Crown and Punchbowl: 16 Aug 08

I’ve been going to the Crown and Punchbowl in Horningsea for over 10 years. The first time must have been 2006 or 2007 when it was really only a good local pub which served decent food. It then developed over time as one of the region’s gastropubs when it was part of a group of 3 or 4. It seemed to run out of steam in the early 2000s and I recall an evening in 2002 or thereabouts when it ran out of items during the evening! The current owners have positioned it firmly as a restaurant and they’re doing a rather good job of it.

last Saturday my wife and I wanted something light and elegant and after trying a couple of other local pubs which only seem to offer baguettes and paninis, lasagna and steak and ale pie (hardly summer time dishes) we went for the Crown and Punchbowl. Great choice because it does a lunchtime menu which does not break the bank.

You get 2 courses for £11.99 but agreed to just one at £8.99. OK that’s a little steep for haddock and chips but it was excellent. I have tried the fish and chips at the Petrou brothers place in Chatteris where it is absolutely first class and this wasn’t far off the same high standard. Very light and crispy batter, fresh and firm white flesh and ‘hand-cut chips’. Add to this bread and olive oil to get started and a decent range of starters (we shared a portion of goat’s cheese and mushroom cannelloni), a good choice of wines by the glass and an espresso machine that works and it’s all round a good place and good value for lunch.