The Hand & Crown in East Hertfordshire

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!

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.

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!

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.

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we visited and all previous times, there was a policy in place that banned children from the place from 5pm, this was no longer in effect.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.

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

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.

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!

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

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

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 😎

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

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 😊

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.

Fabulous food as always. Thoroughly enjoyed it

Once again a lovely experience and fantastic food.

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

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.

Large food portions. Food excellent. Pleasant staff Enjoyable time

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.

Only gripe is the al dente veg. Especially the Brussel sprouts. I think next time I visit I will mention i would prefer my veg a little more cooked. For the price point I thought in general good value and the staff were lovely

Darren was a brilliant host. Thank you for a pleasurable evening.

Great service exceptionally good food and a fantastic oldy worldy atmosphere.

Great Christmas menu. Good service and excellent food.

Had a lunch yesterday with friends. Table for 4. My starter was enjoyable .Curried lentils on a pitta. My main course was not good.Lambs liver,tough,bacon fatty, 2 chantenay carrots 2,small pieces of brocoli, with thick stem i couldnt cut into to Spoonfull of large stem chewy cabbage So dissapointed condidering the price of the dish. Also very cold in there ,which didn't help .Such a shame.

our son and his partner invited us for a meal here, what can I say Food is probably the best my wife son his partner and I have had in a very very long time. if i could i would of given more stars. I would highly recommend this place..

Funeral not a regular social event

First time for many years, not disappointed. Really nice.

Ended up in a 'pod' outside which was much better than we'd expected. Heater and blankets provided very swiftly. Service and food excellent.

Only popped in for a drink after a visit to The Rivers was surprised how bizzy it was at 7pm

From a friendly welcome & introduction to the menu with an update on what was available, to the personalised descriptions, we felt we were in good hands. The recommended wine we chose was excellent value - & one of the less expensive options. Our Sunday Roast meals were delivered promptly & we were happy with the optional smaller size, enabling one of us to manage 3 courses - even if the last one was shared! All in all a very enjoyable experience. Highly recommended.

Excellent service and food, had a good relaxed feel about it. Thank you.

Pre booked pod for lunch was amazing The pork and lamb was the best I've ever had . The starter's were out of this world and deserts just stunning. The staff are so friendly and the owner made us feel so welcome. Can't wait to come back . I highly recommend this place you will not be disappointed...... Went back for Sunday lunch today and I'm speechless the food is so fresh and tasty absolutely love it here .

Absolutely blown away with this place what a little hidden gem. We ate lunch in a pod that we pre booked, so lovely the food was phenomenal cannot recommend enough..the staff were super attentive the owner was so lovely he explained the whole set and mad us feel so welcome. A speaker is provided in the pod so you can play your own tunes...cannot recommend this place enough...YOU HAVE TO TRY THIS PLACE AT LEAST ONCE..reasonably priced for the standard of food and service..SUPERB GASTRO PUB

Quite disappointed today, maybe just a bad day? We have visited many times and it has always been excellent. When we arrived the marquee outside was collapsed, which didnt look good The staff were very friendy and helpful, but the food was very average. One of the party had prawn cocktail, for a starter, which was served in a soup bowl! The main courses were far from fresh. The beef looked like it was cooked yesterday and the turkey was very dry. We then had to wait 45 mins for dessert. Come on thats to much.

Great little pub. Outstanding food really really great and very reasonable..mouth watering desserts. Friendly staff would very much recommend this place ...

We had an amazing Sunday lunch. Roast potatoes were lovely and they do a lovely big homemade Yorkshire pudding. Had garlic mushrooms and brie to start. Will definitely be back

Went for for the first time for Sunday lunch. We had the garlic mushrooms and brie to start and then a nice beef roast. Potatoes were so nice and a lovely big homemade Yorkshire. Will definitely be going back

Lovely evening meal here, food to a good standard, excellent service and ended up with a nice chat to the owner. Thoroughly recommend.

I have tried several dishes and all hit the target. They are great with mix and match, if the food combination is not quite as you want it, they assist in adjusting the menu to fit your needs.

My girlfriend and I had a quick lunch. Lentils and courage dahl with sweet potato fries and smoked haddock with bubble and squeak were all delicious. Really nice service and atmosphere. 👍

Very friendly welcome, great food & service was lovely. Mint aero cheesecake was particularly yum! Would definitely come again!

The food was really amazing, could not fault the staff they were friendly and attentive. The pub is lovely and authentic

First time here food was lovely staff were very attentive especially as so young very professional Will definitely be coming back atmosphere very nice

Lovely roast dinner with my parents, ate in one of the pods. Loved it so much had to go again midweek with the mother in law. Food is great and service is fantastic. Best pub in local area!

Enjoyed the pod dining experience for a family celebration

Went for lunch with a friend, food was freshly prepared and delicious. Staff friendly and professional.

Lovely pub, we can for a family meal. The Sunday roast was amazing ☺️

Very good food at a range of prices to suit all pockets. Original old pub. Lovely staff and a car park.

Really good food, very tasty! Lamb wrap was delicious. Dad enjoyed the liver and bacon. Great selection of food for vegan, veggie, gluten, and dairy free. Two portion sizes. Previously, I've been for roast dinner and thoroughly enjoyed! We will be back.