Tucked in the heart of Faringdon, The Old Crown Coaching Inn is a handsome slice of Oxfordshire history. I was kindly invited to dinner and a stay recently, and took my gal pal Katie and dog Moose along for a girly sleepover catch up.

The building carries an air of character and heritage – but now with the warmth of a well-run inn. We stayed in the ‘court room’ suite (that actually used to be a court room!) an impressively large and light-filled space with a four-poster bed, plush sofas, tea and coffee with biscuits, and beautifully scented toiletries. The fact it’s dog-friendly is a huge plus – Moose was welcomed with open arms.

The location couldn’t be easier

I hopped on a bus from central Oxford and it dropped me right outside the pub. Parking is available for drivers, but it’s nice to know you can arrive car-free. After dinner, we wandered the town’s pretty streets, and in the morning took a peaceful walk to the churchyard before breakfast in the sunny courtyard. We had breakfast at the inn, but there were some gorgeous looking coffee shops and cafes close by if a coffee and a pastry is more your thing!

Dinner was an impressive affair

Starters included sun-dried tomato bread with whipped basil butter – airy, fragrant, and moreish. The beef tartare was superbly seasoned, with salty capers and herbs cutting through rich, fresh meat, topped with a glossy egg yolk fudge. Most memorable was the prawns with tomato crème brûlée: a paper-thin caramel layer giving way to a zesty tomato cream, perfectly balanced between salty and sweet.

Mains were hearty and well-executed

A perfectly cooked steak and a juicy, satisfying burger – the melted blue cheese that oozed out was a real winner. I’m not big on really strong blue cheese and this one was the perfect level, not too strong, not too weak, it didn’t overpower the burger but added the perfect depth to the dish. The Golden Orchard cocktail (honey, fizz, elderflower) was recommended by the staff, it was bright and sharp with just enough sweetness to round it off – really lovely and different to anything I’ve had before. Would love one of these now!

Breakfast the next day continued the high note.

The courtyard is definitely one of the highlights of this place, the morning sun was peaking through so we decided to eat al fresco again (you gotta make the most of the sun when you can, right?!) Katie’s full English was generous and fresh, though the rosti was a touch too charred for her taste. My salmon, avocado and egg on toast was fresh and well-seasoned, with chives adding a welcome lift. Hot chocolates – gorgeously foamy and indulgent – rounded things off.

The inn has a vibrant calendar of events, from festivals to live music, perfectly suited to its inviting courtyard. In colder months, the cosy nooks, sofas, and candlelight will no doubt be just as appealing. Add in genuinely warm service – with a special nod to chef Sam for his friendly menu chat – and you’ve got a stay that blends historic charm with good food, comfort, and hospitality. A lovely spot for a night away with good food and good vibes.

The Old Crown Coaching Inn
25 Market Pl, Faringdon SN7 7HU

Bitten were invited as guests, all views are our own