Crown, Broxbourne

A good quality Vintage Inn with a reasonably predictable menu and, as mentioned previously, some interesting specials. Food was spot on for lunchtime and the service prompt, friendly and welcoming. Beer was Sharps Doom Bar, Bateman's XXXB and Deuchars IPA, a standard and reasonably dull Vintage offer. Having said that, the Doom Bar was crisp, clear and flowed well. Mention was made that it is a top seller so seems to benefit from this. A safe bet if out on the River Lee.

Built in the 1930's with some brewers tudor exterior design,this is one of the better Vintage Inns,with a garden that extends down to the River Lee.The interior seperates pleasingly into a drinking area infront of the bar with bench seating,further to the right a fruit machine and seating around a fireplace and to the left a real fire burning in a large fireplace with some comfy upright chairs.The dining area is seperate and beyond the bar area extending into a conservatory.Three handpumps with nationally available brands but my Sharp's Doom Bar was well kept and I didnt hesitate to order another.The food was also well cooked and the daily specials did look interesting .The welcome from the barstaff was warm and friendly.I will most certainly return.

The pub benefits from having a superb location on a bend of the River Lee navigation and is an excellent stop for a pint when cycling the river. It benefits from a large garden bordering the riverside which is equipped with ample bench seating and a fairly large kiddies play area. Like the Fish and Eels further up the river in Dobbs Weir, it also is part of the Vintage Inns chain and is similar in that it is food orientated and family friendly. Inside the pub is L shaped with the bar in a central location and the decor is a bit like an upmarket Harvester. As with the Fish and Eels, the beers are nothing special and there is usually a couple of ales on which tend to be London Pride and Adnams Best. It’s a good place for a pint, especially in summer when you can sit outside, but I tend not to eat here. This is mainly due to the fact that they don’t seem to be able to cope in the busy periods and I have experienced being told that there would be a 40 minute wait for food on more than one occasion, and at times when I considered the pub to be not that busy.

Official pages of the Crown, contains menus and cask ale details - www.vintageinn.co.uk

Official pages of the Crown, contains menus and cask ale details - www.vintageinn.co.uk