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, the young chef 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
‘while it’s hard to sav goodbye. I’m excited for my next new adventures, new challenges, and new ways to grow. From the bottom of my heart, thank you’
The Crown’s directors made the announcement today, adding that Jamie Whiting, head chef from The Black Horse in Standlake (sister pub to The Crown in Faringdon), will step into his shoes: “It is with a mix of gratitude and bittersweet emotion that we share some news about our talented head chef, Sam Squires.
“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. 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.
‘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’
They 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.”
Sam adds: “After an incredible journey, the time has come for me to steo awav from my role at The Old Crown Coaching Inn. It’s been a rollercoaster of a journey from charity events, themed tasting menus, two rosette,. Best Restaurant in Oxfordshire in the OXINABOX FOOD AWARDS 2024 and Best Chef finalist for many vears. I couldn’t have done any of that without the team around me.
‘I’m excited for my next adventures, new challenges, and new ways to grow’
“But while it’s hard to say goodbye. I’m excited for my next adventures, new challenges, and new ways to grow. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”
It is however a bitter blow for Oxfordshire’s hospitality industry, Sam being one of the big players. 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,” the directors say.
As for what comes next The Crown team are confident in new head chef Jamie Whiting‘s abilities: “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,” they say.
‘please join us before February 21 to savour Sam’s dishes one last time’
“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!
The Old Crown is at 25 Market Place, Faringdon, SN7 7HU. https://www.theoldcrowncoachinginn.com
