The Crown at Bray
Fish and Chips with Minty Peas
3x Cooked Chips
Bread and Butter Pudding
Eton Mess
Practically glowing as I exited The Hinds Head it was entirely at the recommendation of my server that I decided to “check out” Chef Blumenthal’s second local pub and although admittedly quite full from the previous two hour’s dining I simply couldn’t help but peruse the menu as I walked past, a string of four words beckoning like beacons to a seat at The Crown. Ever the tight space with history seemingly well preserved despite controversy amongst locals who continually lament the loss of a patina of smoke and the cheap drinks of days past it was once again to warm pleasantries that I breached room’s cusp and with eyes still adjusting to the darkness as I was informed that the kitchen was due to close in “two minutes” a hasty decision was made – a two-course meal ordered as I walked to the sunlit confines of the pub’s open court. Clearly a bold move, yet one not entirely outside of my travel-dining ‘norm,’ it should probably go without saying that much like each of my three prior experiences Chez-Heston neither style nor service was lacking in the least within the cozy confines of The Crown and as a few remaining tables relaxed with wine it was on food no less impressive than that of its Michelin starred sibling that I dined, the plank of supple cod so dense with batter yet light in oil that it seemed like a trick – a similar compliment to the thick-cut chips, their starchy center proving even better than those just moments before. Turning next to the prize that originally bid me through the aged pub’s doors it was with wide eyes that I watched my waitress from kitchen to table and sporting two plates large plates I suddenly wondered what I’d done – the answer never specified, but a lovely ‘gift’ of Strawberry Eton Mess tinged with zest of lime nonetheless offered alongside a smoldering pan of bruleed bread pudding I’ll not soon forget.
RECOMMENDED: Fish and Chips, Bread and Butter Pudding.
AVOID: Clearly a British ‘thing,’ I simply don’t understand mint and mashed peas – especially in a country where the freshly shelled peas are so sweet all on their own.
TIP: Obviously not a local and sporting an accent that makes repeat visits rather unlikely the hostess could have just as easily acted annoyed or simply turned me away for arriving mere moments before the kitchen was set to close but instead they choosing to seat me, serve me, and even gift me a free dessert for no reason at all…honestly, there is not enough I can say about my experiences with each and every one of Heston Blumenthal’s restaurants – a 1*, 2*, and 3* plus The Crown at Bray all delivering exemplary cuisine with customer service to match.
www.thecrownatbray.com
