please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
As a first time visitor, I must admit the outside left me a bit dubious. Having just been for a pubs guide 4 mile walk to find the pub we were supposed to end up is now an Indian ( the cricketers) we were directed to The Crown by a local.
Our first concern was "can we bring the dog in" was met with "this is an English pub, of course".
The atmosphere is cosy and welcoming and if you are into horses, a veritable treasure chest of beautiful well maintained saddles on proper trees and paintings.
We were instantly made welcome by those patrons at the bar and mine host.
The food was plentiful to say the least, well cooked and hot. The guest beer was well served and gave the impression the landlord knows how to look after his beer.
Now from the woman's point of view!
Lovely friendly people, a proper old English pub - we and our dog were made most welcome. Wholesome home cooked food - how country pubs used to be ! Refreshing to know they can still be found....
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This certainly has the feel of a proper old pub with very friendly helpful staff and a tired interior, which is what many people find relaxing in a pub. We went there for Sunday lunch with our two young kids and had a great experience which was so different from the many ‘family dining’ pubs around. Early on Sunday lunchtime there were about 6 or so other groups of people there and after leaving an hour later we had spoken to each one at some time – the pub is small which encourages people to be open & friendly which is not an atmosphere you get in many pubs these days. A previous poster mentioned a ‘club’ atmosphere & I can see what they mean.
Only had one beer, a Rev James which was pretty good, but Brains SA and a couple of Adnams beers were on. Shame no local beer though.
The food menu was limited but had the feel of what was freshly available at the time, the portions were generous and reasonably priced.
The landlord was very friendly and took the time to show my kids his big husky type dog which they loved.
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Food was Average so there no returns.
Know what i mean,i go with simwilliams`s view 100 percent.
2/10 for being there.
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As a Wescott chap - I know this place to be average in every way; when the refurbished Prince of Wales (across the road) reopens, we'll all see how a good pub (Crown) has suffered from a lack of direction. It continues to exist only 'cos its on the A25.
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Interesting concept by Paul the manager re the bell on the bar counter...
1 ring is sufficient
2 rings is rude
3 rings means pick a f@!"ing window.
Nice observation whilst in there a couple of weeks ago!!
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Food is EXCELLENT
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Paid another visit to this pub today. Bar has been spruced up since my last visit but still retains that "country pub" feel.
Food good, reasonably priced and plentiful if a bit slow, but then 20 of us did all walk in at the same time.
Beer OK but not fantastic. Perhaps they don't shift enough of it: maybe they'd be better of keeping a smaller range than they do at the moment.
A really nice, unpretentious pub.
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7/10
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Great that the 'sad bag' Raphaella has left Westcott. No more strife, but what a wally ?!
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Agree with Biker. The intriguing question is - 'why will Raphaella not post on the POW site, about the POW ?'
She has already made a laughing stock of The Crown on BITE and, I see, it has spread to other sites. But, has she got a plan - or even a brain ?
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Raph, be elsewhere and amongst other people ! You are clearly seeking to damage something or someone by continuing to post matters concerning another pub on this pub's site. If you need me to make it clearer, you're beginning to emerge as a two legged piece of vile bacteria. Back up to 8 / 10 for this pub.
Biker - 28 Aug 2008 15:50 |
Why not comment on the POW on that pub's BITE site, Raphaella ? That is the place for further input - not on another pub's site !
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simwilliam, leftfield, please don't accuse me of cowardice. I have been away on business for the past week but have been given to understand (by someone whose word I would trust completely) that even last night there was a blackboard plainly in view inside the POW indicating that the kitchens were closed and that the pub is closing shortly. I certainly haven't made any veiled accusations about hygene,etc, simply reported the facts as I understand them. Perhaps one of you can throw some light on the true situation as you both seem far better informed than I am.
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Yes Raphaella. Have the decency/courage to make your allegations on the POW site. Your 'back door' comments (which are,in fact,untrue) suggest both cowardice and deviousness. Does Paul know what you are saying in the misguided support of his pub ?
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Raphaella. Please make your allegations about the Prince of Wales, Westcott (regarding pub/kitchen closures) on that pub's BITE site - and be aware the the laws of libel apply. Why do you have to stoop so low ?
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Raph...Westcott people have CLASS...please don't try to ruin it. Yes ...as simw says the POW is much better - and your facts are wrong (about that more frequented hygenic place)..................again
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raphaella, you're out of step by a mile. The purpose of this site is simply to tell it how it is ! Please note, most reviewers on this site do exactly that so it's not for the faint hearted who just want to read nice bits of inaccurate claptrap.
