What could be better than enjoying a superb meal at the oldest hotel in England’s oldest recorded town? This was my principal thought whilst dining at Best Western Rose & Crown’s Tudor Bar and Brasserie – a fascinating venue with many facets, not least its menu. Head chef Tony Porter has devised a wide range of classic dishes with a modern flourish to suit every taste. All food is made on the premises – right down to the burger buns – with largely local ingredients. Seasonal choices are displayed on boards with all, except perennial favourites, changed regularly. Ham hock terrine served with duck bonbon and the most delicious vegetable piccalilli proved a wonderful starter for me, while my companion was powerless to resist the crotin of goat’s cheese with a Parmesan crisp and golden beetroot purée – a delicious combination.
The cold night called for hearty main courses of succulent steak and liver pudding with swede mash and rich gravy, alongside a dish of sirloin steak grilled to perfection and served with mushroom, tomato, salad and quite simply the best triple-cooked fries imaginable. Reasonably priced desserts – namely a delightful white chocolate and Baileys parfait with raspberries and a lemon curd meringue pie with mascarpone – provided an indulgent conclusion. We’ll certainly be back to treat ourselves to a weekend break in one of the lovely guest rooms.