Playhouse in Colchester

Normally it is u get what u pay for, which was average usually. Today had a large mixed grill and gourmet steak and both were spot on. Presume they have a new chef? More of a 4* food today than ur usual wetherspoons. Well done chef and staff and presumably new meat suppliers?

Great place to visit. Staff friendly and helpful. Nice food, but could be warmer. Relaxed atmosphere and great setting.

Wanted to pop in as to see what was long ago a theatre,posters on walls interesting,But I just felt like the place was a little "dirty",many drinks half drunk hanging around the ledges on the perifery.. probably from the night before!!seemed it needed a refresh🤔

Cheap and cheerful. Plenty of choice and plenty of different options. Choose the food first because some options come with a drink as part of the deal, so no point in buying another drink as well. We like the cardboard cutout figures watching the diners from the balcony level!

Great value food and drink with friendly service.

Interesting building, nice atmosphere

Very good lovely meal . Brilliant service

Always cheap and cheery, food plain but great place

Good pub food is good good service

Ordered a drink 11:11 and it got brought over a full quarter of an hour later - must have been poured reasonably quickly as the either the head had settled or someone took a few mouthfuls because this is what I had put in front of me - terrible service. So if you want a warmer, flatter possibly second hand drink - the playhouse is the place to go.

Popped in on way home, great prices on beer, service excellent, I worked for a brewery delivering to spoons all over london and southeast they do not get/sell out of date beer they get the same has your local pub, they just buy a lot more £2.77for a pint of carlsbergs today it was lovely .

We were travelling and needed a break. We were pleased to find this interesting place to eat.

Probably the worst wetherspoons we have been to, dark dingy and very dated, however, the food and service was great. 2 breakfasts, drinks (including refillable coffee) for £13

Came in to spoons this evening, I was served by a young man called Luke. Brilliant service with a smile!

Service was ok but clearing table's and hygiene was descusting need to be sorted or won't drink in there again not a witherspoon standard

Roxy is the best she literally made the night so much better ♥️

A bizarre but brilliant pub with a great selection of drinks, good atmosphere, comfy seating and good service.

Classic Spoons. Not the first time we've come here, and definitely not the last. As with any Spoons restaurant, the food is either perfect or "not your day", as is the atmosphere and service. It's exactly what you'd expect for the price and location, and like the rest of us, we're there for the socializing and the fairly cheap food, so as usual, everything is within the norm.

We had a lovely meal on a Saturday. Even though it was busy, we were promptly served and the service was excellent. The app wasn't working, but we had no trouble being served at the bar. Food was piping hot and delicious. The prices were so reasonable. We enjoyed it so much, that we went back the following day, for a cooked breakfast. The staff remembered us from the evening before and we had a joke about us returning. I would definitely recommend this pub. Such a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Good value food and drinks. Could do with a bit of a clean as on most of my visits tables have been dirty or in need of clearing.

If a portion of chips means 6 pieces then I'm delighted 👀👀🤣🤣

Don't bother disgusting place with vulgar customers

Another great Whetherspoons, WiFi was a bit patchy in some parts of the venue and 4g/5g is pretty much nonexistent, but the food and drink was great 👍

Worth a quick visit for the interior, cheap, but cider wasn't great.

Absolutely stunning place, the history behind this building was fantastic I love anything historic, the barstaff was fabulous and very friendly, unfortunately I can't really rate the food because I didn't dine there but I'm sure it was excellent food, I'm a long distance lorry driver and where ever I park up for the evening I always Google a weatherspoons, the playhouse by far in my opinion was my best experience yet just by the lay out and the history, looking forward to my next visit. 👍❤️

Nice to sit with many different people

We love a spoons and this one did not disappoint. Beautiful building and the theme of the playhouse is carried out throughout the pub. We just popped in for tea and toast while visiting the local area we would happily drop in again when visiting Colchester

It's Witherspoons cheap and cheerful 😊

Nice atmosphere in there tonight and very relaxing 😌

Can’t go wrong for price but the food can be hit and miss. Does often have that weatherspoons smell to it and if you go down the back it’s very dark and dingy. Lighting needs to be improved.

Service was shocking, was told not serving this side of bar so went to other side, 1 member of staff pouring table service drinks, 1 taking orders to table & 1 actually serving behind bar. Lots of people that had ordered on app were going to bar to collect drinks as been waiting for 20+ minutes. We ordered 2 puddings & had to wait 45 minutes for them

Its an unushal layout for a pub, its an old theatre and you can have your pint right on the stage with all these cardboard cutouts looking at you, but i love it, its cool and its nice that it was converted rather than being left abandoned or knocked down

Toliets let this venue down, badly need upgrading

The Playhouse in Colchester, part of the Wetherspoons chain, is a true gem in the heart of the town. The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by the unique charm of this former theatre, which has been beautifully preserved. The architecture is stunning, with the original stage and balcony still intact, giving the place a grand and historic feel. It’s not just a pub; it’s an experience. The atmosphere is lively yet relaxed, making it perfect for both a casual lunch and an evening out. The menu offers a wide range of affordable options, from classic British pub food to more contemporary dishes. The quality of the food is consistently good, and the portion sizes are generous. They also have an extensive selection of drinks, including real ales and craft beers, all at great prices. What sets The Playhouse apart is the attentive and friendly staff. They are always ready to help, making sure your visit is enjoyable from start to finish. Despite being a busy venue, the service is efficient, and the place is kept clean and tidy. Whether you're a local or just visiting Colchester, The Playhouse is a must-visit. It’s a unique venue that combines history, great food, and a welcoming atmosphere, all at very reasonable prices. Highly recommended!

