I am afraid I am not finding much time to be on Ciao these days but with a new puppy in the house I ...
I am afraid I am not finding much time to be on Ciao these days but with a new puppy in the house I have some doggy related products to review from time to time.
Member since:11.10.2006
Reviews:285
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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 CrownInn 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 a lovely log fire burning during the winter months. The staff are friendly and efficient and they certainly need to be efficient as in the Summer it can get very busy but they cope with it cheerfully and in a very businesslike way.
You select your food from the standard menu (which appears to be the same in all Vintage Inns in the area). There is a comprehensive selection on the menu including some good options for vegetarians. There are traditional meat and fish choices, including wonderful steak and ale pie, burgers, pasta dishes and a vegetarian selection all served with fresh vegetables or salads and a selection of potatoes. They will happily make minor amendments to accommodate your requirements so, if for example, you wish to change from the mash to chips it is never a problem. Desserts change from time to time so are listed on a little blackboard which the waitress will bring to the table.
Once you have made your food selection you place your order at the bar. All staff seem happy to take your food order so there is no need to queue in a specific place - this seems to work well and keep the flow of customers under control. Once you have chosen your food you receive a numbered wooden spoon which is colour coded in relation to the area where you are sitting thus ensuring that your food arrives in the right place as soon as it is ready. The staff are happy to set up a bar 'tab' and charge everything to that which is great when you are there for a business lunch as it saves having lots of separate receipts.
In one area of the bar there is a little alcove/room which it is alleged may be haunted - I have to say I haven't ever seen the ghost but I do like to eat in there as it is quite pleasant and because it is just off the main bar eating area it is great if you have a small group of five or six people.
The atmosphere is quite relaxed but the staff are generally very efficient at preparing and serving the food - ideal if you are on a tight timescale. Staff always ask if everything is OK with your meal which I think is a nice touch and too often forgotten. The one time I had a problem (my fish was undercooked) they resolved it quickly and efficiently with a minimum of fuss.
The Crown is not what I would call a 'gourmet experience' but they do provide good wholesome food at a reasonable price. It is easily accessible with a good atmosphere and friendly staff. They open from lunchtime and serve food right through to the evening which is ideal if you have been tied up in meetings and may be looking for somewhere to eat at 3.00pm when many other places aren't open.
Would I recommend it? *****************************
Yes I would, if you are in the area and are looking for somewhere quick and convenient. We can generally get a main course, drinks and a coffee for around £10 to £12 per head which is very reasonable and the quality and service are consistent - great for a quick business lunch.
The Crown Inn Old Ipswich Road Ardleigh Nr Colchester CO7 7QR 01206 233021
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Mar 2nd, 2007
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