The Old Crown in Colchester

We stopped at the crown on our way back from Colchester for a drink asked on the off chance if there was a table for two available which there was sat outside in the sun and had a drink until service started the staff and waitresses were all very helpful and friendly. We both had the chicken livers in masala cream sauce to start followed by the Dover sole and a trio of lamb which were all excellent and not expensive well worth a visit.

Great food, service and atmosphere. Had Dover Sole and it was really well cooked and presented. My only critique would be that I could have appreciated a bigger plate as little room for the veg. We both enjoyed the lunch very much.

Great food and service in The Old Crown. Opted for the pie of the day which was Game pie and was not disappointed. Good prices, looking forward to next visit.

Fabulous lunch, food is always so good here. We lack good pubs in our area and this is the only one I would recommend. The menu always has a good choice and large variety of dishes. I had amazing vegetarian dish and my friends really enjoyed their meat choices. Puds also fabulous. As a plus point they also let dogs in one part of the restaurant. I always find it very warm and inviting in winters, with the log fire.

12 of us, 3 generations of family ate here for Sunday lunch. Great menu choices, all of us thoroughly enjoyed the food and great service. Not easy to get 12 plates of food to everyone, hot with separate vegetable dishes too. Highly recommended, thank you to all the staff

Oh the hake - superb and a fish you can't find in Belgium where I live. There was a real fire, great atmosphere, cheerful customers and a place essential to book

Lovely atmosphere attentive staff great food, 3rd time here and it has been consistently good. Would highly recommend.

The unbelievable Sunday Roast, very pleasant staff and a great atmosphere will definitely go again, such a great place for a family lunch

Had not been since before Covid. Had not lost any of its charm and ambiance. From the moment you walk through the door you are made to feel so welcome. No rush and yet the service was spot on. A good choice on the menu and the food was excellent. Already looking to book again

disappointing. a very small choice on the menu. On receiving the bill I queried an item SPLASH POSTMIX £2. It seems that the bottles of Diet Coke that they buy leave the glass 1 inch short so they top it up from a large bottle. I know that things are hard but to charge £2 for 1 inch of Coke is excessive and they can do without my custom in the future

Most pubs and restaurants seem to be shut in this area on Mondays and Tuesdays, so we were relieved to find this open. It was so good we came back the next evening. Friendly staff, good service and excellent cuisine at a very reasonable price.

First time dining here and the food was fabulous. Wow, what a delicious lunch. Loved it. My only criticism would be paying £8.50 for a very small slither of dessert tart. Overall, a great find.

For the best of Essex "pubs" seek no further. An idyllic setting in secluded Messing this hostelry serves an imaginative range of meals, all beautifully presented. What is more, the staff are prepared to cope with all preferences and (what is exceptional) will even accommodate coeliacs and serious allergies. There is decent car parking, a warm welcome, superb service, tables within or without and very reasonable prices. Moreover dogs are welcome. We were delighted with our visit and will come again.

My wife and I were guests of dear friends celebrating an 80th birthday. It was a three generational group - of 26 people. Your helpful staff, slick service and outstanding menu helped make the occasion really special.We plan to return for his 90th! Note: As we live near Bath it was a round trip of 350 miles in a day - and well worth it!

Think Pub food….. think an assortment of fried foods accompanied with chips and lashings of Heinz sachets….. Think again! Beautiful menu, very good and its no wonder why this pub prospers whilst other local pubs struggle or close. Very lucky to have this on our door step

Dinner was poor had the chicken uncooked veg and cheap thigh cut first time and last. Constantly trying to quicken us through the meal process

The best Sunday roast dinner in Essex! We will return. I couldn’t find one single fault! Amazing venue, cheerful friendly staff, SUPERB food! What more can I say? Just book it!

Superb beautifully clever meal. The Old Cown at Messing, what a wonderful find! I had the Spring Lamb, and it was delicious. My only small criticism was the waiters, although very polite, they could have been a bit more attentive as had to wait for...

This is the best country pub in the area and serves amazing food. Staff are amazing, so will definitely go back again.

Great, just perfect. Had the lovely Mushroom Wellington, and asked for the possibility of potatoes too (wasn't part of the dish) and they said which type Sautéed, Dauphinois or new boiled! Brought out lovely fresh breads and butter while we waited as the log fire...

Had an extremely average roast here , the gravy had red bolognaise oil specs in it and it tasted like someone had washed out the spaghetti pan into the gravy pan , some seriously dodgy experiment gone wrong , will not be returning 0/10

Arrived lunchtime just after 12 without pre booking and just managed to secure the last table. Really glad we did as the restaurant filled quickly with pre booked parties. The food and service deserved the five stars we submitted and we will definitely be back....

