Oxford. The building was originally a private house from 1032 to 1220. In 1364 it became Spicer's Inn and in 1600 became the Crown Inn. It is located at the end of a passageway that led to the stables of the old inn (it was one of the first coaching houses in Oxford) and is the only surviving pub in Cornmarket. Shakespeare is reputed to have stayed here several times. There are large rooms on each side of the bar area and a large area outside that has several drinking booths (you know where I headed!). It is a Nicholson's pub and as usual I chose their pale ale. Plus I got treated to a traditional dance by a local dance company!