The Hand & Crown in East Hertfordshire

Good food, nice pub atmosphere,the only sli5turn off, service was slow due to lack of staff.

Table for four, nice food great service

Excellent service and excellent food cannot wait to go back.

On arrival, the staff greeted us warmly and promptly and showed us to our table. The initial impression of the pub is that it is dated decor wise and in need of a refresh. The toilets were clean but again dated, and the open side room containing stock and freezers was visible upon entry and could have done with the door being closed. This first impression was soon contradicted by attentive and polite waiting staff and prompt serving of our order during a very busy lunchtime. The menu is varied, but its laminated format does not do credit to the quality of the dishes offered. The table and chairs would benefit from replacement with maybe some eclectic bistro style furniture. We had the crayfish baguette with chips, which was available on white or brown bread, and the smoked haddock with mashed potato in a leek and chive sauce with a poached egg. There is an option to add bacon as well. The baguette was substantial and contained a generous amount of large tasty crayfish without too much mayo. The chips were chunky and fluffy. Although a bit of salad, eg rocket, would have been nice too. The haddock dish was again substantial, generously proportioned, well executed, and repleat with great flavours. We had a glass of white wine and a pint of beer, which were good and reasonably priced. A double espresso was had at the end of the meal and served in the correct and warmed cup and saucer. Overall, the food was very good and represented good value for money, but the physical environment could do with an update. It's definitely worth a visit, and we shall return for an encore.

Made a reservation booking which cost £20 . Got the bill paid it. When I looked at bank statement there were 2 transactions. One for the food and one for the reservation I was under the impression that the £20 would have been taken off the bill. This did not happen. So check your bill carefully when making a reservation.

Nothing special it is a pub but restaurant prices a very small cod £18 would not be going back

Excellent lunch - main courses come in two sizes, (slightly) smaller size being "dessert friendly". A great idea. The restaurant was fairly busy so it was a little noisy but the fact that it was busy tells you a lot about the place. We will go again, definitely.

Smoked haddock was great but Cajun chicken pasta was immensely over spiced so overall a poor choice.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | The Hand and Crown, High Wych: Our Forever Favourite Ah, The Hand and Crown- the ultimate go-to with my best friend, and for very good reason. The food? Exceptional. The atmosphere? Welcoming and warm. The service? Always amazing. I have my absolute favourite - the goat’s cheese salad (perfection), but honestly, everything I’ve tried here has been delicious. It’s always busy (because clearly, everyone else has caught on), yet somehow, they always find space for us. Pricing is very reasonable, which is dangerous because it means we inevitably stay for hours, eating, drinking, and solving the world’s problems one chat at a time. Lunch here is fabulous, and when the restaurant service winds down, the place takes on a beautifully tranquil vibe - ideal for lingering with a drink in hand. The outdoor space is perfect in summer, and they’ve even got two igloos for cosy alfresco dining when the weather isn’t playing nice. Parking? Easy. Popular? Massively. Would I recommend? Without hesitation. This place deserves its reputation.

First time I've been here in years! We sat outside, very muddy with a very muddy and noisy dog. There were dog bowls of water outside and the staff were amazing with my dog but I'm not sure if they are dog friendly inside (the only reason I've taken a star off but I will add 5th star if I find out it is) As soon as I walked in I was greeted really nicely by staff who took my order straight away and brought everything out to us happily. The manager was great, a natural people person and you could see mostly all the other customers were regulars and they adored him and he remembered every one of them, he held doors open, smiled constantly, helped people into their pods in the garden (really want to book one of those!) The girls on bar were lovely aswell. We only got 2 beers and some starters and sides before our walk back but the food we did get was perfect and we both gasped at the chips because they were so crispy. Will come back! (Hopefully with the dog 🙏)

Lovely atmosphere, very attentive and polite staff that are good at their jobs! They knew all the allergens too which was reassuring for me as I can't have dairy or gluten. The food was lovely. I will be going back!

Good food, good service, friendly atmosphere, excellent I will be going back!

