I first visited The Crown with my boss while driving home from London. He told me he had seen this pub evolve over the years from one of those darker places with only a few people lingering at the bar to the chic, renovated establishment that it is today. Over the course of the next year when I was stuck more than once eating a dismal dinner at an overpriced Services on the M4, I bemoaned the fact that I couldn't remember exactly where The Crown was located. I finally stopped moaning and found out. I revisited the place for lunch with a friend on our way to Bath, and the atmosphere was every bit as pleasant as I remembered.

So where is The Crown? Exceptionally easy to get to off of the M4, simply take Junction 18 going towards Bath. You'll see the pub after passing a layby for trucks. It's not immediately off the exit... but close.

What is the atmosphere like? In the daytime, light poured through the windows and warmed the pale yellow walls. A shoot of cut, green bamboo was in a glass bud vase on our table. We ordered lunch at the bar and found a seat. Conversely, when I ate dinner at The Crown, a fire was glowing in the hearth. A waiter took our food order at our table. Several nicely dressed couples looked as if they were out on dates.... This is an upscale country pub.... a place with a sense of Bath style.

What is the food like? At lunch I had a chutney and cheddar sandwich with hot chips that was very yummy. Heavier meals are available as well as the traditional ploughman's. At dinner I had a more robust entree of pasta with a glass of wine, I almost always order dessert when I'm out in England---I've got a thing for sticky toffee pudding---but I remember that I was absolutely too full to eat another bite. The gentleman who first introduced me to the restaurant enjoys The Crown's fish. You can get fried haddock, roasted salmon, or grilled bream. Or maybe you'd like something that I always think of as a particularly English entree? Braised rabbit with polenta is on the menu.

Cost? Our bill was in line with other pubs in Bath. Lunch was under £20 whereas dinner may be pushing £50 with drinks and dessert.

Bottom line? This is superior choice for a place to stop when traveling on the M4 when hungry... or to stop for lunch on the way into Bath. (There's plenty of car parking.) I know I will eat there again, and I would suggest it to anyone.

Tip: The lovely National Trust country manor Dyrham Park is practically on the doorstep of this pub. You'll see signs, and if you have a few extra hours to see one of Bath's grand homes, it will be worth the detour.