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Beer of the Week (w/e 27th April 2025) with Thuck Phat
on the Pub Forum
Detail Pages
The Crown, Hastings
Hastings
TN34 3BN
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 7 of 10) see review guidelines
Pub SignMan left this review about The Crown
A smart backstreet pub located in the old part of Hastings, the Crown offers a stylish and welcoming spot for a drink. You enter directly into the main bar area — a bare-boarded space with the servery positioned opposite the entrance. To the front and along the right-hand side, there are high tables and stools set against a drinking ledge, whilst standard tables and chairs run down the left-hand wall, flanking a brick fireplace that was lit on this visit and topped with a simple mirror. The bar itself boasts a smart panelled counter front with a chunky wooden top, whilst the modern, mirrored bar back is lit by a row of low-slung red bulbs and features a crown motif on a central pillar. The room extends further back along the left side, offering plenty more seating, much of which appeared better suited for diners, with some tables reserved. Some outdoor seating is available as well, although I didn’t explore it on this occasion.
The beer range featured Lakedown Extra Special (£2.10 a half), Only With Love Koha, and one real cider option, while keg taps included selections from the likes of Pig & Porter, Only With Love and UnBarred. There were no mainstream lagers available, much to the surprise of one punter who, having been asked what he wanted in lieu of the Carling he requested, challenged the bar staff to "surprise me!"
I felt this was a little more upmarket, and therefore a little less cosy and comfortable, than a lot of the other old town pubs I checked out on this visit. I still enjoyed my time here and thought the staff were pleasant, the beer decent enough and the atmosphere was livelier than the somewhat formal setting might lead you to expect. Maybe not a top-tier Hastings pub, but I don't think you'd be disappointed if you spent some time here either.
Date of visit – 21st December 2024
On 28th April 2025
- rating: 7
[User has posted 3350 recommendations about 3350 pubs]
paulof horsham left this review about The Crown
Some parts of Hastings are undeniably scuzzy, but you can certainly exclude The Crown from that category with its stripped floorboards and art on the walls and window sills.
A strong food offering is backed up by 2 local cask ales and a cider, as well as quality keg from the likes of Burning Sky, 3 Legs and Lakedown.
It's on the pub side of gastro, so worth looking in, particularly if you want a bite to eat, though if my experience is anything to go by, you may find yourself on your second round before you get to use your cutlery.
Despite the delay to the food, the service was fine and I'd have no problem with a repeat visit.
On 7th August 2024
- rating: 7
[User has posted 554 recommendations about 516 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Real Ale Ray left this review about The Crown
A trendy gastro pub, where on our visit there were more diners than drinkers. The majority of the customers were having bowls of Borscht (Russian Soup) made from beetroot on our visit. The interior was predominantly painted in dark grey, with included the ceilings, walls and woodwork, along with worn floorboards. The main bar faces you as you enter, with a narrow seating area along the front. Further seating could be found down the left and a snug can also be found behind the bar on the right hand side. Four ales on handpump, all of which were locales, we went for the Cellar Head Pole Dancer, which was very good.
On 8th November 2019
- rating: 7
[User has posted 3645 recommendations about 3645 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Graham Coombs left this review about The Crown
You can tell from the smart exterior and the sign being a large metal crown that this pub has gone upmarket. And so it proves, with the inside being very much a gastro pub, of the BoHo type where food is served in enamel bowls on a plank. Black ceilings and distressed wood abounds. Having said that, it is nicely divided up into different areas. and there is a set of 4 handpumps serving local brews from the likes of Hiller, Romney and Old Dairy, with a larger set of craft ales on keg, as well as some interesting German beers. Overall its is perhaps a bit kitsch but drinkers are still welcomed and it does have some good beers.
On 21st January 2019
- rating: 7
[User has posted 3641 recommendations about 3576 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
ROB Camra left this review about The Crown Inn
Now reopened according to Sussex Drinker.
On 12th December 2014
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 3286 recommendations about 3196 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Roger Pester left this review about The Crown Inn
This pub now closed and boarded up. August 2012
On 17th August 2012
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 4 recommendations about 4 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Strongers . left this review about The Crown Inn
The Crown Inn is a traditional L shaped pub that was very quiet last night (Saturday) as there were only five other customers who all seemed to be regulars. There is a nautical theme throughout and one of the locals looked like he had been on a few voyages around the world in his time and had never shaved. The barman was a nice enough chap and alongside a standard draught selection are three hand pumps that were drawing Directors and Old Speckled Hen with the third being off. Around to the left of the pub are the toilets and a pool table and dartboard. I didn’t spot any TVs or signs of Sky Sports, but there was some eighties music playing in the background.
This is probably not a pub I would actively seek out again, but I would have no problem popping in for a pint if passing.
On 1st October 2011
- rating: 6
[User has posted 5965 recommendations about 5931 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Just a quick pint, then I'm off left this review about The Crown Inn
The dark brick exterior (with its bold signage) looks slightly out of place along the attractive old buildings along All Saints Road. However, once inside, you find a fine traditional 'L'-shaped layout with black wood panelling. Unusual trophy display cabinets above the bar counter. Pool table to one side. Several bench tables out front. Three Cask Marque ales available from handpump - Hobgoblin, Broadside and Directors (£3.20) when I visited - but these appear to change frequently given the numerous plump clips and beer mats on display.
On 2nd May 2011
- rating: 7
[User has posted 8679 recommendations about 8678 pubs]