News that head chef Samuel Squires is leaving The Old Crown Coaching Inn in Faringdon this month has come as a shock at OXINABOX HQ, having been on board since it reopened in 2022, and making quite the mark on Oxfordshire’s culinary scene. REVIEW: ‘A gastronomic highlight of the year’ Why head chef Samuel Squires’ is making such a name for himself at The Old Crown in Faringdon
The owners made the announcement today, saying: “It is with a mix of gratitude and bittersweet emotion that we share some news about our talented head chef, Sam Squires.
He is one of the big players, and has been nominated in the BEST CHEF finals in the OXINABOX FOOD AWARDS, countless times.
The Crown’s directors agree: “Over the past four years, Sam has transformed our Ballroom Restaurant into one of the most celebrated dining destinations in Oxfordshire. Under his leadership, we proudly achieved two AA Rosettes for culinary excellence and won BEST RESTAURANT in the OXINABOX FOOD AWARDS 2024.
The directors continue: “Sam’s passion, creativity, and dedication to showcasing the finest local and seasonal produce have earned us countless compliments and made every meal a memorable experience.
So why is he moving on? Sam has decided to take on a new challenge at a prestigious private school in Oxford for a better work/life balance for his young family.
Stepping into his shoes is Jamie Whiting, head chef from The Black Horse in Standlake (sister pub to The Crown in Faringdon), who has been with the company for over four years.
So will this change The Crown’s fine dining ethos? “Jamie will continue to deliver fantastic food with a menu we are confident you will love, featuring hearty classics and an inventive specials board,” they say.
“While Jamie’s style brings a fresh perspective, we are confident it will delight our community just as Sam’s exceptional cuisine has. We are finalising the new menu and look forward to sharing it soon. In the meantime, please join us before February 21 to savour Sam’s dishes one last time.”
Samuel will be sadly missed and we look forward to trying Jamie’s new menu very soon. Watch this space!
