Contributor/ Saffron Powell Brown
Best Known For
The Crown in Amersham is a quaint yet modern coaching inn within easy reach of London. Despite it feeling a million miles from city life it is actually on the Metropolitan line. The pub is famous for its starring role when Hugh Grant first ‘cuddled’ up with Andie McDowell in one of their rooms in Four Weddings and a Funeral (courtyard Suite 101 in case you want to book it.)
The Good Stuff
Designed by Ilse Crawford who’s portfolio includes Soho House New York and Grand Hotel Stockholm, think proper olde English cosy lodgings with modern touches. In the bar area you’ll find mismatched chairs, chunky tables with log fires and rocking chairs draped in faux fur. Most bedrooms boast freestanding baths with White Company products, classic Penguin books and Robert’s radios enhance the Britishness. We had a faultless meal at the Chop House restaurant, fantastic meat cooked perfectly in their Josper Oven, a decent bottle of Primitivo and service that other hotel restaurants should aspire to.
The Vibe
The Crown focuses on relaxation and local seasonal food, although it’s an ideal getaway for couples it’s also very family friendly, with kid-size portions from the menu in the restaurant to board games and bikes available to hire. Plus the Roald Dahl museum is just up the road. The cute cobbled courtyard is an ideal sun trap in the warmer months, or snuggle up by the roaring fire in the winter. Request a home-made Crown picnic hamper complete with Jacobs wool rug and escape to the greenery by the cricket pitch. We discovered Famous Five-esque children, complete with dog searching for crayfish in the stream. This really is the village that time forgot.
Inside the hotel – 7/10
A restful pub with rooms, slightly creaky and tired but the modern touches ensure a good nights sleep.
Outside the hotel – 7/10
Despite it being a quiet village there is actually a lot to do, it’s jam-packed with antique shops, cafes and boutiques. Opposite is the renowned Artichoke restaurant artichokerestaurant.co.uk and Seasons cafe & deli a couple of doors down seasons-cafe-deli.com, try the Huevos Rancheros for brunch.
Images courtesy of The Crown
