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ROSE & CROWN AT ROMALDKIRK

Vintage gastro-inn on a pretty Teesdale village green

OF THE HUNDREDS of Rose & Crowns in Britain, this one must be the tops. The Rose & Crown at Romaldkirk is a visibly loved 18th century coaching inn, crowned by its location in a pretty conservation village complete with ancient stocks among Teesdale’s fells and moors.

It’s kept to perfection, with beams, brasses, glowing copper and polished panelling. Exposed brickwork, cosy snugs, dancing fires and the reassuring tick of a grandfather clock create warmth in the lively bar, where locals are likely to sweep you into their conversations.

There’s elegance, too. Expect starched napery and silver candlesticks in the Rose & Crown's oak-panelled dining room or red walls and framed cartoons in the brasserie. Discerning palates make a beeline here for the chef's first-rate gastropub cuisine. Bedrooms are smartly choreographed while enjoying village-green views. There are also courtyard rooms where pet pooches are welcome.

Hit the Spot
On the green in a pretty Teeside village.

Pillow Talk
Rustic beams, half-testers and feathery pillows set the tone for beddy-byes.

Be Savvy
Leave your car standing – walks start from the front door.

Be Smitten
Teesdale treat that's country-cosy.

Teesdale fells and fare

Christopher and Alison Davy's friendly and efficient team provide hospitality here with good humour, and the Rose & Crown has been showered in awards. Scrumptious fare includes pink roast fillet of Teesdale fell lamb with woodland mushroom and potato broth, and sticky butterscotch pudding.

The Rose & Crown was reviewed for Room for Romance by Mike North

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Dining in
Expect more-ish modern English cooking. The restaurant is cosy yet smart, with glowing oak panelling, candlelight, big comfy chairs, starched white linen and silver cutlery. Try quail egg, bacon and avocado salad with red onion dressing as a starter, followed by grilled fillet of sea bass with prawn and pea risotto, and polished off with a Rose and Crown stem ginger ice cream. The Yorkshire Blue, spinach and pancetta risotto is another favourite.

Breakfast
Full breakfast is served until 9.30am

Room service
Available morning and evening

Where?
The Rose and Crown

What’s cooking?
How about baked local Cotherstone cheese soufflé and roast fillet of lamb served with woodland mushroom and kidney casserole?

Dress the part
Groomed country-casual

Top table?
Book tables one or three for their great views.

See & Do
Be sure to explore the Bowes Museum, Eggleston Hall Gardens, Raby Castle near Staindrop, and historic Durham cathedral. Head updale to High Force, England's highest waterfall and discover the fabulous countryside hereabouts.

Diary Dates

Monthly
Stock up with organic local produce at the Farmers’ Market held here on the first Saturday of every month.

GETTING THERE

Location
Romaldkirk, Barnard Castle, County Durham DL12 9EB

Parking
There is free guest parking.

Trains
Darlington station – 18 miles

Taxis
GBP 30 from the airport.

Airport
Teesside – 20 miles

Rooms and suites
12 rooms and two suites

Special features
One room has a canopy bed.

Also…
All rooms have Bose music systems and bathroom speakers.

ESSENTIAL INFO

Rates guide
GBP 135 - 175. (Note: only dinner, bed and breakfast bookings are accepted at weekends.)

Open/closed
Open all year

Check-in
2pm

Check-out
11am

Minimum night stay?
Two nights at weekends at busy times.

Children
Children under six are not permitted in the restaurant.

Pets
Dogs are welcome

Air conditioning
No

Wedding license?
No