The Crown in Amersham is a modern coaching inn.
“Through Amersham to Aylesbury and the Vale, / In those wet fields the railway didn’t pay. / The Metro stops at Amersham today” – John Betjeman (1971).
In true coaching inn style, The Crown in Amersham is amazingly accessible. Situated at the very end of the Metropolitan Line, or just 10 minutes from the M40, where London dwindles into woods and meadows, this cosy country pub-with-rooms is a city escape for those who do not want to stray too far from London.
Grade II listed, inglenook fires, old beams, creaky, uneven floors, a warren of corridors and a fine cobbled courtyard outside define the Elizabethan Crown. It is also noted for its appearance in the 1994 British comedy Four Weddings and a Funeral, where it furnished Hugh Grant with the suite in which he become intimately acquainted with Andie MacDowell.
In recent years, The Crown has undergone a modern-rustic makeover under the skilled direction of renowned designer Ilse Crawford (the design guru behind Soho House New York and Grand Hotel Stockholm). The traditional features have been enhanced by her warm minimalist style, creating a delightful jumble of modern luxury. A bolthole for design-conscious metropolitans, The Crown boasts tasteful touches throughout: glass lanterns; reclaimed coffee tables; Windsor chairs made by Ercol of High Wycombe; sheepskin throws; tiny pewter plates; oak refectory tables, and of course crackling open fires.
We stayed in the Courtyard suite, which looked out over the cobbled courtyard. Airy and unfussy, the dark oak wood floor and putty-coloured walls formed the perfect minimalist canvas for a series of quirky design touches: a bright red Roberts radio, a rocking chair draped in fur, solid oak butcher block bedside tables and an absolutely enormous bed, adorned with Egyptian cotton sheets and Jacob wool blankets.
The bathroom featured, much to my delight, a double butler sink and a rainforest shower, however the real pièce de résistance was the roll top freestanding bath that stood proudly in the bedroom.
Despite its modern makeover, the bar and dining room of The Crown have retained their cosy coaching inn ambiance. Alongside the excellent and very thorough service, we were particularly impressed with the selection excellent craft ales on offer and the extensive wine list. The food was good, with the venison being a particular favourite.
The market town of Amersham is exceptional, with buildings spanning 500 years. On the High Street, there are a number of boutique shops, delis, churches and thatched inns and taverns to peruse. Other local attractions include The Roald Dahl Museum in Great Missenden, the Bekonscot Model Village & Railway and the Amersham Museum, located in a 15th century half-timbered house.
Double rooms start at £139. To book email crownreception@coachinginn.co.uk or telephone 01494 721 54; www.thecrownamersham.com
