The Crown

Very harsh reviews so far. This is a beautifully decorated pub with ample space inside and loads of space outside.
Yes there is a train that passes every so often but it was not an annoyance to us. Yes the access bridge for cars looked awkward, but there us plenty of parking.
The food was good, I had the beef and merlot pie and it was pretty perfect, and the accompanying cheesy garlic bread I got was very tasty. There are lots of small cosy corners with comfy wing back chairs and fireplaces to get lost in.
They have about 100 tables that can take food orders, so I can imagine that on a sunny weekend in the middle of summer it may be a nightmare to get served as it may be a victim of its own success, but we had no such troubles.

Hire more staff — you’re service is too slow!
Overpriced too. We were told we had a 40 minute wait for food & after an hour were told the same thing. Never again.

Idyllic location by the river Lea. However, avoid on a sunny day, the service is appalling. Would’ve given 5 stars otherwise

Summary: so-​so pub that doesn’t offer what a historic pub could
Pros: Charming location along a canal with the boating club opposite, outdoor space, reasonably priced menu and friendly staff. Dogs are welcome.
Cons: Not-​so-​charming loud trains passing by, the difficult to navigate single-​lane way that is the only way in (or out) by car, the food, and the choice only between cookie-​cutter décor inside versus broken chairs with missing arms in the garden.
Overall, it was disappointing to find what seems no more than a run-​down, chain pub after reading the website description that it’s been around since the 1700s. Were it not for the friendly service, we would give this a solid two thumbs down.