You may have just started to catch by now, bull - - - - does not baffle brains, it only baffles the brainless. Perhaps a 'pink and fluffy' type of site would be more to your taste ? You can then type all the codswallop you like because nobody takes any notice of those reviews. Only the 'big three' sites (and this being one of them) carry any influence because they are written by those who just tell it for better or worse ! 3 / 10 and that's generous.
Biker - 26 Aug 2008 13:56 |
Admittedly I may have been as guilty as others posting on this site but I believe that the original purpose of it was to post favourable comments about pubs we like and not to use it as a knocking site and post sometimes cruel and personal remarks about personalities associated with the particular hostelry concerned. Yes, by all means lets have some fun, but why don't we try to keep it light and kind?
Moving on to the comments about the POW (The Prince of Wales) for those not as familiar with Westcott as
simwlliams, I may be wrong, but I heard that the kitchens had been closed recently and that the pub is due for closure shortly anyway. Perhaps simwilliams who seems to have in depth knowledge of the POW can clarify this on the POW site? Remember, if you can't say anything nice...
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Ahhhh....think I get the comedy act now, one of them can read, the other can write so they go round together ! If given a little time and patience, they eventually meet - only to discover they are the same person !! 4 / 10
Biker - 22 Aug 2008 11:57 |
Ps can i just ask is it Miss Piggy and Kermit or the 2 old gits?????
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Herr Gutzeit (ggod time) and raphaella, you pair of charlies really do take the biscuit ! As beersupper has said, you are doing the pub a disservice. On the other hand, you're one seriously good giggle, keep it up or go into politics, you'll both make a fortune. 5 / 10 for silliness.
Visitors, caution.
Biker - 22 Aug 2008 06:04 |
Awww yes. The Muppets ARE back. 'Beer/spirit reps. lunch there'. Reps. will go anywhere for a free meal, Gutzeit. BTW, does Paul have 'another' new girlfriend ?
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Even mediocre Muppets (staff etc.) try to give a very average pub a lift; sad, the POW - across the road - is much better; its car park, food, hygene, new management and all. But - to go into Muppet speak about the Crown..'just came...fell in love...great food...articulate gov...my local...'. Yes, Paul is there for a long time...time for a change ?! Raph...give us a break..............
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The Muppets are here to stay i see.
And how if your not staff/management do you know so much of the goings on.
I think your doing the pub a disservice !!!!!
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gutzeit, I believe you are unmasked! I always suspected we had similar tastes, good to know that you appreciate the Crown as much as I do. Hope to see you soon over a good lunch there in the near future.
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What better compliment could you give to a pub, than ''The beer and spirit reps. have THEIR lunch there''. PRETTY GOOD, WHEN YOU THINK THEY HAVE THE CHOICE OF HUNDREDS.
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Tut-tut Treanors, looks like ol giveusabeer has sussed you out. Amusing but really quite naughty ol chap/chapess ! Please tell us, what is the main disadvantage with this pub ? I'll give you a clue, it's not inside the pub, staff, products or service. However, still good for a 6 / 10.
Biker - 14 Aug 2008 14:56 |
M.P.D strikes again or is it the "The Muppet Show"??
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Having just moved into the village we have been welcomed most warmly by the friendly landlord. It's hard to find fault with our new local, the food is excellent and served in enormous portions, the Adnams is a good pint and they never run out of Jack Daniels! It's a proper local country pub, if you're in the area we recommend you check it out.
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Paid another visit, this time at lunch. The place is much brighter, after the hard work, the team have put in decorating and polishing. enjoyed my lunch, thick asparagus soup, and then cheeses (good ones), I think I will become a regular, as I live only four miles away.
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Waldorf and Astoria (more new peeps!) have joined in; the latter tells us helpfully that every English village has two pubs ! Beersupper is right; the stunt is backfiring and The Crown is a very average pub. I've been going there longer than Waldorf and, yes, Paul is a pleasant chap; however there is absolutely nothing exceptional about the place. Why do I have the feeling that more 'new' posters will soon be repeating the ludicrously absurd 10 ratings ? W & A should rejoin 'The Muppet Show'.
