Crown Inn, Ashley

Friendly village community local. The main bar area is light while the back room is cosy. Outside seating is available both at the front of the pub and in the landscaped rear garden.

It is first recorded as a pub in 1712 though parts of the building are earlier. Until recently owned by Greene King, the Crown became free of tie in January 2014.

Family friendly, it also has a water bowl for its canine guests. Pub sports include darts, pool and pétanque, and the pub hosts a number of teams. The book club, film and music nights, as well as its two beer festivals, keep the Crown Inn at the heart of the community.

Mighty Oak Captain Bob is its regular ale and they have up to three others. The beer selection, which may include a dark ale, is less adventurous in winter. Real ciders, direct from the box, are also available. Simple pub fare, including locally produced pork pies. Closes at 10 on Tuesdays and opens at 3 Saturdays & Sundays in winter months.

In mid-October 2020 the Crown Inn stopped trading as a pub with plans to reopen a month later as a tea room. Then came lockdown 2.

The pub has been sold since. Summer 2024 and still no sign of it reopening.