Crown Hotel in Harrogate

Me and my partner stayed in the area and booked in here for an evening meal last week. What a lovely pub. The owner was very friendly and welcoming. The open fire was just what we needed after a day of walking. The fish pie was delicious. My partner enjoyed the lamb shank. Would definitely recommend people eating here .

Lovely country hotel/pub in the Yorkshire dales. Very friendly owners and staff. Dog friendly. Great food. Best Sunday lunch we’ve ever had in a pub! Go hungry very generous portions!

This is a first class friendly pub with excellent beer and superb food. My wife and I accompanied by our young and lively golden retriever have spent our last two evenings in this wonderful pub. Nothing is too much trouble for the folk who run it and the atmosphere and friendliness will be enough to take us back to Lofthouse.

We chose The Crown as the venue for our seniors villag outing from Kirkby Malzeard. There were twenty two of us and we used the big dining room. We had a truly admirable Christmas lunch; turkey with all the trimmings, and mince pies and wensleydale cheese to finish. The meal was beautifully home cooked with very generous portions. Clive served us all with his signature unhurried laid back style. All in all everyone had a really enjoyable time with delicious food. Many thanks to all at the Crown. This may become a yearly outing!

I had to laugh reading the last negative review. I was having drinks with my nieces when the hen party arrived, who were in fact in my opinion very drunk and abusive. I do not post often on TA but having spent my time working in hospitality for many years I don’t blame the owners for turning them away. I had a feeling they might post a bad review hence me posting my own experience. I had a great meet and greet on arrival by the two ladies behind the bar and we were made to feel most welcome. The food was excellent. It takes a while for the food to come and the waitress did say explain that but everything is homemade and cooked fresh, no frozen veg here! The veggie lasagne was a hit with my nieces and I had their fish lemon sole and caper special. You do have to book to reserve a table as they don’t have many tables and it gets busy with diners.

Would not entertain this pub at all. We we're staying local for a social gathering and called into the pub on the afternoon of 19.08.23 and asked if they did meals on the night, they were very happy to advise us of their menu and looked forward to us going back. We returned later that night and asked for a table for 7 of us which they looked at us and as we had hen party badges etc on said no tables left, fully booked. Which they definately were not. We left and on the way out one of the locals politely told us to F.. Off. We were a group of 7, 1 male and 6 females aged from 30 to 60 none of us had been drinking. Such a lovely way to make strangers welcome would avoid this pub like a plague. Went to the same named pub up the road at middlesmoor and totally different staff and welcome.

Puzzled by the negative reviews as our experience was excellent. The food is high quality bar food and cooked from scratch, so it does take a while to come, but it is worth the wait. Owners and locals were incredibly friendly. A proper country pub with labradors included.

We called in The Crown on Friday 28th April, whilst on a visit to relative in the area for light lunch. There we were warmly welcomed by both bar staff and local residents, plus beautiful Labradors..one a delightful friendly puppy. A plus being my son was allowed to take in his two dogs too. The sandwiches we were served by a roaring fire were absolutely delicious as was the alcohol. Long time since I enjoyed such relaxing atmosphere..

Visited the Crown for Sunday lunch. The pub is really cosy with a roaring fire. We were warmly welcomed & shown our table in the very pleasant dining room. The food and wine were excellent, just couldn’t fault either, well priced too. There was a good choice on the menu of traditional food. We all had roast beef & Yorkshire Pudding & everything was freshly cooked. It was really delicious. The atmosphere was great & enhanced by the background music which was lovely mellow jazz. All of the staff were friendly too. We stayed ages & didn’t really want to leave. Can highly recommend, we’ll certainly go back when we return to beautiful Nidderdale Valley.

Highly recommended. We came in after a walk and found a bar where time has stood still - in a good way. Traditional customer service and classic meals. Clive was an attentive, warm host. The Black Sheep was brilliantly kept. Our food - beef stew and fish and chips - was delicious and well presented. I can’t remember the last time I had a linen napkin in a bar! The Crown Hotel was an unexpected delight.

