The Hungry Horse - Swan Inn in Colchester

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.

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.

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.

Went for food and thought why not let's go here as its cheap!! Went to order a sharer and they didn't have half the stuff so I said we'll can we have some money off as it was half of the food and she said no!! If that's the case take it off the menu as why pay full price when I'm getting half of my meal. The bar lady was rude when serving my drinks as I then said I don't want any food. I was then approached by a member of the public saying I was rude bit I was just stating facts!!!!!!Will never come here again. Another couple said they have had bad experiences here too.

So this pub definitely reminded me, never judge a book by its cover. Initially when we, as a family of five including a toddler, parked up I did think the pub looked run down, and it was similar inside. We sat down and looked at the menu to find the food very cheap compared to the local pubs in the area which was nice to see. We went on a Monday where kids eat for a £1 so it’s an absolute bargain, but of course, full of kids in the huge play area! The food came and wow, I was genuinely shocked how nice it was. All the family said how nice their food was, and again for the price, we were very happy. Highly recommend a visit

Well to say this place has gone down hill since the previous landlady left is an understatement. The customer service is very minimal no check backs to see if everything is okay, not much knowledge on the menus. Tables feel sticky to touch. The food is very hit and miss ordered wings and stripes with peri sauce came out covered in sauce used to always be on the side had to send one portion back to change so my children could have some. The mains where good for 2 adults and 2 kids but I had one of the super specials that comes with salt and pepper chips rice chicken and wings the salt and pepper seasoning is just thrown over everything no care taken what so ever ruins the whole dish. Today was our last visit to this pub as it's just not the same it's such a shame.

Another wonderful meal at The Swan, absolutely love the new manager, what a great guy! And the waiting staff are lovely as usual, nothing is ever too much. We had a really enjoyable Christmas evening with family made better by Terry and his team. Thank you again!

The staff are friendly and welcoming. There are staff behind the bar ready to serve. Food has been good. Terry the new Landlord has been amazing and has a great work ethic. It’s been great coming in

This was a fantastic night out for are 50th wedding anniversary It was a party of 23 but Terry valentine the general manager Made sure it was a night to remember nothing was to much trouble he organised it start to finish and it went prefect I can’t thank him enough,keep up the good work terry

This is the second visit since the management has changed and both visits have been very enjoyable. The staff were very nice and friendly and very accommodating with our requests. We were sat at a table which was fine but my elderly mother was complaining that she was cold and before I even had a chance to look at the menu the lady staff member moved us to a different table that was more to my mother’s liking. The food came out at a good speed and was very tasty and for the first time ever my steak was cooked correctly. The new manager was really friendly and made sure that we had a good experience. It really feels like a different pub and did notice someone has been doing some well over due cleaning as when we visited under the old management it looked as though it hadn’t been cleaned for quite some time. We will definitely be back to eat on a regular basis. This is how a pub should look and feel, well done to all the staff at the swan.

Lovely night out with my significant other. Food was hot and plentiful. Staff friendly and attentive.

Booked to enjoy the festive menu today but when I arrived discovered we could not booked from that menu today

Had a family lunch swan service was great. Terry gave all the children an activity sheet to do while we waited for our food which we didn't wait that long and it came out very quickly. The food was absolutely amazing compliments to the chef and we had an amazing time well done Terry and the rest of the team xx

Popped in on Monday 4th December for dinner! Service was okay, the food made the experience so much better! I had a steak and it was cooked perfectly so compliments to the chef. Food came out quick too so was very impressed :)

Fantastic night out with Family, I had the Mixed Grill and all of the meat was cooked perfectly. And the staff took great care of us, we felt well looked after by Terry and the team, Definitely coming again!

