3 days ago
The 'haunted' Colchester pub from 1400s that regulars love to visit
TUCKED just off Colchester High Street, The Fox and Fiddler may look unassuming—but step inside and you'll find a pub steeped in centuries of history, ghost stories, and a heart-warming sense of community.
Built in 1420, the building has always been a pub.
Today, it remains one of Colchester's oldest continuously running watering holes, and a finalist in the Gazette's Pub of the Year competition.
The Fox & Fiddler- one of Colchester's oldest pubs (Image: Public) Manager Natalie Beales, 47, has worked at the pub for two decades and now proudly leads its daily operations.
'This place has so many stories within its walls,' said Natalie.
'We have three ghosts actually—Sarah, Jack, and a little boy who runs around. But it's a friendly haunting!' she laughed.
With original beams from the 1400s still intact and memories stretching back generations, the pub is a living museum of Colchester's history.
Old photos that line the walls (Image: Newsquest Reporter) 'This used to be The Headgate pub and there was a big fire here in the 1980s, but the pub survived,' Natalie added.
'When the old folks come in and share stories about how it used to be, it's just magical.'
Natalie started working part-time 20 years ago, becoming manager seven years ago when the owners—former army regulars and pub patrons—bought the place and entrusted her with its care. 'It's very fulfilling,' she said.
'Every day is different. You've got your regulars—some, I know exactly what time they'll arrive—but every day brings something new that makes you chuckle.'
The pub serves a wide range of drinks including locally sourced ales, premium beers, and even non-alcoholic options for younger drinkers.
'We've had to cut down a bit due to costs,' Natalie noted, 'but we try to have something for everyone.'
And yes, there's a quirky touch too.
The feature tree in the corner (Image: Newsquest Reporter) 'We've got a little 'feature tree' in a dead corner. I change themes every month and is always a conversation starter!'
With live music, sports, events, and now the beer garden open for summer, The Fox and Fiddler Inn is sure to remain a spirited cornerstone of Colchester life—hauntings and all.
Indeed, the sense of community is what keeps people coming back.
Jason Ventress, a regular (Image: Newsquest Reporter) Jason Ventress, 29, a regular at the pub said:
'It's like the TV show Cheers. Everyone knows everyone. It's got that family feel.'
Ian Smith, 44, another loyal customer, said:
'It doesn't feel like you're in the town centre. It's like a village pub—warm, not super commercial. It's a little community.'