Lovely lunch in friendly comfortable surroundings. Super meal, could not recommend enough.. Great service from the team... and what great chefs they have.

We received a very warm welcome at this cozy inn. The varied choice on offer from main menu is excellent, lunch menu could be better. The portions are huge, I really enjoyed the seabass with prawns. There was no room for pud sadly, they looks delicious. The service was faultless. We are alredy planning our next visit.

I've never had such a mouth watering, delicious pork belly in my life. Compliments to the chef! Compliments to the owner. What a great place!! It's always our go to in the harlow, sawbridgworth, stortford area. Best in the whole of area in my opinion.

All over excellent service and atmosphere . Table service and personal touches good. Need to hold onto their chefs!!!!

Unfortunately I was, for the first time, disappointed on this visit. The prawn starter is listed as served with Chilli jam and advocado, arrived with little dots hardly noticeable and they were nowhere near as nice as they are usually, likewise the Seabass. Maybe a different Chef yesterday but very very different. The one star for atmosphere was given, not your fault at all, because of the 3 rowdy/men, not boys spoiling the ambience. Wasn’t addressed at all.

Over from Ireland to visit my family. Food and service second to non. Been here twice and would definitely re visit when I'm next over . Fantastic

About as close to perfection as it gets. Fresh, tasty food in a attractive venue with a great atmosphere. Special thanks to the two young ladies serving.

We come for a family meal/birthday the food was amazing. Loved how you could mix the specials and normal menu. They also didn’t mind the alterations to the meal and dessert. Darren was so friendly and took he’s time to talk to all of us my mum loved him. Given a nice table and didn’t feel rushed at all. Will definitely be coming back. Thank you

Popped in randomly when in the area for lunch. The food is exceptional! Staff are friendly. They were fully booked but accommodated us for an hour or so. Would definitely eat here again. Great selection of beers and non-alcoholics too

We visited this gorgeous pub last night we were a party of 10 women and were in a Dome in the garden. It was lovely, beautifully decorated, cosy with a blue tooth speaker provided for you to play your own music - perfect for a large group. Our waitress Lilly was brilliant, (very friendly, helpful, funny …..) bringing us all our drinks and delicious food - thank you! Lovely varied menu, good sized portions and food presented very well. Definitely recommend this pub.

Once again delicious food excellenty cooked.Arrive with a good appetite or you will struggle to get through the large portions of each course.Staff very friendly and accommodating.All in all a wonderful meal served with gusto.Book to avoid disappointment.

If you like good food and plenty of it and you live within 15 miles of Sawbridgeworth and have never been to the Hand and Crown you are missing out "Big Time". A substantial menu to cater for all tastes superbly cooked, cosy and great service. You will need to book as it is always full - and for good reason. Great service.

Food was excellent although very expensive. Reccomend for special occasion

Hi just popped in today a for a drink never been before but oh my word what a lovely pub Darren and the staff made us so welcome even if only for 15 minutes definitely will be coming back 😻😻😻🎄🎄🎄🎄

With only a couple of days to go before we leave the U.K. until after Christmas, another lunch at the Hand & Crown was a priority. And we weren’t disappointed! Friendly welcome, excellent service & ample portions of perfectly cooked & presented food was everything we expected & hoped for! We’ll be back in the New Year as soon as possible.

Hired a pod for my husbands birthday. Service and food were excellent and it was nice being in the pod too. Would recommend this pub. Will go again.

Had a wonderful evening with fabulous food. The staff were excellent and the owner Darren was a joy. He had time to chat and made us feel very welcome. We can't wait to go back. )That's if we can get booked) It was SO busy and everyone was enjoying their time there. Nice to see a bustling pub restaurant full up.

We booked the large dome out in the garden area which was magnificent (ensuring we were comfortable regardless of the weather) The food was excellent and the service even better, highly recommended 😀

Ate in a heat dome amazing could not fault the experience

Has a lovely evening. Our server was very good and all staff very attentive. Food lovely and piping hot.

