The Crown Inn, Ardleigh, Colchester

I am quite lucky really because I have a job that sometimes entails going out for lunch with colleagues. I thus get to visit a variety of places but one of my regular haunts is the Crown Inn at Ardleigh as it is within a couple of miles of my office. The Crown Inn is part of the Vintage Inns group and is located conveniently at the A12/A120 junction just outside Colchester. It relatively easily accessible apart from a trickly little manoeuvre to spot the turn off on the A120 slip road (a useful tip is to follow the sign for 'Gnome Magic'!) It is a large inn decorated in traditional style with ... more

On Burns night along with five others I visited The Crown Inn at Ardleigh to have without doubt the worst meal I and my friends have ever eaten out. It is true to say that we did not order until 9.30pm but what was served up could not have been prepared by a competent cook let alone a chef.Two of the party ordered Calves Liver which was tougher than old boots and could not be cut with a knife and the chips and vegetables were so limp and tasteless it would not be surprising if they were leftovers from lunchtime. Some of the others had Pork wrapped in Palma Ham but this was so dry and ... more

In my previous review I stated how poor I felt the quality of food and service was here during the evening of Valentines Day. However, after having written to the manager expressing my disappointment, I received a letter back offering meal vouchers for two. Plus assurance that service was indeed unacceptable and that it was a rare occasion. As I had stated in my previous review, I was disappointed that evening as I rate the place highly in other aspects; friendliness, location, comfort, and decided it would be a shame for food quality to bring it down. I am inclined on this occasion to give ... more