A wonderful, privately owned & historic country inn located in the centre of the village which has undergone a no expenses spared restoration in recent times. Well worth a visit for its architectural features alone including a fine heavily timbered restaurant (12-3 + 7-10pm) & separate bar area. Also offers luxury accommodation (12 rooms) & disabled access & toilet. The Crown was built in 1495 as a merchant's house & has been an inn since the mid 17th cent. Photographs of this Grade II* Listed pub and more historical information about it can be found at suffolk.camra.org.uk/pub/59
Historic Interest
Refitted with Bar moved in 2005; A report in the Ipswich Journal*** on 07 Oct in 1837 states that : "All the valuable household furniture of Mr J. PROCTOR who declines the Crown Inn, Bildeston". A report in the Ipswich Journal*** on 03 Apr in 1841 states that : "Crown, Bildestone, to be let, Apply to Mr W C ADAMS, Wine Merchant, Sudbury". A report in the Ipswich Journal*** on 07 Apr in 1841 states that : "Crown Inn, Bildestone, to be let or sold by private contract, with immediate possession". A report in the Ipswich Journal*** on 06 Oct in 1866 states that : "Reference to the assault charge against John EDWARDS of the Crown Bildeston - He was committed for trial". A report in the Ipswich Journal** in 1874 (Mar-28) when Joshua Heath was landlord states : "David Mitchell, was charged with stealing a bottle of Champagne, valued at 3s, from the pub wine store. Mitchel was lodging at the Crown & the bottle was found in his room. At the trial suspicion was cast towards the Inns ostler who on the previous day had received a black eye from Mitchel. The accussed was found not guilty & wine was offered to the jury. One of the jury said "pass it here" & it was immediately safely deposited in a capacious pocket". A report in the Bury & Norfolk Post & Suffolk Herald*** on 20 May in 1884 makes a reference to : "Benjamin BANTOCK, landlord of the Crown Inn, Bildeston, in the theft of a pillow case & an earthenware pint mug, stolen from the Inn".
This Pub serves 1 changing beer and 3 regular beers.
Crown, Bildeston
Source: Local