The Kings Arms in Colchester

We met some old friends for a drink and food at the Kings Arms in Crouch street. The pub itself is very pleasant and the staff were very pleasant as well. We decided to order food. I ordered the Scampi at £15 and the ladies each ordered the grilled cheese which was £10.at that price I was expecting a really exceptional Grilled Cheeses with artisan bread and great cheese and a nice side salad. Describes as “ A medley of mature cheddar cheese and emmentsl with bechemel sauce in a toasted farmhouse loaf”….What they actually received was beyond appalling, 2 slices of processed white bread with a slice of plastic processed cheese no obvious sauce and a small bland salad.. I’ve had similar cheap toasties before , typically paying £2.50-£3 but to charge £30 for these sandwiches is nothing short of criminal. The scampi came with 13 chips and 7 normal pieces of scampi and 3 tiny pieces that were 90% breadcrumbs. Compared to other local pubs such as the Princess Charlotte this was similar to the “light version”. I would never recommend eating at this pub although as a drinking hole it’s very pleasant .

The pub has a lovely outside seating area which is great when it’s sunny. As it’s a Greene King you can order from the app, which I would recommend as the staff who served us at the bar (I think her name was Jodi), came across standoffish and told us to hurry up so she could serve other people despite there being just 1 person behind us. We’ve been to many Greene Kings as a family and usually the staff are really polite, patient and friendly so this soured the experience for us and we left after the one drink.

The best thing is they serve Peroni on tap. The staff are very pleasant. The only negative is men’s toilets not working and having to wait for the disabled one

Brilliant staff, well run and great service. Anna has been fabulous today, such a good pick me up. Toilets out of order though.

Popped in for a drink, as always the staff were attentive, welcoming and friendly even when they are really busy! I hope the owners and Greene King appreciate how dedicated and hard working the team are. We would recommend this as a good place to stop for either a drink in the beer garden and/or a meal. Dog friendly too which is perfect for us!

Visited this weekend and was looked after by Issie who was polite and helpful. Would recommend!

I arrived in the kings arms tonight , highly recommended by locals and oh my gosh what an utterly fabulous experience , the sun was setting and what a sunset in probably the greatest beer garden known to man and woman , upon the sunset I saw a true Trojan by the name of Lexie putting in an amazing amount of good work n customer satisfaction , obvious to the eye nothing is to much trouble , ably assisted by Jodie and Izzy handling massive groups of drinkers with ease , thumbs up and three cheers to an a great workforce determined in giving great satisfaction …. I will return and recommend well done Lexie

I us the pub regularly with myself and family and it’s Allways good beer and food the staff are superb and very helpful and polite great 5star from us.

Had a lovely time in the sunny beer garden today drinking Amstel. Lexie, Tianna and Issie served me at the bar with outstanding service and friendliness.

Don’t book a large group event here unless you want them to completely mess up your booking!!! One of the managers Jodi was very rude and so unhelpful, such a shame as I had previously had good experiences. I had originally booked for 28 people and arranged tables in the outside area. I was told that if I wanted to move the booking inside I would need to ring and email and pay a deposit. To mention also, I was told that no one in our party of 28 people would be able to order food as the kitchen wouldn’t be able to cope (I would like to know if they would have said no to 28 people booked separately ordering food). I then decided to move it to inside, so emailed the correct email address with no response. I also phoned and moved the booking inside which was confirmed on the phone, and at this time there was no mention of a deposit needed for this. After turning up to our booking, we were told that the tables were not available inside because no deposit was paid (no deposit was mentioned on the phone when i moved the booking to inside). I was then told that I should have emailed as this was how they would have requested the deposit if not over the phone, when I showed them the email I sent, I was told ‘ohh this must have gone into our junk’. Complete shambles of a service, would never book here again!!!!

Had a lovely time! The Katsu chicken burger was really yummy and Jodi gave us great service.

Great boozer. The food was delicious 😋

I had an amazing time tonight in the kings arms in Colchester , ok so the sun was going down but oh my the enthusiasm didn’t waver , we had Anna behind the bar orchestrating n keeping everybody entertained n very happy with excellent customer service and then we had Tianna delivering a fabulous n exciting quiz it was sensational n great fun to participate in abd all delivered , to the masses …. Great night all round , thank you team kings arms xx

Nice pub. But noisy but good atmosphere. Good basic pub food - fab fried halloumi!

Great pub with friendly staff and a good choice of drinks.

Beautiful food and service. Arthur's food was great (I asked his name). Thank you.

We visited and expected pub grub, which would have been fine. We decided to share some chips and starters between three of us. Absolutely glad we did. Every single one was seasoned and sauced beautifully. The chef is called Arthur and thank you to him for such great food. The lady who served us (sorry, forgot your name) with blonde hair was amazing!I would definitely go back.

