The

History

of

the

Crown

Inn

The history of The Crown dates back to at least the 15^th Century making it a highly significant building in the local area. It is also suggested that it has remained an Inn since around the 17^th century.

Throughout the years The Crown has changed hands on multiple occasions. We as the current owners (Mark and Rose Savidge) purchased The Crown Inn—back in 1999 as an investment at the time. Since then we had let the pub out to various tenants to run.

As a family, we have been part of the Lea landscape for over a century. It began in 1919, when George Savidge purchased Rock Farm (just 200m up the hill from The Crown!), raising cattle and sheep on the surrounding fields. We have remained based out of Rock Farm and very much farming through the generations, from George to Basil to Mark and now Ben who is the 4th generation of the family to have taken on the reigns. Over time we have expanded our farming to include arable crops, potatoes, apples, pears, raspberries, and more recently blueberries — much of which is still grown in the same surrounding fields today under the BH Savidge & Son and Woodfields Fruit Ltd banners.

In 2022, when The Crown Inn— closed its doors, as a family we saw an opportunity not just to restore a beautiful old and historic building, but to bring new life to a much-loved local. With no background in hospitality whatsoever but a shared love for the area, we set to work.

Ben led the renovation, supported by the whole family — and it became a true team effort. Amy brought her creative eye to the interiors, designing each space to honour the pub’s history while adding warmth and comfort throughout. Within the building we have very much tried to expose the beauty of its history with its many fireplaces and beams but add our own touches throughout. Much of the Oak added into the pub during the renovation phase has come from a reclaimed oak tree sourced on our farm. This tree was located at our farm in Weston-under-Penyard and was one which Basil Savidge always said would out last him. He was right, but only just! Two weeks after Basil passed away the grand old tree toppled. From this we decided to name the oak bar within the pub to ‘Basil’s Bar’ as testament to this Oak and his judgement!

From the start of the project the aim was very much to supply as much local produce from local farmers like ourselves within the pub. Our beef is reared at grass by our cousin George Savidge just a mile down the road whilst every single chip has been grown, hand-graded, stored, washed and prepped at Rock Farm. Keep an eye out also for our raspberries and blueberries also creeping into specials and cocktails on the menu!

Whether you are just popping in for a relaxing drink in the sun, a tasty meal or are coming to enjoy our lively atmosphere on weekends we very much hope you enjoy what we have to offer. However, we would very much love to hear your feedback regardless of how positive or negative as we can always strive to improve!

We hope you enjoy our vision and see you in The Crown Inn soon.