The Crown Inn — Restaurant in Tunbridge Wells

Came here for my grandad’s 85th birthday, no one even took notice regarding this special day or making it special by any means.

We came in as the first people to arrive, we were taken to our seats. We waited for 35 minutes before even getting a drink or some water which is outrageous considering I am 38 weeks pregnant and my grandparents are elderly.

I did shout across saying excuse me and was ignored by a lady.

I ended up going to the bar as my poor grandad was standing there when he is not great on his feet for around 10 minutes trying to grab someone’s attention for drinks. I eventually stopped a lady who was going to just carry on walking, I explained we have been waiting for 35 minutes, she advised several people came in at the same time so they were in dated. I explained that all I wanted to know was were we go the bar to order food and drinks or would someone come to us, she advised they will come to us.

Bare in mind we were the first ones there and they were serving drinks and food to others before us is ridiculous when we were the first ones in.

When we eventually got round to ordering drinks the lady did apologise, though we were quite frankly annoyed we accepted this.

My nan was ordering a spritzer and the lady was saying well what one and my Nan said with lemonade because she didn’t understand what was being asked, lady came across quite rude when questioning my nan leaving her feeling embarrassed. There was also quite an attitude in the way this lady spoke, whether that was an accent thing or not.

When our drinks eventually arrived I got given a cider when quite clearly I said appetiser and I’m heavily pregnant so you did have to laugh. The man went back to the bar and sorted this.

There was no heating (though it’s summer it’s very cold in there). Also lights were not turned on straight away and were incredibly dim when they were on.

Food arrived, I had the burger which was not the best I’ve had, bacon very fatty and didn’t seem cooked properly. The burger was quite pinky. The only thing good was the chutney jam inside, the bun, coleslaw and salad. The chips were processed and tasted awful. Temperature was nice and hot though.

My step father advised his fish & chips was incredible and you could not fault it. My nan advised the fish pie was lovely and my grandad finished his plate so assuming his was up to standard.

After food we were served by a lovely lady with glasses who I must say made the experience that little bit better and could not fault her, a credit to the team for sure.

She served us hot drinks in a timely major which was lovely followed by pudding which again was lovely.

We then squared up and left.

Overall,

I would not come here again and I’m appalled how this place has treated myself being pregnant and also my grandfather who is elderly and especially on his birthday when it was supposed to be a delightful and joyful experience.

Lots of flies! And crumbs still left on the table.

It was so difficult to get anyone’s attention that I wasn’t able to successfully complain.

It’s a shame we have wasted such a huge amount of money especially in these hard times.

I do wish the pub take note from this and I would appreciate a response/resolution though I’m sure this...

I would recommend this pub to anyone for the following reasons, it is very well situated in the charming village of Groombridge,, its perfect for a day time or evening pint with a view of the church of our good Lord opposite and if the sun is out, it will be on your face. The surrounding area has much to offer, walking, cycling, rock climbing, to combine a drink is the ice on the cake of a good day. In the winter there is a lovely inglenook fire place ( i recommend to all landlords they endeavour to purchase logs in advance to gain just basic seasoning). The pub also thankfully lacks pretence without lacking character. On the downside I prefer Stella artois at the pump but the kronenberg is fine and soft drinks like black currant and soda need to be cheaper for the kids and for health reasons. All pubs should have the foresight to have plenty of bar staff on hand for particularly busy weekends. I would like to remind everybody that pubs (public houses) are about meeting people and money makes the world go around so stop worrying about the latest trendy craft ale just come out and enjoy yourself. I wish Steve the landlord every success and if you have spare dollar it is always nice to tip the staff particularly in times when there is so much pressure on wages. Amen , Hallelujah , cheers, nas dravia, bottoms up, bottoms out, lets make this world a...

You can’t fault the building itself or its beautiful setting. Perhaps we take these incredibly old places for granted. American tourists would find themselves in some kind of heritage coma that would gradually set in having approached it from the road. They’d be lightheaded, staggering along the little path towards the door and once inside, greeted with the aging fixtures and fittings, the tiled floor eroded by the footsteps of centuries and the time-worn inglenook fireplace that would be it, a crumpled heap of ball shorts, hoody and baseball cap.

I used to come here regularly 15-20 years ago and the place seems to have changed quite a bit in what is a relatively short period for the pub. The beer is still good and the place still looks the same but somehow it’s seems a bit more tired, dusty and a little more empty. In fairness I visited on a slow Sunday evening in March but it used to be humming with atmosphere, the welcome was always warm and bright and there was a convivial energy that has simply gone out of the place.

I will try it again and perhaps eat next time as the food used to be truly exceptional; the best dauphinois potatoes...