I just came in for a drink but the staff (Anna and jodi) very helpful my partner and I had a nice evening. We will be coming back.

Food was amazing as were the drinks, great wine selection, staff however seem to hate each other from what I heard. 2 members of staff were stood in what looks like their staff area behind the bar talking smack about another colleague while me and my partner were waiting to be served. Not very professional!

Jodie is a massive colu fan recommend this pub to anyone

Jodie went from a Southend fan to a Colchester United fan. Instant 5 stars. Bosshhhh. Support col u and you get free pints

Popped in for lunch! Small plates were top notch! Karage chicken is a go to! All washed down with a level head! Service was great also!

Great pub amazing garden really enjoyed the small plates and the level head we will be back

Popped in this evening to try a different greene king venue and can say the atmosphere in the Kings Arms is cosy and chill ! The staff are lovely friendly and inviting making it an even more enjoyable experience ! Centh was very approachable behind the bar and so was Martin both making it a venue I will most definitely be seeing alot more of in the upcoming future can't wait for the summer so I can proper use of their stunning beer garden !

Amazing food and service the garden area is so nice we are regularly in this pub as it’s so friendly I’d highly recommend a visit

I like The Kings Arms but the service in here goes from bad to worse. Reasonably busy and only one side if the bar you can get served. This place could be fabulous but the service is always poor, time to change

Love this place… Such a great pub with a lovely cosy, pub atmosphere, with a huge beer garden including comfy seating (if you can grab them!) and outdoor heating. Lovely in the winter when they have the fire on! Staff are all so lovely and welcoming too which really adds to an enjoyable visit.

Great free quiz night on a Tuesday evening with a great atmosphere and friendly staff, but best of all they’re really dog friendly !!

Have just gotten in from a long day and I just had to say that by far the best part of my day was my visit to the kings arms, I was greeted by Issie at the bar and she was so accommodating as we hadn’t made a booking and got us in straight away. Had a refreshing pint of coke and the mac and 3 cheese. Lovely atmosphere and lovely staff, would recommend.

The most ridiculous queuing system. They make you form a single line instead of just spreading across the bar like normal pubs. The result is 15 min wait for a drink in a boozer that isn't even busy. So annoying you leave after one drink. Queuing across is much quicker hence every other pub in the City does it.

Staff were exceptional. We had a buffet - totally spot on and value for money. I visit this place several times a year and it’s always. Good experience

Sunday lunch is always nice when we come, always get in early so we don’t miss out on one. Definitely recommend this place

Fast and friendly service.......very welcoming, calm atmosphere, great food great location 5 mins from bus & town station AND has a large capacity~both indoors and outdoors! They even helped me charge my phone this will be a regularbplace for me from now on....just can't fault it

I arranged a low-key rugby reunion for a few old schoolmates from 1973 on the day in question. Part of that was a Platinum Buffet for everyone, which pleasantly surprised all of us with the quality, value - and the service. Jodie was the person with whom I liaised over the arrangements and she served us on the day. A credit to the establishment; service with a smile and general good humour.

Absolutely fantastic pub with really nice, friendly atmosphere. The staff are fab - thanks so much Vicky, Anna and Connor :)

Great team, great food, great experience. Will return soon.

For the Greene King brand in the past this experience was very disappointing, the staff could not really raise a smile, didn't feel valued as a customer tried to conduct a conversation didn't work, wasn't shown to table told where it was...food starter should have been warm, could not be completed as an ingredient not available, we sat, while eating the appetiser the main was brought, the server plonked on the table left it to get cold, it's not rocket science to time food so we don't have to rush to complete meal, there was no or little table service, order at bar, when we wanted another drink told go to the bar, was told that Greene King's protocol on cooking steak two ways , all the way through or blood, so well done or rare... really! I ordered Chicken was not told it was boneless so with that very little flavour far from half in size..... even when we came to pay had to go to bar, so no bill provided unless we ask, really how lazy can hosts be.... I was ask by the hosts any food allergies I gave information, when I ordered my main I ask if it got a certain ingredient, they didn't know, one member of staff said she will go to the kitchen and read the packet, so not freshly made, the young guy informed that the lady would inform me whether or not it gad this ingredient, did not get any response back, yet again can't be bothered don't give a dam.... I would never ever go back again, this is far from the Greene King ethos...won't recommend the food we had..

Popped in for a quick drink and ended staying all night. Great atmosphere and really good food! The turkey croquets from the festive menu are sooo good. Super fun staff too! Glad we’ve booked our office Christmas party here in a few weeks. Can’t wait to come back

10/10 would recommend. The staff were very friendly and prompt with taking our orders.The food was delicious and good value for money. I will definitely be returning.

