Rose and Crown

The Rose and Crown is a typical example of the modern British pub, as far removed from spit and sawdust as you can get, but instead smart and cosmopolitan with an exciting mix of dishes on their menu and a décor to match.

The vibrant red of the eatery creates the dynamic, buzzing atmosphere that characterises The Rose and Crown. Combined with a mix of furniture, the large leather sofas in the bar and the elegant open fireplaces, The Rose and Crown feels like home from the first time you walk through the door.

Their day starts with Continental breakfast at 8 am, moving through bacon or sausage sandwiches from nine o'clock, through specials like roast beef and horseradish wrap; grilled chicken and hummus in pitta or prawn mayo on granary to full a la carte in the evening. There is no time of the day between 8am and close of play late in the evening when good wholesome food is not available.

One of the great attractions here is their novel deli board made up from nuts and seeds, cheese, charcuterie, antipasti, fish, breads and fresh fruit and vegetables. Confused? Just let them take the strain and make you up an assorted board for a cool £7.50 including rustic bread and chutney

The full menu could include starters of sauté red pepper and chorizo salad, deep-fried goat's cheese, raspberry and mango salsa, chicken liver pâté with granary toast or Thai duck salad.

The only problem with the main courses will be eliminating the non-starters and deciding on your final choice. Salmon Niçoise, a 12oz Aberdeenshire Porterhouse steak with roasted tomatoes, field mushroom, chips and Café de Paris crème fraîche, or fillet medallion with sauté scallop and prawn surf and turf, and samphire cream - what will it be?

If you thought that was the end of the problem, think again. Puddings of apple jelly, baked rhubarb and cinnamon cream, lemon posset with macerated strawberries or a selection of ice cream and sorbets including mint chocolate, banana, and blackcurrant sorbet; the choice is yours.

Any successful restaurateur will tell you that an essential part of the job is linking together the menu and the wine list. Each should compliment the other, and at The Rose and Crown this has been achieved with skill. The wine list is not extensive but, like the menu, it packs a punch and seems to meet the needs of customers with élan.

The net has been spread widely and includes wines that reflect the changing sources of supply with countries like Argentina, South Africa and New Zealand coming to the forefront. Such wines as the Massaya Classic 2003 from the Lebanon are also a welcome inclusion. Few bottles break the £30 mark and most are well within the £20. Around a dozen, including champagne, are available by the glass at sensible prices.

For further information, including their latest menus, a visit to their Website is recommended.