Crown Inn Dial Post: Horsham's Hidden Gem (Unbeatable Pub Food!)
Crown Inn Dial Post: Horsham's Hidden Gem (Unbeatable Pub Food!)
Crown Inn Dial Post: Horsham's Hidden Gem? Or Just a Really Good Pie? (My Honest Take)
Okay, alright, let's be real. Finding a genuinely good pub in the UK, let alone near Horsham, feels like a lottery win these days. But folks, I think I stumbled upon something… something special. The Crown Inn Dial Post. The website promised "Unbeatable Pub Food!" and you know what? They weren't entirely lying. But beyond the grub, which was genuinely fantastic, there were layers, let me tell you, layers.
Accessibility & Stuff I Care About (and Some I Don't… Yet!)
First things first, the accessibility stuff. This is important, right? So, they appear to be trying. They have facilities for disabled guests, which includes an elevator! Now, I'm not personally in a wheelchair, thank goodness, but seeing that effort is always a good sign. They also had a car park (free!), which, let’s face it, is a huge win in this part of the world. Even better, car park on-site. No more fumbling around in the dark looking for a space! And even betterer, car charging station. (I'm not even electric yet, but hey, future-proofing!)
Now, about that internet… Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Woohoo! And as a bonus, they provide "Internet access – LAN". I haven't used a LAN cable in about a decade, but it gave me all the nostalgic feels. They also had Wi-Fi in public areas. This is good because I'm constantly refreshing social media for a quick dopamine hit. (Don't judge me!) And, of course, the usual suspects: Audio-visual equipment, Projector/LED display, Meetings facilities – all that boring business stuff that I, thankfully, didn't need.
Cleanliness & Safety (The Pandemic Aftermath Version)
The post-COVID world has made us all a little… twitchy, hasn't it? Well, The Crown seems to be taking it seriously. They had Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and Staff trained in safety protocol. Plus, bonus points for Individually-wrapped food options. It felt safe-ish. The Sanitized kitchen and tableware items were a relief. And I do remember seeing Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, which, honestly, is a damn good start. Did I see Sterilizing equipment? Hmm, in honesty, no, nor did I go looking. But the Safe dining setup was clearly on display. And the Room sanitization opt-out available is always a good idea.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (The Moment of Truth)
Alright, this is where The Crown really shines. Their claim of "Unbeatable Pub Food" isn't just marketing fluff! The food was seriously good. I’m talking proper, hearty pub grub. I plumped for the pie and well, let's just say it was a religious experience. Crusty, flaky pastry. Tender, flavourful filling. I genuinely haven't eaten a pie that good in… well, a long time. And yes, I do remember a Vegetarian restaurant option.
They had a Bar, too, which is, you know, a given, but the selection was top-notch. Good ales, a decent wine list, and even a few fancy cocktails if you're feeling spendy. I did indulge in a lunchtime Happy hour. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was decent, I’ll grant them that much. I did not see any Asian cuisine in restaurant.
I ate pretty much everything, and I do not regret it. Honestly? The pie was so good it almost brought a tear to my eye.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter)
The Daily housekeeping was efficient and unobtrusive. The Concierge was helpful. Cash withdrawal was available (essential!). Their Laundry service was prompt. I did not hit up the Safety deposit boxes; I'm not that anxious… yet. Oh, and Contactless check-in/out – a godsend in the modern age. And in these dark times Room service [24-hour]! The convenience of being able to order up a feast at any time during the night, that is something.
For the Kids (If you have them, I don't)
No kids of my own but I saw a family with shrieking children the whole time and they seemed to enjoy it, so I'm guessing that is a good thing. The restaurant had Kids meal and a Babysitting service!
What About All The Other Stuff? (Spa? Fitness?)
Right, okay, so this is where the Crown perhaps stretches its… wings? It's not a spa resort, let's put it that way. They have a Gym/fitness thing, which I didn't use. A Spa/sauna thing? Maybe. Honestly, after the pie, I was more in the mood for a lie-down. Sauna, Steamroom, Massage. No, no, and no. Not for me that day.