The place needs updating. Everything looks tired

It was ok but the food had no salad or chips which was suppose be with sandwiches

Keep this place open and as it is at all costs. Great work guys <3

Good witherspoons with good service

It's what you would expect from Wetherspoons, half decent food though sometimes it's a bit hit and miss on the portion sizes. On a quieter day it's fairly pleasant to go and relax in a quiet corner.

A great pub, the top tier full of film stars and the main stage in the middle. Loved it a very different pub.

Came here with my young son today (15/08/2024), the staff were very helpful helping get the buggy down the stairs, I didn't even need to ask, someone came and offered assistance straight away. Another chap that helped clean the highchair was also very polite and courteous, which is always appreciated. Manners and kind actions cost nothing and make all the difference, because of the way the staff treated us, we'll no doubt be back next time we're in the area. Thank you for genuinely good service - a level that most expensive restaurants don't offer.

Went on Saturday lunchtime, it was very busy which you’d expect and meal came fairly quickly and was nice. The paninis just aren’t as good as a couple of years ago though. Table hadn’t been cleared from previous customers

An ordinary Wetherspoons.. Nothing too fancy as you’d expect, reasonably big pub with lots of food and drinks to offer. Service is average, nothing to complain about other than the odd ‘riff raff’ which is out of the staffs control. Wait times can be long depending on the time. Other than that, never had an issue in here and a nice addition to Colchester.

I make sure to pass by Wetherspoons when in town coz first off, their drinks are at a good price and they serve good amount of food and it’s just a different kind of place. Used to be a theatre before so the setup is quite interesting. From their various food options I always enjoy their chicken wings and they also have a great variety of drinks.

First time I've been here for breakfast. It was really lovely. Would recommend it.still really nice.

Slightly slow service (waited an hour for 3 meals) but very friendly staff and great atmosphere

It's a spoons. Low quality and standards .

Nice place, staff very friendly and a great selection of drinks.

The food here is really good for the price and the drinks and service. Wish the toilets were more accessible. Otherwise great

Typical spoons, good food, good beer, staff all over it, cracking place actually, big round bar, plenty of seats, good service. Good job guys!

My regular local but since the football the place stinks of sour beer where the carpets have been soaked if Wetherspoons are going to allow this behaviour they should at least make the place presentable after

Friendly staff and clean toilets. The surroundings was interesting as are most wetherspoons as it was a theatre and cinema in its past life. Food and drink was nice too. I kept my meal simple on this occasion and I decided to have the Radem noodles bowl with chicken and egg. Very filling and something I would have again.

The Playhouse pub located at the heart of Colchester Town is housed in a former theatre, retaining many of its original features. NOT the best Wetherspoons I have visited. Could improve on keeping the tables clean. It has a unique and stunning interior, which includes a stage area and gallery seating. Reasonable prices, and a wide selection of beers. The atmosphere is lively yet cozy. Overall, it is an okay types place to hang out with friends for a meal or drink.

I ordered a really nice quinoa and tuna salad, I have a lot of allergies and can't have fatty food as well currently, so finding something suitable is a nightmare! I was resigned to a jacket potato. But the salad was amazing! Not coated in oily dressing too, it was optional and really tasty. I found the ordering really easy too, but a few of my friends struggled with signal. It's a beautiful old building, there should be WiFi. All the allergens are clearly labelled on the website, with full ingredients lists. The clientele, well, not really the friendliest, but I encountered no trouble and the booths are nice and private.

Drinks at the right price great 2 pints for less then £5 can't be bad.

Great venue cheap but good food.

If you are a fan of wetherspoons this is a must visit site as it is housed in the old theatre 🎭 with the stage and balcony still intact. The food is the basic wetherspoons fayre. Service was good and staff very friendly.

Had a large breakfast and coffee refill... very fast and friendly service..highly recommend Playhouse Colchester!!

Pint of Leffe and a curry for £10. Pretty amazing value. Cannot fault. Nowhere can beat for bang for buck. Used the app to order and to avoid losing my table. Professional service

I dislike the company and how they treated my cousin when they worked there but its still good food, still a good pub, just a shame its a wetherspoons

Nice large weatherspoons in a great location

Absolutely superb from start to finish, very quick to bring drinks & food arrived soon after. I had the fish and chips and my good lady had the scampi and chips, everything was great. Prices you just can't knock.

Food is basic but good value for money. Drinks are extremely reasonable. Great starting point.

Whenever you're in Colchester always worth a visit to wetherspoons sensible prices sensible food

A cosy place with a nice decoration👌🏻I tried fish and chips. That was good.

