please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
The Crown in Puncknowle was a late addition to my Dorset crawl and was a decent last minute supplement. Leaving the coastal hill mist behind, the road drops into a very nice village and to a pub that also serves as the local shop. There were no other customers, just staff. But the barmaid was very friendly and chatty. I believe she was the landlord's daughter. Ales are all from Palmers - Best Bitter, Copper Ale & Tally Ho! The cider was Dorset Orchards First Press. There are a couple of large rooms. But they probably appeared larger than they really were due to the lack of customers. A pub that deserves more trade and probably my second favourite of the day, simply due to the friendliness of the lady behind the bar.
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Popped in for a pint of excellent Palmers Summer beer (3.7) today which was very enjoyable. But at £3.60 it was 15p dearer than in a pub in the next village so I knows where I'll go for my future pints!
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What a lovely warm and welcoming pub!
Having visited 3 times this year, I can only praise Blanche, the Landlady along with her husband Alex, and all their staff for their wonderful hospitality and great customer serivce.
The food is great, I recommend the tappas slate but watch out for those specials too. There are so many choices and all at a reasonable price. Well cooked, well presented and service with a smile. What more could you want?
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Called in the other week for some refreshing Palmers 'Copper' which was excellent. But since my last visit there's been a change of landlord and a substantial hike in the food prices to restaurant levels. If this format is successful then good luck to them but I can no longer afford to eat there.
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I have visited my ‘local from home’ on a number of occasions since February and have seen the gradual transition from Pub to Restaurant continue.
It is good that at least one person finds ‘the sofas’ nice to sit on in the afternoon when having tea. However, they are not very useful when there is a group trying to get to the bar to drink beer in the evening. Table space, in what was the public bar, is limited and all tables are prioritised for diners.
The local ‘regulars’ that I have spent many evenings chin wagging with over the years have mostly gone. They have been largely replaced by vehicle bound visitors and family groups, with children, as also mentioned in a report below.
Dart boards have gone and 10.30pm closing does not encourage, or allow, traditional pub games such as league darts or table skittles.
All this may be the way forward to keep establishments open but it’s a shame that another village pub is on its way to changing into a gastro-diner.
Beer is a big interest of mine and I am sorry that the Palmers flagship ale, ‘200’, has gone. Not enough being sold apparently. (Car based custom?) The rest of the real ales (IPA etc) as mentioned by another reviewer is now ‘iffy’ to say the least and cannot be recommended.
So, worth a visit if you have children and beer is not your priority or you fancy a cream tea in the afternoon. Groups of serious and discerning beer drinkers look elsewhere.
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I think most locals like myself would agree that the new management has transformed the atmosphere of The Crown. It is now hospitable and congenial and, after an absence of many months, I am happy to return.
Just one quibble, however, and this comes from several regulars; the standard of the draught beers is not always as it should be. Those of us who regularly drink Palmers are very familiar with its quality and occasionally the Best Bitter and 200 in The Crown is not all that it should be. I have had pints of both which were cloudy and/or sour. Ends of barrels/dirty pipes, possibly but this needs to be corrected or all the goodwill and support generated by the new managers will dwindle if the beer isn't right.
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Just wanted to review this pub from a 'local's' viewpoint.
A few months ago, this pub was a morgue. The landlord was unfriendly, rude and completely unwelcoming, particularly if you are a family group, which we are, and in fact a demographic that makes up a large part of the village population. We therefore rarely used this pub .
The new landlady and her team are the polar opposite. It is now a friendly place, we always get a welcome, and so do our children. It is great to go to this pub now and be able to socialise with other members of the village that we wouldn't usually meet. The addition of the large sofas are great, as they are perfect for meeting with friends for an afternoon tea and a chat, especially during the daytime. There is plenty of room in other areas of the pub for dining tables. I would definitely recommend the tapas platters for food, and the monthly quiz nights are really fun.
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I visit this area 2/3, sometimes 4 times a year and have seen this pub make dramatic changes over the past 6 or 7 years............. almost all for the worst.
Evidently, the 'Grumpy Old Men' double act has recently ended and they now have a new landlady. She had only been there a week on this visit. The locals tell me it is too early to come to a conclusion but , what is sure at the moment , is that she calls time at 10.30 and sticks to it. It may be 11 on Fridays and Saturdays.