The Rooms – The Real Deal
The room itself? It was fine. It had Air conditioning, which was a massive relief (it was a hot day!), Blackout curtains (essential for a lie-in), and a Coffee/tea maker. Free bottled water. The bed was comfortable. The Shower was good and hot. The room wasn’t exactly luxurious, but it was clean, comfortable, and served its purpose.
The Anecdote That Really Sums it Up:
I'll tell you what. I sat there, post-pie, with a pint in my hand, and I could feel all the anxieties of modern life just… melting away. It wasn’t just the food; it was the vibe. The friendly staff, the cozy atmosphere, the general lack of pretension. It felt like a real pub, a proper community hub. And that, folks, is something truly special.
The Verdict
The Crown Inn Dial Post is not perfect. But its the best pub out there! It's a genuine, honest-to-goodness place to drink, eat, and relax. It's definitely a solid choice if you're in the area. Go for the food. Stay for the pie. And for the love of god, order a pie.
(SEO & Metadata - because, you know, the internet)
Keywords: Crown Inn Dial Post, Horsham, pub food, restaurant, hotel, accessible, pie, best pub, Sussex, dining, accommodation, free wifi, bar, family friendly.
Meta Description: Honest review of The Crown Inn Dial Post near Horsham. Incredible pub food, accessibility features, and a cozy atmosphere. Find out if it's the hidden gem you've been searching for!
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- Title Tag: Crown Inn Dial Post Review: Unbeatable Pub Food & Cozy Atmosphere!
- H1: Crown Inn Dial Post: Horsham's Hidden Gem (Unbeatable Pub Food!)
- Alt Text (Images): "Crown Inn Dial Post exterior," "Pub pie," "Cozy pub interior," "Free car park"
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Right then, buckle up, buttercups, because we're going to The Crown Inn, Dial Post, near Horsham, and it's gonna be a rollercoaster. Forget those pristine itineraries, this is gonna be the messy, real deal. Prepare for the glorious chaos.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Pub Purge (Or, "Where Did I Park the Bloody Car?")
1:00 PM: Touchdown! Or, well, try to touch down. Getting to Dial Post from, say, London? Prepare for a journey of slightly-too-optimistic Google Map estimates and the soul-crushing awareness you still haven't perfected the art of packing light. Seriously, I swear I brought half my wardrobe. And a book I’ll probably never read, because priorities. The drive? Scenic, yes. Frustratingly full of tractors? Also yes. I’m already regretting the decision to wear this particular pair of shoes. They are murder on cobblestones, which, let's be honest, is practically a guarantee in these parts.
2:00 PM (ish): Arrive at The Crown Inn. Finally. That relief that washes over you when you actually find the place after navigating country lanes that seem to whisper, "You're lost, darling." The building itself? Charming as hell. Think old stones, overflowing flower boxes, and a welcoming facade that promises a good time. My first thought? Where the heck do I park? It’s the kind of car park that challenges your spatial reasoning skills. I spent a solid ten minutes trying to manoeuvre (and failing spectacularly) into a spot that clearly wasn’t designed for anything larger than a Mini. Embarrassing. Thankfully, a local with a mischievous grin gave me some assistance. I told him, "I am a walking disaster" he just said "Welcome to the club".
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM: Check-in. Right, let's see if they'll actually give me a room key. I'm always slightly suspicious of these things. And the room? God, I hope it at least has a decent view and it doesn't smell like someone's been actively fermenting cheese in there. (Happened once. Shudders.)
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM: The Pub Purge (food). After a couple of hours on the road, it is time to head straight to the pub. I ordered a pint of local ale (because why not? It's practically the law) and a Ploughman's lunch. Okay, the Ploughman’s was… substantial. Cheese, pickle, crusty bread – the works. I'm fairly certain I ate enough to feed a small army. And there was a moment, a glorious, cheese-induced moment, where I swear the stress of the journey melted away. Pure bliss. The pub itself, of course, has a great vibe! Locals chattering, dogs underfoot (love that!), fireplaces crackling. This is what I signed up for.
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Room Unpack & Initial Panic. This is the bit where you unpack. I always over pack. And then I hate unpack. I find a strange, almost primal urge to leave my suitcase half-open for the entire stay, just in case I need to make a quick getaway. I'm sure it's a perfectly normal reaction. I’d also forgotten my phone charger. Cue mild internal meltdown.
