The Rose & Crown, Larkhall, Bath

Well described by Blackthorn, this back street pub has had some issues this year but now has new management and has reopened as a local, though it’s not always open at published times, and it doesn’t open weekday lunchtimes. There is a large coffee machine on the bar, blues on the stereo and a dumb waiter set into the wall. There was also a large TV showing football, and overall it was quite a welcoming place to visit. Ales on were Otter Bright and Butcombe Original, plus Black Rat cider was on handpump. The ales were in good condition, though it took a while to pour as the pump was knackered. Although it took three attempts to find it open, it was worth it in the end as this was a surprisingly pleasant visit, and I’d be happy to come back if in the area.

Official site of the Rose & Crown, includes menu - www.roseandcrownlarkhall.co.uk

A street corner local owned by Wadworth's, this is a two room pub in the heart of Larkhall with a (very) small courtyard garden at the rear. The larger of the two bars is an L-shaped affair with some stained glass in the outside windows and in the wooden partitions within the pub. The bar counter dominates the front part, whilst around the corner is an old fireplace with glazed tiling and a dart board. A pile of paperback books was in front of the bar, presumably for punters to swap as well as a few board games next to the bar. The flooring is old wooden boards. Off to the right is a smaller room which has a slightly more contemporary feel with some modern artwork on the walls and cream panelling on the lower part of the walls, but this lacked much atmosphere, perhaps due to the lack of natural light. The courtyard at the back has wooden decking and housed a couple of tables and some flower pots and troughs, and whilst not unpleasant is, I suspect, primarily used as a smoking area. The pub was very quiet when we visited with only two or three punters propping up the bar, but then it was a Saturday afternoon so may well be busier at other times. Various notices advertised forthcoming events such as music, comedy and quiz nights. A menu chalked up on a board offered a selection of "pub grub" dishes as well as a few specials, although we didn't eat on this occasion so cannot comment on the quality. Beers on tap were all from the Wadworth's stable with their 6X, Henry's IPA and Swordfish. Ciders were Blackthorn, Thatcher's Gold and Weston's Traditional Scrumpy. Overall this seems a decent enough local, and I would happily return if in the area, although it's probably not worth a special trip if you're not.