth, the interior is stunning, you can see it’s been restored with love and attention. The interior is brilliant. Great atmosphere, first time trying “street food” the Jerk Chicken is a must. Three food outlets but all on the one bill...

What a great place! Came here years ago when it was a cinema and returned now it is a place to eat. What a chilled vibe, amazing architecture and the food is amazing. A must visit if you are in Yarmouth and fancy something different...

Me, my husband and two young kids popped in here yesterday for something to eat as on the sign it said street food and really liked the look of the venue. Ordered our food and drinks at the bar. After waiting 45 mins, I decided...

The Empire has reopened in August 2021 as a bar, restaurant, cocktail bar, live music venue. It is utterly superb. There are 3 different food venues inside, street food at its finest. Ndouja Dough balls are sensational. As is the goat curry. But…the best bit?...

Great venue and good food, but they outright refused to serve water with a meal. For a family of 5 the food came to quite a lot and like normal we asked for tap water. It is a legal obligation that venues that sell alcohol...

Saw a review for this place online and knew we had to check it out. About fifteen of us went on a Saturday afternoon. The mood was laid back and the music was good. The food was fantastic, we had burgers, dirty fries, halloumi fries...

Came down to visit family back in my Hometown and we heard that the Empire has re-opened and absolutely HAD to go and check it out. I have happy memories of going there as a teenager when it was the Empire Cinema and watched all...

Wow - what a place! Extremely aesthetically pleasing surroundings with cool music. We both had the Double bacon burger and they were INCREDIBLE! By far the best burgers we’ve ever eaten. So good my hubby ordered a 2nd one. Not the cheapest lunch out but...

the chicken wings by rude food were good quite hot as well ask for a finger bowl and some serviettes as well the portion was good dogs are allowed families upto 2100 the burgers look good they had neck oil on keg and some duration...