High Street, Bray, SL6 2AA
Harden's survey result
Summary
“Still going strong” – this comparatively un-foodie pub has thrived in this gourmet village by offering an attractive and traditional backdrop for easygoing British cuisine, realised with wit: fish finger sandwich, steak, top burgers and so on.
Summary
There’s a “lovely marquee” nowadays that extends the dining possibilities of this traditional pub, just around the corner from the Fat Duck and previously part of the same group (now “owned by a new company, but with most of the former team still on board”). The vibes were good this year for its “friendly” service and well-rated food (which is un-gastropub grub, majoring in steaks).
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at The Crown at Bray?
Owner's description
Formerly two cottages and a bike shop, this restored, timbered 16C building boats a long history, dating back to 1600's, The Crown was known as a hostelry and it is rumoured King Charles ll used to stop off for a beer on route to meet mistress Nell Gwyn.
Carefully prepared, British-inspired dishes are robust and flavoursome. Kitchen operation is overseen by an Executive Chef Scott Smith, who has extensive knowledge of cooking 'nose to tail' with local produce sourced from sustainable suppliers. Scott has a strong Michelin background, learning from award winning Chefs such as Anthony Dimitri.
Experience the essence of traditional hospitality as we eagerly anticipate the pleasure of extending a warm welcome to you.
Restaurant details
The chef
Award winning chef Scott Smith joined The Oarsman in 2022 from Sugar Boat in Scotland, bringing with him a wealth of experience from Michelin-starred restaurants across the UK including Arbutus and Wild Honey, as well as Sugar Boat Helensburgh.
After joining The Oarsman in Marlow, the quirky bistro pub has been recognised in the Michelin Guide within 8 months of opening and The Oarsman was voted as the Best Pub in Buckinghamshire. Scott’s fantastic cooking has earned him a spot in Top50 Gastropubs as a Newcomer 2023.
His amazing leadership skills and handling of ingredients with respect put him at a forefront of the industry as he taken over the Chef Executive role at the end of 2023 at sister site, The Crown at Bray, where his skills flourish even further.
At The Crown, Scott has taken inspiration from traditional British cuisine while also incorporating elements of his Scottish heritage. This blend of influences results in a unique and flavourful dining experience, combining classic British dishes with Scottish twists and flavours, paying homage to culinary traditions while adding his own creative touches.
High Street, Bray, SL6 2AA
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑7 pm |
