The year 1885 was an era of emancipation in Ireland, which saw a sharp increase in the building of Catholic churches.

Skilled craftsmen from Italy were brought into the North of Ireland and Patrick persuaded some of these tradesmen to supplement their income by moonlighting on the building of his saloon.

These Italian craftsmen were responsible for the tiling, glasswork and rich ornamental woodwork which turned Patrick’s dream into reality, and gave the Crown it’s distinctive character.

No wonder, at times when the sun beams strongly through the stained-glass windows, you would think you were in a church.

This impression is also enhanced by the wonderful combination of snugs, which look at times like confessional boxes, and the stained-glass, of course, suggests a baroque church interior, rather than a bar. The exterior façade of the bar is a riot of polychromatic tiles, which clearly hint at the box of delights to be found within.