Swan Inn in Colchester

Good was ok, very plain and not particularly appetising. Service was good but pub needs a good refurb, definitely the toilets !!

Booked a table before a event for 4 people. Table booked for 5:15 not overly busy and we waited over a hour for food no apology no updates. Had to rush out food so wasn't late for the event won't be going back

Very busy and the staff didn't stop moving, only stopping briefly to ask how the food was , very attentive

Terry and Mackenzie were both so friendly and delivered outstanding customer service and food. Would definitely recommended!

Lovely place to eat. Plenty of space didn't feel like we sat on top of each other. The staff were friendly and helpful. The food came out quickly and was hot and very tasty. Wide selection on the menu and fairly priced.

Best hungry horse in UK. Great old pub, great food, great staff, great prices

Good pub, great good, brilliant atmosphere big thank you to Lauren, leisha and Lewis was amazing helped us with so much today

Brilliant service from staff super friendly and quick

Great experience Food amazing will be coming again

I came here for many years when it was busy and fully packed, went back there for our Sunday lunch plenty seats available, two bar ladies stood there stare at me and my family because I am deaf it’s feel like an alien have landed at The Swan Inn, it’s not nice to stared at. Ordered our foods at the bar, the foods was ok not wow or amazing factor. Ordered our desserts, the lady waitress gave us a desserts without take our main foods away it’s not professional and not acceptable, she didn’t asked us if we are ok or just take finished main foods away to make the room for the desserts so I had to move finished main foods to the bar for them to put it away, I could’ve work there instead of that lady whose don’t made any effort to cleared the table. That place seem quieter than it was few years ago. Will I go back there again?, unfortunately no unless they give it refurbishment and make foods fresh and appeal to customers, simple effective waitress won’t hurt anyone. Hungry Horse make Wetherspoon look posh and better service.

Arrived early and were greeted and asked if we could wait a few minutes while our table was cleared and prepared for us. Once done we were seated and informed of all that was available.

Kenzie and george went above and beyond to make our visit great

The place could do with a much needed makeover.

Staff members was amazing, the service was fantastic, the food was hot and delicious, the girl behind the bar kaley was really polite and had a amazing smile. I would definitely recommend it. The manager called Terry was a top bloke and made sure me and my family had a great dinner.

Absolutely amazing place to go to, accomodating to everyone and also has a play place for children. Food was phenomenal and A MUST TO COME HERE. Amazing service

Was the worst visit I’ve ever had as was over booked toilets were blocked and made the pub smell staff rude shoved some of our party stating we can’t sit there dragged tables across pub to try to accommodate our party Never again Would have given it zero stars but couldn’t

Text: Been to Freeport’s,driving past hungry horse look welcoming so we popped in,4 of us ,asked for table was told 45 minutes ,didn’t have a problem with that as we had not booked.However the pub wasn’t particularly busy ,and 45 minutes we waited. All in all the food was hot ,ok and service lovely by waitress,our only comment two of us had Ruddles beef and ale pie,between us we got 4 piece of beef ,should be called Ruddles gravy pie ,apart from this was all OK

Me and my grandparents love coming to The Swan Inn every other Monday for lunch. Me and Nan always go for The Gravy One, best burger about. Grandad has a veggie option and always pleased. Waitress & waiters always welcoming and helpful.

Great staff great food...brilliant

Mackenzie was very attentive to our needs regarding food and is polite and very approachable

Very friendly pub lovely people especially Mackenzie lovely girl goes out of her way to help you

Truly a great experience. Leisha is a womderful server and a true delight. Love it here and come almost every week. A great place and cannot recommend enough.

Come every week and really enjoy it. Leisha is lovely and a great server.

Waited so long for food and when arrived lots were over cooked and not editable was compensated with free drinks and bags of crisps. Free pudding too . Will not be returning to have food .

i am disgusted by this i have been waiting two hours ! for a steak small mac n cheese and chips all the ladies are standing around not helping the only good one was lewis and leisha were the only polite one who listened and helped all rest are standing the food was cold took ages not good at all really don’t recommend lewis and leisha deserve a raise! mac and cheese is all over the place aswell not good chef

Absolutely disgusted and disappointed experience due to inconsistent policy regarding admitting children to the premisses. I visited this restautant with my 9-year-old boy to watch a premier league football at 2pm on 29th Sep 2024 and almost immediately kicked out by an extremely unfriendly member of staff. She said children are not allowed in the bar area, even though I clearly remember there were children in the bar area, wearing football shirt on 17th Aug 2024 with their parents, even a baby on a buggy. I also checked the government webpage if there is such law/rule but counld not find any but this statement, 'there is no law that would cover alleged “discrimination” against children'. I appreciate some pubs do not allow children under 18 in a certain time, mainly in the evening without their parents, but there should not be any discrimination to 9yo boy with a parent at 2pm. This is absolutely unacceptable and surely I will never visit 'The Swan Inn' any more and probably other Hungry Horse pubs will remind me this terrible experience when I plan a dinner out with friends/family in the future. I would still love to hear about 1. exactly what rules were applied to me today and 2. the main difference I experienced today in the pub and other people with children/baby allowed to the bar area on 17th Aug 2024.

