There’s something quietly exciting happening on Market Street. Behind the familiar façade of The Crown Hotel, a much-loved local has been undergoing a careful and considered transformation — not a reinvention, but a respectful return.
For generations, The Crown has been part of the fabric of Lynton. Originally a coaching house dating back to the 1760s, it has long served as a hub for locals, walkers, and those discovering Exmoor for the first time. Now, following a period of restoration, it is preparing to reopen with a renewed sense of purpose — one that feels firmly rooted in the community while gently elevating the experience.
The approach has been simple: restore, not replace. The bones of the building — its character, warmth and familiarity — remain intact, but behind the scenes a thoughtful redesign has taken place. The result is a pub and hotel that feels both reassuringly familiar and quietly refreshed. As the team themselves describe it: “Carefully restored. Proudly Lynton.”
At its heart, The Crown is still very much a pub. Expect proper local food, the kind that speaks to the landscape around it — field-to-fork in spirit, honest in execution. There’s a renewed focus on locally sourced ingredients, seasonal menus and the simple pleasure of well-cooked dishes enjoyed in good company.
But there’s also a subtle broadening of the offer. Upstairs, bedrooms have been reimagined, with a mix of restored spaces and newly created rooms designed to offer comfort without losing the building’s heritage charm. In total, guests can expect a thoughtful blend of original character and modern touches — a place to stay that feels considered, not overworked.
And then there are the small details that signal a new chapter: cocktails alongside the classics, ice creams on the terrace, and a renewed sense that The Crown is not just somewhere to pass through, but somewhere to spend time.
For locals, this reopening is perhaps less about discovery and more about rediscovery. A familiar place, given new life. A pub that remains at the centre of the village, but with a clearer sense of what it wants to be.
As Lynton continues to evolve — balancing its heritage with a growing appeal to visitors — The Crown feels like a perfect reflection of that journey. Not louder, not flashier, but simply better.
And, crucially, still yours.
The Crown Hotel
Market Street, Lynton, Devon, EX35 6AG
Web: thecrownlynton.co.uk
Email: info@thecrownlynton.co.uk
Tel: 01598 752253
