Crown & Crossed Swords
Front Street, Shotley Bridge DH8 0HU England
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The Crown and Crossed Swords is an historic inn in the heart of the village of Shotley Bridge in County Durham. The Hotel is re-modelling its' guest accommodation and plans to be able to offer en-suite rooms to guests from summer 2021. The bar, restaurant, newly refurbished function room, and newly refurbished beer garden will be re-opening from 17th May 2021. The Hotel was first named “The Crown and Crossed Swords” by the German settlers who came to the area in the 1680’s to forge blades and pursue sword-making, enticed by the rich supply of iron ore found across this area of North West Durham. Specialist sword-makers were the Ohlig family (later known as OLEY). The restaurant within the Hotel has been named OLEY’s by its’ current owners as a nod to the building and areas past. The sword-makers produced 37 kinds of blades, including rapiers, scimitars and cutlasses. Shotley swords were said to be so flexible that the tip could bend back to the hilt without snapping and would spring back to straightness. Previously named the Sword Inn, legend has it that Robert Oley was involved in a wager with several of his peers to make the best sword possible, and was duly declared the winner. He was awarded a crown, and the Sword Inn was renamed The Crown and Crossed Swords in his honour.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Bar / lounge
Patio
Walking tours
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Non-smoking hotel
Car park
Wifi
Restaurant
Outdoor dining area
Wine / champagne
Outdoor fireplace
Outdoor furniture
Sun terrace
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Private bathrooms
Bath / shower
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Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
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Front Street, Shotley Bridge DH8 0HU England
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74Reviews2Q+A15Room tips
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Popped in today for lunch and can honestly say this has been the best pub lunch we’ve had in years . The menu is varied and has light lunch and children’s option , food was beautiful , tasty and hot and served with a smile. Prices were fair and we’d have paid more for the quality of food , we’ve also visited in the summer and ate outside in the quaint beer garden. We won’t hesitate to recommend and will definitely return.
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
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This is now a village country pub and restaurant that's really a class above. The beer garden is absolutely gorgeous, while the interior is warm, welcoming and sets a perfect ambience. The menu is extensive, including some great options for vegetarians, and the quality is excellent. Friendly and attentive staff make this the whole package! Oh, and it's genuinely dog friendly too, as a real country pub should be. Absolutely my favourite place to go. Can't comment on the hotel rooms as I haven't stayed, but on the basis of the rest I'd feel confident recommending it.
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: There's a good sized carpark which is free for customers, but remember to enter your reg at the...
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Vicky and co did a scrumptious buffet at the Crown and Crossed Swords for 40 plus people on behalf of Kaydar, a local Care Company. They also provided entertainment and a cordial atmosphere. Every request was more than catered for and it was obvious very customer focused in every possible way. Thanks so much for making our party a truly memorable positive experience.
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled on business
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Went with girlfriend for food Starters were ok When the mains were brought out waited 5 minutes for cutlery then discovered the steak was cold on mixed grill told staff who took back to kitchen as it returned it was reheated and no management came out to apologise when i sent back Joke of an establishment
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Date of stay: December 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Dont go there
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A reasonable Sunday lunch at a reasonable price. Portion size was fair and the service ok. We chose from the 3 course menu and all courses were served reasonably swiftly and hot. Will likely visit again in the future for another Sunday lunch.
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Date of stay: December 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
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I had booked a table for myself, my wife, brother and sister and our 91 year old dad for Sunday lunch. 3 of us had starters - I had smoked salmon which was a really good size portion, my brother the potato skins and my dad the chicken strips - all very good and went down well. For mains we had 4 beef and 1 chicken. The food was excellent - the beef was melt in the mouth, hardly needed to cut it which was great for my dad, and the veg were all lovely too. 2 extra boats of gravy were brought to the table as well without asking. My only nit pick would be the sachet of horseradish is extremely hard to open. 3 of us had ginger sponge pudding which was a huge portion and also very nice. The staff were very good too. Certainly the best Sunday lunch out I have had in many a year.
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Date of stay: October 2022
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Chefs Special - Soy Carmel Sirloin Steak, absolutely amazing! One of the best meals i’ve had in a long time, really really loved it! Overall had a great night, everyone really enjoyed their food, so nice, and a lovely atmosphere! Can’t wait to come back soon! x
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
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You just cant beat pub food when its elevated and done well like this ❤️ the place has changed alot since i was last in but it still feels like the old pub myself and my partner has two vegetable lasagna which were fantastic and we had a lovely long chat with the owners daughter didnt catch her name but what a lovely lass definitely shared my partners passion for the pub game will certainly be back
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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Turned up at lunchtime and sat in the pleasant outdoor area, ordered a pizza and a burger and was served by polite and friendly staff, that's the end of the nice things to say about our visit. After 40 minutes waiting and watching people who ordered after us be served and finish their meals I ordered another round of drinks and chased up our food to be told it would be with us in a few minutes. 20 minutes later, a burger arrived, while waiting for my partner's pizza, I noticed that it was the wrong burger, 5 mins later when the pizza did arrive, not only did we have to point out the incorrect burger had been brought, but also the incorrect pizza. We returned the food and left with a refund on it, still hungry, after over an hour of sitting around waiting for a meal.
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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We went for meal for of us and put car reg into system. Weeks later received £100 fine from civil enforcement but if you paid straight away it was reduced to £60. I went to see manager James and he said he would send an email but I had to also appeal which I did and was rejected but fine reduced to £20 again contacted James and said this is a bad experience and puts me off coming back to which he angrily said well if you had no where to park then you wouldn't be happy. Ive had to re appeal and send back transaction to prove I was in there at said time. Food was lovely but won't b back there after this carry on n lack help from management 😡😡😡
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Date of stay: June 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
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LOCATION
United KingdomEnglandCounty DurhamShotley Bridge
NUMBER OF ROOMS
8
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Claim Your ListingCROWN & CROSSED SWORDS: UPDATED 2023 B&B Reviews and 25 Photos (Shotley Bridge, England) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Crown & Crossed Swords
Which popular attractions are close to Crown & Crossed Swords?
Nearby attractions include Derwent Reservoir (6.8 km), The Grey Horse (2.8 km), and Chopwell Wood (6.0 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Crown & Crossed Swords?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
What food & drink options are available at Crown & Crossed Swords?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and an outdoor dining area during their stay.
Is parking available at Crown & Crossed Swords?
Yes, free parking and a parking garage are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Crown & Crossed Swords?
Conveniently located restaurants include Knitsley Farm Shop and Granary Cafe, The Manor House Inn, and Santonios.
Is Crown & Crossed Swords located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.7 km away from the centre of Shotley Bridge.
Are pets allowed at Crown & Crossed Swords?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Are there any historical sites close to Crown & Crossed Swords?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Derwentcote Steel Furnace (5.3 km).