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In every English village there are two pubs - the fancy looking one, and the REAL one, where the villagers come, the landlord is personable and hospitable and the food and drink are immaculately served. The Crown is the one to come to in Westcott. I'm new to this area and been looking for somewhere to spend an hour or so each week. The lunch was so good here I couldn't eat dinner and got into proper trouble with my wife! Still, may have been worth it.
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It's nice to hear that this pub is getting the recognition that it deserves. Having been a customer since 1989 (with the same landlord) I consider it a "club", rather than a "pub".
Paul offers the sort of welcome that you would like to get the first time that you walk into any pub, especially if you are on your own. Mornings stretch long into the afternoon and there is always something on offer to eat, even if it is one of Paul's famous sandwiches!
Those people who have offered an "average" review obviously haven't quite got the message!
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Has the landlord employed a cheap PR company to promote himself ? he gets as many compliments as the pub its self and alot of them from one off posters mmmm i wonder !Is this an advertising stunt which is backfiring???
On my one visit here i found it a very average pub on a busy road,and have passed by on a number of occasions and found no reason to go back.
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Mmmm.....censorship, eeeee...by.....gum lad, tis a funny old thing is this site ! Will visit soonest and write it as I find it. 1/10 to start.
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Raph/Gut. Biker didn't comment then ?!
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Who is deleting information on this worthy pub. No censorship concerning The Crown, please
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Raphaella here, certainly not me deleting comments, what a pity as an interesting dialogue was progressing on several levels. Does anyone know an IT wizard who could have done it? I also didn't read any derogatory comments about the Crown this afternoon so I wouldn't think they had reason to delete anything, and I have always understood that this pub is not linked to the internet!
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The integrity of this site is at risk. Negative comments deleted ? O K...The Crown at Westcott is just about average.......but let us say so on here !
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One has to wonder why a number of accurate posts - by regulars - have been deleted about The Crown. Does Raphaella have anything to do with it ? Yes
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At last a real pub with a real landlord ! Paul Davies is a credit to his trade I had just been refused entry to another pub locally because i had 3 kids and 2 dogs in tow all very well behaved Paul made us very welcome engauging my children in conversation and showing my son his displayed gun collection.We enjoyed an excellent lunch best Roast Beef ever !! crispy chips and plentifull veg portions, For the first time in ages we were made to feel welcome the locals in the pub obviously enjoy Pauls wit and charm. If you are in the area pay this pub a visit,it isnt as glamorous as some pubs in the Surrey Hills but it must be one of the most Welcoming.If you are a dog or horse lover Pauls Knowledge is vast he also owns Austin Healey and a Lagonda, and he can talk the hind legs off a Donkey
Support this pub its a proper one !!
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After seven months of silence - six posts in a week; five of which were very positve. Paladian, I [as a local] agree with your view; the roadworks/constant traffic/lights/noise on the A25 outside - did'nt even merit a mention from the new 'fans' !
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Friendly atmosphere, good beer, spectacular food - both quality and portions. Landlord comes from the old school in the very best English Country Pub 'mine host' tradition. Just such a shame that the external structure is shabby which is all that lets it down which is why it is only rated as an 8 by me. Very well worth a visit - just make sure you are hungry.
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went there for lunch on sunday and really enjoyed it, the sun was out and we sat in the garden and had a couple of pints and a spot of lunch. really good drinking pub and food was excellent.
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My friend, two children of 11 and 2 dogs arrived yesterday at the Crown after a very hot circular walk from the book Short Pub Walks in Surrey. We were greeted by the charming and friendly host Paul and an equally welcoming young lady. It is a beautiful old building with a sweet higgledy piggledy cottage garden. We ordered fish & chips, chicken nuggets and chips for the children and two cheese platters for ourselves. I asked if he could do a ploughmans and so Paul produced a wonderful plate of salad with all the usual ingredients plus extra trimmings of watermelon and orange. They were very generous helpings of delicious cheeses (so much so the dogs ate as much as we did) and the fish and chicken were wolfed down- nice crispy batter and clearly not mass-produced dubious-meat-content variety either. We finished with a high quality vanilla icecream with treacle tart, although by this stage I needed to lie down we'd eaten so much. We need more of these 'olde English' pubs with personal service and I left feeling I'd made a friend. On the way out I fell in a flowerbed- not for obvious reasons- but squatting down to untangle my dog's lead from the table leg I whacked my head on the bottom of the table and fell inelegantly and hilariously (according to my children's and friend's unseemly laughter) backwards into one of the flowerbeds. I didn't realise but my treasured pair of Ray Bans slipped off my head into the plants which I didn't discover til I was back home. I rang the pub and left a message and Paul waited in well after closing time for me to arrive and collect them. Well worth a visit!
