The charm of Romaldkirk is renowned, with the village stocks, pump and mellow stone cottages all combining to offer a very valid reason for visiting. However, an even better reason is the welcome that awaits you from Alison and Christopher Davy at their delightful pub alongside the village green and handy for the church.

In 2002 the Rose and Crown scooped three awards; AA Pub of the Year for England 2003, an "all round excellence award" from the Northumbria Tourist Board and the Good Hotel; Guide's Inn of the Year 2003.

Chris attributes these successes to remembering the basic formula for a good country inn: a place to sleep, a cosy fire and most important of all, great food. The oak-panelled restaurant is a wonderful setting for the pleasant occupation of enjoying a cuisine which, whilst not all that extensive, has style and interest.

The four-course dinner menu at £26 includes smoked haddock and potato risotto with poached egg and Hollandaise, guinea fowl with tarragon cream with mushrooms, bacon and red wine. Cheaper lunches and dinners are available each day in the Crown Brasserie and Bar.

Bar meals only outside.