6:00 PM - onwards: Evening at the pub. Back to the pub for pre-dinner drinks and the crucial people-watching. I spotted a couple deep in conversation, a group of friends laughing, and a lone gentleman thoughtfully nursing a pint. It was a microcosm of life, all playing out in the warm glow of the bar. I probably should have had dinner. But, I’m still so full!
Day 2: Countryside Capers and the Great Cake Conspiracy
8:00 AM: Breakfast. I hope they have decent coffee. A bad coffee is a guaranteed mood killer. I'm also praying for some scrambled eggs, because I forgot to buy eggs myself.
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: A Rambling Walk. This is where the plan starts to fall apart. I intended on doing a brisk, energetic hike around the area. Reality? The map is folded wrong. The route I picked started to turn into a muddy quagmire. And, let’s be honest, I’m probably not the most athletic person on the planet. So, yes, there was a near-wipeout involving a particularly treacherous ditch (don't ask), and a lot of huffing and puffing. Eventually, I ended up by a picturesque stream. It was, in fairness, utterly beautiful. Plus, I managed to not fall in. Win.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch. I should have packed a lunch, but oh well. I found a quiet little tea room and got a sandwich. The kind of place that screams, "We serve REAL tea!" and where the cakes are displayed with an artistry that borders on the devotional.
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Dial Post Exploration (or, "Is There Anything Else Here?") I swear, I think there is one road and a couple of lovely houses. But it is charming.
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM: The Great Cake Conspiracy. Back to the tea room (because obviously). I've decided on a cake mission. And the mission is chocolate. I asked the server for the "most decadent chocolate cake," and dear god, she did not disappoint. It was so good that I momentarily forgot about all my minor travel mishaps. Eating cake is a profound experience.
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Nap Time. This is the official time allocated to naps to recharge after the cake.
6:00 PM - Onwards: Pub again. Dinner. I’m thinking something light this time. Though, with a place like this, "light" is probably impossible. This evening is a good opportunity to learn a bit more about the local gossip. And, if I’m lucky, to meet a dog I can secretly take home (I’m not going to, by the way. But, you know).
Day 3: Departure and the Bitter-Sweet Sigh
8:00 AM: Breakfast. This time, I'm going to make a concious effort to have a proper breakfast.
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Farewell Walk (Or, "Saying Goodbye to the Mud") One last, brief wander around the area, trying to imprint the sights and smells in my memory. Feeling that bittersweet pull of wanting to stay, but also the faint whisper of "Time to go…".
10:00 AM: Check-Out. Did I leave anything behind? Probably. I always do.
10:30 AM - 1:00 PM: The Long Drive Home. Re-attempt to put all the things back in the car is made, and now I head off to wherever I need to go.
1:00 PM Onwards: Home. Post-trip blues setting in? Yes, very likely. But also, the memories, the laughter, the perfect cake… it'll all stay with me. And I'll be back. I just know it. And probably bring less stuff next time. Probably. (Probably not.)
Crown Inn Dial Post: Horsham's Hidden Gem? REALLY? Let's Unpack This...
Okay, Spill the Beans - Is the Food REALLY "Unbeatable?" I mean, REALLY?!
Alright, alright, *breathes deeply*. Look, "unbeatable" is a big claim. I've eaten some questionable pub grub in my time, enough to make me question humanity. So when the Crown Inn's food gets touted, my inner cynic puts up a fight. But... (and this is a big BUT) ... the food is bloody GOOD. We're talking proper, home-cooked, comforting goodness.
One time, I ordered the pie. Now, I'm a pie connoisseur, a pie aficionado, a pie *obsessive*. This pie... the pastry? Flaky as hell. The filling? Rich, savory, and just bursting with flavor. I actually moaned. Out loud. In public. Mortifying, yes, but also a testament to the sheer deliciousness. My partner just rolled their eyes (they're used to my pie pronouncements). This wasn't just a pie; it was an experience. A messy, gravy-dripped, absolutely glorious experience.
So, "unbeatable"? Maybe not *every* single dish, *every* single day. But for me? For that pie? Close. DAMN close.
So, The Pie... What Else Do They Do Well? Because I Might Just Take a Bite...
