The Crown and Crossed Swords Hotel Picture: Google streetview A COUNTY DURHAM pub that once made 37 kinds of blades could see its beer garden extended according to plans submitted to Durham County Council. The Crown and Crossed Swords Hotel, on Front Street in Shotley, Consett, could have its beer garden extended to make use of wasted ground that is currently heavily overgrown. According to the Heritage Statement, improvements have already been made to the existing beer garden “including wider gate access for disabled use, a flatter and hazard free paved area on one level, and a more open friendly covid friendly layout.”