Local Reviews
In September 2012, Susan Jessica P said about The Crown, Hartest
Food was fab, staff were friendly and helpful, If you want a nice meal well worth paying that little extra to get good quality freshly cooked food. defiantly will visit again :-)
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2012, Doggau said about The Crown, Hartest
Experiences of The Crown prior to this autumn are likely to have been bad or, if good, lucky. I know, I was unlucky!
All change in the kitchen and it’s gone from the ridiculous to the sublime. I chose braised belly of pork, truffle polenta, leek, celeriac, broccoli and pork crackling. Watching another table being served, I reckoned the vegetables with the pork would mostly be about setting off the pork with other tastes, so I ordered a side dish of vegetables to satisfy a big appetite. I had only popped out to have a drink and eat but I decided to drink and dine ... I recalled the menu and swayed between cauliflower soup and bread or skate wing, cauliflower pakora, with homemade crisps for starters. I like both cauliflower and homemade bread but fancied something fishy ... I chose Brancaster mussels steamed in lager with garlic, paprika and chilli with bread. Try hard and you can ruin good mussels; equally, you have to try very hard to make mussels exceptional; hats’ off to this chef. A good bowl of good mussels with plenty of liquor for lumps of bread; garlic in the nose, a little chilli on the tongue and paprika round the gills and the taste and texture of mussels ... heaven! Still wondering if I should just have ordered a super large plate of mussels with chips from the bar menu ... the main course arrived. The pork was beautiful and whilst not a fan of maize (except b-b-q sweet corn) or truffle, I enjoyed the polenta and realised that following the starter, the vegetables on the plate might well have been sufficient. Nevertheless I enjoyed demolishing the extra vegetables, including the braised swede, which I’d normally push to the side. I wasn’t expecting the piece of smoked eel which wonderfully complemented the sweetness in the pork and gave me visions of past debauchery in the Manorial Courtroom where I was eating!
Stuffed, I passed on the pudding even though there was real enthusiasm from the nearby table for their desserts. Getting attention could be a problem but otherwise staff were cheerful and helpful and, when the kitchen wound down, the chef appeared in the dining room ... genuine, and a nice touch. All in all, £23 which will be a lot more once folk start to find this chef. Friendly, great food.
All change in the kitchen and it’s gone from the ridiculous to the sublime. I chose braised belly of pork, truffle polenta, leek, celeriac, broccoli and pork crackling. Watching another table being served, I reckoned the vegetables with the pork would mostly be about setting off the pork with other tastes, so I ordered a side dish of vegetables to satisfy a big appetite. I had only popped out to have a drink and eat but I decided to drink and dine ... I recalled the menu and swayed between cauliflower soup and bread or skate wing, cauliflower pakora, with homemade crisps for starters. I like both cauliflower and homemade bread but fancied something fishy ... I chose Brancaster mussels steamed in lager with garlic, paprika and chilli with bread. Try hard and you can ruin good mussels; equally, you have to try very hard to make mussels exceptional; hats’ off to this chef. A good bowl of good mussels with plenty of liquor for lumps of bread; garlic in the nose, a little chilli on the tongue and paprika round the gills and the taste and texture of mussels ... heaven! Still wondering if I should just have ordered a super large plate of mussels with chips from the bar menu ... the main course arrived. The pork was beautiful and whilst not a fan of maize (except b-b-q sweet corn) or truffle, I enjoyed the polenta and realised that following the starter, the vegetables on the plate might well have been sufficient. Nevertheless I enjoyed demolishing the extra vegetables, including the braised swede, which I’d normally push to the side. I wasn’t expecting the piece of smoked eel which wonderfully complemented the sweetness in the pork and gave me visions of past debauchery in the Manorial Courtroom where I was eating!
Stuffed, I passed on the pudding even though there was real enthusiasm from the nearby table for their desserts. Getting attention could be a problem but otherwise staff were cheerful and helpful and, when the kitchen wound down, the chef appeared in the dining room ... genuine, and a nice touch. All in all, £23 which will be a lot more once folk start to find this chef. Friendly, great food.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2012, TonyA1958 said about The Crown, Hartest
Get yourself down to The Crown,Hartest if you want amazing food! The wife and I travelled up from Herts today and my Uncle and Aunt recommended this pub for lunch....but pub lunch does not describe the eating experience we had today. I had the squid,lemongrass,apple etc starter and the flavours were amazing! Steak and ale pie for main,buttery pie crust was heaven and the filling had steak that really did melt in the mouth with an unctious, full of flavour gravy that made you want the recipe( and two of these cost ONLY £15)!!
Orange tart,jelly and Green tea ice cream(with a lovely litte surprise included) was a lovely finish to an AMAZING lunch....Fabulous flavours just kept on coming with every course.Service was always with a smile and although it was a late late lunch (2.30) there was still a table of diners nearby to contribute to the atmosphere. Definitely the best pub lunch I have ever experienced......A M A Z I N G !!!!!!
