please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Only a mild and a weak bitter available on our visit. Mild was very good. Very expensive 5.75 for a mild & a coke.
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Closed from 8th to 27th Feb - Possibly because the fair is in town - pathetic, we've got enough closures without voluntary ones.
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Great fitba ale Pals Dickie Bear long hair quiet room
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Bit of a give away this, of the last 5 super dooper reviews 4 are one time wonders,`Every picture tells a story don`t it`.
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Really lovely home-cooked food!
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What a fantastic Pub! If you love real ales and proper pubs with genuine atmosphere then this is not to be missed. The landlord Roger keeps six superb real ales on tap at any one time and has restored a good deal of this historic pub with his own hands so is a mine of information.
There aren't many pubs around that a stranger can walk into and be assured of a warm welcome and great conversation - this however is just such a place!
When I joined CAMRA it was in the expectation of being directed to great pubs like this one. Imagine my surprise that it doesn't feature at all in the "Good Beer Guide" yet a totally generic Greede King pub down the road selling the same old four ales as every other Greede King pub gets their recommendation! Shame on them for showing so little objectivity. Roger the Landlord says that he has fallen out with the local CAMRA committee so isn't surprised at his omission. Nevertheless I find this petty in the extreme and I think that they should remember that they are there to serve their members and not their personal prejudices!
I would like to thank Roger for making myself and my wife very welcome this weekend and we will be straight back the next time that we are in Kings Lynn.
Jon and Lizzie
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Our first visit to Kings Lynn would not have been half as good if this pub was not there. It was warm, clean, friendly and had 6 or 7 great beers. Would like to have stayed longer.... It is full of real interesting items including a model train set that used to deliver beer along the bar..... would loved to have seen this running.
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the crown and mitre is now on Facebook............
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My first visit to the centre of Kings Lynn and, from what I could tell, the only pub worth visiting. The last 'water-side' pub left, very warm (a log-fuelled range is part of the back bar), low ceilings, great 'clutter', an excellent range of local (ish) cask ales and an engaging (albeit a touch morose -imagine Sid James without the laughs!) landlord who cares deeply about running the pub properly. Highly recommended.
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What a fantastic find! I admit i was encouraged by the landlord to post my comments here, but that doesn't in anyway affect my opinions. A great location, great beer, friendly service. This pub is a MUST if you are in Kings lynn
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Very good range of well-kept local real ales (six at time of visit) and a courteous landlord as well as friendly regulars at the bar.
The pub looks as though a deal of effort has been taken in turning it into a cosy spot. There is an excellent view of the river from the covered verandah, which also supports a thriving vine. Bar snacks at lunchtime, more extensive meals in the evening (not sampled).
Folk always tell me there are no decent pubs in Lynn. This place disproves that. I couldn't fault it. Pevsner described the old part of Lynn as 'perfect', and I think he would have rated the Crown & Mitre as 'establishment gave satisfaction'.
If you want silly nonsense (like fisticuffs and foolishness), you can probably find that elsewhere in Lynn, not here.
15 minutes' walk from the railway station, 90 minutes from Kings Cross. Worth a visit.
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I just wish I lived nearer, so I could access this pub!
One day soon, no doubt.
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At the time of writing the Crown & Mitre stands on the threshold of a No 1 slot in the BITE Top 40 and fully deserving it will be. Situated on the quay just a short stagger from Tuesday Market you may need to dodge the police vans and bodies outside the Globe Hotel before you get there but it is certainly worth the effort.
The front door leads into a small lobby containing a large anchor and dozens of beer pump clips which is a pretty good introduction on what to expect. The pub is simply a museum of nautical trinkets with every shelf, wall and ledge containing a selection of model boats, ropes, oars, tide tables, maps, charts, intruments, photos, anchors and even a cannon that threatens to wipe out the bar should anyone try to use it in anger. The corridor to the loos contatins an old lathe and yet more bits and bobs and even the footrail of the bar is made from an old ship’s chain. Mixed in with all the paraphernalia are pump clips by the hundred, clear evidence of the pub’s reputation as the No. 1 Ale choice in King’s Lynn (and probably for miles around). A separate room had a roaring fireplace and appeared to be more for dining. I was hoping to eat here but the veggie choice wasn’t to Mrs B’s taste so we gave it a miss. Outside is a partly glazed, decked verandah with picturesque views across the river where you can watch the wading birds picking at the crabs as the tide goes out. This was probably not a good place to be in 1953 according to the flood level marker situated high on a beam in the main bar.