Had a lovely lunch with my partner great service from lisha and Terry nothing was to much trouble. Thankyou so much x

Amazing experience 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟Terry the (manager) is so lovely and goes up and beyond. It was very foggy when I booked a meal and I phoned up asking if we could have the table I reserved earlier and Terry made sure of this. Terry is very welcoming and has time for people. All the other Staff are also polite and friendly. I have visited a few times and the food is not only reasonable but cooked to perfection. I have had the steak with peppers and mushrooms and that was so juicy and tasty and cooked medium just how I like it. Also the half chicken is so tender and not dry, absolutely beautiful. The Korean burger is also a good choice, it's so tender and tasty. Best burger I have had for a while. They do amazing deals everyday of the week. Friday is buy one burger get one free, brilliant deal 😁🍔👍I will be definitely visiting again and I would highly recommend anyone to go and visit you won't be disappointed. Thank you to Terry and the team, keep up the good work. See you all very soon 😁

Excellent night had by myself and my family. Fantastic service from staff especially Lewis, leesha and Terry. Cannot fault anything. Lovely food, amazing service. Will be back, see you soon !

Amazing food and drinks, amazing staff, Terry is so lovely. Recommend the burgers and the grill.

Was here Sunday afternoon for some food with the family and the service was amazing! Terri and the team are doing such a good job and food was 12/10 , will definitely be visiting again soon! Keep up the great work Terri!!

Terry the new manager is absolutely amazing, he's so friendly and welcoming nothing is too much trouble, he made us all laugh so much definitely makes us all want to go back food was so good too very happy 😊

Been to this pub a few times. It has lovely atmosphere, friendly, welcoming staff. Lovely choice of food, we went for the Sunday roasts (3 had Roast beef & I had the Turkey) all were presented lovely and absolutely delicious- clean plates all round!!! Great...

very welcoming staff, with great service, leisha was very helpful in meeting our catering needs this restaurant never fails to please us 👍🏻

The service from staff and especially leisha was outstanding and very prompt. Food was excellent. Also to mention how friendly they all were. 10/10 experience

Lovely meal, I cannot fault anything , the service was spot on and as always Terry goes the extra mile to make sure everyone is happy , Thank you Terry and team x

This pub just continues to get better and better, food was great, service was great, staff are as lovely as always and I always get a warm reception when I go in. Terry, Alisha and Jordan were lovely!! I would 100% recommend this place

Visited today with a friend. Food was amazing, fast with the service and very good value too. All staff were very friendly and attentive especially one in particular, Terry who always goes above and beyond to make you feel welcome and not like just another...

Great evening with mates. Food was really nice and the staff were really friendly. Sport was also on TV.

Food was lovely they changed the menu to accommodate what I wanted which was a nice touch and tasted good. Staff are great too.

Visited recently to have some food and watch the football with the family. Was welcomed by the staff who made sure we were well looked after. Could not fault the food at all and had a lovely afternoon. Will definitely be returning!

Very accommodating, food was delicious and service even better! The staff are always cheerful and friendly

Amazing food, great atmosphere and the staff could not be more attentive. Will definitely be returning⭐️

Wonderful service, amazing food and a lovely place for any occasion. Ww always have a good time whenever we visit. Lee is fantastic as are all staff.

Food was very good and great value. Staff are helpful and friendly. Meal was good value. Would recomend.

Brilliant night at the swan yet again. Lovely food, great atmosphere and faultless service. See you all soon! 😊

great evening with friends. The food as usual was great hot and tasty Service was good the team were friendly and efficient always there to help.

Brilliant experience at the swan quick hot food and had exceptional service from Ryan behind the bar. Always a warm welcome.

Had to wait 55 minutes for food that was dry and overcooked. Very disappointing. Would not recommend

Went to the Swan on Friday the 13 th October,staff always welcoming and helpful. Food and drink of great quality for very low prices. A smashing lunch and big thank you to Kay for looking after our every need throughout the meal. Will be visiting...

Food took an hour to arrive after being told it was half an hour. Roast dinners were very dry and underwhelming. I've never had hard mash before and we won't be going back for more.

Popped in for a bit of lunch, staff were friendly, drinks were cheap and service was quick and efficient. We'll definitely be back!

A great lunch today at the Swan, the friendliest staff and have to shout out to Lee for the professional and welcoming approach. I cannot eat gluten or dairy and Lee was very helpful on finding the menu for me. He bent over backwards to...

