Dining at The Old Crown Coaching Inn
- Sebastiaan Evans
- Apr 3
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 4
The Old Crown Coaching Inn holds two AA Rosettes for the quality of its cooking, a recognition earned through consistent excellence in the kitchen. Under Head Chef Jamie Whitting, the food here is rooted in English tradition but finished with a European sensibility: honest, generous, and made from ingredients that have not travelled far.
This is not a restaurant that happens to have a pub attached. It is a proper pub that happens to serve seriously good food. The distinction matters. You can come for a pint and a bar snack on a Tuesday evening, or for a three-course dinner on a Saturday night, and both experiences feel right. The Old Crown does not try to be something it is not. It simply does what it does with genuine care.
Head Chef Jamie Whitting
Jamie Whitting brings a cooking style that is best described as English classics with a European flair. His menus are built around what is fresh, seasonal, and available from local suppliers, then prepared with the technique and attention that come from years of professional kitchens.
Portions are hearty. This is countryside cooking at its best: food that is satisfying without being heavy, flavourful without being fussy. Jamie's approach has earned recognition from Ox in a Box, one of Oxfordshire's most respected independent food reviewers, and the kitchen's AA Rosette reflects the consistency of what comes out of it.
Our restaurants
The Pub
For over 500 years, the pub at The Old Crown has been serving delicious food and the finest beers, wines and ales.
The Ballroom
Climb the wooden steps to Oxford's finest dining destination.
Our Food Philosophy
Seasonal first. The menu changes regularly to reflect what is at its best. You will not find the same dishes in January as you will in July. This keeps the cooking fresh and gives regulars a reason to keep coming back.
Local sourcing. Wherever possible, ingredients come from Oxfordshire farms and suppliers. Meat from local butchers, vegetables from nearby growers, dairy from the Thames Valley. The shorter the journey from field to plate, the better the food tastes.
Honest cooking. No unnecessary complication. The best ingredients, properly prepared, served generously. Jamie's cooking is about flavour and satisfaction, not about impressing with technique for its own sake.
A proper pub menu. The menu serves everyone, from someone wanting a quick lunch to a couple celebrating an anniversary. There is always a good burger, always a proper fish dish, and always something for those who want to eat lighter.
Sample Menus
Our menu changes with the seasons. Click the buttons below for some example menus!
Sunday Lunch
The Sunday roast is one of the highlights of the week at The Old Crown, and it has earned a reputation well beyond Faringdon. Jamie's approach to the roast is straightforward: quality meat, cooked properly, with all the trimmings done well.
The roast typically offers a choice of meats alongside a vegetarian option. All are served with roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, Yorkshire pudding, and proper gravy. It is the kind of Sunday lunch that makes you wonder why you ever bother cooking at home.
Booking: Sunday lunch is popular and we strongly recommend booking in advance, especially for groups of four or more.
Drinks at The Old Crown
Real Ales and Craft Beer
The bar at The Old Crown serves a rotating selection of real ales, with a focus on Oxfordshire and nearby breweries. You will always find something local on the hand pumps, alongside well-known favourites. The selection changes regularly, so there is always something new to try.
Wine List
The wine list at The Old Crown is chosen to complement the food: approachable, well-balanced, and fairly priced. You will find a mix of European classics and newer world selections, with enough depth to satisfy anyone who cares about wine without intimidating anyone who does not.
Spirits, Cocktails, and Soft Drinks
A well-stocked back bar, both downstairs in the pub and upstairs at our coktail bar JJ'S, covers gins (including local Oxfordshire distillers), whiskies, and classic cocktails. For those not drinking alcohol, there is always a good selection of soft options including locally pressed juices and alcohol-free beers.
Sourced locally
The Crown is passionate about supporting British farms and British produce.
Practical Dining Information
Lunch service | 12pm to 2:30pm, Tuesday to Saturday |
Dinner service | 6pm to 9pm, Tuesday to Saturday |
Sunday roast | 12pm to 4pm, booking recommended |
Bar snacks | Available during bar opening hours |
Dietary requirements | We cater for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. Please let us know when booking so the kitchen can prepare. |
Allergies | Full allergen information is available on request. Please inform your server of any allergies. |
Children's menu | We offer a full menu for kids, click here to see it |
Dogs in dining areas | Well behaved dogs are welcome in The Pub and at JJ's but not in The Ballroom |
Private dining | We offer private dining as well as The Chef's Table - a private dining experience |
Reservations | Call us at 01367 242744, email info@theoldcrowncoachinginn.com or click here to book a table online |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does The Old Crown have an AA Rosette?
Yes. The Old Crown Coaching Inn holds two AA Rosettes, which recognises restaurants that achieve standards well above the average. The AA Rosette scheme is one of the most respected quality indicators for food in the UK.
Who is the head chef at The Old Crown?
Jamie Whitting is the head chef at The Old Crown Coaching Inn. His cooking style centres on English classics with a European flair, using locally sourced ingredients and generous portions. His work has been recognised by Ox in a Box, one of Oxfordshire's leading independent food reviewers.
Do I need to book a table?
We recommend booking for Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday lunch, especially during busy periods and holidays. Midweek tables are usually available without booking, but calling ahead is always a good idea.
Is The Old Crown a gastropub?
The Old Crown is a pub that serves excellent food, rather than a restaurant styled as a pub. The difference is important. You are welcome to come for just a drink, or for a bar snack, or for a full three-course dinner. The atmosphere is that of a proper English inn, not a formal restaurant.
Can you cater for dietary requirements?
Yes. We cater for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. If you have specific allergies or dietary needs, please let us know when you book and the kitchen will ensure there is something excellent for you to eat.
Where does The Old Crown source its food?
We source as locally as possible. Our meat comes from Oxfordshire farms and butchers, our vegetables from nearby growers, and our ales from local breweries. We believe that food tastes better when it has not travelled far, and we are committed to supporting the producers around us.
Is Sunday roast available at The Old Crown?
Yes, and it is one of the most popular meals of the week. We serve a traditional Sunday roast with a choice of meats, Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and proper gravy. Booking is strongly recommended