Whilst you sit and contemplate on who does all the dusting, there are 6 hand pumps to work your way through. Actually there were only 5 available my visit; Tydd Steam Piston Bob, Keltek Golden Lance, Tom Woods Best, Littlestone Will Scarlet and Humpty Dumpty Little Sharpie with the 6th pump (Tom Wood Shepherds Delight) not ready. Service was top rate to the extent that our pints were even topped up despite the immediate measure looking perfectly acceptable. Unfortunately, Roger, the local legend of a landlord, was not in the best of health and whilst I could have happily sat there all night, his condition deteriorated to the point that he was beginning to resemble an extra from Night of the Living Dead and was forced to shut the pub doors at 9.30pm when we were still 3 ales short! Sadly, especially for a Saturday night, there were only a dozen or so punters in at the time which suggests that most of the town’s drinkers either have poor taste or have been subjected to Roger’s no nonsense approach and all been banned.
I understand that the intention is to attach a micro brewery to the pub and there is a sign outside proclaiming the Anchor Brewery but when it becomes operational I am not sure (and Roger wasn’t in any condition to ask!). When and if it becomes a reality, a great pub will be even better. Kings Lynn certainly isn’t the best place for pubs but it does have some interesting spots for a day trip and the Crown & Mitre should be central to any visit. Having been forced out early I will certainly need to return to complete my unfinished business!
NB – No doubt the 0/10 spoiler brigade will take hold of the place once it comes to prominance so for the record the current rating is a well deserved 8.9 from 24 ratings.
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The pub is like a ship museum with a wonderful view over the river Great Ouse. But even better is the food which they are serving and the best thing is I can pre order by e-mail and lunch is ready when I am come into the pub. That is a real bonus during my short lunch brake. and the price is very good too. You have to try it crownandmitrelynn@hotmail.co.uk
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I went on Thursday, 30th July. We were cheerfully welcomed by Geoff. The pub is full of nautical memorabilia and the new conservatory looks out over the Great Ouse, and looks wonderful at night. I tried 2 of the 6 real ales and persuaded my friend to try one too, well worth it. We, 3 ladies of about 50 ish, all had a fun evening, friendly banter with Geoff & Donnie, hope to return… Friend of Trinker
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This pub should be in the good beer guide,has six real ales on offer....and i visited on many occasions in the last 6 months....Roger the landlord often giving a very good History lesson of Kings Lynn ,and he speaks to all of the customers which is rarely found these days in a pub........very good....
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I have recently visited The Crown & Mitre for the second time, and find the pub to be exceptional. I will confess to not being a local but travel to Lynn to visit relatives. I have experienced other pubs in the town, but nothing can compare to the wonderful atmosphere of a truly real pub. It is a living testament to Lynn`s historical connection to all things nautical and much more. The host, the ale, the food and the ambiance I commend to one and all. Keep up the outstanding service Roger.
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Heard about the pub on this website - it did not disapoint. Me and two mates enjoyed a memorable hour or so sat at the bar discussing all manner of things with Roger the landlord. Very nice well kept Tom Woods beers were sampled. Lovely setting next to the river, fascinating collection of naval memorabilia, friendly locals and an eccentric host make this a sure fire winner. It just goes to show that sometimes it pays to ignire the GBG!
Keep up the good work Roger.
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Had an odd experience here when I first discovered it a couple of years ago. There was a beer festival (great) in the gallery overlooking the river, but very few customers. The landlord disappeared after drawing my first pint and was nowhere to be found when I wanted a refill. A cheerful regular in the bar advised me to help myself (since it in was spigotted kegs racked up on a shelf) and leave a couple of quid on the counter ... which I did. I was just about to leave when the landlord reappeared, so I gave him the cash directly and said what I'd done. He started to erupt like a volcano until I politely pointed out that I was giving him money he wouldn't otherwise have, and could have left without paying at all. He caled down at this point and I have beenn back. Yes, it's a great pbb!
