The Playhouse – JD Wetherspoon
📍 2.4 miles from JobServe Community Stadium
About this Pub
Why it's great for Matchdays
Town-centre Wetherspoon on St John’s Street, recommended by an away-day guide as a pre-match option when fans drink in the city before bussing to the JobServe Community Stadium. It’s close to transport (c.600m from Colchester Town station and on main bus routes), handy for meeting up and then heading to the free matchday shuttle near Colchester North. The pub lists TV screens and a projector, and Wetherspoon promotes live sport, making it a practical spot to catch build-up or other games. A full table menu is available for quick, affordable pre-match food.
Recent Fan Reviews
Normally have a really good experience at the local spoons, but, this was otherwise. As someone who works in hospitality I am aware of how busy the holiday season gets, however, I also know how important it is to uphold a good standard of customer service. Came in here with friends for a drink for new years, and it was extremely busy, as expected. I also want to preference by saying my friends nor I had even drunk yet, so it was not us behaving in an antisocial manner. We had waited 50 minutes for a single drink and some shots. We brought this up to the older female at the bar and asked for a refund, immediately she was quite rude in her approach and told us that “50 minutes is not even that long”. Waiting for a drink for nearly an hour is not long? That’s a very strange comment to make. Anyways, with all the commotion and noise in the background I asked her if my drink was being refunded, she then in a very disrespectful tone and manner said “did you not hear what I said”. Like sorry I could not hear you in this noise, just wanted to clarify. That’s not even the end of this disaster. Whilst we were waiting for the older one to sort out the refund (which has not been processed for me or my friend yet), another younger female told us in a rude tone to move away from the drinks. Completely fine obviously accidents can happen, drinks can be spilled etc. However, the look on her face like we were a piece of poop, was not warranted! I told her politely that the older female was coming back to us so we needed to stay close to understand the refund situation, she then spoke back to me aggressively as if she was looking to start some sort of confrontation! I was actually taken aback and that is when we decided we just needed to leave. Both these ladies looked like they DID NOT WANT TO WORK THERE. Like I’m sorry you are working new years and you are angry and stressed, but instead of taking that frustration out on paying customers, go and get some stress management help.
Best place to start a Saturday night The Playhouse is always our go-to for Saturday night pre-drinks and it never misses. It’s always busy, loud, and full of people, which is exactly what you want before heading out. Proper good atmosphere every time we go. Drinks are cheap, service is quick even when it’s rammed, and you’re never waiting long to get served. The food’s actually spot on as well — solid scran, good portions, and ideal if you need something before drinking. It’s a big place so there’s always space for a group, and it just does the job every single time. No messing about, no rip-off prices, just a good place to sink a few before the night really starts.
First time eating in here and it won't be the last. Very easy to order food and drinks through the app and didn't have to wait long to receive food. Food very good along with bottomless coffee ☕️ cup. Just what you need on a Sunday morning. Highly recommend trying it 👌
Stunning Spoons with a glorious interior. The usual Spoons food and drink options, so of course very good value.
It’s a good spoons, never seen any trouble actually in the pub. Service is always good even when it’s rammed. Food is decent, drinks are cheap. If you go on a Friday or Saturday night expect to struggle to find a seat if you’re getting there later in the evening. Toilets are normally disgusting when it’s busy and often clogged with vomit.