Came to Spoons, no spoons in sight. Outrageous, very disappointed. Please ensure there are spoons available upon next visitation

Great place to eat and drink on a budget. Good food and drink and good service.

(update) 2024: Their vegan lunch is to die for. 2022: Quick service and friendly staff, will definitely be visiting here again.

Excellent ambience. A wonderful and harmonious gathering and a pint only costs £3.20.

Been going to this place for a long time only because the drinks are cheap. Not enough staff at times with tables not cleaned quick enough and waiting ages for staff to serve you. Went for a drink and something to eat recently and was shocked at what I got for fish chips and mushy peas. Tiny piece of fish a spoonful of mushy peas and what looked like a dozen chips. I wanted to complain but wife did not want me to.

A fine example of the genre. This one is set in an old theatre, hence the name. I'll definitely be back next time I'm in town .

Revising this review that I made 5 years ago, it is still 100% a spoons. It's not the best one, but it is certainly a decent enough place and the value for money is the key factor here. I like being able to order on my phone too, which is good. Staff are friendly and helpful.

Clean,friendly service, reasonable priced Beers

Very slow bar service 20 minute wait uninterested staff completely ignored a good place for a cheap drink though always busy

Best spoons I have ever been in Food for the price was excellent and the beer didn’t actually taste like it was going out of date

This place is AMAZING!! A pub-theatre tasting as a pub but make ppl feeling as a star!

What an experience! You're sitting in a one-time theatre. You can even sit on the stage. This is something very different and a great value meal from Wethspoons . Spots the 'stars' looking down from the gallery.

The Playhouse in Colchester offers great deals on drinks in a lively atmosphere, perfect for a fun night out with friends.

It's a Wetherspoons, you can't go that wrong. Drinks are a good price, the food is questionable but not too expensive. Large interior with an interesting audience upstairs. Walkable from the University but bring a coat in the winter.

Must visit pub if you're in the area and you happen to be a fan of AC/DC.. PLAYED A GIG HERE IN THE '70S

It's a Weatherspoons...you get what you pay for and can't go wrong

Great pub. I've been going for 20 years. Unfortunately, for some reason, when the security come on, the night changes. I say security but mainly 20 years olds more interested in keeping the young girls happy at the cost of the regular customer. Never have felt to to write a review before but needs sorting.

I absolutely love this place. All wetherspoons are great because they are so cheap and actual have a decent variety of menu options which aren't too bad. The staff are super friendly at this restaurant and I really like the atmosphere and aesthetics of the old theatre that's turned into a restaurant. Always a great place to stop off far a bowl of chips - they are the best chips I've ever tasted.

Best spoons in the country by far

I was visiting town and popped in to have a bite to eat and a beer. Wow it's a very striking place - big and busy. And I was watched by many stars from the Dress Circle, which was mildly disconcerting 😁

while the experience was good. if theres challenges maintaining the coffee machine stock levels from afar maybe look at relocating the machines like they are located within waitrose. closer to the counter staff

A meet up with old Army buddy,s. 👌 👏 awesome

Massive place, old theatre converted into a decent bar.

Always room for improvement had to wait ages to get served

A always amazing atmosphere very good drinks

This is a great place to drink and eat! The interior is fun, having kept the original balcony, which is filled with cardboard images of famous people! Friendly and professional staff and great service. Fantastic value for money too!

The place is good for quick pre boost drinks but wont recommend anyone to order any food from here as not worth it

Started off well. Enjoyed a pint as was on way home. However some staff were a bit up themselves. As far as wetherspoons go, the playhouse is barely average. Toilets are not even fit for animals, let alone people!😡.

Went on the wrong day, it was like happy hour. Cheap drinks.

Smashing place for good cheap food and drink

Excellent service and friendly staff

Thurs 1st feb.2024.11.06 am.I dont expect to wait 5 minutes at bar to order food when theres STAFF behind bar chatting to each other when there getting paid to SERVE!!! HENCE WALKED OUT and ya lost business

The fryer they use for cooking chicken tastes like they over shoot with the degreaser when cleaning. Chicken smelt like chemicals, my partner gagged on first bite. She could not stomach the smell nor could I. I have been eating food my whole life this opinion I promise you is not subjective. I flagged down a waiter (in the nearly empty dining room) he said he’d tell the kitchen and left the offensive burger on the table. My partner was trying to hold in the contents of her 6 onion rings. There was no can i replace it, I’m sorry about that, customer service 0 points. He just wondered off. I had to go to the bar to ask for a manager, who refunded just the cost of the uneaten burger. £5 off a £7.80 meal, which was just a Pepsi, burger and chips.

Was having lunch with a friend. The food was ok what you would expect and the service was good. The bad thing was loads and loads of tiny flies. These flies were all over the window and our food. Other people were finding the same as they were swatting the windows and the table and food as well. We asked the waitress about this when she brought us our food, said they were aware of this problem and the area needed fumigating but the area could not be closed . Surly even Weatherspoons need to comply with health and safety standards.

I’ve always said the playhouse Colchester is great, Good service, Food wise The full English breakfast, Spoons does it perfect with refill on all hot drinks, What more can you ask for. 👌