A few Saturdays ago we felt like getting out for an adventure. We started walking down one of the streets in our neighborhood to see where it would take us. You probably won’t be surprised to hear that we ended up at a pub. The Crown & Sceptre pub on Holland Road was a refreshing stop on our way back to our flat. After wandering around for hours (and stopping at a different pub to watch a football match) I was chilled to the bone and decided to pop into the Crown.
When we spied the Crown & Sceptre on the way I thought it looked too posh. Since it was a Saturday, both of us wanted to watch some of the football matches on the telly. I didn’t think this place would lower itself to own one. Turns out I was wrong. Oh well. As the better half says, “ Aren’t you used to being wrong by now?” I won’t admit this at home, but yes I am.
For all of you beer lovers, I fear I may let 
you down some. I ordered a tea. It really was a cold evening. The wait staff wasn’t the most pleasant since when we ordered the gentleman made a point to tell us, “I should be on my break, but I guess I’ll take your order.” I could have waited for the other bartender, but he wouldn’t let the issue go. Fine with me if he wants to play the victim. He didn’t win many points from me though.
My cup of tea was piping hot, and just want my body wanted. As I sunk down into one of the leather chairs I felt the cold leave my body. It was relaxing. The TV didn’t have football on, but I enjoyed a nature special. Well, as much as one can enjoy a nature show without any sound. The scenery was beautiful and I was tired so it suited me. We didn’t linger, but I think I may venture back there to sample the food on our next date night. Hopefully the bartender won’t be annoyed to see us again.
I’m really not sure how to rate this one. The service: not great. The atmosphere: nice. The façade outside is attractive. And the leather chairs are cozy. What do all of you think? There are more pictures below.
There is one thing that alarms me though:
50 Year Project 
Love the comfy chairs and the vampire sign! Did you try any of the food? That’s always the most important part for me :).
I have to go back and try the food. Only had tea that night. And I want to sample the beer!
Of course you do LOL!!!
It’s all part of the research.
I like the look of the inside, but if the service is not as warm and welcoming as the decor, I’m not so sure it would rate very high with me… But, give it another chance, at least! 🙂
I like to give people a second chance … but if they blow it again, the rating will be really low.
That was a punchline!
Why aren’t they allowed before 12:00 I’d like to know, will they scare the normal customers? lol
Maybe that’s the vampire time, like the witching hour.
A hot tea and a nature special in a cozy chair sounds like the perfect night for me. I really dislike that the service was not great but I do like how you’re willing to give second chances and look forward to hearing how the food is.
I know I’m not always on my best behavior so I try not to let one experience ruin something for me. I’m curious about the food as well–might be a little posh for a pub, but a nice change from the typical fish and chips. We’ll see.
The place seems calm for a Saturday night …. so I wonder how the place is when it is more vibrant. Plus maybe a beer will change the mood.
It usually has that effect.
My wife will love that last pic!
LOL…yes vampire lover will be in heaven!
That sign alone would win me over. But the comfy chairs are a huge plus. I can’t find bars OR coffee shops with really comfy chairs.
I’m trying to think of a place near you, but can’t come up with one. At least you have the tattered cover. Does that help?
It does…it’s a soul soother.
I think it has been over a decade since I was in that store. I’m shaking my head in shame.
I’ll buy you a cup of tea if you come to visit!
Deal! Same on this end.
If the barman is rude next time you should tell him so!
I’ll bring you with me next time and you can help me out.
🙂
I am surprised that you thought it might not have a TV. I thought all pubs had a TV 🙂
The Volturui are coming!
Where is Buffy when we need her?
*Volturi – eek don’t want to misspell that name…
I feel bad, I still haven’t watched the Buffy series even thought I’ve heard good things about it.
I like the Vampires allowed sign. I’m not sure about the rest. I find it doesn’t look all that welcoming.
Ha, the sign made me laugh! Sorry about the service–what an attitude. I probably wouldn’t go back after that.
I would definitely leave before 12am to avoid a vampire encounter!
I’ve never seen a nature show being shown on a tv in a bar or pub, but it works for me.
I tried a raspberry wheat beer yesterday at a restaurant in SLC (Fiddlers Elbow in Sugarhouse). It was pretty good!
Loving these pictures! Vampires after midnight ha! That was a good one.
I’m big on service. My patronage of a place is usually predicated upon the service I receive the first time I visit. Even if the place has great food, if the service sucks, I’d probly not go there again.