We arrived with about 5 mins to spare before the kitchen had officially closed (according to sign outside), but asked politely if they could accomodate the 8 of us, which they did. Food and service was amazing. Thankyou

We went here for a meal after doing an activity at the nearby gorge. There was 8 of us and we didn't know the area. We were just past last orders for lunch but thankfully the chef agreed to cook for us. We all thourghly enjoyed our meals and the service we received was great. The dogs wandering around the pub was an added bonus for us as we all love dogs. The locals were very friendly and were chatting to us and even taking group photos for us. I would most definitely return. Thanks

Unfriendly welcome . We arrived to 2 dogs loose barking aggressively at us. One of them had cocked their leg up the wall. Then bar staff saying don’t worry they just like to bark. Dogs apparently live here and roam freely. One came and barked at us again in the beer garden, no-one with it or controlling it. End of the road - last pub in the valley?

I stayed here 5 nights in April 2022 and 4 nights in May while working in the area. The room was warm comfortable and cosy, the bar menu is excellent washed down with great ale. A genuine village pub packed with locals aswell as visitors. The breakfast is to die for. Either the full English or kippers, both best in class as far as I’m concerned. John who runs the place is a great chef. The quality of his vegetables are amazing. It is great value for money and I look forward to my next visit.

Dined here recently and it was overall very disappointing. The whole place has an overwhelming stench of stale cooking oil which is off-putting from the outset. We then were told that our first two food choices and first wine choice were no longer available. We plumped for fish and chips but it was both greasy and tasted of the stale oil. All in all its very poor. The Sportsman's Arms just a short drive away is far superior. Dine there instead

Arriving at 3pm, as a group of five, for a drink and the potential of a meal. We were told we couldn't order until 5pm, accepting that and stating that's fine, we will wait and ordered drinks. A friend politely asked what flavour crisps they had, Clive's response " You may as well go to the Cafe round the corner, rather than inflict yourself on me " After receiving our drinks, I politely asked for a menu to look at for 5pm, to be told we are fully booked, after we had openly discussed infront of Clive, that we would wait the two hours. We removed ourselves from the bar, to chat with the other half of our group, one of our group sat at an empty table. The rest of us stood, Clive then came into the room and shouted at my friend that was sat down, that he could not sit there and to bugger off, just bugger off! We were all in complete shock. As we left a member of our group asked Clive for an apology, which he refused. We did go the cafe at Howe Stean Gorge and were welcomed, the girls in there were fantastic and I recommend you stay clear of an abusive Clive for the friendly service and great food at How Stean. Whilst we were at the Crown Hotel for the short time, Clive happily downed two pints whilst working!

We were booked into an Airbnb near the area and knocked late on Tuesday. We didn’t know the pub was closed. The owner however opened the bar for us and didn’t bat an eyelid when we said we had no cash at the time. (We came back with the money the next day!) Enough has been said about the fabulous black Labrador who gave us company along with the owners family. I don’t know about the racism allegations in some reviews. All I can say is we were a mixed group of Asians / Spanish and Irish and it is not something we noted. In fact the owner complemented me (I’m south Asian) on my (incongruous) deerstalker stating that, as being the only reason he couldn’t say no to opening the bar😂. It’s small things like these that make trips memorable. Our thanks sir!

We visited The Crown for lunch before a walk. The food was absolutely gorgeous, all freshly cooked and served. It’s also very reasonably priced. I had one of the specials which was pan fried hake on a bed of creamed leeks. My husband had haddock and chips. We sat in front of a roaring fire in the cosy bar. The landlady is lovely, and so is her Labrador Ronnie. I think Ronnie and I bonded after a bit of shyness on his part. He is adorable. We were given some useful information about walks in the area by the landlady. I would have no hesitation in recommending it, and would definitely go there again. The surrounding Nidderdale countryside is absolutely stunning, so although it’s a little off the beaten track, it’s well worth a visit.

