Housed within a beautiful, Cotswold stone building, thishidden gem of a pub offers a warm, inviting atmosphere and much old-world charm. Taken over by experienced hospitality stars, Matt and Katie Beamish in September 2022. The couple also run acclaimed foodie pub with rooms, The Kingham Plough and dining hub, The Hare at Milton, on the Oxfordshire / Gloucestershire borders.
Where is The Crown Inn located?
Located in the heart of the picture-perfect village of Church Enstone, and surrounded by idyllic Oxfordshire coutryside, The Crown lies close to close to Chipping Norton, Blenheim Palace, Bicester Village and Soho Farmhouse. Church Enstone also boasts St Kenelms’, a gorgeous 12th century Saxon church with a Norman doorway and mentioned in the Canterbury Tales.
The Crown was originally built to accommodate the workers who restored and developed the Church in the 16th Century. Rumour has it that Charles I once stayed at the inn (and why it is called The Crown) when he visited from Oxford.
Historic houses and gardens nearby include; Chastleton, Rousham House & Garden, Hidcote Manor, Upton House & Garden and Snowshill Manor
What cuisine is on offer at The Crown Inn?
Head chef, Jason Christie, leads a highly skilled kitchen brigade and is passionate about creating and serving stunning seasonal menus of fantastic modern British dishes at breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, whilst championing the very best fresh, local produce available. Expect innovative twists such as Crispy Ox Tongue on Toast, Wild Garlic Pesto, Loch Duart Salmon & Cornish Mussel Pie, Pea & Pecorino Salad and Braised Brisket, Scallop, Corn Succotash, Padron Peppers, alongside re-imagined pub classics and daily changing specials, plus an all-day, seasonal Bar Snack Menu, a Sunday Roasts and Children’s Menu. *Vegetarian, gluten-free and vegan options are always available. For dogs; water bowls and biscuits in the bar.
What is the signature dish at The Crown Inn?
Due to the focus on seaonality and what's best on the day, there is no signature dish on the regularly changing à la carte menus, but the Crown's Sunday roasts are exceptional.
What makes a meal at The Crown Inn unique?
Prior to its re-opening in November ‘22, The Crown underwent a sensitive refurbishment of its ground floor bar and adjoining dining rooms. Finished in a relaxed palette of inky blues, soft greens and greys with hand-blocked wallpapers and fabrics by Rapture & Wright, which only enhance the original features including old exposed oak beams, rendered Cotswold stone walls and reclaimed timber floors softened with Turkish kilims and locally sourced vintage and antique furnishings. The overall style creates a charming place in which to relax, drink and dine. To one side of the pub, there's a beautiful, plant-filled garden room with French doors leading directly onto a sunny walled, cottage garden with mature plants and climbers and a recently-added sunken garden edged by dry stone walls. Surrounded by cottage garden plants, tables and chairs are set in amongst to enjoy alfresco drinking and dining shaded by cream parasols.
Other Information
Above the pub, five bedrooms finished to a very high spec with Kingsize double / twin beds with hypoallergenic duvets and pillows, crisp white linen and cotton quilts by Soak & Sleep, lovely views over the village and all en-suite. right nect door to The Crown, a refurbished cottage and studio, offering two additional double bedrooms, both en-suite, a fully equipped kitchen, sitting room and rear patio space.
The Crown is proud to source from and support local artisan suppliers and produce from local farms. These include:
Meat from Paddock Farm
Fresh, daily deliveries of seafood and responsibly sourced fish from the South Coast from New Wave Seafood
Fruit, vegetables & herbs from local suppliers and farmers
Eggs from Cacklebean Eggs
Cured meats from ‘Salt Pig’ Chipping Norton
Bread from Marks Cotswold Bakery, Chipping Norton
Welcomes everyone, including dogs. Bookings of eight or more are asked to pre-order from the menu a few days in advance.
