A perfectly preserved piece of history set within a Berkshire chocolate box village, The Crown at Bray has long been a favourite among locals, A-listers, and even royals.

If The Crown's English Renaissance walls could talk some historians would tell you it holds tales of King Charles II using the hostelry as his preferred rest stop for a flagon of ale en route to meet his mistress, Nell Gwyn.

During the centuries that followed, the village pub withstood revolutions, flooding, and warfare. Its past also includes being a former WW2 recruitment office for the RAF, as well as a bike shop - as depicted in the artwork still displayed today inside.

Nowadays, the low ceilings, exposed oak beams, open fires, and a charming higgledy-piggledy flow complete with pub garden keep the humble pubby-vibes intact, coupled with an expert team leading the way.

The 16th century venue is owned by Truffle Hunting hospitality-aficionado duo Nigel Sutcliffe and James McLean. It proudly dons two prestigious AA Rosettes and an award-winning head chef Scott Smith who is a notable name in the industry. Mr Smith made his culinary journey through some of the UK’s finest kitchens including Soho’s Arbutus, Wild Honey in St James, and Sugar Boat in the Scottish town of Helensburgh.

The menu promises platefuls of local produce including handcrafted salamis and cured meats from the parish’s Bray Cured alongside Geoff Wickett’s Chiltern Venison and Chiltern Lamb from Tracy Betteridge, known to her friends as Bill. The same trusted local suppliers are also responsible for the 32-day dry aged sirloin of beef and roasted loin of Chiltern pork that take centre stage in the pub’s Sunday Roasts with all the trimmings.

Elsewhere on the menu you can find fruit from Chiltern Heritage Orchard, Bray Cured’s Alsace Bacon, and smoky scotch bonnet rum produced by Marlow's Hand & Flowers’ bar manager and close friend of The Crown, Anthony Peart. 

Drinks are a further showcase of local talent, including beers with a story to tell sourced from Windsor & Eaton Brewery whose Independence brew – created in partnership with The Crown at Bray – features bespoke artwork from Autistic Ian, an artist who has received acclaim and recognition from a host of A-list chefs and restaurateurs worldwide.
The Henley Distillery, located further upstream on the Thames, bottles up handcrafted, artisan spirits, including the aforementioned F’rum, to add to The Crown at Bray’s cocktail list too.

In a sea of Michelin starred restaurants, The Crown at Bray - holding two AA rosettes - makes for a inviting casual option packed with community elements and local history.

An award-winning pub that hasn’t forgotten its roots or purpose.