We walked in to this cosy pub, fire burning and were welcomed by Clive-friendly and funny! The food was amazing. The atmosphere was warm and friendly. A great night was had by all.

Atmosphere was great we did read a couple of reviews before we went but it was fantastic. Lovely open fires, Landlord was very helpful and went out of his way to accommodate us. The food was superb and you can tell it was made from...

Landlord is rude Has a Golliwog on display behind the bar Toilet is 3rd world fly ridden midden outside This kind of behaviour needs to exposed and has no place in England

Hotel completing renovations. Had a choice of 2 bedrooms, both spacious and recently refurbished to a high standard with quality fixtures and fittings. Lovely old building with high ceilings and lots of charm and character. Comprehensive breakfast menu. Restaurant menu also very good and cooked...

Clive the landlord is lovely. Wonderful food and fantastic atmosphere. A real traditional English pub, complete with open fireplace. This is my favourite hostelry in Yorkshire and I am really looking forward to my next visit.

First time I've been in the place for over 50 years but still a village pub thank god. Late lunch time visit so checked sandwiches were still available and ok took a bit of time in coming but this is not a fast food garbage...

Can't believe it hasn't been mentioned in many other reviews but there is a Golliwog doll behind the bar. One review mentioned it in October 2020 but clearly the owners don't think it's anything to be ashamed of and remove from the premises.

Called in for 2 pints of lime and soda - landlord wasn’t particularly friendly until we came to pay and were charged £8 for the 2 lime and sodas!!! Absolute rip off! It probably accounts for the Bentley and Maserati with personalised number plates parked...

Called in for a pint of lime and soda as not a drinker charged £3 on Sunday then £2 on Monday .Just noticed as had no wi fi there

A very friendly staff and crowd especially the landlord Clive. The food is a gastronomic delight and reasonably priced.

Lovely friendly landlord, fantastic pub, great food, smart dining room or old fashion bar, we have been here several times and have never been disappointed. Look forward to our next visit

Great good .. there’s no starters on the menu.. & there’s a good reason for this…. The portions are huge!!! We got chicken & ham pie & a rump steak Home cooked chips We stupidly asked for a side portion of onion rings & some...

We are local but our friends come from out of Nidderdale,we arranged to meet for lunch and went to the Crown,we had a lovely meal in a nice relaxed atmosphere.Thankyou for your excellent service ,food and welcome,we will definitely be back.

Friendly service, fine cask ales and a very good meal. We had beef-in-beer. and chicken and ham pie, both excellent with good portions. Vegetables obviously freshly cooked to best restaurant standard. The generous puddings (especially the fruit-cake and Wensleydale cheese) rounded off this good meal...

We were walking the Nidderdale way and drenched to the bone. We arrived in and checked tat he the landlord was happy for us to walk in the bar with our boots on. He said no problem as long as not mudd and just water....

We arrived five minutes before the end of lunch service and there was nothing snacky on the menu for me as I am GF. But instead they made me 2 baked potatoes with cheese and salad. The cheese tasted of cheese - so far so...

We loved this place. Just a regular, friendly, welcoming pub. We had a wonderful meal and found the staff to be very attentive and the locals were very hospitable. There was a lovely roaring fire, and the food was wholesome and really tasted homemade. There were three ales on offer when we visited and the 2/3 we tasted were in excellent condition.We have noted a small number of negative reviews on here which we cannot understand based on our own firsthand experience. This place is honest and real and needs to be cherished.

This was supposed to be a Ploughman's, no cheese, no pie, no chutney, stale bread, dreadful salad. Utter waste of £10. Gutted was an understatement.

