Local Reviews
In May 2025, Nick H said about The Crown, Hartest
Fantastic evening at the Crown for my 60th 🤫
Great beers, amazing food,
Mega staff,
Now eaten at 3 in the Gusto Pronto group,
All amazing 🍻👍🏻
Great beers, amazing food,
Mega staff,
Now eaten at 3 in the Gusto Pronto group,
All amazing 🍻👍🏻
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2025, jamesawild said about The Crown, Hartest
The Crown starts strong. Ample parking—marvellous. You can practically fall out of your car and into the bar. A very wide selection of beers on offer with extra information displayed to help you to choose. Good. The greeting was warm, the staff smiled as if they'd been trained at Disneyland, and the menu was long enough to have something for almost anyone. Eight of us dined and we were all served at the same time. Remarkable, I nearly applauded.
But oh, how swiftly the wheels came off. Despite having taken orders in rotation around the table, like clipboard-wielding generals, the waitstaff returned bewildered, dishes in hand, playing a spirited game of “Who Ordered This?” It’s not Cluedo. It’s a restaurant. And the noise—good grief. You needed a megaphone and subtitles just to clarify who was stuck with the risotto.
Speaking of which, the food. Parts were fine. Fish and chips? Acceptable. Starters? Harmless. Desserts? The sort of dessert that whispers "Don’t complain, I’m doing my best." Mind you, none of these dishes were rocket science, just the basics done well enough to pass muster. But then came the hard stuff—literally. The wholemeal bread could’ve been used as a doorstop. The hashed potato base was tougher than a pub quiz tiebreaker. The risotto? Three of us tried a spoonful and agreed that it was undercooked to the point of crunchy. And the salt beef—ah, the salt beef—it had all the charm of damp cardboard, but less flavour.
Did I complain at the time? Of course not. It was a family event, not Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares. Would I return? Possibly—for the beer, the legroom, and the grim fascination of what they’ll ruin next.
But oh, how swiftly the wheels came off. Despite having taken orders in rotation around the table, like clipboard-wielding generals, the waitstaff returned bewildered, dishes in hand, playing a spirited game of “Who Ordered This?” It’s not Cluedo. It’s a restaurant. And the noise—good grief. You needed a megaphone and subtitles just to clarify who was stuck with the risotto.
Speaking of which, the food. Parts were fine. Fish and chips? Acceptable. Starters? Harmless. Desserts? The sort of dessert that whispers "Don’t complain, I’m doing my best." Mind you, none of these dishes were rocket science, just the basics done well enough to pass muster. But then came the hard stuff—literally. The wholemeal bread could’ve been used as a doorstop. The hashed potato base was tougher than a pub quiz tiebreaker. The risotto? Three of us tried a spoonful and agreed that it was undercooked to the point of crunchy. And the salt beef—ah, the salt beef—it had all the charm of damp cardboard, but less flavour.
Did I complain at the time? Of course not. It was a family event, not Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares. Would I return? Possibly—for the beer, the legroom, and the grim fascination of what they’ll ruin next.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2025, philip f said about The Crown, Hartest
My wife and I went with another couple. I had recommended the Crown as we had been several times before. Our friend booked a table. We were greeted by a waitress behind the bar who rather aggressively and loudly insisted there was no booking. Our friends were all set to leave. The pub was nearly empty, we could have been shown to a table, nothing said, and no one any the wiser. The same waitress came and sat on a table next to us halfway through our meal and went to sleep.
Some customer care training is needed.
The other waitress who we have seen a number of times here and at the Bulmer Fox was very pleasant (as always) and did her best to help our friend's wife who had just been diagnosed with a stomach disorder.
THE FOOD WAS EXCELLENT except the chips which were rather large.
Next time, if the same waitress is here we will turn round and leave.
Some customer care training is needed.
The other waitress who we have seen a number of times here and at the Bulmer Fox was very pleasant (as always) and did her best to help our friend's wife who had just been diagnosed with a stomach disorder.
THE FOOD WAS EXCELLENT except the chips which were rather large.
Next time, if the same waitress is here we will turn round and leave.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2025, Wander48951068065 said about The Crown, Hartest
We loved this pub. We were staying locally in Hartest to celebrate my husband's birthday. I contacted the pub beforehand to explain that we had two vegans and a vegetarian in our party. The Crown were happy to cater for us. The vegan menu was great with a really good choice of options which is often rare. All our food was of a high standard and presented really creatively. The staff were friendly and we felt very relaxed. Our dog was welcome and there is a lovely large garden. I recommend this pub. Especially good for vegetarian and vegans.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2025, Sally W said about The Crown, Hartest
We went with another couple, for lunch. My husband and I hadn't been before - we hadn't booked, but were warmly welcomed and shown to a nice table. Service was prompt and the food was generally very good. I had a lovely soft shell crab with noodles from the specials menu. My husband's lamb kofta were a bit dense and dry, but not worth taking a star off the rating! We will definitely go again - it cost ÂŁ125 (excluding service) for the four of us - two of us had one alcoholic drink.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2025, Beverley N said about The Crown, Hartest
Found this gem when staying in Suffolk.
A really lovely pub and restaurant.
Such friendly and efficient staff, comfortable surroundings and really lovely food.
Definitely worth a visit.
A really lovely pub and restaurant.
Such friendly and efficient staff, comfortable surroundings and really lovely food.
Definitely worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2025, pghutchings said about The Crown, Hartest
This pub is in ine off the prettiest villages in Suffolk set off the village Green. It has parking and a very large garden for dinning and the children to play. The food is excellent and consistently top rate. They had liver and bacon on the winter menu and my friends in Lavenham came to the Crown just to try it. It was an absolute hit. I hope it’s back on the menu soon. The staff are welcoming creating a warm family atmosphere. Try it, and try the Liver and Bacon when it’s on. They change the menu regularly my current favourite is the Lamb koft
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2025, Family1976 said about The Crown, Hartest
We booked last minute to come here for Sunday lunch. We managed to get a table of 2 very last minute after being recommended and wow we weren’t disappointed. We were seated within a few mins of arriving and having got our drinks from the bar. We knew what we wanted as I had looked at the menu on the way there. I ordered the Pork and my Husband ordered the Beef. Both dishes came with a few roasties and a giant Yorkshire pudding and then a dish with seasonal veg (cabbage, carrots and cauliflower cheese) I asked for some peas and stuffing. I also had a huge piece of crackling. We both throughly enjoyed our meals and decided to have pudding. I had the sticky toffee pudding and my Husband had the crumble. Both delicious. This is probably the nicest roast we’ve had. We will definitely return and recommend. Thank you.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2025, sussexseagulls said about The Crown, Hartest
We stayed in the village of Hartest in a lovely airbnb early in October. We had several meals at the Crown and also just popped in for coffee. We took both our dogs with us every time: nothing was ever too much trouble. The welcome was great as was the food. This pub deserves to thrive: so many pubs are closing and it’s lovely to see how hard everyone works to keep this fantastic pub going. Many locals say that The Crown is the heart of the village.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2025, buntyhen said about The Crown, Hartest
Beautiful pub nestled in a picturesque village. We booked for Sunday lunch. Pub was busy. Staff were friendly and welcoming. We both ordered the roasts, one beef and one chicken, served with roast potatoes, shredded cabbage, carrots, very cheesy cauliflower and broccoli plus enormous fluffy Yorkshire pudding. The chicken was served with sausage meat stuffing. Absolutely delicious. Couldn't manage dessert but enjoyed coffees. Great value for top quality food. Looking forward to returning soon
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk