The New Crown

Lively Pub with Unbeatable Drink Deals!

I recently found myself amidst a conclusionless renovation detour at one of those beloved Wetherspoons pubs. You know the kind where it's all about the hearty atmosphere and cheap pints, not necessarily the glamorous interiors or exotic cuisines. The moment my feet felt the squelch of the suspiciously unchanged carpet (eight weeks of refurbishment for this?), I knew what kind of culinary dive I was about to take. Yet, into the boundless world of unapologetically affordable comforts I willingly immerged. It’s certainly a mixed bag—a smeared-tempered kaleidoscope rife with so much quintessential character that you probably wouldn’t expect a Michelin star, but your wallet feels mercifully unscathed post-meal.

The plot, unsurprisingly vehement in its typical relaxation, extends from the yawning cloudiness of slightly overpriced yet generously portioned pints down to swooping papadums that err towards a comprehensively soggy constitution. The familiar clattering sounds stand starkly apparent every peak hour, giving voice to lively clusters of vibrantly unleashed locals donned in their finest anecdotal tapestries. Despite appearances of less-than-scheduled beer taps and occasionally glacial service speed, the ingrained staff, always game-faced and courteous, seamlessly mask any hiccups. It isn’t transcendence by gastronomy, but if it’s inexpensively effervescent temperament and warming lattice of convivial patrons you're after—well, booking a trip here is already one small undisputable victory. You barely have a right to complaints while averaging £1.79 per pint in dear ol’ London! — Milo Tastemaker