This charming establishment retains its traditional character in a community celebrated as “Britain’s most complete surviving example of a canal village.” The strategic meeting point of the River Trent and the Trent & Mersey Canal transformed Shardlow into a vital transportation hub following the canal’s opening in 1777.
Canal Pub on the Trent and Mersey Canal
Guide To Old Crown Inn
Old Crown InnLocated on Back Lane in the historic canal village of Shardlow, The Old Crown is an authentic 18th-century inn that showcases the rich heritage of this once-bustling inland port.
The historical architecture of The Old Crown reflects the prosperous era when Shardlow rapidly evolved into an important trading centre, boasting warehouses, wharves, and inns that catered to merchants and travellers navigating the waterways connecting the Midlands to the rest of Britain.
Today, visitors to The Old Crown can enjoy refreshments in authentic surroundings while experiencing a living piece of industrial heritage in a village that preserves the ambience of canal-based commerce. This corner of Derbyshire once witnessed barges laden with goods from the Potteries and beyond passing through on their journeys across England’s inland waterway network.
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Old Crown Inn Reviews
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Review from Google Places
20 August 2025
We stopped here on the way to East Midlands Airport. Lovely food and friendly staff. Great outdoor play area for the kids. Hubby says the beer was good too! Highly recommended.
Review from Google Places
2 July 2025
Brilliant food and great prices. Only bad thing was the waiting, 1 hour for 3 starters (same). Lovely play area for kids. Will go again but not on a Sunday.
Review from Google Places
7 May 2025
Rang up to pre-order food as we nearly didn’t make it for lunch. Food is excellent and all home made. The value is outstanding. The beef in my baguette was so tasty and the gravy to die for. Also fantastic real choice with the Jaipur on top form. The landlady was also very welcoming and funny. We will back!!
Review from Google Places
19 February 2025
-food took a little bit to come out but was very good
-staff are very nice but the bar can take a while to be served
-big garden for children and bear garden
-chicken
Review from Google Places
13 September 2024
Beautiful old traditional pub with very welcoming staff serving lovely home cooked tasty meals at a very good price. Also allows motorhome stop over. Play area for children & Dog friendly. Would definitely recommend this place and will return if in the area 🙂
