The Crow And Gate | Crowborough | Review

Recently I was kindly invited to review the newly refurbished Crow and Gate pub located at the edge of the Ashdown Forest in Crowborough, Sussex.

This Georgian country inn serves traditional pub classics in a warm family-orientated setting, and it is owned by the Vintage Inns pub chain.

Inside, the decor was quaint, filled with vintage ornaments and rural accessories adoring the walls and shelves. Featuring large fireplaces and low wooden beams the restaurant displays rural charm and unique character.

The staff greeting was warmly inviting and myself, Jamie, my mum and stepdad were sat at a cosy table in the quiet area of the restaurant

After ordering some drinks and carefully reading the varied Sunday menu, myself and Jamie both chose the Salt & Pepper Calamari with Chorizo flavour seasoning to start, and my stepdad chose the Oven-baked button and Portobello Mushrooms in garlic and mature cheddar sauce. 

The Calamari was extremely delicious, perfectly crisp and the large portion of it alone I could have had as a main! It was honestly some of the best Calamari I’ve ever eaten. The Portobello and button Mushrooms looked extremely tasty and would make a great accompaniment to any main course.

Being a Sunday there was no doubt in my mind that I was going to choose a classic Sunday roast for my main. My mum and I opted for the herb-crusted loin of pork while my stepdad chose the Sirloin steak and Jamie chose the crispy duck salad.

We didn’t have to wait too long before our mains arrived and the presentation of each dish was marvellous. The portion size was excellent, I wouldn’t have wanted more or less and although I couldn’t finish my roast due to the overindulging during my starter I wanted to continue eating! The thick slices of pork were sweet and juicy and the roast potatoes were crisp. A Yorkshire pudding was paired with buttery vegetables including roast parsnips, carrots and green cabbage. A cute gravy boat featured on the plate so you don’t ever need to ask for more gravy! 

I was informed that the steak was succulent and tender and Jamie’s crispy duck salad was extremely flavoursome, he did however mentioned that a little more duck wouldn’t go amiss.

After finishing our main courses we were all stuffed! There was a little room for pudding though and I was treated to coconut milk sorbet with summer berries, mum chose the coffee and a mini pecan pie and my stepdad had the Melba mallow mess which was a combination of meringue, cream, mashmellow and fruit.

Again this was another delicious course which couldn’t be faulted. The sharp summer fruits teamed nicely with the creamy sorbet and it is definitely a dessert I will be going back for!

Overall the restaurant was lovely. The service was outstanding and it was refreshing to see a waiting team with a smile on their face and a manager who was happy to get stuck in and support the team on the restaurant floor.

Big thank you to Peter the manager and Alice and Barabara the waiting team for being excellent hosts and making myself and my family feel welcomed and looked after.

I will definitely be returning to the Crow and Gate, especially for the Calamari! I highly recommend this restaurant and for a Vintage Inns chain I was pleasantly surprised!  The Crow and Gate would be a perfect setting for any family meal, Sunday lunch or small celebration.