The Crown pub in Frome is very much alive and thriving! That’s the message from landlords Seb Cranston and Colin Ferbrache, who reopened the pub in March and have exciting plans for what is Frome’s oldest working pub.
There has been some recent uncertainty around the future of the pub in Keyford following news of a community campaign to purchase the building.
But Seb and Colin want to reassure everyone that The Crown remains very much open, thriving, and at the centre of Frome’s social life.
Seb explained, “We’re here to stay. The campaign to buy the pub is just about securing the pub’s long-term future for the community and we’re very much on board with that. Some people thought we were leaving, but that’s not the case at all and we’re very excited about the future.”
Renovations
Seb and Colin bring a combined 37 years of experience in hospitality. Since getting the keys in January, they have poured weeks of effort into transforming The Crown into a welcoming community hub. Renovations have included repainting, upgrading the cellar system for better beer and cider, ensuring the kitchen and prep areas meet the highest standards and creating a café-style working space.
“Colin and myself had been looking for a catering or hospitality business and the tenancy for The Crown was just a fantastic opportunity,” said Seb. “It’s an amazingly characterful building and has loads of potential. The beer garden is beautiful and one of the larger ones in Frome and all in all, it’s just a great pub and a really great opportunity to be a part of the community.
Family-orientated
“Our vision for The Crown is to build an excellent traditional but modern hub with high quality food and drink, honest prices and good times.
“All of our meat is locally sourced as is our veg where possible with great veggie options. Both Colin and I have families and the pub being family-orientated is also very important to us.”
Amongst the events and attractions are a Friday night open mic/sing along; roast dinners every Sunday; live music, a traditional pub quiz on the third Tuesday of every month and ‘Quizlock’ on the first Tuesday which is part pub quiz, part mystery and part escape room!
A charity night is planned in October with a range of winter festivities also on the agenda.
“The community have responded very positively to the changes we have made,” added Seb. “We host monthly neighbours nights and also welcome multiple community groups every week. Most importantly we have brought the pub back to being a pub. Not a cocktail bar, not a trendy restaurant and certainly not a place for people to get drunk and cause trouble. We see ourselves as a community hub for everyone to use, enjoy and feel welcome in.”
Cosy welcome
Looking ahead, the team are working on building a strong events schedule including more live music, supper clubs, exhibitions and quirky one-off events. Another major project is the reinstatement of the pub’s open fireplace – ready to provide a cosy welcome this winter.
“The Crown has already become a place where regulars feel at home, and new visitors are welcomed in straight away,” added Seb. “The best thing for us is seeing everyone mingling, enjoying themselves, and feeling safe here. The pub has a great vibe, and we’re proud to be part of it.
“For those who haven’t yet visited, you will be made really welcome. Come and see what we’ve been working on – and don’t leave without trying one of our homemade pasties!”
