The Rose & Crown, Bedford

A good sized pub on the main toad through this village, it consists of a couple of bars, a restaurant, patio area and beer garden and a large car park, plus a separate building known as The Stable which may perhaps be accommodation or a function room. The lounge bar to the right was quite cosy with a carpeted floor, a couple of beams on the ceiling and a log fire blazing away which was a nice touch on a cold November evening. Paintwork was a mixture of cream on the upper part of the walls and a dark brown lower down. Seating options were limited with about three tables and the remainder being armchairs, both in the window at the front and in an opened out area at the rear. This was a bit of a shame since as all the tables were in use my only options for eating was the other bar which was deserted. This had a slightly more contemporary feel to it with a wood floor, disused fireplace and all the tales being laid up for food. There was also a separate restaurant area a couple of steps at the rear. Food wise, the menu offered a decent enough selection of “pub grub” dishes with options such as Fish & Chips, Scampi & Chips, Ham Egg & Chips, Lamb Shank, Steak Mushroom & Guinness Pie etc., and several steaks. Options for veggies were somewhat limited with none of the main courses being suitable other than a couple of pasta dishes. My Cod & Prawn Mornay was a very generous portion and came complete with a good selection of rather bland vegetables – carrot, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and even sprouts! Possibly at £10.95 it was a little on the expensive side, but I’ve no real complaints. It’s a shame that the landlord felt the need to try and feed his shrieking toddler on the next table though which made for a less than relaxing meal. Beers on tap were Eagle IPA, Directors and Golden Newt. The solitary cider was Scrumpy Jack.

Official site of The Rose & Crown - www.roseandcrownridgmont.co.uk

Official site of The Rose & Crown - www.roseandcrownridgmont.co.uk