Stowupland The Crown has 'winning formula' of stone baked pizza and smiley service

Last time I visited The Crown in Stowupland, eat out to help out was a thing, there was a heatwave, and Boris burgers were a staple on the menu.

So it was refreshing to return two years later in 'more normal times' when waiters were allowed to touch cutlery and even hand us our menus.

Saying that, this time there was again a heatwave and Boris burgers were still available - possibly soon to make way for Truss trifle or Rishi's Rib Eye!

Making my booking, a table for two on a balmy Saturday night, was a simple process which I did through The Crown's website, I noted on the booking that if possible we would like a table outside or preferably with air conditioning.

I was pleased that the gentleman that greeted me and my boyfriend immediately asked if we still wanted a table outside (which we gratefully accepted).

The pub, near Stowmarket has a big garden with a laid back atmosphere, as we were sitting outside we had to order at the bar - which was quick and easy.

Now I rarely pay any attention to which beers pubs serve but my boyfriend informed me that The Crown had a good selection of both lager and ale.

He opted for a pint of Pravha, which appeared to go down a treat on a hot summer evening.

Food-wise there was plenty of choice including an extensive pizza menu and a specials board.

I picked one of the 'Crown Classics': pan fried sea bass with chorizo, Lyonnaise potatoes, and green beans with a herb salsa.

My boyfriend decided on one of the Crown Stone Baked pizzas: the Capra, a margherita topped with oregano, goats cheese and black olives - you can ask for gluten free pizza dough if needed.

It wasn't long until our food arrived, with a friendly smile from the waiter.

The main courses were warm and the portion sizes were large - both were delicious.

Despite feeling pretty full we felt it was our duty as reviewers to sample the desserts menu.

The chocolate brownie, that my boyfriend went for, was served warm with ice cream and chocolate sauce and it didn't last long.

I treated myself to a vanilla panna cotta with raspberries, honeycomb and amaretti biscuits.

My pudding was presented beautifully and the raspberries, biscuits and panna cotta all complemented each other perfectly.

Service at The Crown was quick but at no point did we feel rushed, the waiters were all friendly and added to the laid-back atmosphere of The Crown.

We were pretty much left to ourselves but whenever we did need to order at the bar we felt very welcome and there was no waiting around involved.

Our two courses and drinks came in at just over £50, which I think was reasonable considering the quality of the food and service.

The Crown has a lovely traditional bar, which looked perfect for a cozy winter evening, there is also a restaurant which is more modern.

Without wanting to sound patronising, The Crown has a winning formula, it isn't trying to do anything flash but at the same time it is a cut above a typical pub that serves food - definitely give it a try next time you are in the Stowmarket area.