Rose and Crown, Martock

Known locally as ‘The Rosie’, presumably to differentiate it from 4 other pubs of the same name within crawling distance, this is a friendly local in a small Georgian town which has been bypassed by the A303, and as such, frequently overlooked.  The pub is in a terrace on the main road through, and it has a fairly rough carpark at the back, next to which is a large tin shed contain the pub’s function room and skittle alley.  There isn’t much garden to speak of, just a paved terrace which looks more like it’s the private space of the landlord rather than a public area.  There are some benches and seats at the front for the al fresco aficionados.  Inside, the décor is tired, but the welcome is warm and genuine.  The single L-shaped bar is of moderate size, is carpeted, and has a 1960s feel to it.  There is pine panelling, a stone fireplace and a small bar counter at the apex.  WiFi and a dartboard provide the entertainment, alongside a pool table in a side room, and there are several darts trophies on display.  There is a pub dog, a loud spaniel.  They host various events including live music and quiz nights.  Food is basic pub grub, sandwiches and Sunday roasts, plus freshly made pizzas which are also available to take away – nothing gastro or pretentious about it, just good value basic food.  We found Tracy the landlady to be very convivial and the locals benign.  Two handpumps on the bar, but only one ale on, Butcombe’s Bitter, which was in good condition.  A great local which serves it community well, and somewhere I’d be very happy to revisit if in the area. 

Official site of Rose and Crown - www.therosiebowerhinton.co.uk

Official site of Rose and Crown - www.therosiebowerhinton.co.uk