Thursday lunch . Thanks to Lewis for excellent service Very good food and reasonable prices. We will return again soon.

lovely food and great staff Leisha was very accommodating with brilliant entertainment from all, amazing halloween decorations

Was served by leisha and was provided outstanding service by all. I would come here for entertainment alone. It’s brilliant 🙌🏻

Great place to visit with friends convenient for where I am located great atmosphere and the staff are respectful

Friendly staff, fast service and good quality food at affordable prices. Plenty of free parking. Will come again.

Had Sunday lunch. The beef was the toughest I've had in a decade or more. Choice of one real ale from bar only. Will not be returning.

Great pub. Food and drink is good price and tasting. Pool tables good and well priced. Also has fruity and loads of footy

Great food and friendly staff, very welcoming atmosphere, recommend the Korean bbq chicken burger and wings

Food was lovely, came out really fast and very generous sizes. Very happy 😃 Really nice atmosphere with very helpful and friendly staff.

When I asked for no ice I received my drinks with ice. The second time the barman left 1 1/2" at the top. When I asked him to fill the glass, he said that was for the ice. Our meals should've had peas but nothing...

Ok so once again another awesome review for the swan , mixed grill banging,guinness is lovely I keep waiting for the food to be rubbish so I have something bad to say but never happens here with a friend ....lovely atmosphere great food great value...

Fantastic night out, plenty for the kids to do as we waited for food. Food was great big plates great value cook well and we will be back very soon! Very impressed. 5 stars from me

Came here for a lovely brunch, the food choices were great and team were fantastic (value for money is amazing) will return again soon!

Today I decided to go to the swan inn in copford colchester to cheer my elderly mother who has dementia! The swan is the only place she will eat with out complaining about the cost of food. We all went in got a table and...

Food always exceeds expectations and staff always friendly and welcoming. Great spot for beers and food with mates or family. My boys love the pub playground at the back.

Excellent place. Can’t fault the staff and food and whole pub. Brilliant place will come again very soon.

Not too impressed. Food was good. Staff friendly. Although this is my local. Have to honestly say it could do with a good clean especially under the tables ours was very dusty and dropped food stuck to it.

Went after the zoo, was a little wait for a table but that’s understandable, the pub was very busy, food was hot and tasty again a small wait but rightly so was nice to see a busy pub, kids menu was just enough and out...

Came in for a wonderful lunch today, the curry deal went down an absolute treat,staff were lovely, the curry deal was unreal!!

We came here for a family birthday and could not have faulted a single thing. The value for money is obviously a given but what makes it even better is the staff. The manager and the assistant manager were so lovely and couldn’t have done...

The food was amazing they have never let us down with the quality if the food the tast is undescribable and the staff are so lovely when we needed drinks or food they got us what we desired they asked if the food was good...

Another visit to this little pub, as always great service and great food, I love the doughnut for dessert it’s amazing, always my go to place when in Colchester.

came in for a family meal on monday night, really enjoyed it, the customer service was brilliant, food was very good and over all amazing. highly recommend

Friendly service good food and very reasonable prices. Great garden and atmosphere. Well kept beer

Great food at an unbeatable price. Friendly staff who are always happy to help. Would book a table as it gets busy.

Amazing pub , service 10/10 , good quality of food. We love coming to the pub the staff are always nice and friendly the service is super quick and always greeted with a smile and warm welcome. Would most definitely recommend!

Came into the swan all the staff were great and smiley. Ordered steak and chips which was very nice and was great for the price. Would definitely recommend.

I went to the swan this evening with my partner and we’re greeted at the door with smiles by the staff and ordered drinks which quickly arrived. We then ordered our food and the Home Run burger was amazing, and would order this again happily....

Smashing staff, all very friendly. Had the curry special, not huge but very tasty and good value at £7 with a drink. Lovely young chap waiting on the tables

Visited on Saturday lunch. Food and service was perfect, the team go above and beyond to make sure everything is okay! Even though it was busy food still arrived quickly and hot :)

Absolutly amazing food, Amazing staff, Beautifully coocked food, Worth the visit! If you havnt been your missing out in the best food around colchester!

