THE CROWN AT WILLINGTON

Is this restaurant good for local cuisine?

Yes

No

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Details

About

The Crown at Willington is a Free House serving properly kept real ales, fine wines and a good range of spirits. We offer quality home-made dining freshly prepared 6pm to 8.45pm on Wednesday & Thursday, midday to 8.45pm on Friday & Saturday, Sunday Lunch 12 to 3.15pm, a children's meal deal and take-away service. You can find us in Willington village loop off the A603 or just a few hundred metres from Bedford River Valley Park, the Grange Estate and Cycle Route 51.

CUISINES

Bar, British, Pub

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Drinks

FEATURES

Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Gift Cards Available

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4.5

162 reviews

Excellent

106

Very good

37

Average

7

Poor

4

Terrible

8

4779

Kent182 contributions

Sunday lunch...

Jan 2020 • family

with local relatives, majority of group had the roast which all agreed was very good. Very attentive staff and food arrived very promptly. Only let down was the deserts. Apple crumble very odd in a pastry tart case, bread and butter pudding burnt. However this pub is very nice and well worth a visit

Written 26 January 2020

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.

kevin k

Letchworth Garden City126 contributions

Great Service and Superb Food.

Jan 2022 • none

A superb Sunday dinner, perfectly cooked and piping hot. Beef for me and lamb for my wife all served with a good selection of freshly cooked veg and great Yorkies and the desserts on offer are a pleasant tasty change from the usual. The service was prompt and friendly and the pub has a nice ambience and the beer well kept and very clean. The hard working hosts obviously take great pleasure in running a good hostelry. I suggest booking before you go and I have no hesitation in recommending and will definitely be back.

Written 21 January 2022

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.

Vincent H

Many thanks for this great review, Kevin - we are delighted that you and your wife experienced what we strive for. We look forward to welcoming you both again soon.

Written 31 January 2022

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

ianw5002017

Baldock7 contributions

Early Sunday lunch

May 2022 • couples

Nice greeting from hosts on arrival, our lunch was served promptly one beef one pork with a starter of homemade parsnip soup which was gorgeous. As for the mains we both agreed it was our best Sunday lunch for a long time. Very good value, we shall return.

Written 15 May 2022

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.

Vincent H

Thank you very much indeed, and we look forward to welcoming you again in the future.

Written 16 May 2022

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

andrew tolbort

2 contributions

Wont be returning

Aug 2020 • none

Reading the below reviews we might have been in a different pub. our experience was far from these. The roast we had last weekend was below par. Cold vegtablables and tough meat. We could not say whether the deserts were any good as the service was so slow, with the staff more intent on their phones than in serving us or checking on our needs, that we didnt bother to order any. In these difficult times they should be making more effort.

Written 6 September 2020

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.

R111HKvincenth

I am extremely sorry to hear of, and for, the situation you outline. Poor service is bad enough, but a negative food experience is extremely rare, and I am keen to make amends. Please do book again if you wish to, making yourself known, and we will ensure you dine on a complimentary basis and that we demonstrate the high standards you have the right to expect and on which we, usually without exception, deliver. With renewed apologies Vince Hislop.

Written 7 September 2020

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

AlanH

3 contributions

Warm welcome and excellent meal

May 2022 • none

We visited for the first time with some friends for a lunchtime meal. We were impressed by the appearance of the bar and dining area and the warm welcome from the landlord. We all selected meals from the specials board and when they arrived they were piping hot and well presented. The meals were excellent. The steak and ale pies were particularly outstanding. The beer was tasty and well kept. Altogether a very successful meal and we will come back again and recommend the Crown to more of our friends.

Written 13 May 2022

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.

Vincent H

Thank you so much for this review - we are so pleased that we clearly achieved what we set out to!

Written 16 May 2022

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

Glyn M

Bedford92 contributions

Fantastic, nothing else to say!

Jun 2022 • none

We called in when passing as a party of 6 celebrating an 80th birthday and could not have been made more welcome by the landlord. We also had a little dog who was made welcome. The range of beers were superb and we were handed the brand new summer menu and the daily specials board. Between the 6 of us, 4 had the fish and chips which were superb, I had the steak and ale pie which I can only describe as full of meat!! And my wife had salmon which was equally superb. We had a surprise cake for our birthday girl and the landlord kindly kept it cool and when the time was right brought it out with all the candles lit, and with plates and forks!! Absolutely brilliant. All our party will be returning for definite. If you are in the area then I can guarantee you will not go wrong visiting. I understand they do not do food every night but can't remember what the landlord said so it might be worth a call beforehand!

Written 28 June 2022

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.

Vincent H

Fantastic that you are able to say this, Glyn - and thank you for that - nothing else to say!

Written 30 June 2022

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

Chris M

Milton Keynes263 contributions

Brilliant traditional village pub

Jan 2022 • friends

We booked this pub for a family gathering of 18 and had the best Sunday lunch possible. Friendly welcome from the couple who run the pub who made us all at home and comfy. Sunday roasts just as they should be with all the trimmings- ask for the roasted cauliflower cheese. Just like the pubs I remember. Would highly recommend. Thank you

Written 24 January 2022

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.

Vincent H

Thank you very much for your kind words - we are so pleased that everything was to your liking.

Written 31 January 2022

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

Poloman60

Bedford15 contributions

Wonderful Food - brilliant service

Jun 2021 • none

Recently went for Sunday lunch with my wifeand two friends. Because of 'lockdown', I hadn't been for over a year. The wait was worth it! The roast beef was so tender and succulent, the roast pork was similar, and with great crackling. Generous portions. Excellent selection of vegetables, with more available, and served HOT!! Very busy, but this is not a 'fast-food joint' with only one lady (Natalie?) serving. She was very friendly, very customer-focused, very knowledgable and has a lovely smile! Any 'waiting' time is entirely worth it. This establishment is independent and owner-run. Thoroughly recommend it.

