On West Hill in Dartford there are two pubs opposite each other – and opposites they are.
One, the Oddfellows, boasts being a sports entertainment bar - a big and white building with modern furnishings inside.
Across the road sits the Rose & Crown. A far more modest affair from the outside, a small and traditional looking boozer. As always I was drawn in.
It was about midday on a Saturday when I walked in and my first thought was how small it was. One semi-circle bar in the middle with tables around the outside, I would say it would get busy quickly however on this occasion it was as dead as a dodo – some may have taken this as a warning.
Nonetheless I persevered. I ordered drinks (you could get four pints of fosters for £10, huzzah) and settled by the wall.
I tried to take in the atmosphere. Oh how I tried.
Despite the bar staff’s best efforts to create a welcoming and intimate environment with their chit chat and smiling faces, I felt like I was at a wake.
But at least a wake would have a buffet to liven things up.
The Rose & Crown is decorated with coasters and other odds and ends on the walls, and two televisions in each corner.
Round the side of the bar there is a dartboard and I am told there is a garden for when the weather is right.
I can’t help that think I simply went to this pub at the wrong time. The staff were friendly and its cheap – it just wasn’t cheerful, but with a pub that boasts live music and has stood the test of time compared to the Oddfellows – which has had its fair share of owners - it must be doing something right.
I just didn’t see it.
The Rose and Crown, West Hill, Dartford
How it rated:
Décor: ** Traditional yet uninspired
Staff: **** friendly enough
Price: **** Fairly priced if you notice the specials
Atmosphere: * Virtually non-existent
Overall: **
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