The Old Crown Coaching Inn, Faringdon

Official site of The Old Crown Coaching Inn - www.theoldcrowncoachinginn.com

Official site of The Old Crown Coaching Inn - www.theoldcrowncoachinginn.com

Another old 17th century coaching Inn in Farringdon with connections back to the English Civil War as it was apparently was used to billet Royalist Cavalry officers during the Civil War. Primarily a 14 room hotel the two bars are open to the public. Both the main Rawdon Bar down a couple of stairs as you enter from the front door and the smaller Courtyard bar at the back, which by its name leads out to the large square courtyard beyond, are steeped in traditional and still have the original flag stone floors, exposed beams and large fireplaces. The Rawdon Bar has three ale pumps and as well as Butcombe Bitter, a very passable pint of Brains Reverend James was available. Although the furnishings could do with a bit of TLC, The Old Crown is another good spot to rest for a beer when in town.

Another old coaching inn in Faringdon town centre, The Old Crown feels a bit run down but is homely and welcoming. It is popular with locals and with CAMRA. The atmosphere is good, the bar staff knowledgable and the regulars friendly and full of good humoured banter. The single large bar at the front is comfortable and there are 3 ales on, all guests which change regularly. I had a pint of Flowers IPA which was well kept and enjoyable. I didn't eat so can't comment on the food. Worth a visit and a definite for inclusion in a town crawl.