The Crown Hotel, Brackley

The venerable High Street inn looks impressive from the street, and the various seating and dining areas on each side of the central entrance certainly appear suitably traditional. However, it was all rather chaotic on my visit following a recent change in ownership and various aspects still works in progress. What I can report though, is that that the solitary handpump has lost its handle, and I had to resort to an emergency keg Tetley's (£2.25, half).

The only true hotel in Brackley and with a commanding position in the Market Place. The bar is smallish and located to the left when entering. The elaborately carved bar counter is to one side and the rest of the room is a mix of bench seating with tables and chairs, the floor is mainly carpeted and there is an exposed stone fireplace. Tasteful wallpaper is decorated with photos of old Brackley and the Silverstone motor sport track over the years. Two handpumps on the bar, one with Hooky Bitter the other with Draught Bass, which was a bit odd to start but the traditional Burton taste came through later so a reasonable pint, a mundane line up of kegs from Guinness, Stella, Becks and Gaymers with a less predictable Bass Smooth for the nitrokeg choice. The staff were efficient as expected and quite friendly for a hotel.