Review: The Rose and Crown, Upper Farringdon
A village pub the South Downs National Park, The Rose and Crown is just around the corner from Jane Austen’s House. But will the food be as lovely as the location?
THE LOWDOWN
Right in the countryside, in the hamlet of Upper Farringdon, The Rose and Crown pub dates right back to 1810. Like quite a lot of places around these parts, close to Chawton, Farnham and Alton, it has historic links to Hampshire’s trailblazing Regency author, Jane Austen.
Originally, The Rose and Crown is believed to have been built as a workers’ ale house by Edward Austen Knight. The brother of the novelist, his former grand house and her cottage home (now the Jane Austen Museum) are both just around the corner from here in Chawton, around two miles away.
THE VIBE
Characterful but a cut above your average countryside boozer, the front bar area is filled with cosy features like the beamed ceiling, exposed brick walls and brick fireplace. It’s so cosy-looking, in fact, that I’m determined to come back in autumn and sit beside the fire with a paper, a belly full of Sunday lunch and a nice glass of red.
On a sunny(ish) weekday lunchtime most of the other punters are here to eat. But come the evening this is clearly something of a local hub. And there are plenty of leather-padded bar stools ready for the social drinkers.
We’re amused to spot one in the corner ‘reserved’ for a regular named Dennis. There’s even a portrait of the happy chap above and a specially made plaque to commemorate the fact he has been coming here since October 1988. Good on you, Dennis!
Outside, there are plenty more tables in front of the pub. They’re surrounded by pretty flower-filled borders. To the rear, the large garden area has knock-out countryside views, perfect for soaking up a pint or pre-dinner G&T.
SCOFF & QUAFF
Settling in with some olives and a round of G&Ts, including a very decent non-alcoholic one and a classic Bombay Sapphire, we pick from a clipboard menu of pub staples and daily specials.
There’s a pleasing emphasis on local suppliers. This includes everything from Hogs Back IPA and Alton Pride beer on the bar to the locally-grown salad, cheeses, Southampton-based Mozzo coffee and tasty Mooka gelato, made near Petersfield.
I’m quite happy nibbling away at the olives so I pass on the starters. Mr. Muddy can never resist a spot of whitebait so he fill his boots – and it doesn’t disappoint.
On to mains. Mr. Muddy’s Cornish hake and prawn pie with lobster sauce is topped with potato and cheese and served with greens. Despite the lobster twist it’s more of a homecooked than gastro dish, but it’s tasty nonetheless.
Meanwhile, I tuck into a neatly executed Trout and Watercress quiche from the specials board. It’s served with salad and tasty hot chips in a little bucket.
In all honesty, we’d both had an elegant sufficiency by this point. But the Sticky Toffee pudding was hard to resist. And when we piled in, we were pleased we hadn’t.
DOG FRIENDLY
Dogs are welcomed outdoors at The Rose and Crown and in certain areas of the restaurant too, with plenty of lovely countryside walkies in the area to take them on before or after.
ACCESSIBILITY
Good. There’s step free access from the side entrance to the restaurant area. The Rose and Crown has an accessible loo and there’s parking beside the pub, including two accessible spaces. For more details, see the full accessibility guide here.
OUT & ABOUT
There are lots of great walks in the area of varying distances, including the pretty, fresh air and nature-filled Chawton Park Woods. Make the most of being in Jane Austen country and promenade around Jane Austen’s House Museum and Chawton House, both just around the corner. Likewise, it’s a short drive to Alton where you’ll find the Watercress Line. Or head south to visit the naturalist Gilbert White’s House & Gardens at Selborne.
THE MUDDY VERDICT
Good for: Relaxed drinks and dining with friendly service and great local ingredients cooked well.
Not for: We’re closer to good pub grub than high-end gastro fare which won’t suit the most ardent gourmands. Families with younger children might struggle as there’s no play equipment or parks nearby to distract them.
The damage: Small plates and light bites starters from £5.50 – £8, mains start at £13.50 for salad to £32.50 for steak, averaging out at the £16-£17 mark. Most of the puddings are £7.25. The kid’s menu is £7.95 for mains and around £4 for puds.
The Rose and Crown, Crown Lane, Upper Farringdon, Alton, GU34 3ED. Tel. 01420 587001.
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