Good choice of food, and 1st class produce. Staff friendly, and it felt comfy with log fire burning. They do light lunches also.

Excellent location, atmosphere, service, food and price. First class Sunday lunch selections - my grandson still talking about the apple and plum crumble! Congratulations to the Crown management.

I cannot rate our experience highly enough. On arrival, we received a warm, friendly welcome. When I asked about gluten and dairy free options, the chef marked out on the menu those dishes that were safe to eat and dishes which could be altered to...

Really good lunch, not many pubs with a proper restaurant menu. Food for all 3 of us was first class. Freshly cooked, tasty and well presented. Lovely staff and cosy pub. Well worth the visit, already looking forward to next time.

We found the pub by pure chance, three weeks ago, on route to holiday accomodation . Although they were very busy, they found us a table for two and we had a perfect meal, from their festive menu ( the plaice and king prawns in...

My friend and I always make a point of eating at this quaint pub when we stay at a local spa. The food is always so well cooked and flavoursome. I had a seasonal winter vegetable soup dish followed by a steak meal. Both were...

Really nice meal, friendly staff. had a smoked haddock and ? with cheese sauce for starter, pheasant for main and ginger panda cotta for dessert

Absolutely fantastic food and service. The whole team are soooooo committed to ensuring a fabulous taste and service experience. Lovely variety of menu, and taste of what we had exceptional.

My Husband and I visited here for the first time after it was recommended. It was beautifully clean and tidy with a lovely atmosphere. The service was first class. I had the curry which was lovely but my monk fish was over cooked. A tiny...

Been to the Old Crown a few times now, mainly for lunch. Like it a lot. Lovely pub, nice homely atmosphere and food is very good. Definitely worth a little visit if you want a bit to eat at lunchtime or something a bit quicker...

Our recent lunch was so enjoyable and just want to go and eat it all again ! We had the Greek Meze board for starter, took ages to eat but savoured every mouthful. The Mediterranean Fish Stew as main course was outstanding ! followed by...

I was served bread with gluten when I requested a gluten free meal. I discussed the gluten free options with the waitress who assured me they would send out gluten free bread with the fish platter. It arrived and I assumed it was gluten free...

Visited The Old Crown last night for the first time, after lots of recommendations and we both really enjoyed the food. Service was excellent too. Nice atmosphere in the restaurant, but it was a little loud as there was a large group near us

The food here is always of the highest standard, never fails to please. Excellent food and great staff you can’t ask for more

We picked this pub as somewhere we could meet for the first time in months and so glad we did. A beautiful setting, really good food and such friendly service, we met at 12.45 and were saying goodbye in the car park at 5.15. Nobody...

This was our first visit to this lovely traditional village pub. Service was amazing, all staff very friendly and welcoming. Nice ambiance and we'll kept. Food was amazing, obviously home made with attension to detail. Dog friendly too!!

Just had a first class lunch today. This pub never fails to produce the best quality food that is always cooked to perfection

Today we had amazing food with excellent service by the wonderful ladies at the Crown. The seafood platter to start was really attractive and tasty, the meze was good and the smoked duck was warmly received. For mains the lamb dish was outstanding the meat...

Visited with my sister in law for my birthday treat. Had a really good experience. The food was very good indeed, and yes, there was a little wait but if food is prepared to order that is to be expected, we didn’t want to be...

Visited the Old Crown probably 5 times in the past with different friends and always had a nice meal in a good atmosphere with pleasant service. My husband and I came with our daughter and partner today. Well today was certainly different ! We arrived...

Another lovely lunch at the delightful country pub in the beautiful village of Messing. We chose Grilled Dover Sole with Caper & Lemon Butter & Rib Eye Steak with Mushrooms & Tomatoes served with Peppercorn Sauce served with a side Green Beans, Carrots & New...

Brilliant food, very tasty and big portions. Service was great too, and lovely ambience inside. Would recommend it highly!

5* plus. Visited yesterday as we were in the area and had the best meal we'd had for years. Great service and lovely setting in a bow window seat, for a romantic dinner for two - and couldn't have been better on our 30th Wedding...

The first time we had lunch at the Old Crown was unplanned, almost accidental. The second visit was deliberate. This unassuming "off the beaten track" hostelry is worth a diversion on journeys to the east (coast of England). Messing is near Tiptree and Kelvedon. You...

Had drinks, a lunch and Sunday dinner all faultless. We are just here for a long weekend but will certainly return. Great food and staff and dog friendly, the perfect combination

We enjoyed excellent food and excellent service in this amazing little pub. The Dover Sole was fresh and it and the monkfish were cooked perfectly. It's not very big so booking advisable. Staff could not be more helpful.

