Crown & Cushion, Minley

The Crown and Cushion is a smart destination pub located just ½ mile north of Junction 4A on the M3, but retaining the feel of a leafy country pub. It has had several different owners in recent years, with Shepherd Neame purchasing the pub in the early 2000s and selling it onto local Surrey-based pub company Barons in July 2013. However, the pub is still branded as Shepherd Neame and continues to sell their beers. The pub dates from the 16th century. The flagstone floored main bar area is quite small, with a low ceiling some beams giving it a quite compact feel. Most tables are set for dining, but the area nearest the bar, has more comfortable chairs, where you are welcome to just drink. The walls are adorned with a variety of mirrors, primarily in Art Deco style, contrasting with the otherwise quite traditional feel. However, on sunny the days, the majority of customers will be found in the gardens and outdoor dining areas, which surround the pub, much of which overlooks the adjacent cricket pitch. All the tables have numbers to aid food ordering and wood-burners help keep the chill off on cooler evenings. An interesting feature is the Meade Hall, a conversion of two 16th century barns, one of which was transported to the site in the 1970s and now rebuilt and styled as a medieval banqueting hall. It is open to all for Sunday lunch and hosts occasional arts event; otherwise, it can be booked for functions and parties, being very popular for weddings.