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14th October 2021

The Crown Inn, Upton in the Test Valley, Hampshire celebrates Oktoberfest

This charming multi-award-winning traditional pub in the heart of the Test Valley, Hampshire, has really sprung back to life and this Autumn will be putting on an Oktoberfest with a few twists for all to enjoy.  Although called an Oktoberfest it will actually happen on November 13th with festivities taking place from midday till late in the evening.

Chef and owner Dave Watts and the team will be offering beers and ales and serving special but simple finger foods such as hot dogs and a hog roast and other delicious accompaniments throughout the day. There will be music from 3 bands all afternoon and evening – a great opportunity to get up and dance!! The Electric Troubadours is a high energy rock band with an emphasis on crowd pleasing classic rock covers, @59 are an acoustic and electric band playing covers with a stripped back twist, and The Cover Brothers provide all kinds of cover music in an entertaining way.  The event is hosted in conjunction with beer company Estrella Damm, which has its origins in the once German province of Alsace, which the young brewer August Kueutzmann Damm fleed from to escape the Franco-Prussian War. The event promises to be a great fun-filled afternoon and evening and great value for money at just £10.

Guests are being encouraged to really get into the spirit of the occasion by dressing up in traditional Oktoberfest costume – Lederhosen, Dirndl skirts and other suitable gear!

During lockdown The Crown Inn, Upton took the opportunity to refurbish inside and out – giving it a modern feel but still keeping its original country cottage pub characteristics such as the open fireplace.  Outside some unique wooden H’Igloos (Hampshire Igloos) have been added, providing gorgeous spaces heated by wood burning stoves and blankets to keep the outside experience warm and cosy all year round.  So guests enjoying the Oktoberfest can make full use of the features inside and out.

During the Oktoberfest guests will be also be able to buy produce from a mini charcuterie stall. Dave Watts recently acquired The Charcuterie at Parsonage Farm, where, from organic meat supplied by smallholdings he creates cured meats such as flavoured salamis, coppa and lomo as well as pancetta.  The Charcuterie’s pink peppercorn bay and lomo recently won a Great Taste Award.  Meat is sold online and served as platters in the pub.  Dave also runs a Charcuterie School from The Charcuterie.

Dave and the team has lost no time making sure The Crown Inn stays ahead of the game, particularly during these difficult times.  By serving high quality food with an unusual twist, using local and artisanal produce, not being afraid to be different and providing the best possible experience, The Crown Inn has been able to bounce back following lockdown.

The Crown likes to draw the punters with special events, like the Oktoberfest.  During the winter it will also be offering shoot lunches and breakfasts and there will be a special Christmas menu carefully planned and crafted by Dave from 24 November till Christmas Eve.  The Crown Inn is keen to attract both friends and families and corporate groups. Corporate groups will be offered free proseccos and there will be crackers and a great festive atmosphere for all diners.  A New Year’s Eve event is also being planned as well as The Crown Inn’s now ever-popular New Year’s Day brunch.

The pub became a TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Award Winner 2021, was included in the prestigious Michelin Guide 2021.  The Crown was a Trencherman’s Award finalist in the Best Trencherman’s Pub category 2021, 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.

Says Dave: ‘We’re really excited about hosting the Oktoberfest for the first time, it’s just the sort of event to cheer everyone up and get them dancing, drinking and eating!  We love to host a party and this one will be like no other!’

For more information about The Crown visit https://www.crownupton.co.uk And more about visiting the area can be found at https://www.testvalley.gov.uk/communityandleisure/tourism/ You can also find out more about food and drink in the Test Valley by visiting https://www.testvalley.gov.uk/communityandleisure/tourism/taste-test-valley.  Or try Hampshire Fare’s new guide to local produce in the area ‘The Chalk and the Cheese’ https://www.hampshirefare.co.uk /Hampshire Fare support local food, drink and craft producers –  a not-for-profit organisation working closely with over 400 businesses involved in rearing, growing and making an array of produce including cheese, wine, beer, meat, charcuterie, pies, spirits, cider and more.

Ends 

Notes to Editors:

The Test Valley:  is West Hampshire. Named after Hampshire’s longest river with an international reputation for fly fishing the Test Valley is home to quintessential English villages, unspoilt meadows and chalk downlands which support a fantastic array of local food and drink producers. Come and explore! Enjoy all this plus a great range of fascinating attractions, historic houses and gardens and places to stay.http://www.testvalley.gov.uk/communityandleisure/tourism


Press release from The Crown Inn

For more press information, contact Rachel Shimell on 02380 732981/ email: rachel.shimell@gmail.com  or Dave Watts 07740979600