An Oxfordshire hotel has won two national awards just eight months after it was re-opened to the public.

The Old Crown Coaching Inn in Faringdon received two rosettes from AA Guide to recognise the culinary excellence of its restaurant.

The AA Guide estimates that only 10 per cent of restaurants nationwide are of a standard that is worthy of one rosette and above.

READ MORE: Oxfordshire pub presented with prestigious CAMRA award

The prestigious award comes after the hotel was reopened in the summer of 2022 following a major refurbishment by its new owners.

Head chef Samuel Squires said: “It’s national recognition and considering we’ve only been operational for eight months it is a monumental achievement.”

The hotel was taken over in December 2021 by new owners Nick Evans, Michael Webb, Andrew Clark and Sebastiaan Evans who set about refurbishing its interior.

Mr Squires, who came on board in January 2022, said: “It wasn’t derelict when we took it over - it was operational - but it wasn’t great.

"Imagine a Sixties or Seventies boozer where it’s dark and drab. It needed a bit of light and a bit of an uplift. We basically gutted the whole inside.

“We just wanted an elegant, quirky, English country inn. We still wanted to retain what we have but we wanted to add some more spark and feel to this area.

“Everyone round here is running a pub or an eatery and we wanted to bring something different.”

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After months of refurbishment, the pub was opened to the public in the summer of 2022. As well as the rosettes, it has now also been given a four-star rating by AA for it’s hotel. 

Mr Squires said: “It’s massive. It reaffirms what we are trying to do here to be credited by a national award because it gives everyone a bit of a boost.

“It lets us know we are doing something right and going in the right direction. It has given everyone a spring in their step.”

A statement from the owners said: “We are so proud of our amazing team for their hard work and dedication in achieving this recognition.

“This prestigious award means that we have been acknowledged for our exceptional culinary experience and quality of accommodation.

“Thank you to all our wonderful staff who have played a vital role in making The Old Crown Coaching Inn the success it is today. We couldn't have done it without you.

“And of course, a big thank you to all our customers for their continuous support on this incredible journey.

“We look forward to welcoming you to experience the high-quality service and hospitality that we are proud to offer."