The Crown

Someone from this business manages this listing.

#1 of 11 Restaurants in HenlowBar, British, ££ - £££

What is Travellers’ Choice?

Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

The Crown

Review

At a glance

Closed now

See all hours

Website

+44 1462 812433Improve this listing

About

Travellers' Choice

2024

Situated on the B659 in High Street at Henlow with easy access from Junction 10 off the A1. This pretty pub with its picturesque garden is full of traditional character and the perfect place to eat, drink and relax.

Features

CUISINES

Bar, British, Pub

Meal types

Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

FEATURES

Accepts Credit Cards

Free Wifi

Full Bar

Gift Cards Available

Highchairs Available

Outdoor Seating

Parking Available

Reservations

Seating

Serves Alcohol

Table Service

Wheelchair Accessible

Location

2 High Street, Henlow SG16 6BS England

Parking Available

Does this restaurant offer outdoor seating?

Yes

Unsure

Save this restaurant

Hours

Suggest an edit

Closed now

• Opens at 9:00 AM

Sunday

12:00 - 20:00

Monday

9:00 - 21:00

Tuesday

9:00 - 21:00

Wednesday

9:00 - 21:00

Thursday

9:00 - 21:00

Friday

9:00 - 21:30

Saturday

9:00 - 21:30

Contribute

Write a review

Upload a photo

Ask a question

We perform checks on reviews.

Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews

Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.

When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.

Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.

Learn more about our review moderation.

4.1

947 reviews

Excellent

478

Very good

227

Average

133

Poor

Terrible

Bedfordshireclanger

242 contributions

Busy,buzzing,fair selection of heart pub grub.

Dec 2024 • family

A very busy restaurant on our lunchtime visit, but the servers were on the ball, efficient and remained patient while they must have felt the pressure. The menu is not extensive, but enough to suit most appetites. The butter chicken burgers, I was informed, were very good and I could see they were gigantic. The beef bourguignon was throughly enjoyed by one of my family and served piping hot. The children’s meal was still very big and looked tasty. A slight issue with my meal being almost cold was resolved very quickly and resulted in a fresh meal being prepared which was very nice. A buzzing Christmas atmosphere because of office meals. All in all an enjoyable location and meal.

Written 14 December 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Alex Wallman

Thankyou for the review, whereby I apologise & am grateful we managed to resolve the issue efficiently. See you again soon,

Written 1 January 2025

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

jim g

5 contributions

A jewel in 'The Crown'

Oct 2023 • family

We came up for a family funeral where the after service 'get together' was held. Due to the distance we travelled, we also decided to stay over in two of the rooms at The Crown. Staff were attentive and excellent in the service they provided - a credit to the place. Rooms were clean, warm and cosy with everything you would wish for and more. We thought the food & drinks were good value having eaten in the evening there and the included breakfast with the room rate was more than enough. All good quality and always served with a smile. Large car park and free WIFI - would recommended

Written 23 October 2023

Sophie Albu

Stotfold244 contributions

Was okay

Apr 2023 • friends

Visited for the first time and the food was okay. Had a steak sandwich which was nice but some bits of the bread were burnt. My friend had a bacon sandwich and it was hard for her to cut into. The food and decor were nice but think the menu is over priced and a bit cheeky having a 10% discretionary service charge added onto the bill.

Written 29 April 2023

Carmel Bailham

Hi We are sorry to see you didn’t fully enjoy your experience with us. There should only be service charge in our restaurant area so please get in contact if you would like us to look into this for you info@crownpub.co.uk

Written 11 June 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Storyteller755214

Royston1 contribution

Rip off

May 2024 • couples

3/10 Would not return again. Came early in the evening to catch a bite, was left completely disappointed. Once seated we were delivered our starters, I had the “chili gambas” prawns which were over cooked and rubbery, 5 prawns for £11 , there was no chilli oil as described it was simply a bowl of rubbery prawns, a bunch of raw spring onion and some slices of chili covered in cheap olive oil. My patterns mackerel served on with cold untoasted bread was the saving grace of the meal, however the butter that came with the fish was solid and impossible to spread.. For mains my partner ordered the pork belly, once it arrived it had no jus, we had to send the plated back after the waitress looked puzzled by the question when asked why was there no sauce.. The skin on the pork belly was impossible to cut through as it was completely rubbery. We didn’t receive any kind of apology for this, just a condescending “is that enough gravy for you?” When she brought the sauce over.. The chips had a funky sweet taste to them as if seasoned with sugar instead of salt, these were left untouched. I had the hake with romesco which seemed as though it had just ha d a bunch of bruised watercress thrown on top? Once asked for the bill, we were still charged for everything & didn’t even have the service charge removed or to be compensated in anyway. Completely ruined our afternoon, wouldn’t recommend anyone to visit and would not return.