Took a friend who is a wheelchair user, all the staff helped to make sure her wheelchair as able to get over the shingles to the path, they made sure her diet requirements were met, talked to her when asking questions,( normally people talk to the able bodied person) really enjoyable experience and will definitely be going back.

Excellent service, wounderfull atmosphere, Home from home cooking What more could you ask for When I go back I'm going to try everything on the menu 😋

They've done a great job on the renovation and it's super cosy. Staff were friendly but for me £21 for a nuts, beer and a large glass of wine is crazy.

Always a lovely pub. Small over Christmasyfied menu but cooked well. Wouldn't say food is value for money. Unfortunately very dead when I visited. Lovely friendly staff.

I had a lovely roast with my partner today. The staff were friendly and Anna was very attentive and asked if we wanted dessert and recommended the sticky toffee pudding which was great.

We had a great time, the food was lovely and the service was great. Lovely atmosphere and just a really chill place to enjoy a beer.

Fantastic pub, friendly atmosphere and great food. visited a few times now and always very happy with the quality and service

I think it’s a lovely spot, everyone is confident and friendly. Deffo coming again - and the playlist slapped, fabulous! Also Anna is fantastic!!

Great food menu, a special mention must go to Vicky who is an excellent host and makes you feel so welcome. The best pub garden in the whole of Colchester! Will definitely return

Visited with a colleague for a working lunch and had a very pleasant experience- lovely steak sandwich with sweet potato fries - very friendly staff and lovely decor

This used to be a great place to have a drink. We came tonight and they have very loud music that sounds terrible and it keeps advertising bingo. Its no longer a good atnosphere to relax and chat with friends. You end up shouting like your at a night club.

Best pub in Colchester… Great beer garden and the staff are amazing! Jodie, Adam and Connor are the absolute best! Always so welcoming and on hand to please their customers! Food is great too (Katsu Burger) is the one!

Has a very good food menu. The quality of food was excellent and reasonably priced. With a good selection of draft ales. Great outside covered seating. Very friendly service. Best pub garden in the town centre by some distance.

Lovely night, great hospitality, Jodie was amazing as per usual! I really enjoyed going to this place. It's always a great place to meet friends, share stories and the food is always delectable. Adam is such a great bartender and is always so welcoming, fun and full of interesting stories.

Think I'm addicted to the Karaage Sticky Chicken 🤣🤣

Food was awesome, went for the roast beef which I highly recommend. Staff are all so friendly, Connor on bar was super kind as per and Rhiain who was running food was super friendly and smiley! Me and my wife will definitely be returning again to see the team and try more!!!

Lovely pub! Came last Saturday with a couple mates and the atmosphere was great. We were particularly impressed by one of the young servers, Rhiain, who was a great help. Will be returning soon!

Keisha the black girl with the big smile was great. The service was great. The beers were great. The crisps were great. The food was great.

Me and my boyfriend came in tonight for few drinks. Lovely pub, good vibes and the perfect pint. Was served by the lovely Luke, what a credit to the pub. He was polite, attentive and funny

The best pub in Colchester. Staff are great and really friendly. Best bear garden ever.

The food was very tasty but sadly the portions didn't cover the plate. We waited a long time for the meals to arrive. Asked for additional gravy and was told there was a charge (not something I've experienced elsewhere). By the time it arrived we had finished our meal and the gravy was cold. We definitely picked the wrong place for a Sunday roast.

Lively pub with a great atmosphere and a good choice of beers. Friendly staff and tasty food. Garden at rear of pub is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening. Food menu is great value. Recommend the mushroom chilli.

Yeah good pub, slope, highchairs, disabled loo, good food. Yup yup yup

Shocking experience booked a table for 11. Ordered food, took an age to arrive. When it came all the roast dinners were cold and had to be returned. Not enough cutlery even for those whose meals were edible. Had to go back to the bar for new meals to be ordered and the inadequate ones removed. Despite the under par first effort there was no urgency to rectify the problems. No offer if discount or a drink to compensate for the issues. My nephew in a wheelchair and there was a large step to navigate even by though the pub was notified that we needed an accessible table before arrival. Beer was ok but staff were slow and unwelcoming. Not even an apology. 10th August 2024 Needless to say I emailed the address as requested by the page owner and didn't been even get a reply! 🙈 Took another star off my review.

Appreciate your determination! The staff are lovely and the selection of drinks are great, it just felt a bit grotty and unclean

This place isn't a pub anymore. It's more like a wine bar now and too expensive too

Grat value for money, The food very good

It was ok, but the Sunday Roast did not compare to other places, dry, and not that tasty. Otherwise OK, but got too busy and had to leave because they put on Football which makes it the worst pub, any pub that shows Football loses my custom as they hate people and encourage violence and alcoholism by showing Football.