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Raphaella paints an idyllic picture, albeit an inaccurate one [his/her first on BITE !] 'Sixteen pairs of eyes' - a rare ocurrence in the Crown these days; this pub is just mediocre and the landlord recenty admitted to the Dorking Advertiser that the terrible and ongoing Westcott roadworks [directly outside the pub, making parking dangerous/impossible] had taken their tole. Not his fault - but Raphaella must be admonished for blatant embellishment. Contrivance ? No doubt !
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Village pubs used to fall into two categories; the first - where as you entered all conversation ceased and sixteen pairs of unfriendly eyes surveyed you, and the second - where a jocular landlord greeted you with a ready smile and the locals were friendly. Happily the Crown Inn falls into the second category. The slightly scruffy exterior belies the confortable interior which is being updated as I write. Plenty of tables and chairs, quiet corners, a log burner in winter and a delightful cottage garden to enjoy in summer. The heart of the pub is the host, Paul Davies, who can (and frequently does) converse intelligently on most subjects under the sun. All opinions are welcomed and this can lead to some lively debates from which no-one is excluded! Add to this well kept beer, a good selection of wines and excellent pub food which arrives promptly and in more than generous portions (no nouvelle cuisine here!). Well behaved children and dogs (although not necessarily in that order) are welcomed and you will leave the Crown refreshed,relaxed and replete.
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I was impressed by this pub. The landlord is very welcoming and knows what he is doing. The beer (Adnams, Brains, although I had Broadside myself) excellent and the food well presented, tasty and filling. I have never seen such a collection of old horse saddles before. This is a good old English pub, and there just isn't enough of them. We were a large group who just dropped in and we all loved it.
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A cracking English country pub. Friendly bar staff, locals and dogs. Wooden floor so they don't whinge if you have a bit of mud on your boots and a real fire. Nice pint of Adnam's and a couple of guest ales on. Proper pub grub too, none of the usual pretentious muck. Cumberland sausages, eggs, beans and chips: what more could you want!
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Love the comments on the board outside.
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Over the last 30 years I have visited this pub at least once a year. The landlord remains all that is best in British pubs. He is well informed, considerate to the trans gendered and the best therapist you won't have to pay for. Good choice of beers generous potions of food. And a car park ideal for parking cars in.
Sadly he has rejected my suggestion of cat wrestling in his delightful gardens but I am sure it would fill both the garden and the barby.
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This is a good old fashioned village pub. Paul the landlord is a great characture and offers a warm welcome. There is a great choice of beers and a huge selection of single malt whiskeys. He does good home made food and huge portions. There is a pool table, darts and a great old pinball machine. This pub does not need a make over, unless you like the modern ye olde themed eatery chains.So the car park is a bit scruffy, so what I don't want to hang out in the car park.
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The Crown has recently enjoyed an internal makeover, although luckily not a new landlord. The old one continues to be lugubriously cheerful, bantering happily with his regulars in between disappearances into the kitchen to rustle up huge portions of wholesome pub food. The garden is receiving some TLC, too. He's chafing that his landlords haven't invested in a matching exterior renovation as yet.
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We visited The Crown this Sunday and sat in the lovely garden for lunch. Great choice of real ales, I had a huge Sunday roast beef and my brother had homemade fishpie. After a long bike ride in the Surrey hills we were very glad of the warm welcome we recieved and great food and drink.
anonymous - 23 Apr 2007 23:23 |
Its simple! This pub has needed a makeover for a long time - even the car park !
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I don't think this place has changed in decades, and it is like that favourite pair of slippers you have. They are really comfortable, but suddenly you wake up and realise that it is time to get some new ones
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I take it Kate is Paul's new friend.
Not the Crown I know.
Could do with a bit of brightening up..... Not just the decor.
anonymous - 24 Feb 2006 22:57 |
The Crown is a good old country pub, offering fantastic English and Foreign food in massive portions! Work up a hunger on a walk or a bike ride before entering! The cod and chips are phenomenal as are the 'girl' or 'man' curries! If you like ready wit and repartee, good ales, local banter, the Crown is the place to go!
Kate - 27 Jan 2004 13:37 |
