The Rose & Olive Branch, Callow Hill, Virginia Water

Official site of The Rose & Olive Branch - www.theroseandolivebranch.co.uk

Official site of The Rose & Olive Branch - www.theroseandolivebranch.co.uk

I don't generally visit pubs specifically to eat (JDW breakfasts excepted) but I did here today, dropping by for lunch with my daughter. The pub itself is a small J shaped room with a beamed ceiling and plenty of exposed brickwork. Formerly a Morland pub and once tied to Simonds of Reading, the pub is now under Greene King stewardship, beers were IPA, Abbot and London Glory. A few pump clips on display suggested you can on occasion strike lucky and find a non GK beer on offer. The unusual and I believe unique name originates from an exchange of peace symbols between the Roundheads and Cavaliers during the Civil War, this is depicted on the pub sign. Decor includes pictures of ships in sail, local scenes and paintings of the pub, a small figure of a police constable from bygone times, truncheon in hand on the bar and interestingly, photographs of former landlords/ladies on the bar gantry. Glass jugs hang from hooks over the bar. Carpeted and comfortable with a country feel, seating is traditional with tables in fours along the longer side and banquettes around the front. There are a couple of log burning stoves which I imagine would make for a cosy feel in winter. It is rather foody but the food is unpretentious home made stuff, with real pies, wellingtons (not just beef) and veggie dishes listed on chalkboards around the place, the table menus are also traditional and portions are large. The welcome and service are genuine and friendly and you get the feeling that nothing is too much trouble. Please note, closes for the afternoons at 3pm during the week, last food orders 2:30. Some outdoor seating around the back at standard picnic benches.