Had a meal yesterday evening. Had to wait 1 and a half hours for meal to arrive. Poor presentation, looked as though the meal was thrown on the plate.Food cold, steak pie was so hot it burnt my mouth, mash and peas cold. My friend had a steak no tomatoes. they forgot the onion rings, when they came out there was only two. We didn’t Waite to have a desert. The place was run down,the seat I sat on had a big slash on the seat.Truly a nightmare.We spent £30 between us.The one star was for the waitress, poor girl was rushed off her feet.

Dirty. Very slow service. Arrived today for a lunch time meal and was told a 30 min delay puzzled as to why as it wasn't busy. After an hour we cancelled, refunded and left. They do however provide free samples or food which is spattered all over the menus from the previous diners so at least you know what the food looks like after it's sat there festering for weeks.

Amazing pub great staff 10/10 highly recommend

Leisha, Lewis and Mackenzie make this place. They’re friendly, professional, accommodating and always have a smile on their face. It’s always a pleasure to see them.

I came in and waited 1-2 hours, and to my surprise was bestowed an absolute distasteful nightmare and disaster, joke of a jerk chicken, to that end, DONT eat the jerk chicken in Swan Inn, Stanway.

Wow value for money and super great staff, fish chips mushy peas bread £6 how do they do it ! and not a small portion a normal size everyday portion and desert fish bowl size sharing £6 will be going back for sure 👍

Kenzie who served us was was so lovely and polite had nothing but big smiles and happy to help highly recommend the swan

Reasonably priced good beer and fantastic views with very friendly staff

Me and my freinds went to the swan for a couple of drinks, leisha and Lewis were our servers and they were absolutely wonderful couldn’t recommend it enough🫶

Been to this restaurant a few times and it is extremely friendly and welcoming. The staff are very good, especially McKenzie who can’t do enough for you. Sometimes you get the odd poor meal, but on average, it’s very good value.

Went for a meal with some work friends. The service was appauling, the food was absolutely disgusting after waiting an hour and a half for it. Shocking the food was allowed to leave the kitchen they way it did. Very very disappointed.

I think the chef needs to clean his griddle. Bacon cover black burnt remnants of what ever he'd been cooking before. Toast burnt & cold

The food was nice and very reasonably priced. Took a little while for the food to arrive, but it was worth the wait. A large garden area out the back which is nice but the benches and tables need a little tlc.

Arrived at around 13.20pm found a table in the garden area as had a dog with us we managed to order food around. 1340pm southern fried chicken wrap and a fish finger baguette with chips there was about 13 chips just chucked on a plate and the food was just chucked together no effort put into it just a plate of mess maybe need to get a chef that can cut a baguette and make a wrap properly it came out just before 3pm they had one person on the bar and one waitress it’s the school holidays and this was not acceptable I was told when I ordered there would be a half hour wait but ended up being close to an hour and a half we were already dubious about returning to this restaurant after a bad experience the first time but definitely will not be returning anytime in the future save your money and go somewhere else

Lewis was really friendly and helpful, made our experience extra special as it was my birthday. Food was lovely, highly recommend!

Makenzie and Kayleigh were amazing Perfect service

Our second visit in a few days. Both nights we waited more than an hour for meals. We were told that four staff had not turned up. Tonight we waited the same lengthy time. Food ok but nothing special when you think what we paid. Both visits were for birthdays, we asked for plates for the cake .. there were 11 of us and they brought us 5 plates on both visits. The napkin and knife and fork holder were empty and the bottom of the plastic container was very dirty. To be honest the knives and forks could have been cleaner too. There is certainly a big lack in staff. Based on my last 2 visits, it will be a long while before I go back.