Very nice atmosphere and friendly staff. Pleasant layout and nice quality facilities. Dinner arrived very promptly very nicely presented and well cooked. The Soft Drinks came in attractive glass Jugs. They were delicious and contained just the right amount of ice. Cutlery and condiments were...

Great value meals. We went on a Tuesday and had the "Mix It Up" meals which were tasty and filling. Wonderful service, as always, especially from Lewis. All the staff are very friendly.

Lovely little pub ,food was amazing came out quickly steak was cooked to perfection, staff really friendly and welcoming will definitely be coming back in the future

Hey guys so another rave from me and another trip to the swan me my wife and daughter this time , mixed grill for me banging as usual wife had veg lasagna garlic bread and salt and pepper fries these were to die for, and...

We visited for Sunday lunch. Food was very reasonable and the staff were extremely helpful. We were served by a lady called Leisha, who was very lovely

We were seated extremely quickly by Leisha who looked after us very well, throughout our stay. Our meals were lovely & desert great too. Nice casual pub atmosphere :)

We came here again as it’s our go to place to spend the evening, you never get chucked off your table and the vibe afterwards in the pub is great, the team here are brilliant and clearly love what they do - food is always...

We enjoy visiting as a family. Very clean relaxed environment. Staff today who were extremely helpful were leisha and tasha

New menu is great , had a variation on my favourite the jerk chicken did not disappoint others in the party had the gravy burger .. loved it , new desert menu we didn’t get to try as the “ Homer Donut “ was solid...

The food was fabulous and the staff are always friendly and helpful. It’s a Hungry horse pub so it is great value. We had our wedding reception at this pub and we always get treated with respect from the staff. This place is brilliant 🤩

Disgusting - not sure how the chef could serve food like this - would he eat it ? Cheap but evens not edible at all - restaurant dirty and tables sticky -menu's dirty -window sills dirty and sticky - not fit for purpose

Great food, atmosphere, and the staff are super friendly, park in the garden, great for kids! Local to me but would visit even if not!

Brilliant night at the Swan karaoke! Great atmosphere and service was brilliant! Friendly staff and great prices! Will definitely be back

Really lovely meal, My step dad had the half roast chicken with peri peri sauce and he said it was cooked to perfection, juicy and not dry. My mum had the scampi which was first class. I had the Korean chicken burger omg! The flavour...

Regular visitors and have pretty much gone through the menu lol Excellent food for the price, excellent value Lovely, friendly staff. Cannot fault this lovely pub . Recommended 👍

the food was delicious as well as the host was amazing food came out quickly for 8 of us we were expecting a wait but wasn’t one

Great staff, they managed to fit us in after a family member messed up booking and we found out we hadn’t actually booked anything.

Ok so once again another awesome trip to the swan myself and mate went had a mixed grill well what can I say this was the best mixed grill I have had and for the price £14 wow sorry Beefeater but your £18 effort was...

Absolutly amazing staff, phenominal food and outstanding amazing prices 1000% recomended, Can not explaing how amazing eating at Swan Inn is! If you havnt been I highly recomend you go

Great Sunday lunch served by friendly staff especially Leisha. Delicious roast for Fathers day with lots of gravy!

Chicken New Yorker was so absolutely unreal with the melted cheese and succelent chicken was soft. The chips were crisp n fluffy , 10/10 would have again

Service was great, food was even better. Pub owner was better than both. 12/10 would recommend, to anyone with decent tastebuds!!

Arrived in the evening for a quick pint with my friends, ordered 4 mains and 4 starters, all of which arrived very quickly and were delicious. Ribs falling off the bone and moist chicken, staff are very friendly more than keen to help us out...

First time visiting here today with my partner and daughter. We were seen to straight away and the service was very friendly we were all very happy with the food and was surprised at how cheap our bill was! Will definitely be back again soon!

Lovely lunch out with the grandkids, sat outside in the sunshine. Food was lovely, I had the steak pie, and the service was brilliant. Lovely young lad that severed us about 5”4’ with an Afro (didn’t catch a name). He was very kind and kept...