Not only is the Crown Inn a wonderfully relaxing place to be, Blockley itself must be one of the most attractive of its kind. For those who mourn the passing of the old England this should be a place of pilgrimage thought it is hard to see its faithful guardian inhabitants allowing anyone to change it one jot.

To eat at the Crown is just sheer pleasure, the Coach House Restaurant, with its mellow stone walls and comfortable chairs is the setting for a menu that delights and could include a twice baked goat's cheese soufflé or a vol au vent of escargots and button mushrooms held with a garlic cream sauce. Their steaks are famous for quality and tenderness and all come with homemade chips, onion rings, tomatoes, mushrooms and salad, au poivre or Bordelaise sauce is also available. Chicken supreme with Parma ham, given that you know the credentials of the chickens makes an attractive dish and their lamb's liver is of excellent quality.

A well moulded wine list adds yet another reason for wasting no time in finding an opportunity to spend a relaxed evening, secure in the knowledge that if enjoyment slips into indulgence their beds are also of the best. Lunch during the week in served in the bar, and on Sunday in the bar and restaurant, while dinner is in both every night.