The Crown Inn at Benson, a characterful 17th century, Grade II-listed timber-framed coaching inn, is due to re-open its doors on Friday 2nd October 2020, following a major refurbishment.
Located in the pretty south Oxfordshire village of Benson, The Crown will welcome all to enjoy it’s bar, restaurant, six en-suite bedrooms, rear courtyard and beer garden.
The kitchen, overseen by head chef Robbie Gleeson, will be showcasing and celebrating each dish where the emphasis will always be on using quality, locally sourced produce treated with respect and care. The A La Carte menu of enticing dishes full of flavour and style will be complemented by daily signature dishes and will change in line with the seasons and availability of the finest ingredients. In the restaurant, diners can expect attentive table service in a safe and social space within which to enjoy their dining experience. In the comfortable and cosy bar, a range of the best cask ales, lagers and cider from Hook Norton Brewery and guests will be served alongside a gin and small cocktail menu and a varied wine list. Upstairs, six individually-decorated double en-suite bedrooms await, furnished with luxurious touches including roll top baths and powerful rain showers. Rooms range from £80 - £90 mid-week and £140 a night at weekends for bed and breakfast.
Outside, the rear courtyard, edged by the original Grade II listed stabling, blacksmith’s and wheelwrights’ workshops offers a perfect sun trap in which to relax and through the archway an enclosed beer garden awaits. Hook Norton Brewery is also installing a nano brewery into one of the outbuildings so visitors can experience the sights, sounds and smells of brewing with the beer produced being available on the bar.
The Crown Inn has been sympathetically restored whilst offering all of the modern day comforts.
Hook Norton Brewery’s Operations Manager, Edwin Pope says “ As a brewery, we are always looking to invest not only in pubs but also people, especially in these challenging times. Once we were able, we continued with the re-development of The Crown and can’t wait to bring both employment and enjoyment to Benson. We’re hoping to create a relaxed and inviting pub with a real community feel that also offers the perfect base for visitors to explore this beautiful and fascinating corner of Oxfordshire.”
Benson was once the first stop out of Oxford on the stage coach route to London and it’s Hook Norton’s desire to once more turn The Crown into the place to stop, relax and recharge.