"...might the informal playing and signing in there..."

Blimey! I didn't realise we had to sign in as well! (tee-hee!)

I spent very little time in The Crown (mainly because I was very busy elsewhere), so it's difficult for me to comment on the above issue. But I think it's very positive that we now have a "drop-in" session there. I also noticed on one occasion that the landlord had provided substantial plates of grub for the performers. Good for him!