Harden's survey result
Summary
“Popular pub in the old town of Hastings”, very close to the beach. The menu mixes some gentle invention into a fairly classical gastropub selection of dishes and reports praise “great food and vibe”.
Summary
Good, if limited, feedback on this contemporary-style gastroboozer near the beach, serving an affordable menu of dependable quality fare.
For 32 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 Hastings?
Owner's description
The Crown Hastings is an independent freehouse situated on the picturesque All Saints Street between the East Hill country park and the beach.
We offer a welcoming and friendly environment to enjoy high quality food and drink. Using local suppliers and seasonal ingredients we make delicious homecooked food. We serve a selection of local ales and craft beers, fine wines, specialist gins, whiskeys and cider. Join us for a coffee or tea and try our range of soft drinks.
Local art on the walls, daily newspapers, dog friendly, great music, free wifi, open fires and games tables, there is plenty here to keep all the family happy.
We look forward to welcoming you at The Crown.

Prices
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Wine per bottle | £24.00 |
Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
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Service | 10.00% |
Restaurant details
The chef
James Favell
Progressing through 15 years of formal and on-the-job training in various Sussex hospitality establishments including those with two AA rosettes, James is a real asset to our team and has been our Head Chef for nearly 5 years. He leads the team of experienced and young chefs, including mentoring those on placements and internships. He brings knowledge of whole animal butchery, fine dining, banqueting experience and a vast technical knowledge of ingredient led cuisine.
Andrew Swan
Trained as a Engineer, Andrew became a chef 5 years ago when opening The Crown Hastings with his wife, Tess. He has a strong passion for delicious, homecooked food, cooking with the seasons and local produce, and brings this interest into the kitchen at The Crown in an executive chef role. Historically he completed a stagiaire at St John's restaurant in London and has worked at the Bivouac restaurant - part of the Swinton Park Hotel in North Yorkshire.
Andrew's role includes meeting new suppliers and developing the menu, with the freedom to be able to buy from small farmers such as Hooe Level Salt Marsh Farm lamb and Peapod Organic market garden.
Lead by Andrew and James, a team of 11 kitchen staff create a seasonal menu, all cooked from scratch and in-house. The kitchen team use seasonal ingredients only because there is a strict food menu ban on exotic produce from abroad – no chocolate, no coffee, no bananas, no lemons, etc. We serve produce that can be grown/reared/farmed in Sussex and Kent so that people get a true showcase of the region, we work directly with local producers to provide a true ‘farm to fork’ ethos.
By restricting the ingredients we have available to us, we have to work seasonally, changing the menu gradually throughout the year. Limiting the chefs to the availability of ingredients forces us to be more creative, so you won’t find your typical pub grub on offer here.
The Crown Hastings Restaurant Diner Reviews

"After a bustling day for Jack in the green, it was a lovely contrast to have a dinner at the Crown. The spring menu offered a tasty range of dishes, simple ingredients treated with respect. Calamari, pardon peppers, pollock and mackerel used creatively. Wine by the glass offered a good range and keg beers too. Staff are friendly, informative and hard working. An enjoyable evening in a very pleasant environment. "

"The experience at The Crown is always excellent; the team is welcoming, bright and very efficient; the pub itself is a delight in which the eat and drink; and the menu is thoughtfully created and very accomplished. Seasonal, local produce is always at the heart of the menu, which caters equally well for vegans, vegetarians and carnivore like me: I find it hard not to order the smoked bacon chop, eggs and chips every time I eat here ... the wine list is also well thought through and offers a good mix of wines, both traditional and natural. And, the beer selection is constantly changing with a real focus on smaller breweries from this part of the World. If you're planning a trip to Hastings and St Leonards you should certainly visit The Crown - but best to book as it can get busy."

"Delicious imaginative dishes using local produce on a short, varied menu, wide range of local beverages too, including Sussex wines, great atmosphere - friendly and all inclusive. Even if going in for a drink/meal/coffee by myself as a single female, I feel like it's being welcomed into a big family. Great community feel and generosity of spirit."

"I LOVE this pub. I'm a vegetarian and it's really hard to find good vegetarian pub food at a reasonable price. The Crown have amazing veggie food, really inventive and flavourful. I've been to many a pub in my time and have never had food like it. The service is also always impeccible, I've never had to wait long for food or drink, everyone is always friendly and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. Beautiful interiors, great location. My favourite place <3"

"Superb Pub with great food and fantastic service. Can’t fault this place at all, a true highlight in Hastings"

"This is a very well run pub with real attention to detail. This comes through in everything from the way you're greeted to the cooking and plating of the food, the excellent beer selection to the seating and decor. It really would be hard to find somewhere more comfortable, welcoming and well loved. We're very big fans."

"An absolutely beautiful pub with friendly welcoming staff, warm fires, great wine and hearty food. I have always felt welcome even with young children. One of my favourite places to go by the sea its always a special treat."

"All time south coast favourite. Brilliant chilled vibe, terrific food, cracking drinks line up with amazing craft beers and AF options. Also do great things with local community. Everything a modern pub should be."