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Restored and refurbished to a high standard by Admiral, it finally reopened as a pub in November 2025, with tenant and industry newcomer Tom Ward at the helm.
Fuelled with an ambitious vision and an energetic entrepreneurial drive, Ward and his team have quickly established the new-look Crown as the vibrant centre of village life.
Customer focus
Families from Fordham and the surrounding area are at the heart of the pub’s audience, attracted by an on-trend seasonal smokehouse menu featuring imaginative and tasty dishes such as smoked baby back ribs, beef brisket and creamy Cajun king prawn linguine plus burgers and spuds baked over hot coals. Ingredients, including all the meat, are sourced as locally as possible.
While much of the pub is given over to an elegant comfortable dining room, there’s a locals’ bar and pool room, too, where up to four cask ales and a choice of stouts are poured.
In the large beer garden at the back, Ward has installed a substantial outdoor bar with five draught taps and a barbecue, which comes into its own in the summer. The Crown has already celebrated its return with a family fun day that drew 300 people and is likely to become an annual affair.
Varied events
That’s part of a busy events calendar which includes pool competitions, charity quiz nights, bingo, Deal or No Deal and wine tastings. The pub is also host to Empty Chairs, an initiative that brings together local people who might be feeling a bit lonely.
It’s still early days for the business, of course, with plenty more to come, but the speed, confidence and success with which Ward has converted Admiral’s considerable investment into a thriving community hub and food destination sets it apart.
