The Crown

The Crown Inn in Old Amersham dates back to the 16th century, when it began as a timber-framed inn serving traders and travelers moving through the market square. Over the centuries, several fires damaged the building, and after a major one in the early 1800s, parts of the inn were rebuilt. Slate roofing was added at this time, which allowed more headroom in the bedrooms upstairs.

As travel increased, The Crown Inn became a working coaching inn and post house. Horses were changed in the yard, mail was handled on site, and the inn later served as Amersham’s postal receiving house until 1790. It also operated as the local Excise Office, making it an important part of everyday town life. The Drake family owned the property from 1728 until 1928.

Inside, a 16th-century wall painting showing the Elizabethan royal arms still survives. In the early 1900s, part of what is now the bar was once a small shop run by Miss Hayward. In 1935, a serious fire nearly destroyed the hotel, but a resident cockatoo raised the alarm and helped guests escape safely. The hotel also appeared in the film Four Weddings and a Funeral. Today, The Crown remains closely tied to the town, shaped by centuries of evolution.

The Crown Inn carries centuries old architecture with thoughtful interior updates across its different room styles. The building itself dates back to the 16th century, and many parts of the original structure remain visible today, including timber framing, uneven floors, and low ceilings that reflect its Elizabethan origins. These historic details give the Main Inn and Courtyard rooms their character and slightly quirky layout.

Guests can choose from 45 en suite, air conditioned bedrooms, including Main Inn Standard and Deluxe rooms, Duplex and Courtyard Suites, and Bailey Standard and Deluxe rooms. The Main Inn and Courtyard spaces were redesigned by interior designer Isle Crawford, who kept the historic feel while making the rooms comfortable and inviting. For those who prefer a newer setting, the Bailey rooms sit in a later addition and offer a simpler, more contemporary layout. The Bailey Deluxe Suite works well for families, with a king size bed and an optional double sofa bed.

Dining at The Crown Inn is easy and welcoming, whether you’re starting the day or having dinner. Breakfast offers a buffet along with cooked-to-order options, from a full English and eggs Benedict to pancakes, porridge, or avocado on sourdough. There are choices for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free diets, so everyone can find something they like.

For lunch and dinner, the a la carte menu has a mix of familiar and more special dishes. You can share small plates or enjoy mains like beer-battered fish and chips, a wagyu beef burger, sirloin steak, salmon linguine, or a mushroom Wellington. There are sides to go with everything, and the team is happy to help with any dietary requirements. The food is simple, tasty, and suits both hotel guests and people visiting from the town.

Opening hours:
Monday - Thursday: 6 pm to 8:45 pm | Friday: 12 pm to 3 pm & 6 pm to 8:45 pm | Saturday: 12 pm to 8:45 pm
Breakfast: Monday- Friday: 7 am to 10 am | Saturday - Sunday (residents only): 7:30 am to 10:30 am

Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea at The Crown Inn is an easy way to slow down during a visit to Old Amersham. It is served indoors in a comfortable setting and follows a fairly traditional format. You can expect a mix of sweet bites like macarons, chocolate truffles, mini crème brûlée, lemon drizzle cake, and warm scones with cream and jam. On the savory side, there are smoked salmon mini bagels, cheese and pickle sandwiches, egg mayo brioche, and cucumber with cream cheese on rye.

If you feel like it, you can add a glass of Harrow and Hope English sparkling wine. Each guest is served a pot of tea or coffee. Booking ahead is needed, and special dietary requests can be arranged with prior notice.

The Crown Inn suits couples looking for a small, character-rich wedding venue rather than a large event space. It sits right in Old Amersham, so guests can easily explore the town before or after the celebrations, while London is still close enough for convenient travel. Ceremonies can be held on site in one of four licensed room. Meals are prepared in-house, using locally sourced ingredients, and served as a seated wedding breakfast.

For the evening, the inn can be used exclusively, allowing up to 100 guests to stay on and celebrate. Accommodation is available in 38 bedrooms, making it easy for close family and friends to stay overnight. A parish church and historic market hall nearby are often used for photos or services. An events team helps coordinate the day so everything runs smoothly.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

There is plenty to see and do around Old Amersham, whether you are interested in local history, gentle countryside walks, or easy day trips. Just across the street, Amersham Museum gives a clear picture of how the town has evolved. Old Amersham is also well-suited for walking and cycling, thanks to its proximity to the Chiltern Hills. Those curious about local drinks can look into small breweries and vineyards around Buckinghamshire. The region has a mix of traditional ale producers and newer makers.

Food is another strong point of the area. Old Amersham has a mix of well-regarded fine dining spots, traditional pubs, and relaxed places for a casual meal. Getting into London from Amersham is quite easy. The town sits at the end of the Metropolitan Line, with regular train and tube services making it a practical base for travelers who want city access without staying right in the center.

For families, Bojangles Creative Cafe, a short drive away, provides a slower indoor activity where visitors can paint pottery, which often appeals to both children and adults. A popular day trip from Amersham is the Warner Bros Studio Tour, focused on the Harry Potter films. Odds Farm Park is another easy outing, open year-round and aimed mainly at younger children, with animals, play areas, and outdoor activities. Nearby Beaconsfield is home to Bekonscot Model Village, a detailed miniature village showing England as it appeared in the 1930s. It is easy to walk through in a couple of hours and tends to appeal to visitors of all ages.

The Crown Inn is also used for other celebrations beyond weddings. It can host private gatherings, family occasions, and celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries, with food and arrangements tailored to suit different tastes and group sizes. There is a dedicated events room, along with access to a separate bar, restaurant, terrace, and garden, which gives some flexibility depending on the type of event. For corporate events, meetings, or work-related gatherings, it is best to contact the team directly to discuss what can be arranged and what spaces are available.