If you are thinking about driving anywhere near the beautiful village of Messing, you absolutely MUST pay a visit to the Old Crown Inn. Really beautiful pub in a gorgeous setting. My husband, 2 dogs and I visited for dinner whilst on our holiday. We...

We stumbled upon this pub by accident. Decor wise it’s quaint and no frills, but the excellent service and beautiful food more than makes up for it. The food was amazing- the best I’ve had in a long while. When my husband says something is...

We have visited this pub twice in the last two weeks for an evening meal and can honestly say that it's our favorite dining out place at the moment. The food is delicious and very well presented. The fish platter and Mediterranean fish stew were...

Had a lovely meal here last week, food was superb. Food service wasn’t the fastest but the food was well worth waiting for. A lovely location in a pretty little village. Waiters were great. Would recommend

Fabulous meal as always. All locally sourced products,beautifully cooked and presented. Service was excellent. Our favourite place to eat on special occasions.

Seriously - this place just hits the mark. Simple friendly service. Awesome ale selection (crouch vale brewers gold is undoubtedly one of the best British ales).....but the food - just fab. Our table had a lovely mix - simple Dover sole with capers & samphire,...

We had a fantastic meal, with friendly staff. All staff were wearing visors and the tables were well spaced. During this pandemic it's so important to feel safe and The Old Crown have succeeded. We will definitely be returning with or without the government scheme.

Went here tonight after finding the Old Crown purely by chance last week on a dog walk and seeing this beautiful pub/restaurant in the middle of a picturesque village. We went for a few drinks and then booked for us and friends the following week....

Little Essex village, off the beaten track, with really friendly pub. Food is delicious and different. Have been several times and always enjoyed. Service very friendly and you don't feel rushed.

Went here last night for dinner. Lovely place log fire burning and friendly staff. However can honestly say it was the worst meal I had ever had. I ordered to steak and kidney pudding and after one bight couldn't eat any more it tasted so...

Our first time at The Old Crown and how lovely it was too. We hadn’t booked but luckily a table was available - it was very busy. The bar and waiting staff were attentive and friendly, and the food was absolutely delicious (we both had...

When it comes to mains steak puddings game casserole etc real country food. This is the place. Desserts equally good.

A group of us ate here after a walk on Valentine's Day. Despite being busy the service was very efficient and friendly. Everyone enjoyed the meal which we had pre-ordered before the walk.

Since my critical review in 2017 we have been back to the Old Crown a number of times both for lunch & dinner. Our latest visit was a belated New Year dinner with a group of friends. We were warmly greeted, promptly seated, offered a...

Perfect Sunday lunch. Having been for a mid week lunch before and being highly impressed we came back for a Sunday lunch. This time with the children. As ever the setting is great. A really relaxed pub setting. Our 3 small children really enjoyed the...

A group of friends and I visited for a friend's birthday during the week. The waitresses were very patient with us as it was a late booking and we were getting carried away chatting before going to our table and also with our ordering. I...

Took mother out for boxing day lunch, hadn't been for a while and looked forward to it. Not disappointed, service was friendly and efficient, ambience is spot on for 'posh rustic'. I had chicken livers, fantastic..... The others all loved their choices but I think...

Great choice of food all well prepared. Lovely old pub where you can eat in the bar or restaurant. Friendly staff and clean toilets. Good prices for the quality , plenty of free parking nearby.

3 couples enjoyed a delightful lunch, with the usual high standard of food and service. All made that little bit cosier with two, real open fires. It was very busy today so there was a bit of a wait throughout the meal, but we were...

A group of eleven stopped here after a walk nearby. We had pre-ordered lunch earlier in the morning. The staff were very friendly and welcoming and everyone said the food was great. The food was very fresh and full of flavour. We are looking forward...

The crown is a loverly country style English pub. The inside is decorated very nicely and it is nice and light. The day was cold so it was nice to come inside to an open fire. For a small pub it’s very nice and roomy....

Went on recommendation. Beautiful pub in a quaint village. Warmly greeted to a nice little table. That's where the good times ended unfortunately! The waitress asked if we wanted water but then came back to say they had no jugs left and it would have...

Visited this out of the way pub, what a treat. Amazing food, beautifully presented fantastic flavours.

First time at The Crown. Really friendly and accommodating staff, nothing was too much trouble. Food was delicious and warm friendly atmosphere

A pub that teeters between quaint and old fashioned. If I had to call it I would err to toward he latter. We went there for Sunday lunch with friends on our recommendation as we’d been there before and other than the dessert enjoyed our...

Her ladyship had the mussels whilst I had the bacon & Brie panini. Compliments to the chef as neither courses could be faulted in any way ! Service with a smile by the young ladies. This out of the way pub can be highly recommended....

