"I booked the Crown for my mums birthday dinner on the Saturday 25th November as I had seen generally good feedback online. I used to frequent the Crown many years back and on entering the bar area I was impressed by the refurbishment as it does look very modern and stylish. Unfortunately that’s where the Crown continuing to impress pretty much ended for my guests and I. On arrival I let the restaurant know we had arrived a bit early and was told the table was ready, come through whenever..we literally finished our drinks in the bar and went through, only to be told they’d given our table away. Not great! Had to wait till other guests had finished, cleared/reset tables. Offered complimentary drink, of which only one turned up. To be honest, they weren’t particularly interested that we had to wait or drinks didn’t turn up..it was difficult to get anyone’s attention. The staff and staff in general seemed uninterested and overworked. Food in the end was pretty average..nothing special, except the price. Which although wasn’t extortionate, was pricey for average food. You get better for less elsewhere. It appears you’re paying for the nice setting..which is lovely until it becomes noisy, hard to get to the bar and doorstaff start policing the main entrance after a certain time. All of which detracts from what could be a nice place.. Would I go back..not for a meal as it’s overpriced and not all that really in terms of service or quality..possibly for a drink with mates. When I was younger this was one of the places everyone went to be seen, looks as if it’s still that place for some, just jazzed up and capitalising on the gastro-pub revolution. I’m also sure it’s part of a group, as I went to the Mermaid for Sunday lunch..v similar menu. However the food was exceptional, service was far superior and the bill was surprisingly low. In short the whole experience was much better..so if it is part of a group, then the Crown could learn a few lessons from the Mermaid."