Absolutely stunning food! The owner is lovely and the food has never ever disappointed. You go to a 5 star worthy place and you pay a reasonable price, it’s quaintly calm with a very lovely atmosphere… Does not come around often! Highly recommend!

Very disappointed. I think the pub has changed hands since we last visited 4 years ago. Menu certainly has, and the portion sizes have decreased. The staff were very friendly, polite and helpful, that was good. There were kids in the pub as well, which there never was before. The open fire has gone, replaced by artificial one, and it was very cold in there. The atmosphere was certainly not what it was, used to be warm, cosy and comfortable. From what I can remember you used to leave there feeling you had eaten well. I certainly didn't feel that this time and wont be returning.

Discovered this little pub when running a friend from the airport and so glad I did! Menu is traditional pub grub but huge portions and always really good. We happened to be in the area this weekend and thought it was a good place to take the in-laws and they loved it. They cater to dietary requirements like gluten free and veganism so you don’t need to fuss when bringing along friends etc too. Decor is a super cozy country pub and the staff are wonderful. We have a newborn and they were more than accommodating and kind. If you’re looking for a comfy place for a pint and some food with family, this place is perfect!

I've been to this pub a few times over the years and I've been very impressed with the food and overall atmosphere. We visited this evening and was very disappointed. They have now blocked in the frames between the booths making an already small space very claustrophobic. It was freezing when we arrived, so much that we had to ask for the heating to be put on, which to be fair the staff obliged and even offered me a blanket. Next, the last time we visited and all previous times, there was a policy in place that banned children from the place from 5pm, this was no longer in effect. So in turn, we were sandwiched between two grizzly, whiny children that shouldn't have been there, ipads on full volume blasting Cocomelon on repeat, absolutely unacceptable. The only reason we chose this pub was because it had this policy. We had come for a birthday meal and given the mature environment, expected adult company. If we had wanted to listen to crying and grizzling and wheels on the bus then we would have chosen a weatherspoons or a fast food resteraunt. On to the food, for the price we paid, it was awful. They were using cheap, miracle whip instead of mayonnaise, the 'large' portion was comparable to a child's meal. The chicken burger had been slapped together with hardly any salad, too much 'mayo' and an artifical tasting siracha flavouring added. However, the double beef burger was of good quality, could've done with more cheese though. The desserts were the highlight of the meal, tasty and boasting generous portions, it was a shame that the rest of the food wasn't the same. Lastly, the service. I cannot fault it, the young ladies and gentlemen were very helpful, visibly happy in their work and very friendly. They made us feel very welcome during our stay, I just wish that the food and atmosphere matched their enthusiasm. Overall, I won't be returning.

Great food lovely atmosphere didn't feel rushed at all.

Very pleasant lunchtime visit. Good food and generous portions with great service in a nice old pub atmosphere. Excellent thank you.

Top quality food and service. Had a meal here 2 days ago. The owner was very confident his food was the best. 👌he wasn't wrong, seriously impressed with quality for the price. Good portions. Would highly recommend and will return next week.

Really nice pup, the staff were very friendly and welcoming. The food was all delicious, especially the garlic mushrooms, smoke salmon parcel starter and lamb main. I would definitely recommend for a pub lunch.

Always fantastic food, never been let down. Been coming here for over 25 years.

Went to dinner for my birthday and everything from start to finish was superb, definitely will be coming back ❤️

Superb food as always and the service was fantastic, will be returning again very soon, definitely a must, bubble and squeak plus Liver and Bacon 👌 thank you

Great gastro pub food...normal portions are larger than average but they do a special smaller size to allow you to fit in a dessert! Great idea. We had a great lunch for 8 girls .

Great evening, fab food, portions and drinks for the 11 of us celebrating brother-in-law belated 60th due to pandemic. Super friendly service! Much enjoyed...👌🙂

Wonderful as always, the beef stroganoff is outstanding!

Amazing service and food, you can tell that much pride and love has gone into every aspects of this free house / restaurant.

