The Cromwell Arms, Romsey

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Thuck Phat left this review about The Cromwell Arms

The Cromwell Arms is a solid, traditional whitewashed pub on the main road into Romsey which has been through various guises in recent years and has now been significantly added to.
To the left of the main entrance is a rectangle of newly built rooms which enclose a lawn and wide paved area on which are scattered various tables for alfresco eating and drinking. Beyond these rooms on our visit, was a large marquee and The Cromwell Arms advertises itself as a host for both corporate events and weddings. The new rooms are softened by the addition of external oak beams but despite best efforts there is a whiff of the corporate about the place.
Inside to the left is a long bar with plenty of space around it for those who just fancy a drink. To the right there are various small areas all with tables laid for eating and straight ahead is a conservatory which is slightly less formal but again with tables laid. The emphasis is on the hotel and restaurant but drinkers are certainly not ignored or discouraged.
Two handpumps both had Flack Manor beers on: Double Drop and Flack Catcher. On tasting my pint of Flack Catcher it was immediately clear that here was a brew which should have been in a bottle to sprinkle over chips rather than in a pint glass. I was informed by the barmaid who tried it that it was fine but I was allowed to swap it for a Double Drop, which was in good nick.
This sort of experience put a question mark over food but we braved a starter from the well thought out menu and it was very good. Insubstantial and expensive but still good.
I'd guess that The Cromwell Arms is a reasonable bet for dinner if you're feeling flush or for a stay but for beer there are better bets in Romsey.

On 10^th September 2012 - rating: 5
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