Okay, look, I'm still thinking about that pie. (Deep breaths, focus...). Right, so beyond my pie-induced obsession, they've consistently impressed. Their Sunday roasts are LEGIT. I'm talking proper, Yorkshire puddings that practically float off the plate. The veggies are actually cooked (not boiled into oblivion, like some places!). My friend, who is notoriously picky about his roast potatoes (a true test of character, that one), gave them a rare and coveted thumbs up. This is high praise, people.
I've also had their fish and chips which was excellent. The fish was fresh and perfectly cooked with crispy batter. And the chips? Proper, chunky, proper chips. The only slight hiccup was once the burger I ordered, the patty was a little dry. But that's probably just me being overly picky (I am that guy, sometimes). Still, those flaws are just minor blips compared to the consistent quality, and overall experience that the pub provides. So yeah, they have a lot of things they do well, I'm never disappointed, the food is just...good. Real good.
What's the Vibe Like? Is it Just For Old Fogies?
Nah, definitely not just for old fogies! Though, I *did* see a gentleman with a tweed jacket and a monocle once. But honestly, I think he was there ironically.
The vibe is generally relaxed and friendly. It's a proper pub, with a decent bar, a good selection of ales (important!), and a cosy, inviting atmosphere. There's a mix of people - families, couples, and friends just hanging out. It's not pretentious, thankfully. No hushed tones and tiny portions here, it's all about good food, good drinks, and a good time. You can expect to feel at ease the instant you walk through the door. It's a breath of fresh air from the usual pretentious spots.
Just don't expect a dance floor. Seriously, that's maybe the only thing missing. But, you can't have everything, right?
Is it Dog-Friendly? (Because My Spaniel Demands to Know).
YES! And that's a *huge* win in my book. There are few things better than enjoying a delicious meal whilst your furry best friend is curled up at your feet. They're very welcoming of well-behaved dogs. I've seen plenty of happy pups sprawled out under tables. Bring your dog, your dog will be happy. Just be sure to keep them under control (nobody wants a slobbering Labrador stealing chips, right?).
Right, Let's Talk Service. Are the Staff Nice? Because Hangry People Don't Do Patience.
The staff are generally great. Friendly, helpful, and they seem genuinely happy to be there, which is always a good sign. They're usually attentive, and they deal with the crowds really well. I've never had to wait an eternity for a drink or for my food, which is a major win. They're not perfect, of course, sometimes they're very busy, and service can slow down. Everyone is a little slow sometimes, come on, it's human nature! But overall, they work hard, and they seem to care about providing a good experience. They smile, they get the job done, and they're very much the kind of people I have come to expect and want to see when I'm out and about.
Is it Easy to Get To? Parking, Public Transport - Help Me Out!
Dial Post is a bit off the beaten track, but it's generally easy to get to. If you're driving, there's a reasonable-sized car park. It can get pretty busy at peak times, so arrive early if you want to guarantee a spot. I once circled the carpark three times, getting increasingly agitated, before finally snagging a space. Patience, people, patience! (and maybe a second beer once you've parked).
For public transport, you're looking at buses, but they're less frequent than in the town center. So, check the timetables beforehand. Honestly, driving is probably easier, especially if you're planning on indulging in a few pints (responsible drinking, of course!). Oh, and definitely *don't* drink and drive. That's a non-negotiable.
Alright, Alright, You've Almost Convinced Me. Any Downsides? Because Nothing is Perfect, Right?
Okay, *fine*. Nothing is perfect. As previously mentioned, parking can be a pain, especially at peak times. Also, the pub can get *really* busy. Plan ahead if you're going on a weekend or for a special occasion. And maybe book a table, just to be safe. Because disappointment, and hunger! Can be a dangerous combo.
The decor is traditional, and some might say it's a little...dated. It doesn't bother me, personally. The food and the atmosphere more than make up for any deficiencies. But if you're expecting a trendy, minimalist interior, you'll be disappointed. This is a proper pub, not a design showroom.
And look, the prices aren't as cheap as chips (pun intended!). But the quality of the food justifies the cost, in my opinion. You get what you pay for, and I'm happy to pay a little more for a delicious, well-cooked meal.
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