The Crown & Anchor — Restaurant in London

This pub is situated in Drummonds Street, that has a lot of South Asian Restaurants. Generally these restaurants don't serve alcohol. This pub is the nearest to all these restaurants. I went to this pub with a group of Asian guys. We were total of 20 guys.

We spoke to the manager and on his suggestion we were allocated an area a table near the toilets. This was also near the glass collecting area. A group guys were leaning against the bar, there was a very small sign to say this is the glass collecting area. Our group was waiting around the area for 20 minutes.

Then on the other side of the bar, one of the bar staff of Eastern European origin in an aggressive tone said that we should not be waiting in this area. Our group stopped leaning against the bar and she continued her aggressive tone. couple of members of group said that she could've told us in a more nicer tone and she was coming across rude. The member in our group that told her she was coming across was actually one of our German friends!

As we approached the bar for a second round, the manager of the pub said that we would not be served. We asked why? and we were told as he we were rude to his bar staff!

If we were such an issue then why didn't the manager approach us in the first place?

Clearly this place lacks customer service skills, they need retrain, they also has no commercial sense, as they basically made 20 paying customers leave.

We asked the manager if you want our group to leave....he said yes.

You can imagine how that would look a bunch of Asian men being asked to leave, it did leave a sour taste and reminded us of the time when pub signs use to have no dogs, no blacks, no Irish.

We were so appalled the way we were treated that we asked who was the brewery or owned the pub?

The manger replied they are independent. Actually they owned by Mitchell & Butler that are a floated PLC company. We are considering making a formal complaint to the company.

If you are Asian and belong to the LGBTQ community you will not be welcomed to this pub, you will be treated with hostility and bad service.

This was very much evident that we were only Asian members in the pub and were treated...

Sunday 8th Sept 2019 around 5pm ish. Cost for 2 with drinks around £60. We were looking for a decent Sunday roast as were working nearby and this seemed to tick all the boxes. We ordered the halloumi fries as a starter which were really good, a decent portion size for 2 and hot and fresh. For the roast we ordered a whole roast chicken to share which unfortunately was decidedly average. The food/roast was just was not hot enough, infact I'd say it was lukewarm at best. The chicken was served, (breast side) upside down and looked anemic. Anyway, we were tired and did the typical British thing and leave most of it and not complain. When asked if it was ok when clearing pretty much the full roast dinner away I did inform the barman that it was just that, ok, and that the meal was just not hot enough. This unfortunately wasn't followed up with any response from anyone, i.e the manager. I really wasn't looking for any discount either but having worked in pubs, bars and restaurants, situations where clients don't actually finish their food as there was a problem can easily be rectified. Shame as the drinks, decor and setting of this little 'tucked away' pub is spot on and really nice. Why can't you find a good roast in London without having to go...

Reason for the visit? Coming together for a family Sunday roast.

My personal impression of the restaurant and clientele: A solid experience, with a classy atmosphere catering to an older crowd.

Was the food tasty? The restaurant adopted a "safe bet" approach to the food. While all dishes were British classics of decent to good quality, they fell short of being outstanding. The roast chicken was generous but somewhat dry, the vegan nut roast was satisfactory but unremarkable, and the roasted sirloin was solid but slightly lacking in portion size. The roasted goat cheese was underwhelming, but the loaded nachos and baked camembert starters were enjoyable.

Service style? I would describe it as casually professional – attentive but not intrusive.

Value for money? It's not the priciest Sunday roast around. Sharing starters are around £11, mains £17-22.

Atmosphere? Classic pub decor typical of the establishment, cosy and more subdued than lively.

What did I particularly like? They offered 0.0% Guinness! The nachos and baked camembert were reliable choices.

Would I revisit? Probably not, as we don't frequent this part of town often.

Comments: A good option if you're in the area and seeking an affordable, dependable...