The Crown, Hartest
Latest Reviews
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
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
it is always a pleasure to have a meal here Lovely food and service. Each time we have visited they have an excellent menu with different choices, we have never been disappointed. Welcoming staff and just the right vibe. A good pub garden also. If you go you will not be sorry.
Source: google.com
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
We have visited The Crown several times and have always enjoyed the experience. The Gluten Free Fish and Chips are lovley 😋 Demi, Lana and Lola were amazing servers.
Source: google.com
We cannot recommend this pub highly enough. We are on holiday and prayed that Hartest (Suffolk) had a half decent pub. We needn't have worried. The Crown is a great pub. We have been back on successive days and the food, comfort, service, people, facilities were perfect. Over this week, we have had steaks, fish, and salads (the lamb kofta with the had cut chips were my favourite). The beer selection matched the food very well and we stayed much longer on each visit than we had to. Dog friendly and very professional. Also, look up the history on this pub. In short, if you get the opportunity, don't miss this pub, the food or the drink. Fully deserves 5*.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Had a lovely Sunday lunch here, the food was amazing and Oscar was so accommodating. Will definitely be coming back soon!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We are regular diners at the Crown and usually it is an excellent experience. Sadly, our visit last evening was not put to the standard we've come to expect for this establishment. Admittedly it was a Thursday evening and I daresay that kitchen staff are entitled to time off. Do all the experienced staff have time off at the same time? It certainly seemed like it. Paying premium prices for what turned out to be poorly prepared fish and chips was disappointing to say the least. The fish was cooked reasonably well but the batter was too thick and greasy and as for the chunky chips they were so CHUNKY that they were very dry inside. Sorry, as I already said, simply not up to their usual standard, we sincerely hope that this is just a one off.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A great Sunday roast, beautifully cooked and presented. Well worth a visit.
Source: google.com
I think The Crown does the best roast dinner in the area - I really can’t praise it highly enough. Great portions, delicious veg and a huge Yorkshire pudding with extra gravy - and I had the rhubarb and apple crumble with custard for dessert - 5 stars for that on its own! The staff were friendly, efficient, attentive and always very welcoming.
Source: google.com
Lovely atmosphere, great food, fantastic service :) We came for pie and a pint on a Wednesday and it was delicious! Such good value. We will be back for sure!
Source: google.com
Fabulous Sunday lunch (don’t have a starter!!). The food was delicious, too much if anything, and the service was excellent. Humans do it so much better! Shout out to The Queens Head at Hawkedon for pointing us in the right direction for food.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We recently hosted a family event at the Crown. Good advice beforehand, excellent food and service on the day made it very special. The children enjoyed the outdoor area. Thanks to everyone involved.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited this pub with our dog whilst staying on a local campsite Brighthouse Farm. The owner highly recommended this establishment and we were not disappointed highly recommended
Source: google.com
Amazing people the assistant manager was highly knowledgeable the chef was smashing they deserve a raise was extremely impressed will definitely be coming again
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Made feel incredibly welcome. Great buzz of locals and others, very busy whilst we were there. Fantastic classic country pub. Great food, cheery helpful staff. Good portions are large. Saved room for dessert!
Source: google.com
Visiting the village for a weeken with friends it was the best location in the village to eat and enjoy making memories with friends. Our food was amazing and our young waitress knew her job and was most attentive to us and showed great knowledge of the menu and wines
We will be back and the Hotess made us feel great too thank you
We will be back and the Hotess made us feel great too thank you
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Succulent Sunday Roast, in a lovely atmosphere.
Source: google.com
Really enjoyed lunch great personable staff
Source: google.com
Waited for 15 mins at bar to get served with drinks...there's a beam and two ladies behind bar neither thought about checking if we would like a drink.strange being a pub.also we sat at a table and thought about having a meal but the manager was talking to the couple on the next table but never thought about clearing our table.
Source: google.com
Great atmosphere and great food
Love the pub
Love the pub
Source: google.com
We love this place for a Sunday pint, either in the lovely large garden or by the cosy gorgeous fire. Dog friendly and nice staff. Be nice to have some more vegan options on the menu. Lovely old traditional pub in a beautiful setting. Gets busy on Sundays so advise to book.
Source: google.com
Great Sunday roast. Really tasty. Friendly service. Only downside is that the desserts were disappointing. Still, I’d recommend a visit and would like to return.
Source: google.com
Best food I've had in a long time 👍
Source: google.com
Made a perfect night. Thanks Demi.
Source: google.com
