AN AWARD-WINNING country pub has been proving that the business is more than just beer.
The Crown in Upton has been run by highly-acclaimed chef Dave Watts since 2019.
Dave previously trained under Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir aux Quat Saisons and he was the recipient of The Good Food Guide’s Chef to Watch in 2013 before becoming a private chef and finally taking over his own restaurant.
Dave said a central philosophy of his cooking is “linking you directly to the small scale artisanal producers that help us create a sustainable model”.
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And he hopes that through this, he will be able to continue to deliver high quality, innovative meals at reasonable prices.
He said: “We like to source our ingredients mainly from small holdings. That way we can reduce food miles and make sure our products are as fresh as possible. Equally, we know if it’s a small holding sourcing our meat for example that the animals are being looked after well.
"We want to create as many little wow factors as we can to make the produce shine. It’s about making that product as good as it can be.”
One of Dave’s suppliers is Oaktrack Smallholding, who have been operating their farm three miles away from The Crown for more than 20 years.
Their selection of home reared lamb and pork has been featured on Dave’s menus so diners know exactly where their food is coming from.
Co-owner of Oaktrack Smallholding, Tina Wells, said: “We breed and rear our own animals as well as growing our own vegetables. It’s a lot fresher than what you buy in the supermarkets and much better quality.
“We want to encourage people to buy local so small holdings like ours can keep going.”
This focus on sustainability inspires a future of meat from well cared for animals travelling short distances to ensure great quality at a fair price. This also helps him develop a relationship with Upton’s small community of around 250 people.
The local are something very close to Dave’s heart.
He said: “We are very much part of the community. They like the fact that we are here.
“During the winter, we host pub quizzes for Upton locals and recently had a Jubilee gathering.”
The pub became a TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Award Winner 2021, was included in the prestigious Michelin Guide 2021 and was a Trencherman’s Award finalist in the Best Trencherman’s Pub category 2021.
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It has also found itself in the top 5 Destination Pubs in the website Muddy Stilletto award scheme and is mentioned in Sawdays Pubs and Inns – the best places to eat and drink in the UK.
Despite these accolades and Dave’s experience, he’s keen to stress that it's not all a la carte. People can also choose the plats du jour menu for £15 for a three courses or from the classics menu that includes burgers, ploughmans, cheese platters, sandwiches and pub favourite - ham, egg and chips.
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