Old and new meet in perfect harmony at the Old Crown Coaching Inn in Faringdon. The historic building wears its stories from over the centuries on its sleeve, but the 2x AA Rosette and 4-star hotel accreditation speak to its attention to the finer things in modern-day life too.

The jewel in the Old Crown Inn is its restaurant, which holds two AA rosettes. Head Chef Sam Squires has worked at the Ritz, cooked for Saudi royalty and US Presidents – and even Muddy! We weren’t half impressed (read the review here). The menu centres around locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, featuring fine-dining classics with a contemporary twist. Think a beef burger with bacon-and-onion jam, or halibut with mussel custard. Classics, as you know them, with a touch of added flair.

There is a variety of ways to indulge. Try the restaurant’s famous Steak Nights on Wednesdays, the lauded Sunday lunch menu, or pay just £35 for three courses at the Thursday-night Supper Clubs. To feel the full extent of Chef Squires’ powers, go all out on the tasting menu with accompanying wines (available Weds-Sat).

All this housed in a Grade II-listed C16th coaching inn in the heart of Faringdon. It’s steeped in history, from hosting Cromwell to acting as a Lancastrian outpost during the Wars of the Roses. Since the inn was taken over in 2021, the new owners have about reviving The Crown’s character with a full refurb, and old-world charm now sings from every crackling log fireplace and creaking floorboard. They’ve preserved the inn’s history and accented it with glamour and flair. The Court Room has a gorgeous four-poster bed – perfect for romantic getaways and special celebrations.

The focus on the high-end extends to JJ’s Bar too, where a team of mixologists create an extensive and ever-changing cocktail menu to cater to each individual guest. Cocktails can be savoured on the sun-drenched terrace and cost just £15 for two before 6pm, Weds-Sat. The Crown also has a grand ballroom, a marquee and corporate facilities to accommodate events from weddings to conferences and everything in between. The hotel’s location, set between the Cotswolds and Oxford, also makes it a great base for both outdoor pursuits and cultural day-trips.