Crown Inn

A delightful retreat from the winter that is more like home than a restaurant.
Recommended to our family, The Crown Inn didn’t let us down in location, standard of food or friendliness of staff. Initially we joined them for lunch on a Saturday and have since returned for the Sunday lunch.
Whilst booking we were informed that they had no toddler seating facilities however we could adapt as we were welcomed to take our own collapsible seat. Although there are no facilities seating, changing or even menu wise for children plenty of families still choose this historic gastro-​pub. This is most likely a key indicator of the standards elsewhere in the experience.
It is quite possible to enjoy a three course meal and to remember the quality over the quantity, you will be satisfied and content and not over full. To my mind this is a good thing of course. The Lamb Shank is a particular highlight. Deserts maintain the eye on quality but the homemade fudge served with the coffees will have you ordering a coffee every time you return.
The setting is of course flawless, perhaps if you are placed next to one if the roaring fires then it could become uncomfortable but it is all in keeping with the period property. Sadly the cellular network connection is also I’m keeping with the location and is mon existent, no Qype Check-​in to be champion of here.
I have selected five stars as I can not fault any area but for the lack of a child seat which to my mind might be a plus to more people than not. If you require a more child friendly environment then go to the close by Five Horseshoes, if you don’t require one then most definitely come here. We shall be returning in the future.

This is a good place, beer kept well, nice setting but is definitely in the borderline of becoming a gastro-​pub restaurant rather tha a traditional pub. That said though the food is good and I have never had bad service.
As a pub it scores a 3 as an eatery probably nudging a 4 as the menu is always good and for the offering reasonably priced.

What is it about this place? The location is amazing, the building is wonderful, the beer is fine and food inoffensive. Something though, some little thing that I can’t put my finger on turns me off this place.
It’s not that you have to drive there — it’s a beautiful walk from Henley. It’s not that the staff are rude or unfriendly — in fact they’re charming and helpful.
There is a decent beer garden, a wide variety of drinks, skittles, a function room, a long and well-​cooked menu. The prices aren’t too bad either.
So what the hell is it? Do me a favour. Pay a visit and see if you can work it out for me.