Had an amazing time on Sunday Got treated to some good old fashioned service from Jodi ,Izzy and ayshia the Sunday roast was beautiful I highly recommend it and the atmosphere is pumped awaiting the England match later thank you kings arms for a great afternoon … now let’s go n win tonight to round off a perfect day all the best …..ant

Disappointingly the bread used to make the sandwiches was stale.

Jodie is brilliant. She offers an amazing, friendly and welcoming atmosphere. All the staff are polite, friendly and professional.

Awesome. Jody is awesome, thats why we keep coming back.

A lively pub with friendly staff and a menu of pub favourites.

It was my first visit in a few years and it was a fab sunny afternoon location for a catch up with old work friends. Had forgotten how big the beer garden is! Staff were all really friendly and speedy, was enjoying the 90s / 2000s music too! :)

Went for lunch with my partner, brother and his friend, three of us ordered the steak sandwich and one halloumi wrap. We waited over an hour for the food to arrive which came cold and the chips that came were laughable, 6 chips on one plate!!. The waitress asked if we would like anything else with our meal, which we responded "some cutlery would be good" there's no attention to detail and service is abysmal. But the food was disappointing. Avoid at all costs, such a shame as it's very pretty inside and out, oh well won't be back.

Great night out with fab food and really reasonably priced! Sticky toffee pudding was amazing! Pub was busy with a lovely atmosphere and Vicky and the girls had us laughing all night.

Lovely food, great atmosphere and staff were fantastic and very welcoming. Vicky ensured that we were happy throughout, and she was also very good with our little boy. Will definitely be back and would highly recommend.

Very nice food staff were efficient and very helpful our server was Vicky and she is a credit to your establishment

It was amazing service, especially from Vicky ,very friendly atmosphere and enjoyed my experience, recommend it. Will be coming again!

I had a lovely experience the food was amazing and staff welcoming as always would recommend !!

Had a lovely meal here. Food was delicious, there was a great atmosphere and the service from Vicki made our experience excellent. Will definitely be returning soon!

I had an absolutely fabulous time here, the staff are so friendly especially Vicky, she had excellent skills and had me laughing constantly! Definitely recommend this place!

The new girl Vicky is fantastic!

This place is just lovely. Good was well priced and well cooked. Drinks were served cold and were extremely refreshing. Our server Vicky was wonderful. Nothing was too much trouble

Definitely somewhere to visit! The food was amazing and the staff were so helpful and welcoming 🙏

avoid at all costs came for a sunday roast, waited an hour for food. when it finally arrived had no apology for the wait and the food was even more disappointing. the entire plate was cold food apart from the chicken, the potatoes were rubbery and the cauliflower cheese was completely dry didn’t end up touching any of the food. wouldn’t recommend even for a dogs dinner.

Toilets are and have been disgusting for years. Don’t understand why they ignore them????

Served by Anna, friendly service, nice atmosphere, beautiful pub garden.

Friendly and great service. Anna was really lovely!

Had a good meal here, the staff were welcoming and friendly, especially Issie who was attentive and such a great member of staff. We would recommend this as a good place to stop for either a drink in the beer garden and/or a meal. Dog friendly too which is perfect for us!

Toilets are and have been disgusting for years Don’t understand why it’s acceptable??? Nice staff and all, but I couldn’t give confidential feedback so had to use this platform to tell them they need to do something with their damn toilets… it’s been over a decade!!! Probably 2!

Anna is really welcoming , really friendly and went above and beyond in her service

Ellie and Anna have the best service would not go anywhere else

Good for drinking, lots of choice for a greene king. Lovely in the summer

Friendly staff, cosy room with nice quality fixtures and fittings, comfy bed, clean and stylish bathroom and shower area, plus Blaupunkt free view tv, super fast WiFi, tea and coffee facilities, great view from window and exceptional value. Dinner and drink was delicious, so was the full English breakfast. Stayed at Premier Inn previous night with Beefeater menu - and this small village pub is so much better and cheaper too. Ideal place to stay … Highly recommended.

Nice outdoor area. Dog friendly and decent food. New menu with tapas style food and portions are big and tasty! Nice selection of beers and ciders on tap and for summer it's an amazing and large suntrap.

Just had a drink, slow service at bar, volume on speakers drowned out conversation.

I had my leaving drinks in there the other day and it was consistently busy which shows its popularity but it did make it very difficult to have a conversation without shouting and seemed to take a while to get a drink even though 3 members of staff were on. Other than that, it's one of the nicest pubs in town that offer a good range of drinks and offers plenty of seating for the size that it is.

This is a great pub with a wide choice of different drinks. Lovely beer garden to enjoy a nice cool cider on a warm summers day! We didn't have food yesterday, but have had food there in the past and it has never disappointed us.

Very friendly and good service, food nice and warm 10/10

Fairly busy sat lunch. Queues with no order at bar. Pricey. Outdoor seating nice