Orange tart,jelly and Green tea ice cream(with a lovely litte surprise included) was a lovely finish to an AMAZING lunch....Fabulous flavours just kept on coming with every course.Service was always with a smile and although it was a late late lunch (2.30) there was still a table of diners nearby to contribute to the atmosphere. Definitely the best pub lunch I have ever experienced......A M A Z I N G !!!!!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2012, Tammi S said about The Crown, Hartest
I have visited The Crown several times over the last few years for dinner, a lunch/ snack or for a few drinks to cool me down in the middle of a bike ride. Every time has been fantastic- the food from the dinner menu is excellent, the sandwiches at lunch (I had a sausage sandwich last time) are beaut and the staff are efficient and polite but also unobtrusive. There is a little garden at the back which is lovely in summer and has a decent play area for families with young children. The only bad thing I can remember about this pub is that once I was cold there, but none of the rest of my family were and I was probably wearing something inappropriate for the weather so it's not really a fault of the pub. If you can't find it at first, take a few passes around the village green until you do, it's definitely worth the 20 minute drive from Bury (or bike ride if you're so inclined).
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2013, Darcy L said about The Crown, Hartest
I was completely blown away by my crown experience. I am a vegan and called a week ahead of time to 'warn' the chef. The chef rose to the challenge and prepared one of the tastiest and most creative vegan meals I have experienced - and I make a point of visiting specifically vegan restaurants world-wide. Usually at a country pub I'd expect a plain baked potato (!) and beans if I am lucky but he had clearly put a lot of thought, energy and passion into a three-course gourmet meal. He obviously loves what he does and has a real talent - as well as a willingness to go well beyond 'accommodating' whatever dietary requirements. The (more meaty) meal my dad had also looked both creative and delicious. I was honestly so impressed by the whole experience and felt like the chef had given 150% percent to every mouthful.
The Crown more generally is a welcoming place for locals and visitors alike. Once we'd finished chatting at the bar, we retreated to the restaurant where the service and atmosphere was excellent. Located in the quaintest of country villages with some lovely short strolls nearby. A little bit of everything for everyone! Thoroughly recommend!!!
The Crown more generally is a welcoming place for locals and visitors alike. Once we'd finished chatting at the bar, we retreated to the restaurant where the service and atmosphere was excellent. Located in the quaintest of country villages with some lovely short strolls nearby. A little bit of everything for everyone! Thoroughly recommend!!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2013, 882MeganM said about The Crown, Hartest
This is our local pub, and every time we go we never fail to be impressed. Matt the chef is very creative, you can tell this by his amazing dishes. Whenever we have spoken to him he comes across extremely enthusiastic which is great to see he enjoys his job. We just can't get enough of his food!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In February 2013, 802katem said about The Crown, Hartest
Been to this pub many times, always feel very welcome. Food is outstanding, matt the chef and the rest of his team are dedicated to making it a great experience. And the real log fire is always alight.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In March 2013, frankh h said about The Crown, Hartest
Just spent another four days at Crown Cottage Hartest. Went for a meal at The Crown on Thursday 7th March 2013. Great presentation but both had the same thought that we would probably need two bowls of chips. How could we have been such Philistines. The meal was the best we may have ever had and was so good that you find yourself savouring every mouthful and feeling very full and contented by the end.We very seldom bother with a sweet but after such an excellent main course we just had to be tempted and are we glad we did.Presentation and taste equalled what had gone before. If we ever open a restaurant, we will hunt down Matt and team.
Only sour note is that we understand, because of the greedy brewery the pub may struggle to carry on. To Matt and all the team at The Crown Inn, keep up the good work. Best regards Frank and Steph.
Only sour note is that we understand, because of the greedy brewery the pub may struggle to carry on. To Matt and all the team at The Crown Inn, keep up the good work. Best regards Frank and Steph.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In March 2013, TheeandMe said about The Crown, Hartest
We have been here a couple of times and it is always popular. A decent sized carpark which is good, the food is always very nice and the staff very pleasant. The steak I had was to die for - absolutely deliciious, and I am a steak snob!!! There is a huge menu and the food always tastes freshly prepared. It can get very warm in there so ensure you can remove layers! Highly recommended.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2013, AngelaD594 said about The Crown, Hartest
We visited on a bank holiday Monday which is why we probably only got a short lunchtime menu to choose from. The food was very nice and the real ale was well kept. The baguette I had was well presented and came with extras of salad and tortilla chips. Serving staff and bar staff all very friendly. We stopped here after a walk which started alongside the pub which takes you up Hartest Hill for a great view of a quintessential village.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk