The Crown at Chilton

06/06/2026

VAT’s the problem.

Hospitality is one of the UK’s greatest success stories. It employs millions of people, gives young people their first jobs, creates lifelong careers, keeps high streets alive and brings communities together.

But the sector is under enormous pressure. Rising energy costs. Food inflation. Huge employment costs. Unjust business rates. The highest tax burden in the UK economy. And on top of all of that - a 20% VAT rate that is among the highest in Europe.

Countries including Spain, Italy, France, Ireland and Germany know how important hospitality is to society, and they know it pays too much tax. That’s why they already support hospitality with lower VAT rates. The UK deserves the same.

A 10% VAT rate would:

• Support pubs, restaurants, cafes, hotels and nightclubs, and many more.
• Get businesses investing in jobs and helping our customers
• Strengthen high streets and local communities

Because when hospitality businesses close, communities lose far more than places to eat and drink, they lose connection, opportunity and local identity.

Help us, help our industry 🙏🖤

Sign the petition here:

https://www.vatstheproblem.co.uk/

06/06/2026

A couple of new ones just gone on - Loddon Brewery Ferryman’s Gold - a local summer classic, also we’re trying Camden Town Brewery stout. Coming next- Wadworth Horizon. Currently 31 beers on draught…

06/06/2026

The wait is over! 🎶
The wonderful Abby is joining us tonight, performing all your favorite acoustic covers.

We've also got some incredible new specials making their debut on the menu, so there's plenty to look forward to!

Great music, great food, and a great atmosphere—what more could you ask for?

Who's joining us tonight? 👇🎤🍽️

05/06/2026

Abbie C will be joining us tomorrow for a great night of acoustic covers 🎵

Abbie C will be performing all your favourite acoustic covers live at the pub on Saturday 6th June, at 7pm! Come down for a great night of music, good vibes, and support amazing local talent. See you there!

05/06/2026

One of the biggest problems facing us, and any hospitality business, is having to pay 20% of everything we take back to the government in VAT every three months for doing absolutely nothing. You might already be aware of a movement, spearheaded by Tom Kerridge, to reduce VAT to 10% for hospitality businesses, which would be a game changer for all of us - it has already been very successful in more forward-thinking countries. If you agree, and have a few seconds to spare, we'd really appreciate you signing this petition. If successful, it could really help so many struggling pub businesses, and halt the closures of 2 or 3 our of precious pubs each day, lost forever. Thanks for your support!

View fullsize VAT at 10% is fair for hospitality. VAT at 10% is fair for hospitality. Sign our petition for 10% hospitality VAT Data protection and privacy policy Do you want to back your favourite venue, help your high street and support local jobs? Then sign our petition to lower the rate of VAT f...

01/06/2026

June at The Crown is shaping up to be a fantastic month! We’ve got plenty of exciting things in store, and we can’t wait to share them with you. Stay tuned for updates—we hope you’re as excited as we are!

01/06/2026

Coming to us very soon!

01/06/2026

31/05/2026

We’re not getting overtly political, but this just stinks…

Are you a pub landlord who’s worked hard to build a pub local people love?

Bad luck, because Labour are planning to hit your pub with even higher business rates.

Whilst Labour hate the British pub, Conservatives will scrap business rates entirely for thousands of local pubs.

31/05/2026

Last day of half term and the sunshine is still here ☀️ With rain forecast from tomorrow, today is the perfect excuse to treat yourself.

Limited numbers of our specials remain – once they're gone, they're gone! 🍔🍤🍗