The Rose & Crown, Warwickshire

Overview

Chef Lee Cash spent five inspirational years working for Raymond Blanc before teaming up with Hamish Stoddart to create Peach Pubs close to 20 years ago - they haven't looked back and the innovative pub group is now 20 strong with six operating as thriving pubs with rooms.

The flagship Rose and Crown is the original Peach pub and stands smack in Warwick's central Market Square. It hums with life all day long, opening at 9am for bacon sandwiches, pastries and coffee for breakfast, with hot food and drinks available throughout the day.

One of the draws is the contemporary look that complements the period features, with the wooden-floored bar sporting a bright, cheery décor, leather sofas, bold paintings, and low tables strewn with the day's newspapers. Equally informal is the dedicated dining area, where chunky modern tables are kept free of cutlery to encourage a mix of drinkers and diners. On sunny days, you can spill out to tables fronting the square - the place to be on balmy evenings.

Rooms from

13 doubles: £85

Good to know

All major credit cards accepted
Disabled access
Private & alfresco dining
No parking: Pay parking (Linen Street) 5min walk
Dog stay: £10

Family favourite
Children are very welcome in the pub and family-friendly accommodation is available.

No car needed
It's just a short walk from Warwick station and the city is best explored by foot.

Town and city
Located in the heart of Warwick's central Market Square, this is the perfect inn for exploring the city and embracing bustling urban life.

Dog-friendly
Bring your canine chums to the pub or for an overnight stay as a few of the rooms are dog-friendly.

Rooms

Above the bustling pub and overlooking the square are five minimalist-style bedrooms and there are a further eight stylish bedrooms tucked away in a converted 17th-century cottage across the lane.

Perfect for exploring the town and Warwick's impressive castle, the rooms are tastefully and individually decorated in muted colours with matching curtains, bedcovers and scatter cushions. Expect great beds, fresh coffee and Damana toiletries. Newer rooms have spacious tiled bathrooms; two have walk-in showers and freestanding tubs. If you retire to bed early, book one of quieter rooms in the cottage - the hubbub from the terrace in summer can linger late in the evening.

Restaurant & bar

Peach Pubs are passionate about sourcing quality local produce and have developed a close relationship with local farmers, market gardeners and fish merchants.

This translates to seasonally changing menus that feature free-range chicken, eggs and pork, and 28-day dry-aged Angus beef from Aubrey Allen butchers. Expect to find their trademark deli-plates featuring tapas-style portions of halloumi fries, Bloody Mary ketchup or buttermilk fried chicken and Caesar sauce, which are perfect for sharing.

Menus offer a wide selection of options, from starters like beef scrumpet, wholegrain mustard mayonnaise and pickled shallots to classic main courses of beer battered cod with fat chips and tartare sauce, and rump steak with béarnaise. Look to the specials board for the likes of dressed crab with skinny fries and whole grouse with game chips and juniper jus. Round off with a good cheese board or chocolate fondant with creme fraîche and pistachio crumb and wash down with a pint of craft Purity beer or a glass of the house, single estate Pinot Grigio. There's also a raft of gins and cocktails and great Union coffee too.

Things to do

Warwick is surrounded by some of the region's loveliest walks and adventurous long-distance trails. You can walk by the Avon, follow in Shakespeare's footsteps or head to the glorious Cotswolds. For something a bit more unusual, try the Stratford Town Ghost Walk, visiting local buildings supposedly inhabited by ghosts and spirits.

West of Stow, the Gloucester and Warwickshire railway is the perfect destination for anyone who still savours the unique thrill of steam travel. Though no longer part of the national rail network, these wonderful old trains have made a welcome return to the tracks and are a great way to discover the delights of the Cotswolds.

One of Britain's popular visitor attractions, Warwick Castle dates back to the 14th century with the gardens designed by Capability Brown in the 18th century. With so much to see and discover, it's best to set aside a day to explore both inside and out. Coughton Court is also well worth a visit if you enjoy exploring magnificent country houses with plenty of fascinating history. A quintessential Tudor country house, there are also refreshment facilities, a walled garden and a charming riverside walk.