Written 12 July 2021

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.

Vincent H

Thank you so much for your comments - we hope you didn't have to wait too long for your food, but were clearly happy with it regardless! We hope to see you again soon.

Written 19 October 2021

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

Beverley D

450 contributions

The food just gets better and better

Sept 2021 • couples

The food here just gets better and better. Andy the chef has managed to master vegetarian and vegan food, which we usually choose. There was a fish special tonight which we opted for - an amazing dish. Natalie is on hand at every available moment to offer you everything you need for a marvellous experience - Thankyou to the Crown for a lovely evening.

Written 17 October 2021

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.

Vincent H

Thank you, Bev and Matt, for your kind words - it was lovely to see you both, and great to see the pub so busy on a Friday evening, when we did 36 covers and, regrettably, were having to turn away people for meals, due to lack of table space! Those that managed to book were clearly the lucky ones! With renewed thanks, Vince.

Written 18 October 2021

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

Nicole H

2 contributions

The Best Family Friendly Pub

Oct 2021 • family

The Staff are so welcoming and friendly. All show a personal touch by making the effort to converse with you. The pub is dog friendly and located in a beautiful location with dog walking routes. The food is spectacular, the chef has very high standards and only serves the best quality dishes. I couldn’t recommend this pub enough. Myself and family love it and this is thanks to Vince and his devoted team.

Written 25 October 2021

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.

Vincent H

Thank you, Nicole - what a great review. We look forward to welcoming and serving you again soon, Vince.

Written 26 October 2021

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

Terry

29 contributions

Spacious clean pub with excellent real ales and good food.

Jun 2022 • friends

A large spacious pub with welcoming staff hosting a good selection of real ales. The ESB and the dark mild were excellent. A varied menu with main meals and snacks are on offer, all five of our party chose differently and all were happy with their choice.

Written 17 June 2022

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.

Vincent H

Thank you very much indeed for this feedback. We are so glad that you enjoyed the Pentrich Vicious Tradition ESB and the Lister's Dark Mild, which were two of the three ales available when you called, not to mention the clean plates after your morning of walking in the lovely riverside countryside nearby. We hope to see you again.

Written 27 June 2022

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

Fiona b

London10 contributions

Lovely restful stop at a local pub after a nice walk by the river..

Jul 2024 • family

Stopped here after we walked along the river in Willington .. Danish camp to the Priory.. We had 3 mains, the chorizo penne, the pork belly both of which went down very well and for me Gluten Free fish and chips, excellent batter thin and crispy, fresh fish and the chunky fluffy chips were so nice. Would highly recommend. We sat outside as we had a dog, luckily the sun was shinning. Reasonable price. The landlady was very attentive. Overall well worth the stop.

Written 27 July 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.

VINCENT HISLOP

Many thanks for your lovely review, and we are delighted that you enjoyed your experience. Dogs are welcome inside too, should you visit again and wish/need to be under more than the cover of a parasol! With renewed thanks Vince.

Written 29 July 2024

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

Gary B

8 contributions

Birthday meal

Oct 2020 • none

We had a great meal at The Crown. The food was superb and everything was piping hot. My wife had been before with friends and said how good the food was so we went for my birthday and I’m happy we did. Everything was cooked perfectly and we were looked after from the start to finish. I was a bit unsure how things would be with the restrictions but All the current guidelines were being adhered to yet it didn’t affect the experience of being out for a lovely meal. We will definitely be going back. Thank you

Written 10 October 2020

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.

R111HKvincenth

Thank you for choosing The Crown, Gary, and for taking the time to write this review. We are delighted you enjoyed your meals and hope to see you both again soon. All the best Vince.

Written 12 October 2020

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

HS

Southampton23 contributions

Lovely quaint pub x

Dec 2022 • couples

Lovely pub, small but felt very homey! Went after seeing lots of good reviews and I’m glad we did. My boyfriend and I both got roast pork and it was amazing! One of the best I’ve had! Huge portion with extra cauliflower cheese, extra veg and more gravy brought out. Was very very impressed with everything we had. The lady who was serving us was great and for a Sunday it was quick-ish service.

Written 4 December 2022

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.

Vincent H

Thank you so much for your review; it says much about what we try to achieve by way of the customers' experience. We are really glad you enjoyed it, and hope to see you again. With renewed thanks.

Written 6 December 2022

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

caandmt

London11 contributions

Wonderful food and hospitality!

Aug 2020 • none

We enjoyed a wonderful meal at The Crown with friends last Wednesday. We prebooked a table and were able to stay "socially distanced" , everything is sparkly clean and well organised! This was our first meal out since lockdown and it didn't disappoint . We were very well looked after, Andy is a superb chef and Vince is just the best landlord. Always so welcoming ! I'm almost reluctant to write this review as it will mean sharing this special pub, but credit where it is due and these are difficult times , so I must recommend a visit! My husband tells me the ale is well kept and there is a fine selection of wine and gin! What more can I say?

Written 5 September 2020

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.

R111HKvincenth

It was of course a pleasure to see the four of you back in the pub and enjoying your visit. Thank you for these kind words.

Written 7 September 2020

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

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THE CROWN AT WILLINGTON - Updated 2024 Restaurant Reviews, Menu & Prices - Tripadvisor