Salt N Sugar in Harrogate

We have regularly visited the Crown since it reopened. We booked a table for lunch at 1230 and arrived on time. The car park was full and so our first mistake was not to turn round and go somewhere else. We walked through the door to find a mass of people blocking the way to the bar, obviously a private party. Our second mistake was not to turn round and go somewhere else. We finally found our way behind the bar so we could get to our table. We introduced ourselves to a harassed waitress who said that she would be with us as soon as she could. We should have turned round and left. We sat at our table and were ignored for 15 minutes until we grabbed a passing waiter and ordered drinks which did arrive. 10 minutes later we got some menus and the private party had moved into their private room so that we could finally have a look at the specials board. 15 minutes later I went in search of someone to take an order from us. There was no-one around, they were all serving the private party. Finally when we heard starters being served to them we had the attention of the waitress. We asked her for the bill so we could pay for our drinks and leave, she assured us that as the private party had been served their starters our order would go straight through. We then heard main courses being served to the private party. 30 minutes later we still had received no food, I sought out the waitress and said that we were leaving to be told, truthfully, that our food was on its way. When it came the food was fine. We abandoned any hope of getting a pudding or coffee, paid our bill and left. I have never before not paid for service but I just could not bring myself to. I'm sure that a large party of diners is of value mid week to a restaurant like this but if you take a booking like that don't take other bookings that you can't cope with. If you do and then realise the mistake do something about it. Offer cold starters to keep other diners going or offer a free glass of wine or, at least tell the truth and apologise when things have gone so badly wrong. None of that happened. I'm not sure that we will be going back.

Really sad to hear that this place is closing, still felt that I wanted to rate my experience even so. We went on Thursday and it was closing down in the Sunday. Special thanks to Alina who really took care of us and it was great to hear most of the staff are moving on to other venues. I look forward to visiting a new premises here should one open! Good luck to all the staff ❤️ As always the food and drinks were amazing and gluten free options were great.