Crown Inn, Minchinhampton

A fine late 17th century Cotswold stone coaching inn standing in the heart of Minchinhampton opposite the war memorial and the colonnaded Market House. Closed by PubCo Ei in 2014, it was triumphantly resurrected and reöpened by Julian Dunkerton's Lucky Onion Group in 2019 after an unsuccessful attempt at a community buy-out in 2018.

In 1838 Minchinhampton had 20 public houses and 38 beershops, reflecting its status as a market town and its position on two busy turnpike roads. The principal inn was the Crown, which was the terminus for the London coaches. It is now the sole survivor.

The L-shaped interior is deceptively large, with light streaming in through two bay and six tall sash windows at the front. Towards the rear it becomes dark and alluring with subdued lighting and candles—everything is green and submarine.

The Crown is first and foremost a pub, not a gastropub or a restaurant. It is the product of a shared vision by Julian Dunkerton and manager Richard Terry to create a ‘proper pub’. The astonishing number and range of real ales is testament to that. As is the determination not to allow diners to occupy the tables at the front at the expense of drinkers. And the welcome extended to all comers—including builders and tree surgeons straight off site in overalls and working clothes.

A spectacular carved bar front salvaged from a French chateau is topped with a copper counter and two fine batteries of four Mason handpulls, their wooden handles inlaid with a brass crown (lest we forget). To the right of the bar the fireplace features a wood-burning stove. To the right again and behind the chimney-breast there is a secluded space set apart from the bar. This was formerly the shop (latterly Lloyd's Bank) next door, now a snug that can double as a small function room.

The two bay windows facing the street are occupied by high circular tables, chairs and stools for drinkers, with low tables and chairs, benches and banquettes occupying the rest of the space. Towards the rear the tables are laid out for dining and—past the dry-ageing cabinet and the open kitchen servery counter—there is a large beamed barn-like former stables which doubles as restaurant and function room.

Stroud CAMRA Pub of the Year 2021.

Opening and food times correct as of 22/10/2022

NOTE: This pub is card only