This is an update to a review I left 8 months ago as I have need to change it following our most recent experience. The lock on the men's toilets is STILL broken (see pic) 10 months after I first reported it. The reply to my original review said they were gonna fix it. Obviously it's not high on their priorities. We come here semi often and food is normally very good. Sadly this time we must have been unfortunate to have a lesser experienced cheff. List of problems below... - Steak on full monty asked for medium but came well done and very gristly. - Sausages on mixed grill were like playdough. - Chicken on full monty and mini mixed grill over cooked and very dry. - Vegan burger very bland and flavourless. - Fries on burger were cold and had no taste .

Lovely family pub, fantastic staff very friendly

Roast dinner was not nice all was over cooked and and the meat was disappointing

Waited 1hr 20mins for food and when questioned, they stated that we weren’t even close to it being brought out!!

Is always good value for money

Was blown blown away by the polite and helpful service by the young helpful staff Mckenzie cannot thank her enough

I came in with the wife on Thursday. The meal was not very good for both of us. The wife had fish chips and peas. There was all that good in the way it was cooked. The peas were like they're had been warm up about 3 or 4 times, and the chips were awful. They were not that cook. All that well. She left most of it on the plate. My meal was much the same. I had breaded wholetail scampi with mushy peas. I will not be coming back in the near future.

First time visit and was everything we needed! From the food to the drinks and to the great conversation here and there with the team. Atmosphere was light and friendly. Lauren was fantastic, and really made the night. Definitely be back again.

Very friendly and quick service

Excellent food, good service and value for money £10 for Sunday lunch and a drink, I added cauliflower cheese and pigs in blankets for an extra £3.99, highly recommend food on a Sunday

great service, quick and friendly staff

Getting ready for the England game and very happy to be here. Mackenzie has been looking after us and should get a promotion!

Great venue for sport viewing Good choice of beers with excellent service

Service is good. Always happy to help find you a table

Absolutely amazing!!! The service was brilliant and the food was good too! We pre booked on the day and for 2 people was given a lovely large table. Prices were fab 👌

Fantastic service and food. Everyone very helpful and the food was delicious. Atmosphere really inviting and comfortable x

We went as a couple, we found the owner and staff were all very friendly. The pub side of it full off regulars and pop ins all mixing together with a good atmosphere. Would easily recommend for a nice meal and drinks. 5 STARS 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Good food, good atmosphere especially for the football! Would recommend

Wonderful staff, so friendly and welcoming, we feel like one of the swan family. The atmosphere is relaxed and we absolutely love coming here. Special mention to Lewis, Lisha, Mackenzie, Ellie and Terry for always making us feel so welcome.

Great place for great value food and drinks, always a good atmosphere.

Always my go too Green King pub when I’m in Copford

Good food, nice environment and can always have a bit of banter with the staff

Brilliant place and great staff

Liam and Lauren have been fanstastic. Great atmosphere for football

Great place to come! Our local enjoying here! Great atmosphere Haven’t eaten here but always pretty busy! Mackenzie and Lewis are our favourite 😊

This is a lovely pub run by Terry it’s friendly with a lovely atmosphere , food is good the BEST IN COLCHESTER …it has a good seating area for drinkers and separate area for food !!

What a lovely atmosphere. Lovely beer. Lovely welcoming staff. Love to watch the football and cricket. Will be sure to return

As a family of 4 adults and 1 child we thought we would give this establishment one last chance having had disappointing visits previously. I am afraid we won't be visiting again. Ordered 3 Sunday lunches which were cold, burnt and contained mash potato clearly from a packet. Stuffing was so hard couldn't even get a knife in it. The meals clearly had been microwaved (or rather not). Definitely has gone down hill, needs a refurbishment.

Makenzie served us a few times when i visited she was always smiling and constantly asked if there was anything we need or she could help us with Will be back soon !!!!

We again had Makenzie as our waiter and she was so lovely! she was as friendly and helpful including making my 1 year old nephew laugh! always a lovely pub to come into!

Our server was constantly smiling She said her name was mckenzie and always helped us with anything we needed Great atmosphere and staff constantly helpful and friendly

2 Meals gd out of 3. One had to be sent back. Was told we could have refund on afters. Went to desk and told young man instead of putting refund back into my bank he charged me again for already paid for afters. Tried ringing them and all l get is a bot called Charlie who can't deal with my problem. Cutlery in tray was almost empty except for knives which weren't clean. Only one waitresses rushed off her feet. Whoever sent me the email saying l wasn't charged twice was proved wrong. I was and getting refund after proof.

Great Hungry Horse pub. Always busy and someone's have to wait, but great value for good quality food.