The bar area is now dominated by two huge sofas which, in my opinion , are far too big for the environment. Tables and chairs are consequently limited and you find yourself doing quite a detour to get to the bar. Eating in the bar will also be limited as tables seem to have been 'lost' to accomodate the sofas. So for us visitors and holiday makers, especially in the summer, it may be limited or you may have to go in the lounge. I know that locals dont use the lounge very much.
The beer was good but had gone up by 30p a pint with the change of landlord. I guess £3.50 is average for a pint in that neck of the woods?
I am down again for a longer visit in a few months and will report again.
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Continues to be vastly over priced for what it is.
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We visited this pub last Sunday and had a superb meal which included fresh mackerel caught that day by the landlord. The local Palmers beer was very good and the service excellent. The pub is very old (sixteenth century) with a pleasant olde worlde atmosphere and immaculate decor, we will be back!
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Having read all the previous reviews about this The Crown, we were a little disappointed to find that Basil Fawlty was not in charge! However, we did find all the staff to be friendly and helpful and that actually the food was rather good. The Palmers beer was outstanding and perfectly presented. We have no problem at all in recommending this pub is a place that we will visit again
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When in the area I visited this pub as itis adjacent to a tent site we "were" thinking of visiting in summer 2012. I can only concur with the other comments that the welcome was not what I would expect and if it wasn't for a pleasant elderly local the entire visit, short as it was would have been even shorter. We visited two other pubs on this trip - both in Burton Bradstock and on both occasions the staff were most welcoming and helpful - talk about chalk and cheese. If I just want to buy a beer I can go to Tescos - I expect more from a pub.
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I can not agree with several other people that have put negative comments about The Crown Inn, we spent a wonderful night in the accomodation an couldn't fault it an the breakfast the next morning was tasty an well cooked using local produce were possible, my husband couldn't fault the palmers ales either, the landlord although quiet was polite an pleasant, we enjoyed the food that much that not only did we eat there the night of our stay but we went back twice more for evening meals, the kitchen staff are very friendly an polite an the food arrived within 20-30 mins depending on what was ordered. I all so have to say that you can not expect to turn up to a pub anywhere in a large group an order food 5 mins before the kitchen is due to close. So if i've remembered there names right which i'm not good at thank you to Glyn & June (forgive me if i've got it wrong) for a great stay we will return. Tracey & Martin
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This pub is a bit of a paradox. If you steel yourself to see beyond the haughty double act behind the bar who think anyone not living in the village is unworthy you can actually have a very good meal. This is their loss because not many locals seem to use the pub either.
The kitchen and table staff are always pleasant and attentive and the food is always excellent and worth the slightly higher price.
Regrettably like many of the other reviewers we will often arrrive on a Friday night at the camp site next door and walk 2 miles in the dark to the White Horse at Litton Cheney for a bit of civil service.
Very sad.
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I have never come across a ruder, less friendly publican in my entire life - and believe me I've met a few. This particular example of the species is obviously a misanthrope. The man should not be in the hospitality trade - he clearly dislikes people and has no understanding of how to deal with other human beings.
Lovely looking pub, decent beer, gorgeous location - what a shame about the twat behind the bar
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An unfortunate visit...
We visited The Crown pub on the recommendation of a local holiday farm owner, as it was within walking distance of our holiday accommodation and we were advised that the food was of a high quality. The village is beautiful and all our friends and family enjoyed the picturesque walk and local setting. Unfortunately the greeting we received when we walked through the door of the establishment by the two apparent landlords was absolutely appalling and no one in our large party (all of whom work within professions where good communication and customer service are crucial) have ever received a response such as the one we were greeted with at The Crown; it was shockingly rude and totally unnecessary. If we hadn't have walked a number of miles to reach the pub with small children we would have most certainly refused to remain there. Palmers Brewery should be ashamed of the attitude of these publicans who are representing their brewery and urgently provide them with much needed training on how to be polite and to use basic manners to customers who are spending their hard earned income within one of their establishments. The chef and waitresses were clearly uncomfortable with the reception we received and made attempts to try and compensate for the overt rudeness demonstrated at the front of the house. On a positive note the food was delicious (it was however unfortunate that we had literally been ordered to sit and eat outside in the beer garden - in the rain- and advised that we had less than 5 minutes to order food or the kitchen would be closed. It should be noted that this was after we were initially told that the kitchen was closed, prior to the advertised end of lunch period). This was an unnecessary and very unpleasant experience and is certainly not a good advertisement for the promotion of either the brewery or the local tourist industry. Beautiful setting, quaint pub, good food, disgustingly shocking customer service and the landlords should be ashamed of their small minded, arrogant and disrespectful approach to meeting the needs of their customers.