A very popular gastro pub and we could see why.. We were recommended by a regular visitor who dines here. Plenty to choose from on the menu, well presented & flavoursome. The Tapas board and the Lamb dishes were thoroughly enjoyed.. Will definitely return, booking...

I remember the Crown in it's hey day (about 40 years ago). Wow what a great place to linger over excellent food, and meet interesting people. Sadly it lost it's way many years ago and several attempts have proved unsuccessful. HOWEVER this time Penny and...

This used to be our favourite place for Sunday lunch. There was always something lovely on the starters and desserts that could tempt at least one of us, and the roasts were the best for miles. We were therefore all left very disappointed with the...

Good quality ingredients, well presented and cooked beautifully. Al dente vegetables plus hot plates show the levels of thought involved. Fair sized portions.

I hardly ever leave reviews but I can’t recommend this place highly enough. It’s always been good but last night we had one of the best meals out we’ve had in a long time, including in London. The Mediterranean fish stew was sensational with the...

I was served the worst plate of food I’ve probably ever ordered by a sulky disinterested waitress. The salad greenery was made up of rough leaves which I would compost with the addition of an insect leg 😱where was the avocado? a bit of brown...

This is a great pub in a quiet relaxing location. Historic and picturesque, The 9ld Crown is a welcoming place with some good real ales and an excellent menu. The moussaka and Mediterranean Fish Stew were both very high quality and we thoroughly enjoyed them...

The Old Crown has been our favourite place to eat for a long time, the whole experience has always been fabulous from the initial welcome to the service and importantly the food, the staff always seem well trained and are very attentive..until our visit tonight..sadly...

This visit was to celebrate a birthday from within the family and the location and service was very good. The staff were keen to ensure that the visit met a standard that we expected and it did. The menu was extensive and very good value...

I have recently visited the crown for my mum's 60th. The food was amazing!! All so tasty, their were 7 of us within our party and not one was disappointed. We would recommended if it hasn't changed chicken and chorizo terrine and the duck breast...

Went to the old crown for a lunch and we found although the food was nice it was way too expensive for the amount of food on our plates. This place would be fine if you dont want go get fat that's for sure.

Lovely cosy pub in the hinterlands with local ales, delicious food and friendly staff. Popped in for lunch and we both really enjoyed it. Will definitely come again.

Went for my husband's birthday. Great food, lovely wine, good service. Really busy for a Tuesday but standard just as good as ever.

My partners son treated us to a meal on Tuesday night. The menu was hand written and quite hard to read. Every one ordered from the menu but as I don't eat dairy or shellfish the chef created a dish for me and it was...

A lovely little pub recommended to us, delicious food and friendly staff. We had quite a long wait between the starter and mains which is the only negative, however we were offered our drinks on the house which was a nice touch. I'm sure we...

We visited on a busy and fully-booked Sunday afternoon where there were a large number of people in the bar drinking. We were advised that they were in the process of setting our table up however it quickly became apparent that the drinkers had chosen...

A nice little pub with a good menu for starters and main courses. Sunday roast was excellent. Service attentive. Dessert menu was a bit of a let down so only one of us had one - and he didn’t enjoy it. We had the table...

Delicious Sunday lunch at the Old Crown. Good menu, perfectly cooked food, efficient and friendly service in a charming pub. What more could one ask for? A good selection of beers and wine. All in all a pretty perfect Sunday lunch.

Taken to The Old Crown for Sunday Birthday Lunch Lovely old Country pub excellent service , happy staff and delicious food. Higher priced but well worth it

Booked a table to ensure could eat. Definitely a gastro pub although space for drinkers around the bar. Varied menu, complimentary bread basket. Menu different from standard pub fare included game and fish dishes. Range of vegetables and vegetarian dishes. Portions substantial so unfortunately no...

Sunday lunch visit with a couple of friends delightful country pub in a quiet little village on the Maldon to Colchester Rd. Young staff are very well trained and the decor and ambiance are very pleasing had the table nearest the bar and the local...

Visited with a friend for supper a couple of nights ago. We were warmly welcomed and shown to a table in the dining room. Others were eating in the bar area but we had the dining room to ourselves. Friendly and prompt service - wide...

Came here as recommended Walked in and asked for table, luckily we got the last one, was all prebooked, so will remember for next time. We had the lasagne and pie. Was beautiful full of flavour, perfect size, thank god we didn’t have starter we...

I was really looking forward to having my birthday meal with my partner, sister and brother in law as it was highly recommended to me.when we arrived I was initially surprised at the bland decor and feel. Brightly lit it had little atmosphere, but i...

My second visit recently and another gorgeous meal. Probably the best mussels I have ever had! .... and my friend’s seabass was outstanding. Lovely smiley service too. Thank you x

Fab staff, fab menu and fab food, what more can I say. We’ve recently found this gem and will definitely be returning