The Crown Hotel

We were in town for my brother’s wedding and had driven two hours, so being left in shorts and a top with no way to change was really frustrating. We’d been told we could get into our room early to change and leave our bags, but reception refused and offered no help or alternative. The staff there were incredibly rude and unhelpful. The room itself was mediocre for the price. We stayed in August, and I definitely won’t be back.

The staff were friendly and helpful, and breakfast was great. There’s a nice pub for an evening drink, plus a handy shop and chippy very close by. It’s a good base for seeing the area, especially Grimes Graves and the forest walks. The room was decent value, though a bit tired, and oddly the bed had no headboard. We could hear people in the room above and the outside door slamming, which stopped me giving it a higher score. The food looked good, but I didn’t eat there.

The Steak & Ale pie came with plenty of veg, and the dressed crab and salad was lovely too. Great food and service. We booked a table for two for Saturday at 6.30, our first time in the upstairs restaurant. Before sitting down we had a look around the lovely old building, with its little bar areas and really cool beer garden. Two young ladies served us, both attentive and very polite. We’ll be going again soon.

The service was very good, but the meal was a real disappointment. The burger buns seemed cheap, the chips were frozen and the salad had dried out. We only came to eat at the restaurant because our Airbnb recommended it. Honestly, I should’ve cooked something indoors.