Popped into this very traditional pub after a walk. Service was good and the beer excellent.Then we saw a golly doll perched on the whisky optic. Now, I'm not sure how long it's been there or why on earth anyone who runs/staffs this place thinks that this is acceptable in 2020.In my experience those who display these objectifying and reprehensible items do so in order to demonstrate some warped concept of 'freedom'.sickening really. I didn't say anything because, quite frankly, I shouldn't have to. I'm not sure whether they welcome all regardless of skin tone or heritage. Let's hope someone from this place reads this and makes the right decision.

Me and my friend took the kids to studfold campsite for the wkend and were met with nothing but a warm friendly welcome from staff and locals alike in this oldie worldie Dales pub. We enjoyed drinks in the lovely beer garden so much we spent 2 afternoons here. We didnt eat unfortunately so cannot comment on the food, but the bacon fries were very tasty Haha. Will definitely return when in the area

Don't often write reviews but had to comment on the delicious Sunday lunch enjoyed last Sunday at the Crown it was truly one of the best I have ever had, perfect roast potatoes & Yorkshire puds loads of fresh vegetables and the Beef tender and pink absolutely scrummy all washed down with a delicious large Merlot.We will return!

As a family of four staying at the local campsite with another family of four we booked a table (told it would HAVE to be 7.30pm). On arrival we were seated in a large room with 7 other large tables all of which where empty, possibly this should have told us something. So the problems started. When we asked for a childrens menu we were told they don't have one and the owner was not willing to help and children would have to order a main meal (£13-£20). Having ordered we waited over an hour for the food to arrive (bearing in mind there was no other customers in the room). There was no apology just a grumbling man who brought 1 plate at time, which was almost too much trouble or an inconvenience to him. Furthermore were at no point checked as to how our food was, which was average.Having had to go and find a member of staff to ask for the bill at the end of the meal the nothing but sum of £96.60 was scribbled on a small bit of paper. Again we had to go and find someone to pay, which was an inconvenience as this interrupted him drinking a pint whilst talking to the locals (4 people sat by the bar).With the presence of Covid, not one member of staff wore any form of PPE, no hand gel or cleaning products although they social distancing down to a tee with the lack of service. Having worked as a chef and in the hospitality industry the service was shocking and could only be described as faulty towers without the any of the humor!In summary our experience was of horrendous service, unwelcoming and even more so of children, long wait for average food. My opinion would be to drive a little further down the road or take more food if staying at the campsite.Andy

We stopped here for lunch on Saturday after a long walk, we were able to take our two dogs in with us, we had a lovely lunch next to a roaring fire, the scampi and chips were gorgeous, the chips are lovey and well done. The bar was very busy but the lady behind the bar was really friendly and welcoming even though she was rushed off her feet. We will definitely going again!

This place is simply amazing. It has a great roaring fire in the bar room, serves fantastic sandwiches with fillings of excellent quality, chips to die for, oh and the beer is excellent. Always call in here after a walk in Nidderdale, generally at lunchtime. The staff are very welcoming, though the land lord can be a bit up front at times....don't ask for a hot drink or a glass of water!!!!It is a great favourite of ours and when in doubt where to go, we head up to Lofthouse.

Had a wonderful meal today with friends gammon,egg,chips and sausages and vegetable lasagne Wonderful sweets and coffee. Host and hostess great. Atmosphere very cosy and welcoming. Definitely will go back again

Called in for a pint and a tea, only to be told if you want tea go up the road to the cafe, we don’t do tea.Just be warned, ‘we don’t do hot drinks’.Oh and take cash if you don’t want to avoid an embarrassing moment ‘we don’t do cards for small change’.Good roaring fire and the food looked good.as we looked back on leaving without a drink or something to eat.The Landlord is right , Howe Stein Gorge Cafe make tea and serve you with a smile.

This pub is what it is and it isn’t afraid of being just that. In the winter there is a roaring fire, a great pint of Ale and large quantities of home cooked pub grub. It’s not for everyone, but if this is what you like, you will love it.