Written 31 May 2024

Ardamine12

67 contributions

Tough steak. not great service either.

May 2024 • couples

Called in here for lunch on a Monday as I had seen the good reviews but generally we were disappointed. We ordered at the bar but when the food arrived, I asked for French mustard to go with the steak and waitress brought English mustard which I hate. when I mentioned this at the bar, they said "we dont have French mustard!" There was no cruet on the table so I had to jump up again to ask at the bar and they said they would bring one - this was silently delivered by same waitress and plonked on the table without a word of courtesy or friendliness. I would have given it three stars on account of the buttermilk chicken being very tasty, excellent in fact. However the flat iron steak was tough, tasteless and chewy - not good at all. When I mentioned it to the same waitress, she just said "I dont eat steak"!! totally inappropriate, irrelevant and pointless answer. The chap at the bar serving the drinks was the only friendly and polite member of staff we encountered. The waitress with thin face and long hair tied back needs to gain some personal skills. Shame as we would have come again as the chicken was delicious, but cant say much for the indifferent service.

Written 16 June 2024

Alex Wallman

Many thanks for reaching out, where all feedback is greatly appreciated as it truly does help us improve our offering here @ The Crown. Upon your request, we did the Flat Iron as a steak meal on its own (as opposed to the sandwich on the menu), unfortunately then it can be a tougher piece of meat. I appreciate you enjoyed the buttermilk chicken, an extremely popular meal here. I'm also noting the comments with service, and the team members, both good & bad points, have been raised & addressed. Hopefully we can see you again soon & restore your faith in us here.

Written 11 July 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Soosybb

Henlow49 contributions

Disappointing evening meal with friends

Oct 2023 • friends

We visited with a group of 10 friends for an evening meal, the staff were very pleasant but we had a mixed bag with the quality and quantity of the food. Firstly they had completely run out if one of the specials, easy to advise when you sit down at the table not when you have chosen your order ! Secondly the prices are reasonable but what was extremely disappointing was the high price tag for the calamari rings, when they arrived there were 3 rings, I don’t think calamari is an expensive seafood in the realms of scallops when 3 would be acceptable, needless to say this was returned. Lastly the main courses, some where good, some not, mainly due to over salting of the vegetables and seasoning on the linguine. Overall some simple changes would have made this a really good meal, we did pay for everything , aside from the returned calamari, and the service charge as none of the above was caused by the serving staff who were always pleasant.

Written 22 October 2023

CBH131

Hertfordshire104 contributions

Poor service and below average food

Feb 2023 • family

Visited on a Sunday afternoon for lunch. Service was incredibly slow, everyone in the area around us came in got served ate and finished before we got our mains. We had 6 mains on the table. Another couple complained about their food in the same area as us The roast was average at best, potatoes dry and cold, and the pork was dry. This is not a cheap establishment and the standard of service was poor ( - with staff basically standing at the end of a table handing out hot plates) and quality of food did not reflect the price charged with the additional service charge of over £30 included. You can definitely find better meals for better value nearby.

Written 20 February 2023

Carmel B

We are very sorry to hear you didn’t think your meal was up to our usually high standards … if you would like to get in contact directly we can get some more details from you info@crownpub.co.uk

Written 21 February 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Maxine T

7 contributions

Expensive rubbish

Apr 2024 • family

Probably the worst roast dinner I have ever been served. Raw veg and stone cold food and plates. Sirloin of beef that you're given a steak knife for and do actually need, which should tell you all you need to know. Beef was bland. The saving grace was having 50% taken off the bill but they still had the cheek to try to pass off a service charge. No desserts or coffees offered.Having eaten here many times over the last 14 years, I am mighty disappointed

Written 21 April 2024

Alex Wallman

Many thanks for reaching out, where all feedback is greatly appreciated as it truly does help us improve our offering here @ The Crown. I'm saddened to read your comments with regards to your roasts here. Service charge should definitely not have been added, to a below par meal, to which I do apologise. Hopefully we can restore your faith in our food & service here again soon, & ensure it was a blip in our usual high standards. Many thanks,

Written 11 July 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

MrsL99

Biggleswade19 contributions

Disappointing Sunday lunch

Jun 2024 • family

Disappointing…. Been coming here for over a decade and always be really impressed with the quality of food and service, even when it’s very busy. Came for lunch on Father’s Day and the food was not up to the previous standard and definitely not worth the price tag. My roast chicken was cold, roast potatoes were mush and the peas, cabbage & one roast carrot were uninspiring. I didn’t feel it was worth the £19.95 I paid. My husband and children all agreed the food was ‘nothing special. Such a shame :(