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Great pub. Excellent range of well kept ales. The nautical memorabelia is most interesting as is the bar top railway. Roger the landlord really is mine jovial host. Not to be missed,
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We were just in KL for a weekend and came across this gem. The nautical paraphernalia all over the pub made it look special, and the beer was up to scratch. There were 5 real ales, all well kept, and 2 absolutely first-class. The landlord, Roger, was welcoming, and a delight to talk to. Opinionated, true, but the opinions were based on knowledge and substance. Not only was the landlord welcoming, but his customers were as well, which is not normally the case when you are just passing through. The fact that we had two hours of enjoyable conversation on two nights says a lot for the atmosphere that Roger has created. Good luck with the micro-brewery.
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Brewery now being built by Roger. Real ale for many years being brewed in King's Lynn hopefully by December 2008. This will make The Crown & Mitre with all it's other advantages, the place to enjoy real ale & good food.
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visited this pub on the 17.09.08 it really has the wow factor when you walk thru the door with all the memorabilia, the landlord was a real character. Good beer and decent pub food and having your drink delivered by express train that runs on top of the bar, what more could you ask for, certainly beats all those franchised pubs.
Thanks Tim & Tina
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Caz and I had just visited Weatherspoons just up the road and happened upon this place by accident.(thank goodness) The landlord Roger is a real character and kept us entertained all night. There was an excellent selection of real ales and with the assistance of the local railroad in delivering the beer we had a great night. If you are in KL you must visit this place! Excellent night Roger. Thanks. Trev and Caz.
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we visited this pub 29/8/08-30/8/08, what a fantastic pub! The atmosphere and decor was great, and the landlord was truely an amazing character!! We will definately visit again.Our visits to this pub helped to make our holiday memorable.Hello Rodger.
janet and Mark.
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My boyfriend and I found the crown and mitre by happy accident as we were exploring old Lynn on saturday and it was excellent. The ale was good, the landlord very knowledgeable and you felt safe in the knowledge that no A***hole behaviour would be tolerated!
It was a shame we had already eaten as the food smelt divine!
A lovely place and we look forward to visiting it again in a couple of weeks.
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Good ale, very traditional, lots of ship history of King's Lynn. Amazing sunsets from the Vinery over the Great River Ouse. Good fresh local produced meat etc for lunch & evening meals. Don't ask about the train on the bar unless you are a train spotter. All in all worth a visit.
jazz2 - 31 Jul 2008 23:37 |
Nice, traditional pub with some decent guest beers and full of nautical memorabilia. (PS - Don't ask the landlord about the Union Pacific 4-8-8-4 'Big Boy' model locomotive on the bar unless you've got a good half-hour to spare...)
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Visited Kings Lynn May 14 07. An outstanding pub, excellent real ales, great traditional atmosphere.
My wife said that the glass of house wine was the finest she had tasted.
Try the House Speciality Croque Monsier - this is the best toasted sandwich you will ever taste.
Sit up in the vinery (complete with vine)and look out onto the River Great Ouse.
Everthing adds up to a pub deserving full marks
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Definately the widest selection of real ales, but more suited to my Grampa than me.
5 real ales on offer on my visit, all kept in top nick.
Prices higher than Lloyds but the quality is far superior.
I would be amazed if this pub does not feature in Camra guide
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I have currently come into possession of a very heavy, large (23.4 X 39.4 inches)pub sign that appears to be very old, made of English Oak. I am trying to find out any information I can on its history. The sign reads "Kings Lynn" across the top and "Crown & Mitre" across the bottom with pictures of wheat one side and the words "King's lynn S&P"
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For the "Real Ale" connoisseur, this is the best pub in Kings Lynn (in my opinion). A lovely ye olde worlde pub with oak beams and wooden floors which backs onto the river. You know its a decent real ale pub when you see the vast collection of beer mats at the entrance and inside. 6 ales were in the offering, Guzzler & Shipwrecked to name but two. Definately well worth a visit (as i shall do next time Hitchin town FC come to play again)
You wont find any youngsters in here as there all up the road in Lloyds watching Sky sports!
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Re windows in the conservatory it is unwise to open them yourself as they open upwards and must be latched up firmly. Roger has a device to do this. It means in summer the conservatory is effectively semi - glazed which is wonderful in good weather.