Just been for dinner and a bottle of wine, all was great. The staff, the food, the price and the overall experience was superb

Came here for Sunday roast with my friend and it was a gorgeous little pub. We had Sunday roast beef, both of us loved the variety of vegetables provided. The only bit which we both commented on was the yorkshire puddings being a little too stodgy. But it wouldnt put us off going again.

Great food and very helpful and accommodating staff

Asked for my steak,very,very,very well done. It was cooked to perfection to my specification.

Great food, great service, and great atmosphere. The only thing to warn people of is the MASSIVE portion sizes! 😂👍 We were a last-minute booking of seven for a lunch sitting. Half of the group were foreign and wanted to try British food. They were not disappointed. I will be back but I promise to book next time!

First time visit and was pleasantly surprised how good the food was, the portion sizes were more than adequate and the staff were very efficient and friendly. If I lived nearer, I would definitely visit regularly. Well worth a visit.

We had a lovely lunch food and service was good, but when I asked about where the disabled toilet was they didn’t have one so we had to leave to find one as my husband had recently had a knee operation and was not able to use a normal toilet. Very disappointing as I thought it was a legal requirement to have some form of facility for the disabled.

Travelled from Hoddesdon to The Hand and Crown and what a pleasant surprise for Sunday lunch all staff and the Host are at top of there game ,can't wait to go back!!!! FABULOUS!!!!!

What a fantastic place. Price, quality, staff, food (yum). All the staff here have such a great disposition. Whoever runs this place, give yourself a pat on the back. I’d heard it was good, but wasn’t expecting that good!! Thank you. See you again very soon 😎

What a pleasure! Rarely (sadly) do we go to many places these days where I’m so incredibly impressed with the courtesy of service and consideration shown. Incredibly grateful for the warmth & kindness received. The food was lovely & all made fresh on site. The chicken & avocado wrap and chocolate brownie sundae were particular winners with our daughter. Thank you so much 😊

Great service, very welcoming and friendly. Food really good quality.

Managed to get a table for 2 from a walk in. Food was fantastic as always along with the service. Great value for money and good portion sizes!

We popped in not knowing the area or the pub at all. It was friendly, clean and cosy. Good prices, good size portions and didn’t have to wait long to get our food. The food was really tasty, especially the chips. I would definitely recommend.

All good. Plus plenty of parking and outdoor seating.

Just stopped for lunch with the kids because we're camping down the road. Genuine 10/10 pub lunch! They were fully booked (and I'm not surprised having eaten there), but they happily accommodated us in the garden. Lovely people, wonderful food for both kids and adults, massive portions, fair prices. What's not to like?! So good that we'll definitely make the drive up from East London to visit again one day soon. Cheers!

Fantastic service above all else and sublime food. Thank you..

I was taken out by my family last night for a meal and ordered a small fish and chips it was a disgrace I was given 2 very small pieces of fish about 1 inch a few chips and a big pot of peas it was a disgrace for almost £15 , in the past I have been pleased , you are unable to send emails to this company

Amazing experience for all aspects of an English pub. Delicious huge portion meal, friendly & genuine staff, and incredible historical ambience.

Friday night birthday party of seven people

Very quaint place, really good food! Not a bad thing to say about it!

Service was ok. Food very good Gents toilets were disgusting

Very good meal. Booking advised at the weekend.

Great pub with excelent food. Old fashioned pub feel. Food is first rate and a step above your average pub grub. Warning- food can be purchased in two sizes but the small plates apear huge to me.

Very nice food ,had the swordfish in a cosy pub environment. All the food looks very fresh and is delicious.

We will be back even though we don't live locally. The food was delicious, presented well and reasonable price 😋 👌

We love going to the Hand & Crown & the kids feel comfortable to xx

Well I was about to book a table for my birthday at 13.00 Sunday 24th March, I am horrified that you are requesting us to leave after an hour and a half what a cheek ! I will be spending my my 200 quid some where else, where we can enjoy a longer stay, you greedy people 😡

We were a party of six, we all had a different meal and all thoroughly enjoyed them. Nothing to complain about.

