Imagine arriving in a picturesque country village, near Barnard Castle in Teesdale, where the Durham and Yorkshire Dales landscapes meet in spectacular fashion. Here, an 18th century inn sits majestically centre stage, with an excellent reputation for hospitality and food.
That was our reality when we visited Romaldkirk recently. The village was beautiful, The Rose & Crown looked stunning, and we were in for an absolute treat of a stay.
Now a 21st century coaching inn, The Rose & Crown holds on to its traditions beautifully. It was situated in Yorkshire up until 1974, but a shift in boundaries means it now sits just inside County Durham in the beautiful rural landscape of Teesdale. This was a win/win situation for us, being born and bred in Yorkshire and the Northeast feels like our second home, means you won’t hear any complaints from us.
Privately owned by the Robinson family who have farmed in Teesdale for four generations, they also own Headlam Hall, so our expectations were high.
Would The Rose & Crown live up to our expectations?
Here’s what we discovered:
The Rooms
There are 14 beautifully furnished rooms, blending traditional style with contemporary comforts. Seven rooms are set over the first and second floor of this 18th century inn, with five more located in a single storey building to the rear, next to the car park. These rooms offer more independence. There are also two rooms in a separate charming 17th century cottage, overlooking the green to the magnificent Saxon church.
Each room within the inn, features plush bedding, stylish en-suite bathrooms, and little luxury touches. Expect period features such as beamed ceilings, exposed stone and the odd antique.
Our room had all of this in abundance, not only that, we had our own lounge area to relax in, something we took full advantage of, and with views of the green and village to the front, and a spacious en-suite bathroom with bath and shower, this room was perfect.
The Food
The restaurant is again in keeping with the traditions, the character, and the age of the building, menus here are a delicious array of seasonal dishes that also reflect the local area, created by using local suppliers who’s ingredients have excellent provenance from sources with high standards of animal welfare.
We started with Homemade Bread, cheddar cheese butter, rapeseed oil & balsamic. We were hungry and this proved to be just what we needed to quieten our rumbling tummies.
Starters chosen were Mortadella Ham & Burrata Cheese, pickled onion, quindillo peppers, hazelnut, hot honey, parmesan, and Heritage Tomato & Roasted Nectarine Salad, basil emulsion, toasted pinenuts, bois boudron dressing. Each a picture on the plate, packing stunning summer flavours. Great choices.
But the main courses were the star of the show!
Grilled Fillet of Seabass, creamed leeks, sauteed potatoes, summer vegetables, potted shrimp butter – a perfectly cooked light summer dish, and those potted shrimp just elevated it to another level.
Treacle Marinated Pork Chop, bacon & savoy cabbage, roasted onion, anise carrot, black pudding, pork kebab, triple cooked chips, sage & onion gravy – a dish not for the faint hearted! A very generous portion packed with deep, rich flavours and utterly moreish.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have space for dessert! But what we did have will have us coming back for pudding very soon.
If you are looking for somewhere to stay in a chocolate box setting, with a great bar, fabulous food, friendly service, luxurious bedrooms, and outstanding history, make sure you visit The Rose & Crown Romaldkirk.
We highly recommend!
For more information visit www.rose-and-crown.co.uk
Review and images by Angela Riches and Dave Riches
