The Crown Inn Arford - East Hampshire

Having fond memories of The Crown as a cozy and inviting village pub from my time in Headley several years ago, my party and I decided to book a table for Saturday lunch at 2pm. Despite there being only one other table occupied, there was a delay in receiving our food. However, the biggest disappointment came when we tried to order dessert (2 affogatos) and were abruptly informed that the pub would be closing in just 5 minutes. The service was cold and unwelcoming, the food was lackluster, and overall, the experience was not worth the price. It's a pity to see a once charming establishment fall short of expectations.

Special event My wife’s special event The Crown went out of their way to make it just this special. Thank you for making our Christmas.

We were excited to order the roast beef, a dish we had enjoyed in the past. However, we were disappointed to find that the beef was tough and lower quality than previous experiences. The table we were seated at was not clean, with spiders on the chair and spider webs covering the table and windowsill. This was not the standard we expected when dining out.

The wifi at The Crown leads us to believe that this is the ideal countryside pub, and it may be just that. I couldn't find anything to criticize about this fantastic establishment. The friendly lady serving behind the bar provided well-kept ales and a wide selection of spirits while also tending to the fires. The locals brought their dogs along, adding to the charming atmosphere, and each dog was greeted with a treat upon arrival. Inside, the cozy restaurant featured another log fire. The young waitresses were personable and funny, and the menu, though concise, was well-rounded. We enjoyed a bread board, burrata, and roasted cauliflower, ending with a delicious creme brulee. The food was truly outstanding, especially the burrata with sweet potato, tenderstem broccoli, and toasted hazelnuts. It was exceptional, reminiscent of some of the best dishes I've had, including those from Heston's, prior to the pandemic. This is a wonderful spot definitely worth the trip. I look forward to my next visit to Surrey to have an excuse to return. It is truly a five-star countryside pub.

Could not fault our evening out! Friendly staff, a cosy, inviting and homely atmosphere, the most amazing food, would highly recommend and will definitely be going back time and time again!