Yates Colchester

This high-street venue in Colchester town centre is surrounded by a vibrant mix of shops, cafés, restaurants, and casual dining venues, making it perfectly positioned to attract steady footfall throughout the day and evening.

Currently a non-trading site, this is a genuine blank canvas opportunity for an entrepreneurial operator to bring fresh ideas and work with us on a potential investment to create a standout hospitality destination in one of Essex’s busiest town centres. The interior features an open-plan trading area with a stylish curved bar along the back wall and space for approximately 100 covers. To the rear, there’s an inviting outdoor trading area with seating for around 40 guests — ideal for relaxed daytime drinking or lively evening gatherings. The well-positioned trade kitchen sits directly behind the bar for operational efficiency, and customer toilets are located on the first floor. This is a site with fantastic potential in the heart of Colchester city centre — ready for an ambitious operator to shape their own vision and build a thriving business in one of the region’s most dynamic and historic locations. Key Features • Blank canvas for an Entrepreneur • Potential Investment Opportunity  • Town/City Centre location • Outside trading area to the rear Business & Financial Information • Estimated ingoings (upfront): £9,545 • Full deposit: £8,750 • Agreement fee: £795 • Guide rent (weekly): £673 • Guide rent (annual): £35,000 • Forecast turnover (weekly): £13,043 • Forecast turnover (annual): £678,246 Ideal Operator This site is new to the Tenanted market, and we are ideally looking for an entrepreneurial operator with a vision to bring something fresh both to this business and to the area. Ideally, this operator will be as keen as we are to explore discussions in relation to investment. And will have a proven successful record in launching businesses/changing concepts. Private Accommodation This is a lock-up business without private accommodation.  Regional Manager's Thoughts This is a great location in a buzzing town/city centre catering for students, cadettes, shoppers and locals. An exciting, creative opportunity to work on a blank canvas!  Can't wait to hear from you!  Surrounding Area Colchester — officially recognised as Britain’s oldest recorded town and awarded city status in 2022 — is a thriving, fast-growing destination that beautifully blends heritage, culture, and modern living. With a population of around 200,000, it’s a place that attracts students, professionals, families, and visitors year-round. The city’s strong military presence has shaped much of its identity, with the Colchester Garrison — home to the 16 Air Assault Brigade — providing a major contribution to the local community and economy. Alongside this, the University of Essex adds a vibrant, cosmopolitan edge, with around 8,000 students living and studying nearby, helping to sustain strong midweek and evening trade for local pubs and bars. Rich in history and character, Colchester is home to Colchester Castle, the largest Norman keep in Europe, and Castle Park, a beautiful public green space that hosts festivals, concerts, and community events throughout the year. Combined with its thriving shopping district, growing food and drink scene, and regular cultural calendar, Colchester offers a strong foundation for anyone looking to run a pub in a dynamic and historic city centre.