18 Bridge St, Abingdon OX14 3HS

About This Pub

Ah, The Crown & Thistle – it's one of those places that really warms your heart when you step inside, with its historic feel and welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Abingdon. From what I've gathered chatting about it, the staff stand out as the real stars; they're incredibly friendly and efficient, whether you're booking a table, sorting out a room, or planning a big do like a wedding. Folks absolutely love it for special events – the spaces are just perfect, and I've heard loads of compliments about how smoothly everything runs, from the ceremony to the after-party. Plus, they've got menus galore, including great choices for kids, vegans, and anyone with allergies, which makes it super inclusive for a group outing. On the flip side, though, some mates have mentioned that the prices are a bit on the high side, especially for drinks, and while the food's decent, it doesn't always knock your socks off for what you're paying. That said, if you're after a quirky, traditional spot with good vibes and solid service, it's definitely worth a visit – just keep an eye on the budget and maybe skip the fancy wine if you're keeping it casual. All in all, it's a solid choice for a night out or a stay, with more highs than lows based on the buzz around town.

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • The staff are absolutely brilliant – friendly, helpful, and always ready to go the extra mile, making you feel right at home.
  • It's a fantastic spot for special occasions like weddings or birthdays, with lovely spaces that guests rave about.
  • They've got a great variety of menus, including options for kids, vegans, and those with dietary needs, so there's something for everyone.
  • The historic and quirky vibe of the place adds real charm, especially if you're staying over or just popping in for a drink.
  • Service is top-notch, with straightforward communication and efficient handling of bookings and events.
Cons
  • Prices can be a bit steep, especially for drinks and wine, which might leave you feeling it's not quite worth the cost.
  • Some folks have mixed feelings about the food – it's alright, but it doesn't always live up to the higher-end pricing.
  • The overall experience might feel a tad mismatched if you're expecting luxury, as the venue's charm is more traditional than extravagant.

Contact Information

18 Bridge St, Abingdon OX14 3HS
+441235522556
Pub
Hours not available

Opening Hours

Opening hours not available

Location

Recent Reviews

We recently got married at the Crown and Thistle- we had both the ceremony and the reception there. From the start, communication was very straightforward both from the central team (thank you Imani) but also the staff at the venue- especially the restaurant manager and Greg. Staff were very knowledgeable and helped answer our queries including several last minute guest and dietary requirement changes. The barn was the perfect size for us and is very charming and rustic so needs minimal decorating. We had so many comments on how good the food was and it was very easy to hire our own suppliers e.g. band. It's great that there are rooms available for guests, we had no issues with ours, but just a note that they are not suitable for disabled guests as all require access from several flights of stairs and uneven floors. We had a brilliant day- thank you to all the staff. If you're looking for a barn this is a very reasonably-priced option with a great intimate feeling.
JM
Jess M
Have mixed feelings about our meal. The table service was great, no complaints there. Food was okay, we were a group of eight. Drinks were on the high side with the cheapest bottle of wine at £29 😳 . I came away confused, the food and drinks were on the high end but the food and venue was not. They need to adjust their price before I would visit again.
PT
Peter Thomas
We had the most amazing wedding at the crown and thistle! From our first consultation all the way to the big day they were so easy to work with and nothing was to big of a problem. The barn is a lovely space and was just perfect for us, we had so many guests compliment how beautiful it looked. The staff on the day were amazing from the kitchen to the bar team we could not fault any of them, they worked so hard to make our day perfect. The Crown & Thistle were the perfect supplier and were easy to work with and made us both feel at ease on the day knowing they had every little detail under control. Thank you so much to the team for making our day so special!!!
MS
Matthew sophie
We only ate here so I haven't seen the rooms and have given them an average score. We enjoyed our dinner and our vegan daughter had plenty of choice. Short but interesting wine list. Staff were very helpful and friendly.
TD
Tony Dodd
We met at this historic hotel to celebrate a friends 80th birthday and had a really good stay. The hotel has parking out the back and so we entered through the original courtyard and were greeted by the very friendly and efficient receptionist. The hotel itself is quirky in the sense that it is a 17th century building that has expanded over the centuries and the corridors are maze like that there are good directions. Our room was comfortable and well provisioned and warm in spite of our state being on one of the coldest nights of the year. The restaurant is modern and very comfortable, service is exceptional with friendly and professional staff and the menu has good options. Our food win served was very well prepared, attractive looking and tasted excellent. All in all we had an excellent stay which puts the shine on our friend’s birthday!
IW
Ian White

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