Good food with friendly, helpful staff. Nice atmosphere as well. Would recommend this pub
August 2025
Very atmospheric and well-kept place. We went there on a Friday evening and it wasn’t as busy as usual. Got a table very quick, drinks and atmosphere were good, food was quickly served and very tasty. Desert was also a fine little treat. Definitely worth a try.
The Purple Dog is one of the oldest pubs (ale houses) in Colchester, dating back to 1647. Sited opposite Scheregate Steps, it started life in the medieval period as a 'hole' bashed through the town's famous Roman wall, providing a passage for people travelling to and from St John's Abbey, one of Colchester's oldest buildings.
In 1764 it was called the Joiner's Arms. In 1882, the pub was renamed the Clarence, after the Duke of Clarence who later became King William IV.
It was rebranded The Purple Dog in September 2006 and has since gone to create its own history.
Now it offers a great range of award winning ales, beers, wines, teas, coffees & delicious homemade food, as well as a wonderful nighlife and friendly welcoming atmosphere.