Ignore negative reviews!!! this was a spur of the moment decision too hot to keep walking so did the next best thing went to the pub!! very warm welcome from the lady on duty decided to have a drink and some food.Nothing too much trouble and decided to have the crab,prawn and avocado salad and the ham salad.We were not disappointed the crab and prawns were to die for not to mention the hand carved ham incredible value and service we will be back.Reggie the black lab what a cracking dog brilliant experience you must go!!!!!

The food was excellent, they only downfall was there was a group of us and they would only accept one card...but will defo go again

Called in here when out walking. Had a round of drinks, sat outside. Asked if we could get some bowls of chips, was told they didn't serve chips without a meal, but they had bar snack like crisps. Asked what flavour crisps they had. None?!? Relieved I didn't eat there, as when we left the back way (footpath), got a look at the kitchen door, outside which is an open dog pen. Kitchen door filthy/smeared with dirt.

Called in for lunch and had a fantastic meal. And service was typically Yorkshire - very welcoming!!

Definitely cooked to order. Great home cooked food. Large portions. Friendly staff. Food took a while to arrive but the excellent beer was a good distraction.

We were staying just over the road in an excellent cottage and called into the Crown for a pint after a heavy day sight-seeing in the area. We got a warm welcome with good ales and friendly service. A lovely warm fire was welcome on a chilly evening. On our final night in the area we had a birthday meal there. A very hearty meal was enjoyed by all. The hake was a goodly size and my rump was soft as butter and delicious. Dog friendly as well. we'll be back, thank you.

Popped in here after a long walk with muddy boots and soggy soggy! Was made to feel really welcome. Good beer and menu looked good. I didn’t eat but food on the next table looked tasty. Landlady was extremely friendly. Would definitely return.

What a great pub, excellent beer amazing real fire and lovely hand carved ham with real chips Landlord has great character aswell

Staying in Lofthouse for Christmas, popped to the Crown for tea. Made to feel welcome as well as our dogs. Food is excellent, proper home cooked food. Portions are generous and Land Lady made us feel welcome. Would highly recommend.

We have been coming to this pub for a number of years and have always found the food delicious and huge portions. The gammon and eggs is the best ever. This is a good old fashioned pub that is unique. The staff and locals are always friendly and we will hopefully still keep coming for a lot more years

A chain pub this most certainly isn’t. Yes, the landlord’s a bit quirky, but nowhere near as unfriendly as some of the other miserable reviews suggest. The dog is not aggressive - it just barks like dogs do when people approach. And yes, they don’t serve tap water!! And why should they? - they need to make a living, it’s not a community centre. I asked as part of a dare from my friends (having read the previous reviews) and got the same response to stand outside in the rain with a glass! I ordered a pint instead :)

Gorgeous home produced food but massive portions , we discovered later we could have asked for half portions. We tried beer battered haddock ( lovely) , beef stew ( gorgeous) and sausage and chips ( 5 stars). No room for puddings. Service was a bit slow as a one man kitchen but definitely worth waiting for. 10 drinks, 5 adult meals just over £80 so good value.

After being greeted by quite an aggressive dog outside, we went straight to our reserved table where the children sat quietly and started to play a game of uno. At the bar I ordered a glass of wine, a G&T; and water for the kids. That’s when it all went wrong. “You are in the wrong place if you want water.”

If you want fast food and service do not go to this fantastic pub!

Good local pub with great food. The portions are massive and are at a reasonable price. It is a little small and can get very busy. The only thing that lets it down is the decor, as its an 80's throw back and the decor has seen better days but dont let that deter you.

My wife and toddler were staying about 20 mins drive away and decided to give the Crown a shot since it was the only reasonably near place we thought suitable for our toddler. We drove round the car park off the 'main' road and were met with a loud aggressive dog barking at the car. We sat in the car for a few minutes hoping someone inside would take interest but no luck. I thought maybe it was a friendly dog but upon exiting the car, it started to lower its head a growl profusely. Unfortunately, still no-one inside taking notice. We were the only car in the car park so I'm guessing the dog must have belonged to the owners or someone in the hotel, in which case the hotel / bar staff should really be taking a dog like this elsewhere. We ended up giving up and driving to Pateley Bridge.