The lady behind the bar seemed a little harassed and it came over in her tone of voice to us-shame. The server was lovely and couldn't do enough to help the children. Even though the kitchen was closing, the food was good; fresh and nicely cooked.

Once again a lovely experience and fantastic food.

Fabulous food as always. Thoroughly enjoyed it

Divine... the only word to describe this place. HIGHLY recommend 👌

Saturday early evening our group had four different choices from the menu all were absolutely delicious, we will be returning.

WOW !! Waitress long dark hair !! The rudest unwelcoming person possible . Her attitude is disgusting . Not an asset thats for sure . Offering large or small dinners ?? What is that all about . We ordered large which was a normal size portion. Dessert ... large or small ?? WTH Nothing to say about this place , but over priced , miserable staff, didn't look clean and actually worse than a Toby Calvery ... infact A Toby has more flavour ... I've eaten in some amazing and less amazing places but this one isn't even on a radar, I'm sorry .. NO JUST NO !

Great food here, the place is highly rated on Google and has the highest hygiene rating (5/5). Definitely worth a stop for those taking a flight from nearby Stansted. The menu is varied and the staff were very welcoming. I thoroughly enjoyed the breaded camembert followed by the beef stroganoff and hand cut chunky chips. As far as I saw, all produce is locally sourced where possible and the meat used in the stroganoff was of very high quality. It was great to see the chips are proper pub type and not the frozen rubbish other places might serve. I would happily come back here to eat again.

An excellent venue to catch up with friends over dinner and drinks. I had a simple meal of sausage, mash and vegetables very nicely done. The staff were good humoured and attentive without being intrusive. Definitely worth a return trip.

Amazing food, fantastic portions. Great service from everyone. This is now my new favourite. Just a word of warning, you will need to be rolled out, the portions are HUGE

Really lovely place, staff are friendly and welcoming and the food was lovely, highly recommended.

The most delicious roast dinner - highly recommend

Very rare I get the chance to eat here but every time I do (which can be a year or 2 apart) the standards are always the same.. perfect.. food is always very good, plenty of choice and large portion sizes.. very reasonably priced too.. we just paid £120 for 4 people including drinks.. bargain.. Thanks for another excellent meal

Large food portions. Food excellent. Pleasant staff Enjoyable time

Delicious meal and lovely staff.

Lovely building, loved my beef and vegetables out of my Sunday dinner, the potatoes let it down a bit, as they where too hard and I didn't eat them, everything else was really well cooked, vegetables still crunchy, which is how they are meant to be. My partner loved his fish and chips. Service was good, super friendly staff. Shame about the wait. Still would recommend a visit.

Eaten at The Hand and Crown a couple of times now and again tonight celebrating an anniversary had most enjoyable meal. Would recommend for all occasions!

Food is exceptionally good, service is great, staff are very friendly, would highly recommend.

Fantastic restaurant and the staff were superb. I got there before opening and they let me sit in the lounge until they opened. The service was excellent. Highly recommend this for a meal, service and especially the Pods, superb

Booked a dome for my partner and I which made it a truly intimate experience. Food was excellent as was the service. Only one gripe, lighting in the carpark could be better.

We all love The Hand and Crown it's a firm favourite especially as we lack independent restaurants in the area. The Beef Stroganoff is to die for. Staff are lovely. Last visit was for my Mum's 80th Birthday and the staff were so friendly and accommodating.

That charming, cozy, elegant pub, with a Christmas atmosphere then! Wonderful for you who want to surprise your love with a wonderful moment!

Usual excellent service and great food. Very generous portions. We were a party of 10 and we were served very slickly. Would always recommend.

A must dining destination, excellent food and service and the Rosie nosey beer is pucker too. Never let us down on any visit

Food here is always copious and excellent value

Lovely pub lunch. Everyone super friendly. Will go back.