The Crown Inn — Restaurant in Bromsgrove

I have been to the Crown many times. The new refurbishment is lovely but I would hesitate to recommend it for anything more than a passing drink.

Despite being on a canal towpath and the convergence of some countryside walks, as walkers, some with dogs, we did not feel welcome. Nor was there any option to clean off a bit if that was the issue. Most of the group who stayed outside to avoid the glares from staff and look after their dogs in the cold wanted to go somewhere else. A bucket of water and a brush would have helped. I cleaned my shoes, made no marks on the floor but was still given disparaging looks from the staff.

The service was slow and disorganised. There was precisely one menu available on a small blackboard, that was passed around customers and the staff also had to refer to it for prices and options.

The staff came across as untrained and had little awareness of the need to get busier when a larger group comes in, and they ran out of certain draught beers.

Despite being easy to prepare dishes, the food took 45 minutes to arrive and was disappointing. The £4.50 soup portion was small and lukewarm, and my friends who ordered a ciabatta sandwich got an ordinary baguette without the stated garnish. Not bad but not what they were expecting for £6.95. Worst of all when we mentioned we hadn't had the best experience, we were made out to be at fault. Instead of taking back good comments to pass on, we went home...

We booked a table for 4,for 3 pm on the 18 th April. I appreciate it was always going to be a busy weekend however, it was not so busy that I expected the service we received.... Having arrived at 3 pm, by 4:20 our starters had still not arrived. We had had to ask for every round of drinks whilst waiting also. The girl serving us was apologetic but after an hour and 20 minutes, it started to wear thin. Eventually our watery mushrooms for starters arrived, followed by 3 out of the 4 mains which arrived at 16:40...some hour and 40 minutes after ordering. The fourth main never arrived....we spoke to who I assume was the manager who was less than apologetic and frankly seemed disinterested. I like to try and stay local and support businesses in times of strife however, I will not be visiting The Crown again. This is our second time of visiting and the first visit was just as bad. Rubbish food, with...

Very disappointed! Went in and stood at the bar hoping to get a couple of drinks. Someone was making coffee another was taking food out. No problem. I'll wait a bit. So I waited and watched without being acknowledged in any way by way of eye contact or words to say be with you shortly. Girl came back from taking food out and walked past me, again no acknowledgement and proceeds to help the other person making coffee. A 3rd girl walks up the bar and begins watching her colleagues making coffee whilst conversing with them instead of acknowledging anyone was waiting. Eye contact was almost aggressively avoided by all of them. This all took around 3 minutes. Nobody else at the bar. Totally ignored me. I guess they either only like a certain type or just have no clue about customer service. The Barnt Green Inn was more than happy to look after me. Worked out for the...