The Rose & Crown — Restaurant in Chelmsford

I've had mixed experiences at the Rose and Crown. Overall the service is sometimes great and sometimes seems chaotic and ill managed. First time we went there, my husband and I were overjoyed to find such a lovely pub, great Sunday roast and dog friendly too! The wait staff seemed friendly.

This was followed by another visit with my parents, which was not so great. Longer wait times and slightly underwhelming food.There also seemed to be a bit of chaotic service, with confused menus (two different versions) and a strange atmosphere with wait staff who were a bit abrupt and didn't have the normal levels of service you'd expect. Perhaps they needed the table back?

The third time we visited, we waited to get some attention at the bar for our booking for me and my friend. One thing which I checked on, was which table we could sit at, the waitress said that as my dog was friendly and quiet that we could sit in the carpeted area, though I did say that I didn't think this was usually allowed. We were then told later by two wait staff that we couldn't it there, which was what I had assumed. It just felt like a slightly strange atmosphere, and that we were being blamed for sitting there. Anyway, we went on with our conversation and our meal, which itself was lovely. We were interrupted, with what felt like a lot of different staff and reasons. One asked if we had drinks, despite them being on the table. One came over with a half pint that had come from the tanks which had been cleaned and for me to try it, if it tasted okay. The other then came over and took my existing pint away, as she said something about it being the last of a barrel and it bothering her. I was really confused. Then at the end of the meal, we had the bill dropped, despite ordering more fresh drinks and then another waitress sat down and asked quite bluntly, if we were expecting more drinks, or ordering to pay the bill. We felt like we were being pushed out. If that was the case and the table was needed, that would be fine, but no one had said that. Anyway, maybe just a look at the service would be...

We arrived and stood by the sign, waiting to be seated outside. For five minutes, we watched members of staff walk past us and ignore us. Thirsty, we gave up on patience and drew attention to our party of three. It was not busy - few of the outdoor tables were filled - though despite it being a beautiful early summer evening, perhaps there were more people inside to manage. We were told to sit where we liked, so did.

We made our way to a table, where we sat and waited - for 20 minutes - for an order to be taken. The Rose & Crown isn't on the Greene King app, so we flagged attention from staff headed back and forth empty-handed for some reason. Orders were taken: three pints, and some chips. We were optimistic. The waitress was friendly.

We sat patiently for 15 minutes, before becoming concerned that the table behind us complained about not having received their drinks (the people, not the furniture itself). Their order was fulfilled eventually, so - optimistic - we tracked down member of staff (not the one taking a cigarette break at the next table) who said that they would follow up our order inside.

We gave them seven more minutes.

We left, feeling a bit guilty, but we did try. Not long after leaving, we were sipping on our drinks and got to enjoy a lovely evening - just not in the Rose & Crown.

Maybe our order arrived eventually and staff were annoyed that we had left - but I doubt it.

It might have been a bad day, it may have been busy inside, but it probably wasn't. Maybe the staff were taking it easy at the tail end of a long shift.

Positives though - they were well presented, other customers (except for the tables with failed orders) seemed happy, and the garden was reasonably pleasant to look at, other than...

A Heartfelt Tribute at The Rose and Crown, Writtle

Our annual visit to The Rose and Crown in Writtle is a cherished tradition, a tribute to a dear friend we lost too soon. This pub never fails to impress, serving up a Sunday lunch that is both comfortingly familiar and excitingly delicious.

The highlight? Their Yorkshire puddings - grand in size and light as air. However, it's the rich, glossy gravy that truly steals the show. It's a savory symphony that elevates every bite, making the meal unforgettable.

The atmosphere is always bustling yet warm, the beer selection superb, and the staff are genuinely friendly and attentive. The Rose and Crown isn't just a pub, it's an experience - one we heartily recommend. Whether it's a celebration or a remembrance, your time here will...