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My partner and I regularly visit the Home Farm campsite and over the years we have tended to walk the 1 - 2 miles to the White Horse as opposed to 150 yards up the road to The Crown. The food has deteriorated in The Crown and now so has the Landlord. Why so grumpy, we've tried to make conversation etc but he won't budge. Why work in the public sector if you don't like the public. We do have the odd pint/glass of wine as it is the only pub near to Home Farm. It's such a shame as not only do we go to Puncknowle all through the summer so do many of our family. Obviuosly The Crown is making enough money and doesn't need the extra income generated by visitors.
On a positive note the rest of the staff are always friendly and the pub is clean.
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We stayed in Puncknowle in a thatched cottage just two doors down from The Crown for a week in early September 2010 and ate here on three occasions. Whilst the two gentlemen behind the bar could never be described as in the Two Ronnies class for humour, they were polite and helpful to us and the barmaid, cook and serving staff were charming. The selection of beers and wines was extensive. We would never have eaten here three times had not the food been excellent and better value than in most places in the area, particularly their Sunday lunch. The pub is spotless and from outside to inside is welcoming. Give it a whirl and you won't regret it. Tony and Marilyn
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We camped down at Home Farm this weekend and was unsure about visiting this pub after reading the reviews on here. I knew the White Horse up the road and had suggested we went there instead but our friends who arrived earlier on the Friday had already gone to the Crown and had found both the beer and the steak and ale pie superb. Based on their experience, we booked a table for 10 last night and all thoroughly enjoyed the food and the drink - all reasonably priced for the area. We didn't find the landlord or the staff the least bit unpleasant or grumpy, the service was efficient and courteous. I mentioned this site and the comments posted on it to the landlord and promised that I would put a review up as soon as I came home as it seems our experience of The Crown was very different to other people's.
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I have to agree with previous posters, the landlord of the Crown in Puncknowle has got to be right up there for "the most miserable landlord in Dorset" award.
I have no idea what Palmers brewery were up to when they installed this most unpleasant man to run one of their particularly pleasant public houses. Being the only pub in the village it is disappointing that we have to travel elsewhere to enjoy a decent pint and meal. The food has also gone downhill big time. Practically nothing is home cooked, so I think the sign outside probably contravenes the trades descriptions act. Scaldingly hot microwaved food seems to be the order of the day. God help you if you arrive after 8.30pm and expect to be served food. He'll give a glance at his watch and you'll get an ominous scowl... OK, the beer is good, it's Palmers after all, but I'm left wondering what casual visitors to the village must make of this encounter with the antithesis of dorset hospitality.
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Nice country pub in a pleasant location but...lacklustre Palmers beer and take care the bar man doesn't short change you.
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I visited this pub again on 16th may 2010 and the two old chaps behind the bar were a grumpy and miserable as ever! I'm sure Ken Dodd reeling off jokes in person in front of them would have no impact whatsoever!
BUT it is a lovely pub, spotlessly clean, great beer at competitive prices and very good food served by cheerful staff. What more could a pub-goer want?!
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Stopped by here for the first time today. Looking at earlier reviews, I'm not altogether surprised that other customers found the landlord "grumpy". I would agree about the "dismissive attitude". Good beer, but not a welcoming landlord. I doubt I will make the effort to come back. Pity.
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PALMERS, get rid of the landlords sharpish!