Written 16 June 2024

Alex Wallman

Thank-you for providing feedback on your recent experience with us on Fathers Day, whereby I note your disappointment. I wish we'd have had known on the day, as we could have easily resolved for you & ensured you & the family had a good experience. Hopefully you can return again soon, many thanks,

Written 11 July 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Richbag

London3 contributions

mid week lunch

Mar 2023 • friends

Very disappointing, ordered chicken flatbread and a side of calamari. Food was barely warm, calamari was like elastic bands, and my chicken sandwich had the skin left on which almost made me vomit when I bit into it yes I took it to bits and removed skin, but very disappointing will not go back again. 10% service charge is a joke when you go to bar to order food.

Written 8 March 2023

Carmel B

Hi we are very sorry to hear you didn’t enjoy your experience with us. if you could get in contact directly we would like to investigate this further for you. Info@crownpub.co.uk

Written 28 March 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

steve simms

Shefford3 contributions

Fixed Price Menu

Oct 2023 • friends

The fixed price menu is outstanding value. The food is the high quality food you expect from The Crown and 3 courses for less than £20 (even cheaper with a loyalty card) is quite amazing considering the ever rising costs in the hospitality trade. And of course it goes without saying that the service was, as usual, first class.

Written 17 October 2023

Alex Wallman

Thank-you for the lovely review & enjoying our fixed price menu. Hopefully you are enjoying our other benefits of the loyalty card, See you again soon,

Written 11 July 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Chris Y

1 contribution

Average and overpriced

May 2022 • family

Visited for lunch, food average and very overpriced for what it was. £5.95 for a bottle of water is outrageous, the waiter was very clever in the way water was offered before everyone was fully seated. Ham and cheese toastie for £7.95 was not very nice and was not eaten, this was mentioned to the waiter but no offer made to discount this. We won’t be visiting again. There are much better options locally.

Written 31 May 2022

Carmel B

We are very sorry to hear you didn’t enjoy your visit with us. If you could get in contact directly we would like to talk to you more about your experience and see if we can redeem ourselves info@crownpub.co.uk

Written 2 June 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Louise T

1 contribution

Poor service

Oct 2022 • none

Popped into the crown for dinner as a couple with a young child. Service was extremely slow and staff explained it wasn’t their fault as they only had 2 covering both the busy bar and the restaurant. Starter of Nachos was over cooked and very salty and mains came after a delay. For a meal costing over £100, not the service you would expect. Disappointing they prioritised serving regulars at the bar over restaurant guests queuing at the same bar counter who were there first.

Written 13 October 2022

Sap p

1 contribution

Shameful lack of customer care

May 2024 • solo

The old cold food and frozen butter demonstrates that the owners, managers and staff are there just to earn money and not there to serve customers as expected. Worst of all after being ripped off with the food their new parking system that I did not know about caused a £100 fine. Again the staff did not tell the customer about this, why not? Poor, shameful service only there to make any money in every way they can without considering customers.

Written 10 June 2024

Alex Wallman

Thank-you for the review. Unfortunately we do have a new parking system with ANPR camera's & many signs indicating so. We do try and ensure staff ask everyone but unfortunately there may be a few slip-ups, to which we sincerely apologise. We do not profit from any tickets or fines raised through the system, we simply just wanted to ensure the car park is for patrons of The Crown only. Apologies for the whole experience here, and hopefully perhaps another time we can show & prove we are here to ensure a great experience is received for all of our guests.

Written 11 July 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

fork_handles

Luton2097 contributions

Generally good restaurant / gastropub

Nov 2021 • none

The Crown is clearly geared towards food and based on it's prices pitches at the mid-range market. It is well located within Bedfordshire close to the A1 so is good for business meetups / meals and similar. The staff were great and very attentive to our group right from the moment we arrived. Some of our party had queries about the way things were cooked and they were answered quickly and fully. The menu has some interesting options on but there isn't a huge number of dishes to choose from and most main courses are in the £15 range. Based on the prices I would have expected decent portions but unfortunately the dishes some of our party had were quite small - for example the fish and chips had a small number of chips and mushy peas served in a container similar in size to a large thimble! For a dish costing nearly £15 I would have expected more. Other dishes, such as the sea bass and risotto were well presented and well received though. Unfortunately the range of real ales were uninspiring and not particularly well kept. The desserts were good though. Overall this is a smart gastropub which is clearly focused on serving fairly expensive food to a certain class of customer. It is by no means bad, but I would probably not choose to return here.

Written 23 November 2021

Carmel B

Many thanks for your detailed review - we’ll be sure to take a look at all the points you’ve raised. We do hope you can return one day

Written 28 November 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.