Bucks &amp; Oxon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-location">THE LOCATION </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/IMG_5085-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-140191" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/IMG_5085-2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/IMG_5085-2-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/IMG_5085-2-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/IMG_5085-2-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/crown-inn-church-enstone/#:~:text=The%20Crown%20Inn%2C%20Church%20Enstone&amp;text=It%27s%20now%20a%20country%20pub,in%20every%20nook%20and%20cranny." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Crown Inn</a> sits in textbook Cotswolds territory. Perched between Woodstock and Chipping Norton in the sleepy hamlet of Church Enstone &#8211; all honey-hued stone, charming thatch and tweeting birds &#8211; it&#8217;s the type of bucolic surrounds that make you want to pull on your wellies and head out on a crisp winter dog walk to earn your supper. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/IMG_5018.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-140196" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/IMG_5018.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/IMG_5018-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/IMG_5018-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/IMG_5018-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The pub has been serving locals for over 300 years and the latest in the line of succession is hospitality dream team Matt &amp; Kate Beamish (they also run The <a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/kingham-plough-cotswolds-pub/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kingham Plough</a> and <a href="https://themiltonhare.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Hare at Milton-under-Wychwood</a>), who took over the pub in Sept 2022. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="658" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/85043805-0E8A-4A07-9FB9-6057DE226315.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-140192" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/85043805-0E8A-4A07-9FB9-6057DE226315.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/85043805-0E8A-4A07-9FB9-6057DE226315-800x526.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/85043805-0E8A-4A07-9FB9-6057DE226315-400x263.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/85043805-0E8A-4A07-9FB9-6057DE226315-798x525.jpeg 798w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This pub already had excellent bones &#8211; divided neatly into an open bar area and restaurant &#8211; with low beams, open fire, exposed stone walls and flagstone floors, but Matt and Kate have given the interiors a tasteful zhuzh. The colour palette is straight out of a Farrow &amp; Ball catalogue with heritage greens, inky blues and greys and a dusky pink in the loos which regrettably I didn&#8217;t snap a photo of (I want it in my own bathroom!). </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/34FF2765-180A-40F9-9498-59FFD269D8D3.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-140193" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/34FF2765-180A-40F9-9498-59FFD269D8D3.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/34FF2765-180A-40F9-9498-59FFD269D8D3-800x534.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/34FF2765-180A-40F9-9498-59FFD269D8D3-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/34FF2765-180A-40F9-9498-59FFD269D8D3-787x525.jpeg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Hand-blocked wallpapers and curtains by Rapture &amp; Wright, ornate Turkish kilims and mismatched vintage and antique furniture compete the look, with the layers of colours, textures and patterns thoughtfully thrown together to create dimension and layers to the space &#8211; it feels cosy and country, but still very chic. The pub also has a gorgeous selection of original artwork (the previous owner was an artist and has left some of his collection behind for the pub to enjoy).</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/IMG_5026.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-140194" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/IMG_5026.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/IMG_5026-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/IMG_5026-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/IMG_5026-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The conservatory has also had an impressive makeover, painted in a stylish olive (with matching olive tree) and French doors leading out to the walled cottage garden &#8211; think Gees in central Oxford, but snug and rustic. Next time I eat at The Crown, I&#8217;ll be bagging a table in here. </p>



<p>I visited the pub on a Saturday lunchtime and the bar area was buzzy with locals, elbows perched on the bar, chatting to staff &#8211; but the restaurant area has more of a sophisticated feel with multi-generational families meeting for lunch and couples stopping by before a stroll around Blenheim&#8217;s grounds (yes, I was eavesdropping!). </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/IMG_5049-1.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-140573" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/IMG_5049-1.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/IMG_5049-1-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/IMG_5049-1-400x300.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/IMG_5049-1-700x525.jpeg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Sourdough is sourced from local biz, Mark&#8217;s Cotswold Bakery </figcaption></figure>



<p>The Kitchen is open for lunch and dinner service Mon &#8211; Sat (12pm-2.30pm and 6pm-9pm) and then 12pm-3pm on Sundays. The Modern British menu changes frequently (naturally, I scoped it out before visiting, but it was completely different on the day) but you can always expect seasonal dishes centred on the freshest produce available, much of which is sourced locally.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/IMG_5033.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-140198" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/IMG_5033.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/IMG_5033-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/IMG_5033-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/IMG_5033-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>To my delight, scallops with sherry vinegar and beetroot were fresh on the menu, presented with true gastropub flair (hello edible flowers). The muscle and coral were both cooked to perfection and they were genuinely the biggest portion of scallops I&#8217;ve ever had at a pub round these parts. </p>



<p>My plus one chose the wild mushroom and gorgonzola arancini with black garlic mayo &#8211; two little spheres of joy that were melt-in-the-mouth with a delicate balance of the big hitter flavours. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="937" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/IMG_5043-937x1000.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-140201" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/IMG_5043-937x1000.jpg 937w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/IMG_5043-750x800.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/IMG_5043-375x400.jpg 375w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/IMG_5043-492x525.jpg 492w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/IMG_5043.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 937px) 100vw, 937px" /></figure>



<p>For my main, I stuck with the seafood theme with the fillet of Cornish cod with garlic mousseline served on ratatouille and new potatoes. The cod loin was a little under-done for my taste but it paired well with the veg and hit of garlic. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/crown-inn-enstone-.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-140200" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/crown-inn-enstone-.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/crown-inn-enstone--800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/crown-inn-enstone--400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/crown-inn-enstone--700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>For my plus one it was a toss up between pan roasted duck breast with spiced pearl barley, tender stem broccoli and jus, or the rolled lamb shoulder with dauphinoise potato, garlic greens and mint jus. The lamb came out victorious and flaked off the fork &#8211; just how it&#8217;s supposed to be. I haven&#8217;t eaten the Sunday roast here but from checking out the meat dishes, I can imagine the offering is excellent (read about it <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/best-pub-roasts-sunday-lunch-near-me/#OXFORDSHIRE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>) </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/IMG_5055.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-140199" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/IMG_5055.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/IMG_5055-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/IMG_5055-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/IMG_5055-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Dessert is a roll call of gastro faves &#8211; dark chocolate tart, mini cheeseboard, sticky toffee pudding, lemon tart. The STP and lemon tart were rich and sour respectively in all the right ways, although the meringue was a little chewy. </p>



<p>You&#8217;ll always find at least one veggie, vegan or gluten free option on the menu here, plus there&#8217;s a separate bar snack and children&#8217;s offering too. Water and biscuits are also stocked for four-legged diners. </p>



<p>The wine list is decent with around 30 bottles, over half available by the glass.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pillow-talk">PILLOW TALK </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="672" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/C3969382-5A70-4052-9353-B742DE6DB3E7.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-140202" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/C3969382-5A70-4052-9353-B742DE6DB3E7.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/C3969382-5A70-4052-9353-B742DE6DB3E7-800x538.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/C3969382-5A70-4052-9353-B742DE6DB3E7-400x269.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/C3969382-5A70-4052-9353-B742DE6DB3E7-781x525.jpeg 781w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>I didn&#8217;t stay here on my visit but I did have a peek inside one of the five en-suite rooms above the pub. Little has changed in these rooms since the pub has changed hands as there was no need &#8211; only added in 2019, they are beautifully appointed with kingsize doubles or twin beds and luxurious touches including crisp white linen and cotton quilts by Soak &amp; Sleep and rolltop baths.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="658" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/85808DA2-C51C-471C-BC76-121C45A6A316.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-140203" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/85808DA2-C51C-471C-BC76-121C45A6A316.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/85808DA2-C51C-471C-BC76-121C45A6A316-800x526.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/85808DA2-C51C-471C-BC76-121C45A6A316-400x263.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/85808DA2-C51C-471C-BC76-121C45A6A316-798x525.jpeg 798w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-about">OUT &amp; ABOUT </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Blenheim-lights-1000x1000.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-140075" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Blenheim-lights-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Blenheim-lights-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Blenheim-lights-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Blenheim-lights-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Blenheim-lights-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Blenheim-lights-1100x1100.jpg 1100w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Blenheim-lights.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Blenheim Palace </figcaption></figure>



<p>There&#8217;s more than enough on the doorstep here for a long Cotswolds weekend including heaps of lovely walks (ask the bar staff for tips); <a href="https://www.blenheimpalace.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blenheim Palace </a>(the illuminated <a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/best-christmas-light-trails-visit-buckinghamshire-oxfordshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">light trail</a> at this time of year is seriously stunning); <a href="https://www.broughtoncastle.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Broughton Castle</a>, lovely in spring/summer if you have the kids in tow; or <a href="https://rousham.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rousham Gardens</a> if you don&#8217;t (16+ only). You&#8217;re also close to Muddy Award-winning Family Attraction <a href="https://www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cotswold Wildlife Park</a>.</p>



<p>For shopping head to central <a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/oxfordshire/woodstock/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Woodstock</a> or Chipping Norton for independents, or <a href="https://www.thebicestercollection.com/bicester-village/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bicester Village</a> with its 160+ designer stores is 30 minutes by car. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="906" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/IMG_5020-906x1000.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-140197" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/IMG_5020-906x1000.jpg 906w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/IMG_5020-725x800.jpg 725w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/IMG_5020-362x400.jpg 362w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/IMG_5020-476x525.jpg 476w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/IMG_5020.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 906px) 100vw, 906px" /></figure>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> Most groups would love dining at The Crown with its welcoming atmosphere and cosy vibe from dog walkers (pooches are welcome in the pub but not the rooms), to groups of friends or families. </p>



<p><strong>Not for: </strong>The pub isn’t in the easiest to access if you’re not driving/ don’t want to fork out for a taxi. Of course you could always book a room and stay the night.</p>



<p><strong>The damage: </strong>Standard gastropub prices for round these parts, with starters and desserts are around £8 and mains are around £19. Rooms start from £130.</p>



<p><em><a href="https://crowninnenstone.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Crown Inn</a>, Mill Ln, Church Enstone, Chipping Norton OX7 4NN. Tel: 01608 677262</em></p>


Review: The Crown Inn, Church Enstone

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