Very friendly lady at the bar. Good Yorkshire banter!

We visited as a family of four intending to order an evening meal after arriving at the nearby campsite earlier in the day. We had been advised to get there early so we arrived just before 7pm. There were plenty of other people waiting for the pub to open when we arrived but we managed to get a table.

Cycled up the valley today and stopped off at The Crown. Unfortunately we were half an hour too late for lunch. The staff were very friendly (and apologetic that the kitchen was shut) and the landlord keeps a well looked after pint

absolutely fantastic place to stay room was fab spacious en suite beautiful very clean no complaints and the food is cooked fresh while you wait absolutely great value for money top ales served too and the people who run it are fantastic some real good banter with all involved would definitely recommend staying here a fantastic place to stay and eat

It amazes me that in the fine dining establishments in Harrogate, one often gets served with shrivelled up garnish on the plate. Not here; crisp fresh salad garnish on the plate adds to the quality ingredients of a traditional home-cooked menu, and chips like my grandad used to make. Fantastic. The pub itself has a decor from another era, just as the landlord prefers, but you won't find any dirt or dust unless you bring it in on your boots! Had a Sunday lunch and just managed to get the last table - speaks for itself - served with a full quota of your five-a-day! Been coming here for over ten years and its always the same. Good banter and anecdotes aplenty from the landlord and son mean you leave with a smile as well as a full stomach.

Visited early evening, family of four adults, two grandparents, two parents, and two extremely well behaved quiet children. Pub was nearly empty in the bar, and we were the only people on arrival sitting in back room (dirty table, worn table mats, scratched table, dust everywhere, dirty carpets). However had visited many times before and actually liked the general Dales traditional pub ambience.

Varied menu, good food and plenty of it. Friendly staff, very happy for dogs to visit. Lovely local pub, we were made very welcome. Excellent Theakstons ale

Never have I been made to feel so welcome so soon after entering a pub. Its a Yorkshire locals pub, and is great for it. There was a fantastic coal fire burning in the hearth, great beer, and amazing simple hearty food, all at great value prices. Its real charm is the friendliness of all the hosts, and they love dogs! A real treat!

We visited today, over the top with perilous roads and beautiful views and snow. Stopped for some lunch and I have to say it was fabulous!

We called in to the pub for a drink after a long hike in the local area. As it was a cold December day we were looking forward to some refreshments before we set off on our long journeys back home in the dark. Disappointingly, we were not made welcome in this pub. The staff (presumably the landlord) were rude and ignorant to the point at which they just ignored us. Our crime? Asking for a pint and a coffee. The coffee was obviously the tipping point. We never got to request any other drinks because the staff just blanked us.

I popped into The Crown for a rewarding pint after a bare-knuckle drive down from the moors - it is easier to arrive from Pateley Bridge, but less fun! The beer was excellent as was the substantial sandwich with thick slices of ham and a nicely presented salad. Great value. The other lunchtime dishes looked very good but a bit large for my lunchtime habits. There were smiling faces but no rumbling tums in this cosy bar! You can nip a pinch of snuff for after, if you like.Behind the bar, Jonathan was a star - a Yorkshire diamond uncut and warmingly friendly. I loved the relaxed service and was really impressed by how easily he took in his stride a request for a Rock Shandy and a vegan lunch. Is he the prototype Yorkshireman? Wonderful!

First time in the beer was great. Second time in, just the same. Went in for a meal on a Friday night and the beer again was good.

The pub is old fashioned but this just adds to the charm of the place. The atmosphere is welcoming and the staff very friendly. The food is basic pub grub very tasty and good portions just what you want after doing walk during the day.

Superb family run pub with room. Full of character. Genuine people. Wonderful beer and great home cooked food. An oasis in the North Yorkshire. Not to be missed.