If you ever find yourself on a weekend escape to the East Yorkshire coast, a walk around the rugged beauty of Spurn Point is practically mandatory. And after a few windswept hours exploring its haunting landscapes and unique nature reserve, there’s no better place to refuel than the Crown & Anchor in Kilnsea – a charming seaside pub that blends traditional hospitality with hearty, satisfying fare.
Situated right on the edge of the Humber Estuary, the Crown & Anchor is one of those rare spots where the view is every bit as memorable as the meal. We arrived just after a long walk, faces glowing from the spring sunshine, and opted to sit outside to soak up the fresh sea air. The beer garden overlooks the vast waters of the Humber, where the sky seems to stretch on forever, and the gentle lull of waves provides the perfect background music for a lazy afternoon.
Despite its off-the-beaten-path location, the Crown & Anchor was pleasantly busy, with a relaxed, friendly atmosphere that instantly put us at ease. There’s something wonderfully unpretentious about this pub – it’s clearly loved by locals and visitors alike, and the service reflects that. The bar staff were welcoming, chatty without being overbearing, and happy to help with any questions about the menu.
Speaking of which, the menu strikes a nice balance between pub classics and a few modern touches, all at very reasonable prices. With drinks and two generously portioned meals coming in at around £25, it felt like tremendous value – especially considering the quality.
My travel companion opted for the tuna mayonnaise ciabatta with chips, a dish that sounds simple but can often disappoint when done half-heartedly. Not here. The ciabatta was fresh, crusty on the outside and soft within, packed generously with a creamy tuna mayo mix that hit all the right notes. The chips, too, were a highlight – golden, crunchy on the outside and fluffy inside, the kind that makes you reach for just one more even after you’ve said you’re full.
As for me, I went for something a bit more indulgent: the Yorkshire pudding wrap, which came stuffed with slices of tender beef, peas, carrots, crispy roast potatoes, and a good dousing of rich gravy. It’s essentially a Sunday roast wrapped in a Yorkshire pud – and what’s not to love about that? The Yorkshire pudding itself was lovely and fluffy, not at all heavy or rubbery, and it held together surprisingly well given the amount of filling. The beef was soft and well-cooked, not chewy in the slightest, while the carrots and peas were plentiful and perfectly cooked – not overdone, just tender with a bit of bite. But the real stars of the plate were the roast potatoes: golden and crisp on the outside with a comforting fluffiness in the centre. They were so good I found myself rationing them just to make the pleasure last longer.
All this was accompanied by a pint of local ale and a crisp cider, both well-poured and refreshing after our time walking in the sun. There’s a good selection of drinks behind the bar, with local brews and familiar favourites alike, and prices that won’t make you wince.
It’s worth noting that while the Crown & Anchor does have a fairly laid-back pub appearance, the food speaks of a kitchen that really cares about getting things right. There’s a home-cooked feel to everything, but also a level of attention that goes beyond what you might expect from a standard seaside pub. The portions are generous without feeling excessive, and it’s clear that the quality of ingredients is a priority here.
The outdoor seating area, where we enjoyed our meal, was clean and well-maintained, with picnic-style benches and ample space to relax. The beer garden sits quite close to the road, but it’s not a busy one, so it didn’t detract from the experience. In fact, it felt rather peaceful, with only the occasional passing car and the ever-present view over the Humber to keep us company. With the sun on our backs and the shimmering water before us, it was the kind of dining experience that makes you feel miles away from the stresses of everyday life – simple pleasures, executed well.
In the end, it was the combination of warm service, great food, and unbeatable location that made this visit stand out. The Crown & Anchor is one of those places that doesn’t need to shout about itself – it lets the food, the atmosphere, and the scenery do the talking. And they all speak volumes.
We’ll absolutely be returning next time we’re in the area. Whether you’re after a pit stop after a walk, a scenic spot for a pint, or a satisfying lunch that doesn’t break the bank, the Crown & Anchor is well worth a detour.
To get in touch with Crown & Anchor, ring 01964 650276 or visit https://www.facebook.com/TheCrownandAnchorKilnsea. Crown & Anchor is located at Easington Road, Kilnsea, Hull HU12 0UB.