Crown at Chilton, Chilton

Increasingly popular village pub, reopened by new owners in March 2025, with an emphasis on cask-conditioned and craft ales.

The pub is approximately two miles from the Harwell Science Centre and two and a half miles from the Ridgeway national trail. It was reopened on 14 March 2025, after a first phase of refurbishment, with a name change to Crown at Chilton from Rose & Crown having temporarily closed about 20 December 2024 under the previous owner. It is a sister pub to the George at Upton.

The refurbishment is very sympathetic to the pub, with a comfortable snug-like locals area to the right of the bar, comfortably furnished with high back leather chairs and sofas. The former alcove area towards the back has been opened up and refurbished into what will be come more of a dining area later in 2025.

There is a bank of four handpumps on the longer side of the bar, with two more handpumps, added in October 2025, to the left on the other side of a wooden post. There are five or six beers available, with Timothy Taylor Landlord and Theakston Best Bitter as regular ales. A house beer "Crown Best Bitter" also appears regularly, this being brewed by Theakston. There are two or three rotating ales, often from local breweries Loose Cannon and Loddon. There are also 12 craft ale and cider taps on the right hand side of the bar.

The opening hours are as advertised from November 2025. Please be aware that the pub may close earlier if there are insufficient customers. A lunchtime menu comprising deli-style sandwiches and cold boards is provided from Tuesday to Friday from 11am. Tea, coffees and cakes are also available from 11am. Hot food is provided from 5pm to 9pm on Thursday & Friday and from noon to 9pm on Saturday & Sunday from an outside barbeque and grill and includes Mediterranean type grills, etc as well as burgers and fish & chips. This food is also available to takeaway.

A refrigerator was installed in November 2025 which is Chilton’s very own mini off-licence!

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