16th Century pub packed to its wooden rafters with charm reopens after refurb

The Crown Inn at Bishop’s Waltham boasts cosy corners, delicious dishes and crafted cocktails, plus boutique bedrooms to stay in if you’d like to stay. 

On the new menu, there are delicious new dishes such as the South Downs venison Bolognese with rigatoni, truffle and crispy onions plus premium pub classics – alongside a new prix fixe menu and the popular Sunday roast.

(Image: Cynthina Rezende for Fuller’s) READ MORE: The underground city centre hideaway with new beers every day

Behind the bar, you’ll find plenty of draught beers, premium cocktails and a crafted wine menu – designed to complement the food.

There are some new faces at the pub too with new General Manager, Tracey Mears, at the helm, plus a new team of chefs cooking up a storm.

Tracey told the Daily Echo: “I’m delighted to open the doors and show off our new-look pub. While we were closed for the refurbishment, my team and I worked on making sure everyone has a fantastic experience at The Crown Inn.

“As well as offering a great selection of drinks and delicious dishes on the menu, we’re a pub at the heart of its community – ready to host your next event, Christmas party or special occasion. We can’t wait to see you – whether you’re local to the pub or visiting from further afield.”

(Image: Cynthia Rezende for Fuller’s) Admiral Villeneuve, who had commanded the combined French and Spanish fleet during the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, stayed at The Crown Inn, among 200 French prisoners sent up to Bishop’s Waltham. A blue plaque was attached to The Crown Inn in 1997 to commemorate the Admiral’s stay.

The pub was once a popular place for cockfighting and also figured in the Bishop’s Waltham Beer Riots of 1884. 

Today, the timber-framed venue has eight boutique bedrooms named after French shipping” target=”_blank”>ships or French Admirals as a nod to its history. 

(Image: Cynthina Rezende for Fuller’s) The Crown’s Christmas menu includes Usk Valley turkey breast or slow braised beef served with all the trimmings, plus delicious vegan and vegetarian options.