What People are saying
Gives Fawlty Towers a run for its money. AVOID.
LM W on 19/07/2017 02:12
A very pretty village, old pub - accommodation really not up to scratch.
One doesn't expect Dorchester standards in a village pub but this place is beyond the pale. Was not welcomed by Landlord - merely tolerated would be about right, moaned about how ill he was and didn't offer to carry case upstairs. Stairs to accommodation very grubby and not a good first impression. Room 4: dusty (but sheets were clean, altho' mattress was thin and poor), large crack (over 1 inch) in one corner of bedroom wall, lots of cobwebs over the bed, room only serviced one day despite being there 3 nights. A dirty, torn single mattress on the landing outside the room added nothing to the ambience. Room was very noisy - could hear every word of conversations in the bar below when loud music was not playing, when it was couldn't hear anything but that. Loo was one of the electric type - it started making a horrendous noise at 5am one morning - went on for over half an hour - this needs sorting out. When I returned to the room on Sunday evening the bed had not been made and bathroom not done, hospitality tray not re-filled. Waited for ages for a meal in the bar on first evening (didn't risk it on 2nd & 3rd. Landlord's stinking yappy dog at my feet for breakfast on two mornings - not the dog's fault but landlord needs to do something about it, eg train it, bathe it, or keep it out of breakfast room.
On the day I was leaving I wanted to load car before breakfast (said to be served at 7.30) - couldn't get out to car because front door & side gate locked, was told key fob should have opened gate - it didn't (I tried six times) had to bang on what I worked out was landlord's door at 7.45 - he eventually opened it wearing a bathrobe (this was after I'd rung the contact bell on the landing more than once). When I asked for the bill he made it up for full amount - I felt I had to say I expected a deduction for that day's non-existent breakfast.
The village is beautiful and I had a lovely time seeing friends, but the accommodation was a big let down. When I next visit I'll stay at the nearest Premier Inn/ Days Inn or similar establishment - it couldn't be worse than The Crown with Mr Grumps, old inns can be quaint, pretty and delightful - this was none of those things. £80 a night for this level of service is far too much. A smile and a friendly word would have gone a long way but never saw or heard this.
Whoever gave this accommodation 3 stars needs to revisit and do a serious re-assessment. (Not sure why T/a asks about a 'free' breakfast - isn't free if it's included in the price.)
Avoid this place if you want just about reasonable standards.
Idyllic village setting
joannablatchley on 28/06/2017 17:41
The Crown is one of two old pubs in this beautiful village. We stayed 2 nights. The rooms were clean and comfortable and the owner (Alan) was friendly. There is a laid-back feeling - there's no housekeeping of the rooms (there might be if you stay longer, we didn't ask). The breakfast was excellent and freshly cooked. We also had dinner in the pub - also very good. The pub is well attended by local people in the evenings and there is a lively atmosphere. We joined in a pub quiz on one night of our stay. People chat to you and make you feel welcome.
Nice and Friendly
Travelbug860 on 23/05/2017 14:57
I booked Sunday lunch for a small group and despite having to keep changing the numbers and ending up with extras on the day, the landlord was really kind and unfazed about it. The menu choices were great - so often these days it is hard to get anything but a roast on a Sunday but even sandwiches were available. The lamb roast using local meat was delicious with a nice selection of vegetables. It was a busy weekend in the village but there was a welcome for all customers - and a good choice of ales. Genuine pub, genuine people. Nice.
Lovely stay in a great Location
crispey26 on 18/04/2017 20:47
Lovely stay in a great Location. Had a great few nights stay here last week. Food was good and staff were friendly. Room was clean and when I asked for an extra pillow one was provided by the manager. Great beers provided as well.
Value for money in quaint surroundings
Dennis B on 13/04/2017 16:40
This is not a Travel Lodge nor a Holiday Inn - It is a small village pub that provides a b&b facility. Don't stay here if you expect everything to be identical to everywhere else. It is a quirky village pub that has some bedrooms and a decent restaurant. The beer is cheap, the food good and the proprietor friendly. We had a great few days.