ROSE & CROWN AT ROMALDKIRK
Vintage gastro-inn on a pretty Teesdale village green
OF THE HUNDREDS of Rose & Crowns in Britain, this one must be the tops. The Rose & Crown at Romaldkirk is a visibly loved 18th century coaching inn, crowned by its location in a pretty conservation village complete with ancient stocks
among Teesdale’s fells and moors.
It’s kept to perfection, with beams, brasses, glowing copper and polished panelling. Exposed brickwork,
cosy snugs, dancing fires and the reassuring tick of a grandfather clock create warmth in the lively bar, where locals are likely to sweep you into their conversations.
There’s elegance, too. Expect starched napery and silver candlesticks in the Rose & Crown's oak-panelled dining room or red walls and framed cartoons in the brasserie. Discerning palates make a beeline here for the chef's
first-rate gastropub cuisine. Bedrooms are smartly choreographed while enjoying village-green views. There are also courtyard rooms where pet pooches are welcome.
Hit the Spot
On the green in a pretty Teeside village.
Bedtime
Rustic beams, half-testers and feathery pillows set the tone for beddy-byes.
Be Savvy
Leave your car standing – walks start from the front door.
Be Smitten
Teesdale treat that's country-cosy.
Teesdale fells and fare
Christopher and Alison Davy's friendly and efficient team provide hospitality here with good humour, and the Rose & Crown has been showered in awards. Scrumptious fare includes pink r
oast fillet of Teesdale fell lamb with woodland mushroom and potato broth, and sticky butterscotch pudding.
The Rose & Crown was reviewed for Room for Romance by
Mike North
Click on any picture to enlarge it and move through the gallery.
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Dining in
Expect more-ish modern English cooking. The restaurant is cosy yet smart, with glowing oak panelling, candlelight, big comfy chairs, starched white linen and silver cutlery.
Try quail egg, bacon and avocado salad with red onion dressing as a starter, followed by
grilled fillet of sea bass with prawn and pea risotto, and polished off with a Rose and Crown stem ginger ice cream. The Yorkshire Blue, spinach and pancetta risotto is another favourite.
Dining out
The Oak Tree at Hutton Magna is 15 minutes away. If you’re having a day out in Durham, you could head for Bistro 21.
Where?
The Rose and Crown
What’s cooking?
How about baked local Cotherstone cheese soufflé and roast fillet of lamb served with woodland mushroom and kidney casserole?
Dress the part
Groomed country-casual
Top table?
Book tables one or three for their great views.
See & Do
Be sure to explore the Bowes Museum, Eggleston Hall Gardens, Raby Castle near Staindrop, and historic Durham cathedral. Head updale to High Force, England's highest waterfall and discover the fabulous countryside hereabouts.
Shop
Make for the old market town of Northallerton, an hour away.
After dark
This is early-to-bed country, so make the most of it.
Dates
Monthly
Stock up with organic local produce at the Farmers’ Market held here on the first Saturday of every month.
GETTING THERE
Location
Romaldkirk, Barnard Castle, County Durham DL12 9EB
Parking
There is free guest parking.
Trains
Darlington station – 18 miles
Taxis
GBP 30 from the airport.
Airport
Teesside – 20 miles
Rooms and suites
12 rooms and two suites
Special features
One room has a canopy bed.
Also…
All rooms have Bose music systems and bathroom speakers.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
GBP 135 - 175. (Note: only dinner, bed and breakfast bookings are accepted at weekends.)
Open/closed
Open all year
Check-in
2pm
Check-out
11am
Minimum night stay?
Two nights at weekends at busy times.
Breakfast
Full breakfast is served until 9.30am
Room service
Available morning and evening
Children
Children under six are not permitted in the restaurant.
Pets
Dogs are welcome
Air conditioning
No
Languages
English
Wedding license?
No
Your contact
Christopher and Alison Davy – owners