Local Reviews
In May 2025, Val T said about The Crown, Hartest
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
In May 2025, lemack-j said about The Crown, Hartest
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
In May 2025, Lou said about The Crown, Hartest
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
In May 2025, Brett L said about The Crown, Hartest
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
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