The Playhouse (JD Wetherspoon), Colchester

1994 conversion from a theatre (latterly cinema) and very well done it is. Go through the original foyer entrance with an old TV camera and into the main room. Here, the balcony remains intact and is filled with cardboard cut-outs of the famous (or famous back in 2005) and the royal box does of course also have them including the dear departed Brenda, whilst the stage has a painted backdrop. An island bar with doubled pumps all round, so you’ll need to do a lap to be satisfied you’ve seen all the options, or these days you can simply open the Spoons app I suppose. Four guest cask counted though the Rosey Nosey was off and not labelled as such, so a black mark, though the barman was apologetic. My Rudgate Evil Elf was in great shape (NBSS 4). I really enjoyed my 30 minutes in here and would happily call again. 7.5

Large theatre conversion which is well described below. Decent choice of beers on including Bedlam Benchmark, Grainstore Red Kite, Salopian Darwin's Origin, Phoenix Double Gold, Acorn Old Moor porter and Roosters Tenderfoot. I liked this Spoons and would happily call again.