With the autumn turning into winter, there are few things quite as enjoyable as ditching the cooking and the washing up and heading down to the pub and down for a pint and a hot meal at the pub.
And with so many chain pubs popping up, it can be hard to find one that balances the feel of a traditional British watering hole with exceptional quality food at reasonable prices.
But there is one such pub in the Staffordshire village of Yoxall, The Crown Inn at Yoxhall has recently been refurbished by the new landlord and landlady Simon and Heather Key. The pub is owned by Admiral Taverns (the UK’s leading community pub group) Transformed to a high standard the pub is traditional but modern, cosy but set out in such a way that diners are not on top of one another, laid back and friendly and most importantly affordable with starters and deserts from £6 and mains from around £14.
Owners of the successful Spiritualist Gin and Cocktail bar in Lichfield, they have all the necessary experience to provide not only fabulous service but also the know how to give their visitors what they want. They not only have Timothy Taylor Landlord and Wye Valley Butty Bach real ales on tap together with craft IPA and various lagers & ciders they also have an extensive Gin and cocktail and wine menu for the discerning diners that they are now attracting to this gorgeous country pub.
The pub offers lunch and dinner, with Annie the chef providing exceptional food using local suppliers. Much of the meat for example are from the local butcher and her ingredients are soured from where possible from local artisan food businesses, growers and farms. Currently they are running a tester menu to ascertain what works and to provide insight into what the guests really want. The flavour combinations are a little different from usual pub faire
But you do not need to just take our word for it, as the crown in at Yoxhall is already gaining a tremendous following on TripAdvisor, with the reviews praising the “absolutely amazing” food, the “lovely staff” and the “welcoming” ambience.
It is a spot well worth ticking off your list this winter, as it is set within miles of countryside with plenty of scenic walks to be had nearby.
What better way to round off a chilly walk than to relax with a pint and a tasty meal, before heading home to a comfortable and spacious room for a peaceful night’s sleep?
Myself and my husband Nick were treated to our pick of the current tester menu.
I started with the baked Camembert with focaccia bread and caramelised chutney and Nick chose the Salmon and cod fishcakes topped with a poached egg, wow what can I say delicious. For the main course we both chose the Herb crusted Salmon, crushed new potatoes, watercress, and seasonal green vegetables. This was also delicious and was so fresh and tasty I am sure that visitors will come from miles around for this dish alone. Finally, although I didn’t have much room left, I chose Baked lemon cream with poached plums and Earl grey shortbread and my husband chose Apple charlotte served with nutmeg Ice cream.
The Crown has a trained pasty and dessert chef and you could tell ,as the quality and flavour of the desserts were to die for , also perfectly sized to finish of the meal perfectly.
“The food was absolutely amazing from start to finish. We had a very warm welcome on arrival and the staff including Sam and Amelia who served us throughout the evening were so friendly and knowledgeable. We will definitely be visiting again. The only drawback for me that is not next door to my house !. I would never cook again.
Absolutely exceptional food and a lovely place to relax. Many thanks to the whole team, who provided a brilliant service. We will be planning our next trip back very soon.