Staff couldn’t do enough to help us. Many thx

Easy to complain when places get things wrong. But my partner and I had the best experience and food there today 15/6/24 Liam our waiter was superb Attentive polite and hard working The katsu chicken was out of this world Perfectly cooked steak fresh salad Piping hot So when people do well We would like to say well done to the swan and Liam 👏👏👏👏💪💪💪

Me and the family had a nice meal at the swan today in copford. Liam and the team did a great job and the food was really nice. Will visit again soon.

Have used this pub alot in the past few years, and it has always been good. But the last couple of visits have gone downhill. Both times it has taken over 2 hours to have 2 courses.. The food before was very good, with big servings, the quality has dipped a little, and the servings are not what they used to be. The staff were helpful and great, but I can only imagine they are very short staffed. 1 visit I'd overlook these problems,, but it all happened again the next time... Might be a while before we go back again unfortunately.

About 11.30am. There for brunch/early lunch. We were walk in, several tables reserved but still quite a few free tables. Staff very friendly, George was our main server etc. Food and coffee great, generous portions. No negatives, will return and also recommend 😊

Liam was a god send. Lovely service could not fault anything food was delightful definitely coming back.

Second time here and it was amazing once again! Staff were friendly and welcoming towards me and my family. Food was spectacular and piping hot. Loved the new summer drinks menu. Will definitely be back again soon!

Always the best when I go here love it very friendly staff lovely food

Considering multiple tables had problems with their food tonight all front of house staff were very helpful and apologetic

Great food and friendly staff, Liam was great 😁🍺🐿️

Served by Liam he was great. Come here often always enjoy the food and atmosphere ☺️

A family pub/ restaurant with very reasonable prices, food fine for price. Bit noisy but enjoyed our evening.

Last time we visited the food was very slow coming out. It didn’t appear to be that busy. Unfortunately the food was not brilliant but the wait staff offered to change but we had waited so long my daughter was just too hungry to wait.

Went for a family late lunch at a quiet time. The meal was large and great value. Received unobtrusive first class and friendly service.

Service was appalling, had to keep asking for cutlery and. Food ok. As we had a dog we was eating in the bar area, which we understand but the noise was horrendous as football was on the TV but just felt the screaming and shouting was excessive. Maybe the restaurant area would be more to our liking.

Super value food. Place in desperate need of a returb. Plaster falling off the walls in areas. Dirty interior. Dirty toilets, I refused to take my little girl in the men’s

Just had a meal for four at The Swan, the food was very well priced with very big portions. The service was quick and the food was good. We were served by Terry who was very helpful with recommendations, Liam waited on our table and was very quick with bringing and collecting our plates. We will definitely be coming back.

Went in for dinner today with my partner , and as always got the same warm welcome from the staff as we do any other time we go ! I decided on the Katsu Banquet , whilst my partner had the New York Chicken . Hats off to the place and the staff , especially the chef because this really was absolutely delicious ! The coating / seasoning on my chicken was just amazing and spot on ! Colonel Sanders (KFC) doesn't even compare to just how good this is ? Along with the gorgeous gravy for the chips both dishes were just superb 👌 Please don't change a thing .....its perfect and we shall definitely be in again as soon as we possibly can ! 10/10 all round 👏

Slight issue with one of our meals but was dealt with promptly and professionally.

Always great value for money food served by helpful and friendly staff 👌 👍. Thank you

All good. Various places to sit/eat/watch. Very good value food, a pool table, football on TV and quiet areas well away from that. It's a good hungry horse. Would recommend

Very badly cooked food and when I was asked if the food was ok I said no and the gentleman gave me a dirty look and walked off no friendliness in any off the staff it use to be lovely but it's changed

The breakfast was amazing ,staff always helpfull and the choice of food is excellent .This is always our first choice for brunch .

Good cheap food, but long waits for food and many missing items on the menu. It was quite a busy Friday evening, we had booked a table so that was all ok. But food just took so long. It was tasty and hot when it arrived but took over an hour from ordering, to main course. We had starters which came out fairly quick (within 15-20min of ordering) but the main course was slow. There was no fish and chips and also no all day brunch, perhaps ran out of food but need to keep things stocked well for a weekend! Seems a bit understaffed, the 2 waiters were nice but seemed rushed off their feet, and perhaps kitchen was understaffed too, not sure if due to staff holiday/sickness, or just cutting back on costs? I'm not worried about dusty lampshades or old decor like some other reviews, I like a cheap pub with good food, but over an hour for main course is too long esp if you have kids. Don't let it slip any further Greene King, we don't want to lose another hungry horse.