Review: The Westleton Crown, Suffolk
By Rachel Ducker
Ideally situated on the Suffolk Heritage Coast, The Westleton Crown is conveniently placed between the popular seaside resorts of Southwold and Aldeburgh.
Tracing back to the 12th century, the building maintains a rustic charm full of contemporary flourishes taking inspiration from the wildlife and landscape that wraps itself around the Crown.
It has 34 rooms for those wanting a coastal escape away, all recently refurbished to a very high standard with a rustic twist.
The Crown is one of the latest on the growing number of East Anglian pubs under the umbrealla of the Chestnut Group. Its recent makeover is stylish, but still maintains its traditional low beams and roaring fireplaces in the winter months.
The garden room is the main dining area and is most impressive large bifold doors opening straight out onto the pubs garden. The botanical theme creates an outdoors indoors kind of feel. Other eating areas including the snug bar (dog friendly) and a private dining area.
Our meals at the crown were a real treat, we visited for lunch and were really impressed with the selection of dishes on offer including gluten free and vegan options, pleasing for vegetarians like myself.
All the creation of Head Chef, Kieren Drinkwater and his team, who pride themselves on their imaginative and varied menus.
During our visit on a Saturday lunchtime, we were celebrated my husband’s birthday accompanied by my in-laws Ann and Terry and 2-year-old son Leo, who took full advantage of the child’s menu.
His kid’s haddock fish, and chips plate went down a treat, whilst us adults indulged ourselves with dishes such as Suffolk roasted chicken breast with confit thigh, to baked fillet of salmon and pan-fried cod.
Being now quite heavily pregnant there was also a delicious sandwich menu, so the avocado, spiced black bean and red onion ciabatta ticked the box for my cravings on this day with a bonus of fries.
The garden room was tranquil, there is something about being in a roomful of deep greens surrounded by masses of foliage that makes you feel quite at ease. Tables are spread far apart so for covid safety and privacy you by no means feel overlooked, it’s quite intimate but also very open with light pouring in from its glass ceiling.
After a short interlude and a walk in the garden with Leo, we rounded off the meal nicely a selection of desserts.
The varied selection made choosing quite difficult, but for me the Chocolate Cremeux with kirsch Chantilly and Norfolk black cherries just popped the other to the post.
My husband also selected the same, whilst Ann enjoyed the plum and frangipane tart and Terry the Dulce De Leche.
Leo’s day was made with a kid’s chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce, I don’t need to say anything more, as this picture says it all!
Whether you are dropping by for a pint, treating yourself to lunch or dinner or fancy a break away, The Westleton Crown maintains the Chestnut Groups impeccable standards and more importantly, my seal of approval!
Check out the latest menus here > https://www.westletoncrown.co.uk/food-and-drink
The Street, Westleton, Suffolk, England, United Kingdom, IP17 3AD.
