The Hand & Crown — Restaurant in East Hertfordshire

I've been to this pub a few times over the years and I've been very impressed with the food and overall atmosphere. We visited this evening and was very disappointed. They have now blocked in the frames between the booths making an already small space very claustrophobic. It was freezing when we arrived, so much that we had to ask for the heating to be put on, which to be fair the staff obliged and even offered me a blanket.

Next, the last time we visited and all previous times, there was a policy in place that banned children from the place from 5pm, this was no longer in effect. So in turn, we were sandwiched between two grizzly, whiny children that shouldn't have been there, ipads on full volume blasting Cocomelon on repeat, absolutely unacceptable. The only reason we chose this pub was because it had this policy. We had come for a birthday meal and given the mature environment, expected adult company. If we had wanted to listen to crying and grizzling and wheels on the bus then we would have chosen a weatherspoons or a fast food resteraunt.

On to the food, for the price we paid, it was awful. They were using cheap, miracle whip instead of mayonnaise, the 'large' portion was comparable to a child's meal. The chicken burger had been slapped together with hardly any salad, too much 'mayo' and an artifical tasting siracha flavouring added. However, the double beef burger was of good quality, could've done with more cheese though. The desserts were the highlight of the meal, tasty and boasting generous portions, it was a shame that the rest of the food wasn't the same.

Lastly, the service. I cannot fault it, the young ladies and gentlemen were very helpful, visibly happy in their work and very friendly. They made us feel very welcome during our stay, I just wish that the food and atmosphere matched their enthusiasm.

Overall, I won't...

On arrival, the staff greeted us warmly and promptly and showed us to our table. The initial impression of the pub is that it is dated decor wise and in need of a refresh. The toilets were clean but again dated, and the open side room containing stock and freezers was visible upon entry and could have done with the door being closed. This first impression was soon contradicted by attentive and polite waiting staff and prompt serving of our order during a very busy lunchtime. The menu is varied, but its laminated format does not do credit to the quality of the dishes offered. The table and chairs would benefit from replacement with maybe some eclectic bistro style furniture. We had the crayfish baguette with chips, which was available on white or brown bread, and the smoked haddock with mashed potato in a leek and chive sauce with a poached egg. There is an option to add bacon as well. The baguette was substantial and contained a generous amount of large tasty crayfish without too much mayo. The chips were chunky and fluffy. Although a bit of salad, eg rocket, would have been nice too. The haddock dish was again substantial, generously proportioned, well executed, and repleat with great flavours. We had a glass of white wine and a pint of beer, which were good and reasonably priced. A double espresso was had at the end of the meal and served in the correct and warmed cup and saucer. Overall, the food was very good and represented good value for money, but the physical environment could do with an update. It's definitely worth a visit, and we shall return...

This place... used to be amazing, we used to go there a lot for the delicious food. They're operating now, since being taken over by new management, on a limited menu compared to what they used to have, which I'm not discouraging, but the food they decided to keep on the menu is all very basic pub grub. When we arrived at 17:30 we were actually told by a very moody looking man (who thought he was too cool to be polite and friendly) that they needed the table back by 19:30 (we had booked and considered this to be very unprofessional) The whole place whiffed of young new owners that hired a bunch of young staff in a desperate bid to try to make it fresh and trendy. But unfortunately the young staff were more concerned with their conversations between eachother than they were with us as my friend tried to get their attention to ask for some more condiments. Overall... I feel this place has gone downhill, overpriced for what it is too, as a chef, i like to eat! And the portion sizes used to be winning (with the old owners), now they're on a losing streak with their small portions. 3 small pieces of halloumi triangles in breadcrumbs for one starter and I think maybe 3 chopped mushrooms in a sauce and a tiny bit of bread for the mushroom starter......