The Crown at Bray - (Near Berkshire, South East)

5 /5 I Am Transport: Love the place. Only discovered a couple of weeks ago and am already on my second visit despite slicing half an hour away. Havent eaten here yet but intend to soon. Great atmosphere and friendly happy staff.

5 /5 Joanne Franks Liss: Lovely, cosy restaurant with attentive staff who clearly know the menu and recommend confidently. We enjoyed a superb starter of pâté and salmon, and mains of perfectly cooked duck and a tasty vegetarian tart. Everything tasted fresh and thoughtfully plated — service was friendly and speedy. Will definitely return.

3 /5 Caroline Broglie: We were genuinely excited to try French cooking in Bray, and the service was absolutely lovely, warm, attentive and welcoming throughout. I have to say we left feeling a little disappointed. If you’re going to lean into classic French dishes, they really need to feel and taste French. The Bayonne “salami” was actually ham, still delicious, just not what was promised. And the cassoulet, described as a Castelnaudary, was a huge let down. It’s such a delicious dish when done properly, and this version was so far from what it should have been. It was basically baked beans and a breakfast sausage, really disappointing. Portions were also very small for the prices, and the £69 beef in particular didn’t feel worth it at all. There’s definitely potential here, and the friendly service makes you want to like it. But a bit more honesty on the menu and more attention to authenticity would make a big difference.

3 /5 H C: We went here for Sunday lunch but although the food was tasty a few things we experienced which I hope helps - - Roasts - only options were pork and beef (over £27!), no chicken or vegetarian options and never offer chicken apparently. This we were surprised at because not everyone is that keen on red meat (including me) and love a roast but would rather chicken or vegetarian option - Over priced. I think this is the most expensive roast I have ever seen on a menu - Serving size of the roasts could have been bigger really especially given the price - Roasts - lukewarm - Only 3 x small roast potatoes included - Lime and sodas £3.50! - Waiting time from ordering to receiving the mains were long - Sausage and mash £18.00 and rather small, more of a children’s portion. For the price one would expect either a bigger portion or some greens to be included We felt it was rather disappointing, however the carrots and red cabbage were especially delicious. The beef was soft and it was tasty but very overpriced.

5 /5 Mark Morris: ⭐ Review: The Crown, Bray – Simon Bonwick at His Glorious Best I was genuinely excited to have the opportunity to dine at The Crown in Bray for a lunchtime booking. The Crown is no stranger to great chefs – it was once home to Heston, who is still only a few doors down – and the village itself remains one of the most extraordinary dining destinations in the world. Now, Simon Bonwick is back doing what he does best: running a proper British boozer with food that is unmistakably him. Maison Bonwick at The Crown is everything you want it to be. There’s a classic bar lined with real pickled eggs and onions, a warm welcome from the locals, and the sort of comforting charm that reminds you why the British pub endures. And then there’s the food – flavour-packed, honest, and cooked with complete confidence. Nothing on the plate is unnecessary; there are no gimmicks, just deeply satisfying cooking and sauces so good you’ll want to mop them up with some of the best bread I’ve had all year. Simon encouraged us to try his pigeon dish, served with two perfectly cooked breasts, beautifully diced vegetables, and one of those trademark sauces that quietly stop you in your tracks. For my starter, I chose the French Country Style Pâté, which was absolutely stunning. Generously served with chutney, cornichons and pickled silverskins, it was the perfect beginning to the meal. Next came the Goosnargh Duck with a Rather Nice Sauce of Rowanberry. The duck was cooked pink and tender, served with Simon’s mashed potatoes, carrots, and yet another glorious sauce that demanded to be mopped up – or scooped with your fingers when no one was looking. Dessert was pure nostalgia: the Warm Syrup Sponge with Vanilla Ice Cream – a proper steamed pudding and absolute heaven. My dining partner started with the Pickled Majtec Herrings, Potato ’n’ Dill, then moved on to a full main course of pigeon, followed by the Pie ’n’ Mash, which on the day happened to be rabbit. I managed to steal a little of the pie and it was superb. They finished with the Chocolate Sablé, Mousse & Orange, which disappeared very quickly. It is genuinely exciting to have Simon back behind the stove. The Crown is once again a must-visit – a pub with soul, heart, and cooking that stays with you long after you’ve left. An absolute gem in the heart of Bray.