The Rose & Crown Knutsford

There’s no shortage of ye olde pubs in Knutsford. The thatched roofed White Bear is the most ancient with a birth date of 1587, while the allegedly haunted Lord Eldon is another that’s seen 300-plus years of trade. The 17th century Rose & Crown is a relative newcomer in comparison but if it’s timber beams, latticed windows and cosy nooks you’re after, you’ll be more than happy here.

While the White Bear and the Lord Eldon are traditional boozers, the Rose & Crown is somewhere you’d go to eat or stay, as well as simply enjoy a pint. There are nine ensuite guest rooms, and the well-regarded restaurant offers all-day dining including breakfast, lunch, a la carte and a very popular Sunday lunch.

Dishes are largely British with some Mediterranean touches, such as in the starter of grilled lamb fillet with hummus, olives, crispy capers and salsa verde. It’s one of just a handful of independent restaurants in Knutsford (every mid-range chain in the land seems to have set up shop on these cobbled streets) and it prides itself on its fresh, home-made cooking and local ingredients.

Inside, The Rose & Crown has the look of a wood-panelled coaching inn but with a few modern touches to brighten up the low-beamed rooms; a sunflower yellow wall for example and blue velvet seating. Out the back, you’ll find a very inviting terraced beer garden for alfresco eating and drinking.