The Onyx Bar & Restaurant in Weymouth and Portland

Getting us used to the new look Vaults Bar at the Crown Hotel. More features on the walls. Nice to see Amy again, behind the bar.

Formally Vaults Bar. Modernised and very light. Second visit since the revamp so still getting used to it. Not as cosy as before but nice to see and be remembered by the staff.

Prior to Covid we stayed at The Crown Hotel many times and visited the Vaults Bar even more frequently. During Covid, the hotel and bar has undergone a complete makeover. The bar is now renamed Onyx. On this occasion we were not staying at The Crown but visited the newly styled bar for the first time. Whereas it was cosy and genuinely retro it is now bright and airy, the predominant colour being white. It looks smart but witha different ambience. It will take us quite a while to adjust to it. Pleased to see some of the staff still present - Amy, Maureen, Elaine and Jamil the manager but mourn the sad loss of one of the regulars, Steve. We will next return for New Year and hope to see you all.

I did not stay in the hotel, but ate in the Onyx bar on numerous occasions during my three week holiday in Weymouth. The menu is not extensive, but enough choice for me. Every day there is a specials board, with mains at £8.95, and soup for just an extra £1, and this includes a free soft drink, or you can upgrade to a glass of wine or pint of beer, lager or cider for just £1.50. Contrary to a review saying the food is not homemade, it is, and is very good, with generous portions. The staff are amongst the friendliest I have met, thanks to Lee, Amy and the other two girls whose names I did not get. When I next visit Weymouth, this will be my first choice for good wholesome food.