Overview:
The Crown and Thistle dates from around 1605, and is a Grade II listed property comprising of three individual buildings clustered around a cobblestone courtyard. It is thought that the hotel takes its name from the uniting of the English and Scottish Crowns under King James VI of Scotland and King James I of England.
Location:
The Crown & Thistle is located in the attractive market town of Abingdon on the River Thames. The town is well positioned just off the A34, being situated 9 miles (14 km) south of Oxford and 22 miles (35 km) north of Newbury. Although Abingdon lacks its own railway station, the nearest one is just three miles away in Radley with bus and taxi connections into the town.
Arrival and check-in:
The hotel benefits from a large car park to the rear of the property where we easily found a parking space. After unloading our luggage we followed signs to the hotel reception across the wisteria clad courtyard where we were met by Gavin, the duty manager.
As we’d arrived a little early our room wasn’t quite ready so we left our bags in the luggage room and popped across the cobbled courtyard for a drink in the cosy bar. Within 20 minutes Gavin returned to let us know our room was prepared and assisted us up an old narrow staircase and along characterful corridors with ancient creaking floorboards to reach our room.
The Room:
The hotel features 18 uniquely designed rooms, all beautifully appointed as I managed to get a sneak peek into several of them as we went down the corridor. Rather than have a boring number, each room is named after well known former guests, previous notable landlords and people associated with the town’s history.
John Ruskin, the Victorian art critic and social commentator made the coaching inn his home for a period in the early 1870’s and we were booked into the Camille suite, charmingly named after Ruskin’s St. Bernard dog.
On opening the door it was love at first sight with its ancient exposed beams, four poster bed and statement roll top bath. The room perfectly combined original features with modern day comforts and the raised area up to the dressing area separated it from the sleeping area perfectly. I adored the beautifully decorated wall behind the bath with its exquisite hand painted wallpaper reflecting the history of the building.
In addition to the free standing bath there was also a well equipped en-suite shower room containing luxuriously thick towels, fluffy dressing gowns and fragrant Noble Isle toiletries.
The room also benefitted from air conditioning, a wall mounted television and a well stocked hospitality tray filled with an assortment of teas, coffee and delicious Borders biscuits. The Wi-Fi worked well and was easy to connect to, and with master switches for all the lamps and ceiling lights at the bedside and door everything had been thought about for a relaxing stay.
Dining:
Dinner: We’d booked a table for dinner in the hotel’s restaurant and were shown to a window table which must have been just below our room as it had the same attractive view. The menu includes dishes of fresh, locally sourced meat and fish cooked in the unique Josper oven alongside a hand crafted wood burning pizza oven from Italy.
The restaurant has a relaxing, informal vibe and Grace, our waitress for the evening looked after us very well. Wine is served by the glass or bottle and reasonably priced along with a range of spirits, cocktails and beers from Fullers and the town’s Loose Cannon brewery. Over glasses of wine we perused the menu and I selected seared scallops for starters whilst my husband opted for pork and harissa meatball skewers which were both very flavoursome.
Moving onto mains there was no way I was going to pass on my favourite Sunday roast of beef served with seasonal vegetables and topped with one of the biggest Yorkshire puddings I’d ever seen. It was heaven on a plate and I savoured every last forkful. Across the table the roasted cod was equally well received if not quite as large as my generous serving. We then needed a little rest between courses opting for mini desserts of espresso Affogato and Bombolone Italian doughnuts coated in chocolate sauce.
Breakfast: After a good night’s sleep we came down the next morning for breakfast starting with delicious berry smoothies and cappuccinos. Rather than a buffet, guests select whatever they wish from the extensive menu so we both decided on granola served with Greek yoghurt and blueberries before moving on to hot dishes.
My husband opted for Shakshuka and despite a warning from the waitress that it was spicy he thoroughly enjoyed his eggs baked in a tomato, sweet pepper and paprika sauce. I was more restrained in my choice of Eggs Funghi, but as I’m a big fan of mushrooms and poached eggs, it set me up nicely for the day ahead. Also on offer were more traditional options of cooked breakfasts and other favourites including Eggs Benedict and smashed avocados.
The Facilities:
A 360 degree lounge bar sits at the centre of three comfortable seating areas with wood burning stoves set in the original fireplaces which must be cosy to sit around on winter evenings. For warmer weather, the sheltered courtyard is the place to be and it was good to see that this was still in use during our late September visit. Coffee and cakes are available all day in the cafe which is also a popular meeting place for non-residents.
Located across the courtyard in the converted 17th century stables, The Barn is now a function venue catering for up to 100 people. It’s suitable for all kinds of gatherings including weddings, parties and business events as it benefits from its own bar and separate entrance.
Out and About:
Abingdon
The hotel is just steps from the historic market place with a weekly market taking place each Monday along with other events throughout the year. The square is lined with shops and cafes with their outdoor tables spilling out into the square.
At the head of the square stands the church of St. Nicolas and to its side the splendid Baroque County Hall which is now home to the Abingdon County Hall Museum offering free admission, with just a £2 charge to access the roof terrace at the top of the museum’s tower. The museum explores the history of Abingdon and the surrounding area and on display is the last MGB Roadster open top sports car to come off the production line before the MG car factory closed its doors in the town in 1980.
Enjoy a riverside walk passing the ancient parish church of St. Helen’s which traces its roots back to 1100. An unusual characteristic of this church is that it is the second widest in England having five aisles and being 10 feet (3 metres) wider than it is long.
Surrounding the church are three sets of medieval almshouses, the Long Alley one retaining its original cloister features. A little further upstream lies the picturesque St. Helen’s Wharf and from there you can continue onto a section of the Thames Path. This national trail runs from the source of the river in Kemble, Gloucestershire to the Thames Barrier at Charlton, south east London with the entire path being 184 miles (296 km) in length.
Slightly further afield
Oxford:
Oxford is a short drive from Abingdon and a beautiful city to explore, often being referred to as the city of spires.
Wander around the medieval centre admiring the architecture of some of its 38 colleges including Christ Church and the world famous Bodleian Library and Radcliffe Camera.
Blenheim Palace:
Visit Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the family home of the 12th Duke of Marlborough, as it has been for all the Dukes in the past 300 years. Take a self guided tour of the only non-royal house in England to hold the title of a palace, stroll through its extensive gardens and perhaps treat yourselves to afternoon tea in the Orangery. Blenheim Palace
Overall:
With the hotel’s prominent position just steps away from the Thames and around the corner from the historic market place, the town can easily be explored on foot without needing to use a car. Rooms are beautifully styled, food and drinks reasonably priced and service relaxed and efficient. This all adds up to a very favourable review in my book.
Details: The Crown and Thistle, 18 Bridge Street, Abingdon-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, OX14 3HS.
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During our stay we were guests of The Crown and Thistle and as always all views and opinions are entirely my own.
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