About This Pub
So, I've been having a look at the Craven Heifer in Darwen, and it's one of those pubs that really warms you up on a chilly evening. From the reviews, the food stands out as a real highlight – think homemade meals with generous portions and affordable prices that make it a go-to for a hearty Sunday lunch or a quick bite. It's got that family-friendly feel, with a clean and pleasant environment that's just right for catching up with mates or treating the little ones. Plus, the entertainment options like Thursday quiz nights and monthly live music gigs add a nice touch of excitement without overwhelming the place. On the flip side, it's not all roses; there are tales of dodgy food experiences, like burnt fish and chips or meals that lack flavour, and some have waited ages for their order, which can be a bit frustrating. The drink choices might not thrill everyone either, and if you're unlucky with your visit, you might think twice about the value. All in all, it's a solid choice for a relaxed outing, but I'd say it's best to go in with realistic expectations and maybe check for any ongoing events to make the most of it.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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The food is absolutely spot on, with homemade dishes and generous portions that leave you feeling satisfied and coming back for more.
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It's a family-friendly spot with a welcoming atmosphere, making it ideal for a relaxed meal with the kids.
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Prices are reasonable, offering great value for money, especially for things like Sunday lunches and the menu specials.
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They've got regular entertainment lined up, like quiz nights every Thursday and live music events, which add a fun buzz to the evenings.
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The location in the countryside with ample parking makes it a breath of fresh air, perfect for a getaway from the hustle.
Cons
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There have been some complaints about inconsistent food quality, like burnt dishes and bland flavours that don't live up to expectations.
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A few folks mentioned long waits for their meals, which can put a dampener on the experience if you're in a rush.
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The drink selection isn't always up to scratch, with limited choices on tap that might disappoint if you're after something specific.
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Prices can feel a bit steep for what you get on an off day, leaving some feeling short-changed.
Contact Information
Craven Heifer Inn, Pole Ln, Darwen BB3 3LD
+441254427727
Pub
Open Now
Opening Hours
| Monday (Today) | 12:00 - 22:30 |
| Tuesday | 12:00 - 22:30 |
| Wednesday | 12:00 - 22:30 |
| Thursday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Friday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Saturday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Sunday | 12:00 - 22:30 |
Recent Reviews
£44 for burnt fish and chips, 5 chicken balls and some doritos. 1 hour wait for shockingly bad, bland, burnt food. Shocking choice of lager on tap. Never ever ever come here
UPDATE: The fact you think £44 for a bag of crisps, a poxy fish and a few chips, and FIVE chicken balls is shocking regardless of if we had 2 bottles of beer or it was bottomless. You’re not in London, or Manchester. You are a pub in Darwen, whose ‘peak times’ are that busy that we could get a table so easily, when every other pub in the vicinity was booked. Furthermore, the fact that only 1 other party had ordered food ( a party of 8 ) and received theirs WELL before ours ( despite ordering a considerable time after us ) tells us everything we need to know. Also, it’s not gone unnoticed how your replies to every negative comment are very cheeky and you struggle to take criticism, no wonder many pubs in the local area outperform yours, and are their reviews reflect that. Thank you, but I will NEVER be returning!
Came here for a Sunday Lunch for the first time since moving near by and I have to say it was excellent. My partner and I are what one would refer to as ‘Roast dinner snobs’. Therefore we are very hard to please when it comes to eating out for a Sunday Roast however the beef was cooked to perfection, there was an incredible amount of food on the plate with a mixture of well cooked veg, beautifully seasoned roast potatoes and creamy mash, a giant home made Yorkshire pudding all with tasty gravy. If we are to fault one thing it would be the cauliflower cheese was slightly watery and the cauliflower was a little hard.
Very friendly staff and great timely service.
We will definitely be making this a regular occurrence and recommending to family and friends.
Called today a wet Tuesday for lunch.
Lovely young lady served us.
Great menu and specials board.
Food freshly made and tasty
We had chicken fajita, chilli chips and a Brie and cranberry sandwich.
Highly recommend.
AC
Alison Clough-Halstead
What a nice pub, I thought the dining area particularly lovely, very tasteful and modern. I can also recommend the food, I had the fish and chips with garden peas and it was lovely. My friend had the steak wrap off the special menu and absolutely loved it.
Vety reasonably priced, I definitely recommend it.
Grest food and good service. The dining room in particular looked lovely. I had fish and chips and the chips were particular good. My friend had steak fajitas from the specials which he said was very tasty.
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