Re the glasses, Roger does ask you to bring the glasses down from the conservatory when you order, if he knows you are going up there. I usually return glasses whichever pub I'm in as IMHO it is only common courtesy, and is often appreciated by hard pressed staff.
Ex pot boy
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Very nice pub,very clever conversion upstairs,lots of decent Real Ale. Unfortunately we nearly got lynched 4 opening a window upstairs though,very scary landlord!!still a 9/10 though!!
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Enjoyed the Crown & Mitre whilst staying in Kings lynn for the night. The 6 beers on offer were excellent and the landlord was interesting..........
Am looking forward to my next trip to K Lynn to visit this pub.
Although next time, after talking to the Landlord, I will be careful not to bring a rope to end it all (only joking) And dont move the chairs or if you do lift them - Oh and if you want a smoke go through to the pool room! And if you want to drink upstairs then mind you bring the glasses back!
The descriptions in the other comments is very accurate except that there is no food available currently. The landlady has left him.
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Ah, The Crown and Mitre! I doubt I will ever find a more entertaining pub than this! The walls are decked out in maritime memorabilia and various beermats; it doesn't look like any other pub in King's Lynn, with beams dating back hundreds of years and a mahogany floor. The food that I have sampled there so far is excellent and the soup is great value for money. All the food is homecooked and uses local ingredients. The selection of beers on tap mark it out uniquely as a real ale pub. Over the years they have had Woodfordes, Iceni Breweries, Adnams and many more. I have been introduced to more new beers at this freehouse than any other pub. I've never seen any trouble here as opposed to the trouble seen in other establisments; the pub is ruled with an iron rod. Due to the lack of trouble, it became the only pub in town to get 24 hour drinking The secret behind all of this though is the landlord, Roger, who has owned the pub since the mid 90's. It is possible to speak/argue with him on virtually any subject under the sun. Its doubtful that you will be able to change his mind on anything as he is steadfast and opinionated, but its the only pub in town where you actually get to know who the landlord is. An excellent traditional pub.
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A REAL pub where it is possible for complete strangers to converse. Beer is v good, often but not always E Anglian brews.
The new conservatory fronting onto the river is now open. It has a separate bar which is nearing completion. The windows hinge up so that in summer it is open to the outside. In winter the space will be heated. A great place to drink and watch the river go by.
The inside of the pub has memorabilia relating to the town's maritime past and Roger the land lord is pretty knowledgeable about the town's history.
The bar, restaurant and conservatory are non-smoking, but there is smoking allowed in the games room where there is a pool table.
Roger does not tolerate bad behaviour so the athmosphere is much better than in many hostelries.
We discovered it by accident and have been going there ever since.
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Roger is still providing a service valued by his regulars, still the only pub in town which has brilliant selection of fine ales and beers and were you actually know who is running the pub.
No LOAD music or annoying Sky Sports to put up with, and best of all, the only pub in the town centre which does not allow dunking yobbish behaviour to carry on.
It’s a shame that Kings Lynn Council don’t have a look at this pub, and consider it an example to all the other pubs in town. As I have witnessed a small thriving market town once popular for light entertainment become a dunking Fighting Brawl of a town, were many people no longer come in for entertainment due to the Continued Trouble over spilling onto the streets.
anonymous - 13 Apr 2005 12:26 |
Further refurbishment has been carried out in a tasteful manner. well worth a visit.
Gerard - 26 Sep 2004 18:30 |
This is the Only Pub in Kings Lynn with a genuine atmosphere, Roger looks after his customers and really brings the place to life with a warm welcome, good conversation. A real traditional local pub! Real ale kept in superb condition, Roger will refuse to sell any ale that does not meet his own very high standards. A highly recomended drinking establishment for the descent people of kings lynn.
Harold - 27 Nov 2003 22:10 |
The C & M can be found just off Lynn's Tuesday Market Place, in fact just past the rather loud and (for some reason popular) Lloyds bar which still masquerades under the title of the Globe Hotel. If you can stand the cynical conversation of the Crown & Mitre's Landlord and just enjoy the beer you will be ok. If not, retire to the pool room for some peace ! Worth seeking out and the beer garden of sorts is unusual.
Gerard - 21 Aug 2003 00:54 |
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