It is a real shame that the pub is run by these two because it could be so much more. The food is actually quite good & the waiting service is friendly & attentive. I love the old thatched building, (17th century?) and the log burning fire makes for a cosy warm atmosphere. As we have not lived in the village for long, speaking with my neighbours confirms our initial thoughts that these two have ruined what was once a thriving village pub. The landlord has not been as rude to me as others on here suggest, but it is obvious he has an arrogant, dismissive attitude. Instead of just popping along, (one minute walk) we would rather drive to the Crown in Uploders or the White Horse, Litton Cheney. Sort it out Palmers, this could be an amazing public house with the right management.
Winny - 25 Dec 2009 13:02 |
We visited The Crown again for drinks and I must agree with other comments that the taller of the two old chaps behind the bar is very grumpy indeed! I did my best to make him smile but nothing! Maybe that's all part of the character of the pub! I have to wonder why people choose to work in a business such as running a pub when they have the personality of a wet dishcloth.
That said it is a lovely old pub with a roaring fire and very good food and beer and I would definitely recommend it - why not call and see if you can make the landlord smile!
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During a very pleasant weekend staying in the village we visited the Crown twice.
On both occasions the beer was excellent, particularly the Palmers "200" and the food, when we ate on the Saturday, was enjoyed by us all.
As on both evenings the bar staff were chatty and friendly, the landlord equally hospitable and the chef going out of his way to ensure that those who were eating were enjoying their food, I find the previous two comments surprising. However, the fact that they were both posted within 72 hours of each other by single post reviewers does hint at a slight axe grinding exercise.
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I think that the reviewer below should count himself lucky as at least he only spent a couple of minutes in the pub! I went there last Saturday but certainly won't bother coming back.
The landlord/manager had clearly studied hard at the Basil Fawlty School of Management. Blunt and dismissive to staff and customers alike I really wonder why he chooses to work in a country pub where a friendly and open disposition is essential. A question about which ale was least hoppy was met with a disinterested shrug and when I asked for another glass of wine (and apologised) just as he had gone over to the cash register he let out a sigh that reminded me of the old steam trains!
Its a real shame, as the food was fine and the beer was great but unfortunately when you're served by someone so rude and inhospitable it sours the whole experience.
There are lots of nice pubs nearby so don't bother stopping in at this one unless of course you want to see the Fawlty style landlord in action!
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RUDE LANDLORDS.
Well my mother and various friends that live in the Bride Valley have warned me that this pub is best avoided due to the rude, obnoxious landlords / two old men that appear to run this establishment. Unfortunately we received a demostration of this...arrived Sunday evening on a bank holiday at 2045 and immediately asked one of the staff if food was still being served as it was getting late, as the answer was yes we went to the bar ordered some drinks and asked for the menu. The snapped reply was "kitchen closed", after mentioning we had checked this with a colleague he then shouted at the other old barman and asked if they were still doing food, obviously the same answer was passed to us so I said we probably didn't want the drinks..."fine, you can b.u.gger off then" as he shut off all the taps.
I find it amazing that a pub can be so rude, especially during a bank holiday weekend when you would think they would be keen to book as much revenue as possible.
However I guess when you are lucky enough to have a campsite round the corner you can treat people as you wish as you are not considering local, return custom.
Shame as it is a reasonable building they have.
The Palmer brothers really need to change these guys out.
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A lovely country pub well worth finding - excellent welcome, decor and food with fair priced main courses, but the soup and sweet prices are excessive in these recessionary times.
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The Crown reopened on the 11th November 2008, with new management installed.
The comments I posted on the 30th May still apply. Good pub food, nice atmosphere and good value. The new landlords are very welcoming and we were pleased to see that the new decoration has retained it's country pub attraction.
We can still recommend a visit.
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It seems to me that "anonymous" went to the wrong village or even the wrong pub!
The Crown has great food, nice atmosphere and is good value.
Tel John that John said so.
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Possibly the worst food I have ever had at a pub..had to add salt and pepper to a thai red curry (usualy hot!) to get any taste. Partially redeemed by superb Palmers beer.
anonymous - 31 Oct 2007 20:30 |
The Crown is what a pub should be. It is friendly. welcoming, utterly unpretentious. The food is exceptional, the ale well kept. I've not often felt more at home in a country pub as I did here. Accommodation is comfortable, if not elegant.
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very nice village pub well worth a visit food great
nice garden
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