Review of 'The Crown Hotel Bar and Grill Nantwich'

The distinctive “Crown” hotel in Nantwich is an obvious attraction for many. The other day we decided to pay a visit to try out the food in their bar (pub) area. The interior is very pub-y with a formal dining area at the back but the front with several tables arranged under the low black beams of the building with, yes, low lighting levels and wonky tables. After picking a table you place your order at the small bar area (with some interesting local ales on offer, if you are interested).

The “Bar & Grill” menu covers two sides of a sheet of paper, divided into “Starters & Nibbles” including two “Crown Flatbreads”; “Mains” including “Gourmet Burger Builder” (all served with choice of potato), “Fajitas” (two), “Grilled Classics”, “Grilled Skewers” (including slaw, garlic flatbread and choice of potato); “Crown Classics”; “Pies” (red cabbage or peas, and choice of potato); “Pasta and Pizza”; “Sunday Roast”; “Side Dishes”. So, nothing terribly surprising here. The prices are a bit high but this is perhaps because of the location right near the town square.

After ordering we waited about 15-20 minutes before our plates were delivered to our table. From the “Crown Classics” section of the menu my companion had the “Chicken Schnitzel” (“garlic butter, french fries, corn on the cob, red slaw”; £19.50). She found the chicken quite bland and dry while the “garlic butter” was not thoroughly emulsified so it did not have the flavour of the garlic throughout so instead it was just buttery.

For myself, I ordered from the “Pies” menu the “Steak and Ale” pie (“dark ale with carrots & mushrooms”; £19) which was quite nice though there a LOT of crust on the small pie with not a huge amount of filling. I choose the potato mash which was tasteless so thank goodness for the bisto-style gravy delivered on the side (yes, quite salty). It was NOT served with carrots but instead the same slaw as given to my companion which was basically just shredded red cabbage with no dressing.

So, at almost £20 each before drinks, the underwhelming meal was very expensive. The food was OK but lacked any amount of imagination and, oddly, flavour other than the occasional club about the head with salt. The staff were ok but not overly friendly but the cozy, old-world surroundings were quite warm and inviting.

Rating: “Not great, but not the worse”

Review Date: 2025-02-12

Cuisine: American/British

Address: High St, Nantwich CW5 5AS ENGLAND

Location: Cheshire (England) - Nantwich

Map:

Telephone: +44 (0) 1270 625283

URL: http://www.crownhotelnantwich.com/