The Crown

This is not the most easily accessible pub as it is about 10 minutes’ walk from St Margaret’s train station (or a 20 minute walk from Twickenham station) but it is located right next to Marble Hill park and some fabulous riverside walks. It’s a perfect choice for a Sunday although you’ll need to book to be sure of a place.

The place was extensively refurbished about a year ago – when the adjacent hall (my daughter had attended ballet lessons there many years ago) was incorporated - and is probably one of the largest and buzziest places in town now.

There’s a huge outside garden area – and there is a large smoking area at the front and an even larger non-smoking area at the rear. The plants and flowers are really something else so on a sunny day this really is a good place. Even though it can get a bit too child friendly.

Inside is vast as well and offers a variety of distinct drinking and dining areas. The main bar area has both low and high tables and a very well stocked bar. There’s an attractive conservatory roof above which lets in the light.

The staff are friendly and fast – even when putting together obscure cocktails (I have tested them on numerous occasions). The décor is modern traditional – there’s a large fireplace with comfy leather chairs and an assortment of interesting ornaments and pictures to look at. On Friday and Saturday evenings the place is incredibly busy – you have to really shout to be heard. They are quite happy to serve food in the bar area. Well behaved dogs are allowed too.

To the right is a large private dining area with a long table that sits around 20 people – but there is a door way through to the main bar area so it’s not entirely secluded. Ahead of this is a large open dining area with tables of varying sizes, although on most occasions when I have been there is at least one large table with a family party with lots of children.

If you continue through this area you arrive in an another immense dining area which feels almost like a country house hotel – the windows look out onto those well-planted gardens and it is light and a bit quieter than the main bars and dining areas. The menu is extensive with something for everyone and of a quality that would mark it is one of the better restaurants in the area.

However, when we went we decided not to have starters or to try the very tempting looking roasts and ordered gourmet burgers (my companion’s was a veggie burger – although she was impressed at the variety of vegetarian options available). The meat was well cooked (medium) and the burger well-constructed. The thick chips were probably twice cooked and delicious. With two gin and tonics and a bottle of Chilean Sauvignon Blanc (there’s an extensive wine list with seasonal offers as well) our bill came to £51 (excluding service).

What I like most about the place (apart from the excellent choice of drinks and good quality food) is that it has real personality. It’s an independent and fiercely proud of the fact. The locals give it lots of support.

Car parking, cask beers, Fair Trade coffee and wifi are some of the other features on offer.

The Crown

The Crown Picture Gallery

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